2030 Sustainability Plan.
A FromMessage Our CEO.
Dear valued stakeholders,
As we look back over the past two years, I am proud to reflect on the significant strides we have made in advancing our sustainability goals, as outlined in our 2030 Sustainability Plan. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m pleased to share the progress we’ve achieved, the lessons we’ve learned, and the exciting initiatives we are currently working on to continue driving meaningful change.
At School Locker, we remain deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products and operations. Two years ago, we set ambitious goals around sourcing sustainable materials, reducing waste and increasing transparency across our supply chain. I’m excited to report that we are making real progress.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to being transparent and accountable to our stakeholders. Our sustainability journey is a shared effort, and we deeply value your ongoing support as we work towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in School Locker. Together, we will help create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Sincerely,
Kaine Escott CEO, School Locker
Acknowledgement Of Country.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which School Locker operates.
We pay our respects to their elders past, present, and emerging, and recognise their ongoing and deep connection to the land.
We also acknowledge the important role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples play in our community and commit to working towards a future of reconciliation, mutual respect, and understanding.
School StrategicLockerPillars.
The School Locker’s five strategic pillars have guided the company’s approach to sustainability by prioritising environmental responsibility and reducing its impact on the planet.
Firstly, by being the institution partner of choice, School Locker aims to work closely with schools and universities to understand their unique needs and provide customised solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Secondly, delivering the best customer experience includes providing high-quality, eco-friendly products that are durable and long-lasting. This helps to reduce the need for frequent replacements, which can contribute to waste.
Thirdly, School Locker’s comprehensive range of products from trusted brands includes environmentally friendly options that promote sustainability. This allows the company to provide customers with a wide range of sustainable choices.
Fourthly, a high-performing culture that values innovation and collaboration helps School Locker to develop and implement sustainable practices throughout its operations. This includes finding ways to reduce waste, minimise energy consumption, and optimise resource use.
Lastly, operating as a lean and efficient organisation supports School Locker’s sustainability goals by reducing its environmental footprint. This includes reducing waste and emissions, optimising logistics, and finding innovative solutions to reduce the company’s impact on the planet.
In summary, School Locker’s five strategic pillars have guided the company’s approach to sustainability by prioritising environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations. By following these pillars, School Locker can provide exceptional products and services to its customers while minimising its impact on the environment.
United SustainableNationsDevelopment Goals.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
For more information on the UN Sustainable Development Goals visit sdgs.un.org
Goal Alignment.
School Locker, is committed to aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to promote sustainable practices and contribute to global efforts to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Our sustainability plan includes a focus on ten of the 17 UN SDGs, including goals 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 15. These goals cover a range of issues such as poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, climate action, and life below water and on land. By aligning with these goals, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint, promote social equality and inclusivity, and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. We believe that by taking an active role in promoting sustainable practices, we can make a positive impact on our community and the world.
Focus Areas.
Welcome to the core of School Locker’s sustainability strategy, our focus areas: “People,” “Planet,” and “Product.” This cohesive framework encapsulates our dedication to a future where people thrive, the planet thrives, and products embody our promise of enduring impact.
Focus Area #1
Business areas:
• Supply Chain People
• School Locker People
• Students and Community
Focus Area #2
At School Locker, our sustainability journey goes beyond the environment. It includes the well-being of all in our ecosystem. This focus area involves Supply Chain People, School Locker People, and Students and Community. As we proceed, our commitment is to foster responsibility, awareness, and inclusivity, propelling sustainability and positive change.
Business areas:
• Supply Chain
• Retail Stores
Focus Area #3
Within the planet focus, we concentrate on two key areas: supply chain and retail. In the supply chain, we tackle waste like packaging and transport, aiming to minimise our footprint. In our retail spaces, we work on reducing product waste and consumables through innovative inventory management, recycling, and conscious sourcing, setting an industry and community example.
