When people think of robotics in a warehouse they usually picture speed, precision and tireless productivity. While those things are certainly part of the story, there’s a much quieter revolution happening beneath the surface of our automated systems. By investing £15m into our cutting-edge AutoStore facility, we haven’t just modernised how we move products; we’ve fundamentally changed the carbon cost of fulfilling an order. It’s a prime example of how the right technology doesn’t just improve the bottom line – it cleans up the entire supply chain.
Turning the power down while ramping up output
Incredible efficiency
The most striking statistic from our transition to automation is the 75% reduction in emissions per pick. In a traditional warehouse, heavy machinery and vast lighting arrays consume enormous amounts of energy. Our robotic system, however, operates with incredible efficiency. In fact, ten of our robots use about the same amount of power as a single domestic vacuum cleaner.
Because the robots can work in the dark and operate within a high-density grid that takes up significantly less space than traditional racking, our energy requirements for heating, lighting and cooling have plummeted. We’re proving that the high-volume distribution of workwear, PPE and corporate uniforms doesn’t have to come at a high environmental cost.
Innovation that supports the human element
Engaging environment
It’s easy to get lost in the technical specs, but the human side of robotic automation is just as important. By taking over the repetitive, physically demanding walking part of the job, the robots allow our team to focus on quality control and more skilled tasks. This creates a safer, more engaging environment for our people while ensuring that every piece of workwear, PPE and corporate workwear leaves our facility in perfect condition.This synergy between humans and machines allows us to stay at the forefront of the industry. We’re using AI and robotics to predict demand and manage inventory with surgical precision. This means we aren’t overproducing or overstocking, which directly supports our zero to landfill goals by reducing waste before it even has a chance to exist.
A cleaner path to your door
Radical transparency
Every innovation we implement is designed to ripple outward. When we reduce the energy used to pick an order, we’re lowering the total carbon footprint of the garments our customers wear every day. Whether it’s through our plastic-to-fabric initiatives or our highly efficient logistics, we’re committed to radical transparency.
We’re not just moving boxes; we’re moving the needle on what sustainability looks like in a digital age. By integrating these automated systems, we’re ensuring that the future of workwear, PPE and corporate uniforms is faster, smarter and significantly greener. The data shows that automation is no longer just a luxury for the few – it’s an essential tool for any business serious about reaching net zero.
