Bradford’s Think Group Achieves SMETA 4-Pillar Accreditation

Bradford-based textile manufacturer, Think Group, has been awarded a SMETA 4-pillar audit accreditation.

This accreditation, achieved by the group’s non-woven division, recognises businesses that demonstrate a commitment to responsible and ethical practices in labour standards, health and safety, environmental stewardship, and business ethics. 

The organisation provides end-to-end solutions, from raw fibres to finished non-woven products and the machinery to produce them. 

The SMETA audit, developed by the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), took place over two days on the Think Group site at Cutler Heights in Bradford, Yorkshire. 

Michael Walsh, Group Technical Director at Think Group, comments on the achievement:

“We take pride in doing things the right way. We stand firmly by our sustainability claims and can provide evidence of our commitment at every stage of the process.”

“This accreditation reinforces the confidence that our customers – housebuilders, flooring retailers, and other partners – can have in us. It reassures them that our products genuinely reflect their internal sustainability goals and uphold the highest standards of environmental responsibility.”

Additionally, Think’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) provides third-party validation of its product’s environmental performance. 

With the SMETA 4-Pillar Accreditation, Think Group joins an elite group of manufacturers in the textile industry. This recognition assures customers of the integrity behind its SpringBond® and other non-woven products and strengthens partnerships with retailers who can confidently stock them, knowing they are backed by proven ethical practices rather than misleading claims. 

Think Group also works with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) suppliers, ensuring its supply chain shares the same values. The company is also a long-term supporter of initiatives like Plastic Oceans, highlighting its commitment to reducing plastic waste and protecting marine environments. The firm’s flagship SpringBond® underlay, made from 85% recycled content, including plastic bottles, has helped divert over 60 million bottles from oceans. 

Michael adds:

“Our Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) 4-pillar accreditation demonstrates our commitment to ethical business practices. This advanced certification validates our excellence across labour standards, health & safety, environmental performance, and business ethics. 

“By choosing Think Non-Wovens as your partner, you’re working with a business that has undergone rigorous independent auditing and proven its dedication to responsible operations, sustainable practices, and ethical trade. Through Sedex’s globally recognised platform, we maintain complete transparency with our stakeholders, ensuring you can trust our commitment to the highest standards of corporate responsibility.

Looking ahead, Think Group is committed to its continuous improvement program, aiming to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and explore additional accreditations.