Business areas:
• Own Brand Products
• Supply Partner Products
The Product focus includes Own Brand and Supply Partner Products. Our Own Brand prioritises sustainable materials, responsible production, and quality to minimize impact. Similarly, with partners, we emphasise ethical sourcing and fair practices, aiming to provide products aligned with sustainability for conscious consumption and production.
Sustainability Principles.
Embedded within our Sustainability Plan, our guiding principles serve as the bedrock, steering our path towards a brighter future for our team, planet, and the customers and communities we’re dedicated to serving. We hold the belief that these principles will not only create positive change but also yield enduring value for School Locker our customers and the entire education community.
Set out below are our four Sustainability Principles. You will find which Focus Ares they impact and which of School Locker Strategic Pillars they aign to.
Positive impact on the environment
Lead the industry in sustainable practices
Collaborate with product partners for positive change
Areas
Unlock the potential of people
#1
#3
#2
#4
Turning Principles Into Goals.
Our nine goals stand as a roadmap towards our dedication to sustainability. Rooted in our core focus areas of “People,” “Planet,” and “Product,” these goals align with our selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), exemplifying our commitment to global progress.
Guided by our sustainability principles and School Locker’s strategic pillars, each goal encapsulates a unique facet of our journey. From fostering inclusive communities and reducing waste to embracing ethical sourcing and championing responsible consumption, our goals encapsulate a holistic vision. With every milestone achieved, we edge closer to a future where impact is both enduring and transformative.
Focus Area Aligned UN SDG Goal Type
Aid inclusive and equitable quality education programs and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
100% Own Brand recycled packaging by 2026.
Zero Product Waste to landfill by 2027.
Reduce electricity consumption by 25% in Superstores by 2028.
Move X% of all freight to carbon neutral services by 2026.
Have ethical and mutually beneficial partnerships with our Direct from Factory Partners.
Be an inclusive workplace and invest in team wellbeing.
85% of Own Brand fabrics are recycled, sustainable and ethically sourced by 2026.
Leverage Supply Partners with aligned suitability goals and vision.
100% of Own Brand fabrics are recycled, sustainable and ethically sourced by 2028.
Goal Types
13, 14, 15
12, 13
12, 13
Continuous goals remain an ever-present commitment, guiding our actions without a set deadline, while Timeframe goals are specific and time-bound, driving focused efforts towards achievement within a defined period.
Goal Progress
Our goals advance through vital stages. In Planning, collaboration shapes targets and metrics. Commencing involves early action, testing, and refining. Progressing marks active advancement, while Achieving signifies sustained success, integrating our accomplishments seamlessly into routine operations. These stages guide our journey towards a sustainable future.
People Goals.
These people-focused objectives embody our vision of a harmonious ecosystem where education, ethics, and wellbeing intertwine for the betterment of our global community.
#6
Aid inclusive and equitable quality education programs and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Create material to educate customers about to-fit sizing and remove the stigma of label sizing in school uniforms.
• Identify inclusive and equitable quality education programs that align with company.
Have ethical and mutually beneficial partnerships with our Direct from Factory Partners.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Publish Supply Chain Story for Apparel to increase transparency.
• Annual Review to identify and resolve high risk supply partners.
Be an inclusive workplace and invest in team wellbeing.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Set up Sustainability Email for queries and communication with Suppliers and Customers.
• Update Email Signature Options & Policy.
• Expand First Aid training to include Mental Health Officers.
#1
Action:
Create material to educate customers about to-fit sizing and remove the stigma of label sizing in school uniforms.
Removing
the stigma of label sizing
The Problem
Clothing sizes like Small, Medium, and Large emerged during the Industrial Revolution for ready-to-wear uniforms in WWII. Adopted by fashion in the 1950s, varying interpretations over time created today’s diverse vanity sizing.
