Sudbury Silk Mills becomes first UK weaving site to achieve Sustainable Textile Production certification

A family-run weaving mill is celebrating its ‘ground-breaking achievement’ in the drive towards sustainability, after securing a prestigious national industry certification.

Sudbury Silk Mills, in Cornard Road, was awarded the Sustainable Textile Production (STeP) certification from Oeko-Tex, which assesses high standards in the industry.

It becomes the first weaving mill in the UK to achieve the status, which recognises textile businesses that demonstrate their adherence to sustainable practices.

This includes maintaining rigorous standards in chemical management, environmental performance, social responsibility, quality management and workplace health and safety.

After obtaining the STeP certification, Sudbury Silk Mills said it pays ‘meticulous attention to sustainability’ at every step of its in-house weaving process.

Natalie Mumford, director of Humphries Weaving and responsibility lead for Sudbury Silk Mills, said the award underscored an ‘unwavering commitment’ to positive environmental and social impact.

“Oeko-Tex STeP is an independent certification system that allows us to credibly and transparently communicate our environmental measures,” she said.

“Achieving the highest level 3 in our assessment is a testament to the collective pride and effort of everyone at the mill.”

Having been in operation for more than 300 years, Sudbury Silk Mills exclusively serves local firms Stephen Walters, David Walters and Humphries Weaving.

Ceri Yates, sales director at Stephen Walters, added: “Sudbury Silk Mills places great emphasis on its impact on the local community and the environment.

“By hiring locally, we ensure that the skills and economic benefits remain within the Sudbury area.”