Sustainable Merchandise

Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition for the supply of clothing items for our retail units across the University Estate. The University of Edinburgh is committed to advancing its sustainability agenda by sourcing bespoke, fully circular clothing lines for sale across both its physical and online retail channels.

These new product ranges will replace existing items that fall short of the University’s circular economy standards, ensuring that every garment is designed, produced, and reintroduced into the supply cycle responsibly. Teemill has been identified as the sole supplier for this requirement, offering a unique, end-to-end sustainable clothing solution that aligns with the University’s environmental and ethical objectives.

Teemill’s circular production model enables every garment to be returned at the end of its life, broken down into raw materials, and remade into new products, which is a key distinction from comparable suppliers. Teemill also allow the University to buy in bulk and order when required through fulfilment-on-demand.

By sourcing these garments in bulk, the University not only meets key sustainability, waste reduction, and circular economy objectives but also benefits from direct supply efficiencies that drive meaningful cost savings. In addition, Teemill’s Print-on-Demand service for the University gift shop allows a wider range of clothing lines to be offered without upfront inventory commitments.

This model both broadens our sustainable product portfolio and enhances overall cost efficiency. By appointing Teemill the University will achieve the following: - Full circularity is embedded across all retail clothing lines, creating a closed-loop system that turns end-of-life garments into new products. - Operational efficiencies and cost-savings through bulk buying and fulfilment-on-demand - Enhanced flexibility and innovation via Teemill’s Print-on-Demand service, which expands the product range without requiring upfront inventory investment. This contract will ensure that the University of Edinburgh not only meets but exceeds its sustainability and circular economy goals—delivering high-quality, ethically produced garments while reinforcing its leadership in environmental responsibility within the higher education sector.