JOHNSTONS of Elgin received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for their commitment to sustainability

The occasion was marked with a formal tree planting ceremony at the firm’s Elgin mill by Mark Leishman, CVO, Executive Director of the Royal Warrant Holder’s Association (RWHA).

Johnstons of Elgin CEO, Simon Cotton, receives the Queen’s Award from Major General the Honourable Seymour Monro CBE LVO, Lord Lieutenant of Moray on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.

Johnstons of Elgin CEO, Simon Cotton, receives the Queen’s Award from Major General the Honourable Seymour Monro CBE LVO, Lord Lieutenant of Moray on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.

The award for the Sustainable Development category was given to the 224-year-old family-owned firm for its ‘360-degree’ approach to sustainability and as a leader in ethical manufacturing.

The Moray firm’s chief executive Simon Cotton said: “When we talk about sustainability at Johnstons of Elgin, we try to cover every aspect of our product’s life as well as the value of every thread. Throughout our 224-year history we have stayed true to this ethos through animal welfare initiatives, grassland preservation, fair work, reducing manufacturing waste, and so much more.

“The reduction of waste and regeneration of resources has been part of our business for hundreds of years and receiving this award coincides with a significant period for Johnstons of Elgin as we move to the next phase of our sustainability programme.

“It is with enormous pride that we have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for our commitment to sustainable development. We recognise we are on a journey and our commitment to sustainability is unwavering.”

Mark Leishman CVO, Executive Director of the Royal Warrant Holder’s Association (RWHA) marks the special occasion by planting a tree in the Elgin mill’s Garvald Gardens. The tree is a Betula Fastigiata, the Birch is one of the oldest native species we have in Scotland.

Mark Leishman CVO, Executive Director of the Royal Warrant Holder’s Association (RWHA) marks the special occasion by planting a tree in the Elgin mill’s Garvald Gardens. The tree is a Betula Fastigiata, the Birch is one of the oldest native species we have in Scotland.

This is the fourth award for the Moray-based manufacturer, previously landing the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement in 1978,1994 and 2002.

The honour recognises Johnstons’ continued commitment to sustainability which has been a prominent feature of the business over the years.

Mark Leishman CVO, Executive Director of the Royal Warrant Holder’s Association (RWHA) marks the special occasion by planting a tree in the Elgin mill’s Garvald Gardens. The tree is a Betula Fastigiata, the Birch is one of the oldest native species we have in Scotland.

In 2015 the firm was one of three founders of the non-profit Sustainable Fibre Alliance set up to sustain the pasture lands and welfare of animals in cashmere producing regions.

As part of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals, Johnstons of Elgin has successfully eliminated all harmful chemicals from its supply chain, while 100% of the wool bought by the firm is certified to the Responsible Wool Standard.

Between 2016 and 2020 Johnstons of Elgin reduced its carbon emissions by 53 per cent through technology advancements and an increase in the use of renewable energy across manufacturing sites.

All deliveries within the UK and mainland Europe are also shipped automatically by longer, road freight options, significantly reducing the carbon impact of travel.

They have also partnered with Cashmere Circle, supporting their customers to return garments to be repaired or resold and enabling the garment to start a new life with a new owner.

Johnstons of Elgin is one of the last remaining vertical mills in the UK that still process the raw cashmere and fine woollen fibres right through to the finished product.