Chester Zoo is the UK’s top-rated zoo and a world-renowned conservation charity, home to over 30,000 animals. With a team spread across 130 acres and multiple departments, they required a uniform partner capable of reflecting their global mission: Protecting threatened species and empowering people to live more sustainably.
With that, they looked for a partner who could provide a blend of 100% sustainable materials and off-the-shelf materials, alongside a circular “End of Use” solution for their previous uniform.
Chester Zoo sought a bespoke and sustainable uniform option to better align with their unique brand identity.
The key requirements included:
- Sustainability: Garments had to be eco-friendly, specifically utilising nearly 100% recycled polyester
- Precision Branding: A technical requirement for all components including zips, buttons, and pulls, to exactly match the Pantone colour of their embroidered logo, despite being made from different materials
- Inclusivity: A unisex fit with an industry-leading size range from XXS to 8XL to support their diverse workforce
- Circular Economy: A complete “End of Use” solution to manage the recycling and reuse of existing uniforms
At TMD our Collaborative Approach, we believe every successful project begins by listening, discussing, and collaborating. We worked closely with the Chester Zoo team to refine styles and develop Pantone lab dips for brand-accurate colour matching.
To ensure the highest quality, pre-production samples were sent for every item, including bespoke polo tops. When a challenge arose regarding colour-matching the waterproof jacket accessories, we successfully sourced specific matching components to meet the zoo’s exacting standards.
The Solution – We delivered a “Caringly Responsible” uniform range that balanced high-performance functionality with environmental ethics.
- The Collection: The range featured bespoke unisex polos, fleeces, and weather-ready anoraks
- Branding & Colours: We utilised a strong palette of Yellow, Sage, and Dark Green to ensure staff remained harmonious with the zoo’s natural landscape
- Circularity in Action: TMD designed and delivered bespoke recycling bins to the zoo. We managed the collection of used uniforms, laundering those suitable for reuse and processing the rest through our zero-landfill recycling program
- Logistics: We launched a dedicated e-store listing 20 separate departments, allowing line managers to approve specific orders
The Outcome – The July 2024 rollout was supported by TMD staff on-site for three days to manage distribution and sizing checks. While internal client discussions led to the final jacket being an “off-the-shelf” Regatta 3-in-1, the core bespoke elements, such as the 100% recycled polos, were a resounding success. By managing everything from vegan footwear to circular recycling, TMD proved to be a partner as dedicated to conservation as the zoo itself.
At TMD, we don’t just provide uniforms; we build partnerships that reflect your mission. Share your mission and uniform requirements with us, and we can create options for you to reflect that mission and your brand.
