The Lea Mills factory is at the heart of a world heritage site, which means they have a responsibility to the local environment. They also source ethically produced materials, engage with their employees and use energy saving techniques wherever possible. Creating knitwear via a responsible, socially aware process is important both to John Smedley and all John Smedley customers. That’s why in 2009 they commissioned an environmental audit as part of our commitment to improving the way they work. John Smedley works with and is part of this protected environment. From how they use their natural local spring water to the way they minimize the waste they create, they take a responsible approach to what they do and where they work.

Washing is a vital part of our production process. They don’t waste water or source it from dwindling resources. Instead the water they use to create John Smedley knitwear comes from three underground springs that rise from the millstone grit of the Derbyshire Peak District National Park. Its softness and purity helps create the luxurious feel of our garments and enhances the shrink resilience.

They recognize that for future generations, they must do everything they can to keep the water pure and preserve it as a resource. Some of the water they use is recycled and used again to heat the mill, and strict processes are in place to make sure water that’s returned to source is completely clean.

John Smedley is a frugal company and they have a number of initiatives to help manage their impact on the environment, including recycling all their waste cotton and wool.

What they have at Lea Mills is a valuable community that is part of John Smedley as much as they are part of it. It’s a certain spirit, a sense of working together to make something special, but it’s a tangible community too. John Smedley has a long lineage of local families who have worked at Lea Mills over several generations. They bring years of experience and a level of craftsmanship that can’t be found elsewhere.