Vanity sizing undermines self-esteem and fosters a negative relationship with clothing. In addition, the lack of consistent sizing standards across brands adds to consumers’ feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and body image concerns. Many uniform suppliers have adopted vanity sizing, which exacerbates these issues for students.
Labels such as Small, Medium, and Large vary widely between brands, with one brand’s “Small” potentially matching another’s “Large.” Youth and gender-specific sizing also lack standardisation, creating further confusion. Even garments with identical measurements may be labelled differently depending on the supplier or production year, highlighting the inconsistency and unreliability of current sizing practices.
The Solution
We understand the importance of finding the right fit, regardless of the brand or size listed on the clothing label. That’s why we’ve introduced our To-Fit Sizing System, designed to make sizing easier, faster, and more accurate for our customers.
With To-Fit Sizing, we simplify the process by basing sizes on precise measurements rather than traditional labels. All customers need to do is measure the student using three key areas. Once we have the measurements, our system takes care of the rest, ensuring a reliable fit every time.
This approach eliminates the guesswork, streamlines the selection process, and provides a consistent and stress-free shopping experience for school uniforms.
Communication assets we have created to educate customers
• Explainer video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9Ou7dBERy0
• Online information https://theschoollocker.com.au/how-to-measure
• Flyer to share with schools either on paper or digitally.
• Postcard with tape measure for use in stores.
Printed assets including tape measures are recyclable.
#1
Action:
Identify inclusive and equitable quality education programs that align with company.
To learn more visit zephyreducation.com.au
Support for Zephyr Education Inc
About Zephyr Education Inc
Zephyr Education Inc was established by volunteers in 2013 to help children in domestic violence shelters get on with their education by supplying them with everything they need to start at their new school.
Zephyr Education Inc has direct relationships with hundreds of Domestic Violence Shelters, or similar service providers throughout the country, that appoint Case Workers who can utilise Zephyr to assist affected children by providing:
• the correct uniform at their new school
• textbooks and stationery specific to their school and school year
• school bags, swimming gear and everything else they will need
• school resource levies and, if required, laptops or iPads.
What is School Locker doing?
In 2022, School Locker partnered with Zephyr Education to provide $100,000 in funding for student purchases. School Locker worked with the organisation to set up processes and training to provide the Zephyr community a better experience.
In November 2024, the funding to date provided by School Locker was $52621.65 across 225 individual student invoices.
Planet Goals.
Our planet-specific goals underscore our commitment to environmental responsibility.
#2 100% Own Brand sustainable packaging by 2026.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Move to recycled polybags for store and embellishment factory re-packaging.
• Measure Own Brand recycled packaging current in company and identify areas to expand.
• Update .edu Packaging Manual for 2025/2026 — inner & outer cartons to have recycled content.
• Create a Retail Packaging Manual for all stores by June 2025.
• Create a Retail Packaging Manual for all wholesale by June 2025.
#3 Zero Product Waste to landfill by 2027.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Sustainable disposal of backlog of apparel waste in 2024.
• 100% apparel recycling for all pre-consumer apparel no longer saleable.
• Retail apparel recycling options in all superstores by July 2025.
#4 Reduce electricity consumption by 25% in Superstores by 2028.
2025/2026 Actions:
• Measure electricity consumption in superstores and identify priority locations.
#5 Move X% of all freight to carbon neutral services by 2026.
2025/2026 Actions:
• Investigate and identify Carbon Neutral freight services by December 2026.
#3
Action:
Sustainable disposal of backlog of apparel waste in 2024.
An apparel recycling milestone
In 2024, School Locker took a monumental step forward in our sustainability journey by partnering with Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) to address the long-standing challenge of responsibly disposing of unsalable apparel. We had been holding a significant volume of outdated, returned, or damaged stock for more than three years with the goal of finding the right partner to ensure these materials were ethically recycled rather than adding to landfill.
Previously, we were donating unsalable apparel to charities, but as awareness around the environmental impact of fast fashion grew, we recognised that recycling was the more ethical and sustainable choice.
