Social Responsibility & Ethical Policy

Last updated: 15 September 2026

Our Commitment

Sub Zero Technology Limited is committed to operating responsibly, ethically and with consideration for our employees, customers, suppliers, local community and the environment.

As both a UK manufacturer and retailer of outdoor products, we recognise that our responsibilities extend beyond simply supplying products. We aim to make responsible decisions throughout our business, from the way we manufacture our own Sub Zero clothing to the suppliers and brands we work with, the way we treat our employees and customers, and the steps we take to reduce our environmental impact.

We recognise that responsible business practices are an ongoing process and will continue to review and improve our approach where practical.

UK Manufacturing

Sub Zero has a long history of manufacturing technical clothing in the United Kingdom.

A significant part of our own-brand clothing continues to be manufactured at our factory in Leicestershire, allowing us to maintain close control over production, product quality and working conditions.

UK manufacturing also allows us to manufacture in appropriate quantities rather than relying solely on large overseas production runs, while supporting manufacturing skills and employment within our local area.

Where products or components are sourced from elsewhere, we aim to work with established and reputable suppliers.

Our Employees

We believe everyone working for Sub Zero should be treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.

We are committed to:

providing a safe and appropriate working environment;
complying with applicable UK employment, health and safety and equality legislation;
treating employees fairly and without unlawful discrimination;
providing appropriate pay and employment conditions;
supporting the development and retention of manufacturing skills;
providing appropriate training for employees to perform their roles safely and effectively; and
maintaining an environment where employees can raise concerns.

Harassment, bullying, discrimination, forced labour and exploitation have no place within our business.

Equality and Respect

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and treating employees, applicants, customers and business partners fairly.

We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Employment and business decisions should be based on appropriate factors such as ability, experience, performance and legitimate business requirements.

Modern Slavery, Forced Labour and Child Labour

Sub Zero Technology Limited does not tolerate modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour or exploitative child labour within our own operations.

We also expect suppliers and business partners to operate responsibly and comply with applicable employment and labour laws.

Where we become aware of credible evidence of serious labour exploitation or unethical working practices within our supply chain, we will investigate the issue and consider appropriate action. Depending on the circumstances, this may include requiring corrective action or reconsidering our relationship with the supplier.

Ethical Sourcing

Our supply chain includes materials and components used in our own manufacturing as well as finished products supplied by third-party outdoor brands.

We aim to select suppliers based on appropriate considerations including product quality, reliability, safety, value, manufacturing standards and responsible business practices.

We recognise that supply chains can be complex and that we do not have direct control over every stage of production undertaken by independent suppliers.

We therefore avoid making claims about a supplier's environmental or ethical performance unless we have reasonable grounds for doing so.

Where concerns are identified, we will seek further information and take proportionate action where appropriate.

Product Quality and Longevity

We believe one of the most practical ways of reducing the environmental impact of clothing and outdoor equipment is to produce and supply products that perform properly and have a useful lifespan.

Our own Sub Zero garments are designed as functional products rather than disposable fashion.

We aim to manufacture durable products using appropriate materials and construction techniques and maintain quality controls within our manufacturing operation.

We also select third-party products that we believe offer appropriate performance, quality and value for their intended use.

We encourage customers to look after products correctly and provide information and advice on subjects such as garment care, washing, equipment maintenance and repair where appropriate.

Environmental Responsibility

Manufacturing, retailing, packaging and transporting products all have an environmental impact.

We do not claim that our activities are impact-free. Instead, we aim to identify practical areas in which we can reduce unnecessary resource use, waste and environmental impact.

Our approach includes considering:

energy use within our premises;
manufacturing efficiency;
waste reduction;
responsible disposal and recycling;
packaging;
product durability;
unnecessary plastic use;
transportation and delivery efficiency; and
opportunities to improve the environmental performance of our premises.

We will continue to consider practical environmental improvements as our business, technology and available infrastructure develop.

Waste Reduction

We aim to minimise unnecessary waste generated by our manufacturing and ecommerce operations.

This includes seeking to make efficient use of materials, separating recyclable materials where practical and looking for opportunities to reuse materials rather than disposing of them.

We have taken steps within our operations that have contributed to reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill.

We will continue to look for practical opportunities to reduce waste without compromising product quality, hygiene, safety or the protection required for products during delivery.

Packaging

Packaging is necessary to protect products during storage and transportation, but we recognise that excessive packaging creates unnecessary waste.

We therefore aim to:

avoid unnecessary packaging;
reduce our reliance on plastic packaging where practical;
use recycled or recyclable packaging materials where suitable;
reuse suitable packaging where appropriate; and
ensure products remain adequately protected during delivery.

