It’s nice to have a cool set of goods. But, it’s really cool to be a real maker, making cool goods for real. And, while everyone here is very proud of all the goods we make & send out into the world each week, I’m even more proud of the work we’ve done behind the scenes to try to bring it all back home. To wash, refill and use again. And again.
For that fundamental reason, and a few others besides, Ideal Manufacturing has been Highly Commended in the Sustainability Initiative Of The Year category at The Made In Britain Impact Awards 2026. So, we went along to pick up an award at the ceremony on Wednesday 4 November in Bransford, Worcester.
The Sustainability Initiative 2026 was a hotly contested headline category, designed to recognise manufacturing organisations demonstrating strong environmental practices, from circular economy initiatives and sustainable packaging to energy conservation and waste reduction.
The Made in Britain Impact Awards celebrate innovation, resilience and excellence in British manufacturing. Open to all 2500 members, the awards recognise standout achievements across multiple categories. At the heart of the Impact Awards are the stories behind all the products & their makers, recognising that impact isn’t about the biggest investment or the most headline-grabbing launch! That’s right.
At the awards, we listened close to Josie Morris MBE, CEO of WoolCool, another Made In Britain member with B Corp certification who makes 100% sheep’s wool temperature controlled insulated packaging that helps prevent waste. It was cool to have a chance to catch up with her afterwards to share factory stories and the idea that if you really believe you can make something happen, then you probably will.
We also tipped our hats to Neuthread, a neurodivergent-led fashion brand within Daisy Chain, a North East charity supporting autistic and neurodivergent people and their families, transforming discarded and surplus textiles into distinctive garments, whilst creating training & employment opportunities.
We noticed they are seeking industry partnerships & looking to give textile offcuts, surplus fabrics and other unwanted materials a new life through fashion so we figured it might be cool to use our connections in the textile care industry to see if anyone can help. Drop us a line if you have an idea!
Here’s John Pearce, CEO at Made In Britain with his galvanising words about the Impact Awards;
“There is no single measure of impact in British manufacturing. Whether through innovation, leadership, exports or the contribution businesses make to their communities, these manufacturers are creating value in remarkably different ways. We are immensely proud to bring them together through the Impact Awards and to celebrate the people and ideas shaping what British manufacturing becomes next.”
.