After thorough research, TRA emerged as the ideal partner, with their expertise in transforming unwanted textiles into new yarn for reuse.
From April to December 2024, School Locker successfully recycled 3,574 kilograms of apparel — approximately 20 pallets — through our partnership with TRA. Notably, this figure included a backlog of around 15 pallets that had been stored while awaiting a suitable recycling solution. This milestone not only marks the beginning of our apparel recycling initiative but also reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and reducing textile waste.
To ensure ongoing progress, we have introduced a tracking system to record the volume of apparel recycled each year. This initiative provides transparency and accountability, reinforcing our dedication to achieving zero product waste to landfill by 2027.
Our efforts in 2024 represent not just a solution to an immediate challenge but a clear vision for a more sustainable future. By setting a precedent for ethical textile recycling, we hope to lead the way in reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economy practices.
Annual Apparel Recycling Summary
*Reflects the disposal of stored apparel backlog & includes backlog of 15 pallets from prior years.
^Running total January to April 2025 & includes apparel stored from prior years and customer requested disposal.
#3
Action:
Apparel recycling options in all superstores by July 2025.
Recycling apparel in School Locker Superstores with Textile Recyclers Australia
Australians discard around 25 kilograms of textiles into landfill each year. These materials often don’t decompose easily, even when made from natural fibres, because the poor soil quality in landfills lacks the ventilation needed for natural fibres to break down.
In line with our goal of achieving zero product waste to landfill by 2027, School Locker has partnered with Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) to recycle and upcycle waste apparel.
TRA is a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to the circular economy, transforming unwanted textiles into new yarn for the creation of fresh products.
Unlike a charity, TRA operates as a business, employing local and international staff to handle sorting, cleaning, shredding, and processing of textiles. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to sustainability and innovative waste management.
As part of this initiative, we will be utilising TRA’s Returnable Box Program. This program is designed to capture returned or faulty items that cannot be resold, ensuring that apparel is diverted from landfill wherever possible.
From July 2025, School Locker will trial TRA Returnable Boxes in all our superstores, with plans to potentially expand this program to all campus locations in the future. This step highlights our dedication to providing sustainable solutions and reducing the environmental impact of discarded apparel.
Like to know more?
Visit texrecaus.com/product/the-returnable-box to learn more about the TRA Returnable Box Program.
Product Goals.
Our product-specific goals reflect our commitment to redefining responsible consumption. While sustainability remains a priority, we’ve adjusted our 2026 goal from 100% to 85% of Own Brand fabrics being sustainable. Achieving full compliance while maintaining quality and ethical standards is challenging, so we’re setting a more realistic timeline. However, 100% remains our ultimate goal, and this approach ensures meaningful, lasting progress.
85% of Own Brand fabrics are recycled, sustainable and ethically sourced by 2026.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Develop .edu bag range using sustianable materials by end 2023.
• Increase transparency by creating document for .edu Apparel Standards.
• Develop more detailed reporting of Own Brand fabrics sustainability.
• Increase fabric and product auditing to ensure compliance.
• For Own Brand fabrics — have all fabric mills (Tier 2 Suppliers) provide certifications and audits.
Leverage Supply Partners with aligned suitability goals and vision.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Relaunch Supplier Code of Conduct in 2024.
• Restricted substance testing in all Direct to Factory Suppliers by end 2025.
• Increase level of detail in reporting on Direct from Factory Partners.
100% of Own Brand fabrics are recycled, sustainable and ethically sourced by 2028.
2024/2025 Actions:
• Increase transparency by creating document for .edu Apparel Standards.
• Develop more detailed reporting of Own Brand fabrics sustainability.
• Increase fabric and product auditing to ensure compliance.
• For Own Brand fabrics — have all fabric mills (Tier 2 Suppliers) provide certifications and audits.
