Eco friendly flag manufacturing

Flags are emblematic of nations, causes, and identities. Yet, behind their colourful displays, the environmental aspect of their manufacturing is often overlooked. The world is becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability. So, it is vital to explore innovative ways of creating flags with minimal harm to our planet. We are proud that our Harrison Eco™ launch in 2018 led the way for environmentally friendly eco flag solutions.

Materials Matter

The journey of a flag begins with the selection of materials, including the fabric and inks used for printing. Traditional flag materials like polyester and nylon are derived from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Harrison Eco™ flags are made from recycled plastic items. This includes single-use PET plastic bottles and industrial polyester waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. The plastic is firstly processed into a yarn and then formed into our material, Harrison Eco™. This can be used as a sustainable option for many of our print products including flags and feather flags.

Flag Longevity

Flags often endure harsh weather conditions and may need replacing over time. To extend their lifespan, flags can be designed for durability, with reinforced stitching and quality materials. This extends their lifespan and reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Harrison Eco™ has the same durability, strength and versatility as its knitted polyester equivalent. However it has a much lower environmental impact, creating 75% less CO₂ emissions than virgin polyester in production. It also meets the requirements for the OEKO-TEX® 100 standards and is free from toxic elements.

End-of-Life Management of flags – the eco way

Implementing recycling programs for worn-out flags can prevent them from ending up in landfills. This creates a circular economy where old flags are transformed into new products. We are proud to be the first UK supplier to offer a Fabric Upcycling Scheme. Each year approximately 850,000 tonnes of textiles ends up in landfill. Our aim is that 100% of the fabric we print is recycled or upcycled.

We ask that any used flags are returned to us. We then turn them back into useful items and give them a new lease of life. For example, they are transformed into shopping bags, sports bags and tote bags that are ideal to purchase for giveaways.

Many of our flags are available with the Harrison Eco™ print option, including our Home Nations, World, County and feather flags. Simply select “Harrison Eco” under print option when placing your order.