Transport For London (TfL), which runs the iconic buses and the famous underground system in London, UK, is introducing new brightly coloured sustainable uniforms that feature recycled materials and vegan leather options for staff who require them.
The original version of TfL’s uniform was created by Hemingway Design in 2015, but now it has been updated by Cooneen from an in-house TfL design. A new viscose blend fabric was chosen for trousers, shorts, and skirts for its breathability and softness; the new jacket is made using 51% recycled materials; and some of the old uniforms will be recycled. For TfL staff who require them, the updated uniform also makes headscarves available, as well as vegan alternatives to leather belts and shoes. In 2020, TfL employed just over 25,000 people, and considering the percentage of vegans in the country, more than 500 staff members are likely to choose the fully vegan uniforms.
This move is not that surprising since in the UK, ethical veganism is a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010. When a judge in Norwich so declared it in 2020 during a litigation case, many companies (including the UK Fire Brigade service) made it possible for vegans to have vegan-friendly uniforms which before would have been a struggle to acquire.
However, one of the institutions that seem to be behind in applying this new paradigm is the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which still insists that the King’s Guards should wear leather and the fur of bears on their heads — despite there is now an MoD Vegan and Vegetarian Network.
As animal leather is a coproduct of the meat and dairy industries, and it has a huge negative impact on the environment, TfL staff who do not want to contribute to animal suffering or environmental destruction will now be able to dress in alignment with their values while working.
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