#8
Goal:
85% of Own Brand fabrics are recycled, sustainable and ethically sourced by 2026.
#9
Goal: Leverage Supply Partners with aligned suitability goals and vision.
#10
Goal:
100% of Own Brand fabrics are recycled, sustainable and ethically sourced by 2028.
Introducing Our Own Uniform Brand
For over a decade, School Locker has provided high-quality school uniforms across Australia. Now, we introduce .edu, our own brand, giving us full control of the supply chain for better quality, efficiency, and service.
The launch of .edu strengthens our product offering while aligning with our goals for product, plant, and people. Direct factory relationships ensure oversight from fabric selection to garment construction, guaranteeing durability, comfort, and design excellence.
Our in-house apparel design began in 2022 with three designers, expanding to eight in 2023 and thirteen in 2024. This growth has enhanced our design and production capabilities, meeting schools’ evolving needs.
.edu allows us to shape the future of school uniforms by eliminating third-party dependencies, ensuring:
• Better oversight and quality control at every stage.
• Greater flexibility and responsiveness to school needs.
• Cost-effective, sustainable solutions, supporting ethical manufacturing.
.edu is more than a rebrand; it reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and service. As we refine our processes, we set new benchmarks in uniform excellence.
3 Year Growth of School Locker Apparel Manufacturing
#8
Action:
Develop .edu bag range using sustianable materials by end 2023.
Launch of the .edu Essentials Bag Range
In 2023, School Locker embarked on a mission to create high-quality, durable and eco-friendly school bags designed to meet the needs of students, while aligning with our commitment to sustainability. The resulting .edu Essentials Bag Range is a standout example of thoughtful product development and innovation. Options in the range include:
• three versatile backpacks,
• two multi-functional duffle/sports bags,
• a swimming bag,
• two stylish book bags, and
• a pencil case.
Product Features
Each product in this collection is meticulously crafted using our innovative GreenGuard fabric. This eco-friendly material, woven entirely from 100% Recycled Polyester, forms the backbone of these products, ensuring not just reliability but also a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Each bag in the range is water-resistant, offering students reliable protection for their belongings in various weather conditions.
Built to last, the .edu Essentials Bag Range has undergone rigorous chemical and fabric testing to ensure a product that lasts throughout the student’s entire school journey.
The .edu Essentials Bag range debuted at the start of 2024, aligning perfectly with the back-to-school season. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the bags praised for their durability, spacious compartments, ergonomic straps, and sleek aesthetics.
The introduction of the .edu Essentials Bag range represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. By prioritising recycled materials and rigorous testing, we’ve set a new standard for school bags that cater to modern needs while supporting a sustainable future.
View catalogue to learn more edu.theschoollocker.com.au/ uniform-range
#8
Action:
Increase transparency by creating document for .edu Apparel Standards.
Enhancing transparency with the introduction of .edu Apparel Standards
School Locker aims to make 100% of our own brand fabrics sustainable by 2030. To support this, we are introducing the .edu Apparel Standards which focus on the following four key areas to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability in school uniforms.
Quality Assurance
• Rigorous fabric testing for durability, safety, colour consistency and UV protection.
• Restricted Substance Testing ensures uniforms are free of harmful chemicals, protecting both our customers and the environment.
Sustainability Initiatives
• 100% of polyester fabrics to be made from recycled materials, by 2027.
• Sourcing 100% preferred cotton, including organic and Better Cotton, by 2028.
Supplier Compliance
• Our supplier factories must align with sustainability goals, provide certifications for fabric mills, and undergo annual Sedex 4 Pillar Audits.
• Ongoing fabric and product testing ensures adherence to strict quality and environmental standards.
• Third-party globally certified testing facilities undertake testing for all fabric bulk production.
Transparency and Accountability
• Clear guidelines in the .edu Fabric Testing Manual and Restricted Substances Manual.
• Routine testing and audits to build trust and maintain high standards.