Our priority is to find a sensible balance between reducing packaging and avoiding product damage, as damaged products themselves create additional waste and transportation.

Energy and Our Premises

We continue to look for practical ways to improve the energy efficiency of our Leicestershire manufacturing premises.

Measures taken to improve the building and our operations include improvements to insulation and consideration of ways to make better use of energy generated or consumed on site.

Future environmental improvements will be assessed according to their practicality, environmental benefit and suitability for our manufacturing operation.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Where practical, we aim to manage the land around our premises in a way that provides opportunities for wildlife alongside its normal commercial use.

We recognise that even relatively small measures can help provide habitats and refuges for insects, birds and other wildlife.

We will continue to consider appropriate opportunities to support biodiversity around our premises.

Responsible Product Claims

We believe environmental and ethical claims should be clear, accurate and capable of being supported.

We therefore aim to avoid vague or exaggerated claims that could give customers a misleading impression of the environmental impact or ethical credentials of a product.

Terms such as “sustainable”, “eco-friendly”, “recycled”, “biodegradable” or similar claims should only be used where we have reasonable information to support them and sufficient context is provided where necessary.

For products manufactured by third-party brands, environmental or ethical claims may be based on information supplied by the manufacturer.

Product Safety

We take our responsibilities for product safety seriously.

Products manufactured or supplied by Sub Zero must meet applicable legal and safety requirements.

Where appropriate, we provide product instructions, warnings and safety information to help customers use products correctly.

If we become aware of a potential product safety issue, we will investigate and take appropriate action, which may include contacting suppliers, withdrawing products from sale or communicating with affected customers where necessary.

Fair Treatment of Customers

We aim to treat customers fairly and communicate clearly.

This includes:

providing accurate product information;
displaying prices clearly;
operating fair delivery and returns procedures;
respecting statutory consumer rights;
protecting customers' personal information;
responding appropriately to complaints and enquiries; and
avoiding misleading advertising or marketing practices.

Our consumer rights, delivery, returns and privacy commitments are explained in our separate Terms of Service, Shipping Policy, Return and Refund Policy and Privacy Policy.

Customer Privacy

We respect the privacy of our customers and others who interact with our business.

Personal information is handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

Further information is provided in our Privacy Policy.

Responsible Marketing

We aim for our advertising, website content and marketing communications to be accurate and not misleading.

Claims about product performance, manufacturing origin, environmental benefits and other material characteristics should have an appropriate basis.

Customer reviews should reflect genuine customer experiences. We do not seek to suppress genuine reviews simply because they are critical of a product or our service.

Our Suppliers and Business Partners

We expect businesses working with Sub Zero to conduct themselves lawfully and responsibly.

Depending upon the nature of the relationship, this may include expectations concerning:

working conditions;
health and safety;
human rights;
modern slavery and forced labour;
child labour;
environmental compliance;
product safety;
anti-bribery and corruption; and
compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The level of assessment we undertake will be proportionate to the nature, location and potential risk associated with the supplier or business relationship.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Sub Zero Technology Limited does not tolerate bribery or corruption.

Employees and those acting on our behalf must not offer, request, give or accept bribes, kickbacks or other improper inducements.

Business gifts or hospitality must not be used to improperly influence a business decision and should always be reasonable and appropriate.

We expect employees and business partners to comply with applicable anti-bribery and corruption legislation.

Local Community

Sub Zero has operated from Leicestershire for many years and recognises the importance of the community in which we manufacture and trade.

Where practical, we aim to support our local economy through employment, manufacturing, purchasing and relationships with other local organisations and businesses.

We may also support local community, charitable, sporting or fundraising activities where appropriate.

Speaking Up

Employees, suppliers, customers or other parties who have genuine concerns about unethical, unlawful or irresponsible conduct connected with Sub Zero are encouraged to raise those concerns with us.

Concerns raised in good faith will be taken seriously and considered appropriately.

Continuous Improvement

Social and environmental responsibility is not a one-off exercise.

We will periodically review our practices and this policy as our business changes, legislation develops and new opportunities become available.

Where improvements are practical and proportionate, we will seek to incorporate them into our operations.

We also recognise the importance of being transparent about what we have achieved, what we are currently doing, and what remains an aim for the future.

Responsibility for This Policy

Responsibility for this policy rests with the management of Sub Zero Technology Limited.

Employees are expected to support the principles contained within it when carrying out their work.

Contact Us

Questions or concerns regarding our social responsibility, environmental practices or ethical standards can be directed to:

Sub Zero Technology Limited
35 Churchill Way
Fleckney
Leicestershire
LE8 8UD
United Kingdom

Email: sales@subzero.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)116 240 2634
Company Number: 01297686