Impact
The .edu Apparel Standards drive significant sustainability improvements by reducing reliance on virgin materials, promoting ethical fabric sourcing, and minimizing harmful environmental impacts. These measures ensure school uniforms are not only safe and durable but also environmentally responsible, supporting a greener future.
#9
Action:
Relaunch Supplier Code of Conduct in 2024.
Aligning our sustainability goals with our supply partners
School Locker is committed to fostering partnerships with manufacturers who share our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. This commitment is demonstrated through our Supplier Code of Conduct, which is based on the globally recognised Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code. This code ensures safe workplaces, fair wages, reasonable working hours, and the elimination of forced labor within our supply chain.
In 2023, we updated our Supplier Code of Conduct to reflect the evolving standards in sustainability and modern slavery compliance. This important document is shared with all our suppliers across all categories and serves as the cornerstone of our sustainability initiatives. The apparel supply chain, in particular, is a critical focus, where adherence to these updated guidelines ensures that our products are ethically sourced and manufactured.
Robust Monitoring and Enforcement
To ensure compliance, all supply partners undergo mandatory annual audits conducted by accredited third-party organisations. These audits play a pivotal role in verifying adherence to our Supplier Code of Conduct, identifying areas for improvement, and guiding corrective actions where necessary. Our rigorous approach to monitoring reinforces our commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring accountability throughout the supply chain.
Transparency and Continuous Improvement
Transparency is central to our sustainability goals. By collaborating with supply partners who align with our values, we not only improve the quality and reliability of our products but also contribute to the global movement for ethical manufacturing. This proactive approach helps us create a positive impact, benefiting workers, communities, and the environment.
To learn more visit theschoollocker.com.au/ supply-chain-social-compliance
Business As Usual Report.
At the forefront of our commitment to sustainability, we continuously strive to minimise our environmental footprint and improve our waste management practices. These business-as-usual efforts reflect our consistent commitment to sustainability while highlighting areas where we can further improve operational oversight and effectiveness.
Our Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) Partnership
In May 2024, School Locker partnered with TRA to provide sustainable solutions for uniform recycling:
• Pre-Consumer Apparel Recycling: all unsellable apparel is collected at our warehouses and regularly sent to TRA for processing in Australia.
• In-Store Recycling: we’re working on a system for the sustainable disposal of staff uniforms and returned or damaged apparel in stores.
• Updated Processes: internal updates will ensure 100% of nonsaleable apparel is recycled, meeting our sustainability goals.
Previously, uniform waste ended up in landfill. Now, textiles are sorted, cleaned, and processed into resources like recycled yarn, furniture stuffing, or other materials, supporting the circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
Cardboard & Paper Recycling In Our Stores
We monitor and report the percentage of waste diverted from landfill for seven of our key sites. This data is provided by our waste management partner.
Note: recycling activities for campus stores and similar locations are outside our direct management. We recognise the need for better visibility in these areas.
Paperless Administration
Our continued adoption of paperless processes, including tools like DocuSign, is helping to reduce paper consumption.
Yearly Reporting.
Annually, we will proudly unveil our comprehensive sustainability report, a testament to our commitment to transparency and progress. This report serves as a chronicle, detailing the latest updates and advancements across all our goals, offering a vivid picture of our journey towards a more sustainable future. With meticulous care, we will outline progress of our plan and, share stories of success that illuminate the transformative impact of our initiatives.
Beyond reflection, the report also serves as a compass for the future, outlining strategic actions and directions that will guide our ongoing efforts. Through this annual publication, we invite our stakeholders to join us on this transformative voyage, witnessing our collective achievements and embarking together on the promising path ahead.
Our Sustainability Plan’s guiding principles, goals and commitments are reviewed and adjusted as part of our annual planning and reporting cycle to maintain its relevance in a changing world.
This document is version 2.0 of our Sustainability Plan 2030, effective April 2025. Next version expected April 2026.
