A former police officer from Bolton launched an eco-friendly clothing manufacturer in Blackburn and aims to make a positive impact on the environment.

From his mum’s garage to an office in Blackburn, Dan Gaunt, 31, founded Zero Negativity Clothing (ZNC) in 2019 which has now been shortlisted for the Family Business of the Year Award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

It’s a family run, sustainable clothing business that has specialised in the supply, distribution, and decoration of ethically made clothing since 2019, and produces recycled football shirts in partnership with Inverness-based football club Loch Ness FC .

Lancashire Telegraph: Loch Ness FC Training tops made from 100 per cent recycled plastic Loch Ness FC Training tops made from 100 per cent recycled plastic

The inspiration for ZNC came to the founder during a shopping trip when he spotted a branded t-shirt priced at £75.

Dan said: “I thought to myself there’s no way that should cost so much and do so little for the environment and people in that supply chain, so that just got me thinking.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Dan's company shortlisted for Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year AwardDan's company shortlisted for Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Not long after that seed of an idea was planted in Dan’s head, he left his career in the Police and started the business in February 2019.

His younger brother Rob, 21, joined the company last year working in Graphics & Production.

Lancashire Telegraph: Owner Dan Gaunt in Blackburn office Owner Dan Gaunt in Blackburn office

Dan’s main principle and brand identity revolves around the sustainability of the products so all the materials they use are organic cotton, recycled plastic or a blend of the two.

Even the packaging used is recycled and 100 per cent biodegradable.

Lancashire Telegraph: Zero Negativity Clothing 100 per cent recycled paper Zero Negativity Clothing 100 per cent recycled paper

Dan said: “Impact is a big takeaway, it's very rewarding to know that, especially when we work out the numbers.

"We calculate our carbon footprint from deliveries and offset ten times that amount of CO2 through tree-planting right here in the North West.

“So yeah, it’s really rewarding because I know what we do is not having a negative impact on the environment.”

Overall, in 2021 alone, the company estimates it saved approximately 55,390 kilograms of CO2 which is equivalent to driving 589,336 kilometres (366,000 miles) in a Ford Fiesta.

For perspective, that distance would be a trip around the Earth 15 times.

While a lot of clothing suppliers have an organic or sustainable section in their range, Dan’s business is currently the only manufacturer in the region whose entire range is made sustainably.

Lancashire Telegraph: From left to right: 100 per cent organic cotton t shirt, school blazer made from recycled materials, football shirt made from 100 per cent recycled plastic From left to right: 100 per cent organic cotton t shirt, school blazer made from recycled materials, football shirt made from 100 per cent recycled plastic

Dan explained that if a jumper that is certified as organic cotton is then embroidered with a polyester yarn, it “basically cancels the organic nature of the product.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Rob using print press machine to transfer water-based ink design onto shirt Rob using print press machine to transfer water-based ink design onto shirt

To ensure that every stage of the process is as eco-friendly as possible, ZNC uses an embroidery thread made of cellulose which is a naturally occurring substance.

Additionally, rather than plastisol-based inks, Dan opts for water-based ones meaning the designs will never fade in the wash or crack, and it also allows a blended colour effect that isn’t possible with the traditional screen-printed plastisol inks.

Dan said: “Everything we do is all very high quality for the customer as well as the environment.”

ZNC offers free educational talks on the environmental impact of the fashion industry to its clients whilst also learning on the job themselves.

Lancashire Telegraph: Printed design using water-based inks which allows blended colour effect Printed design using water-based inks which allows blended colour effect

Dan said: “You can get dirt cheap stuff in Primark for example, or you can buy a Fruit of the Loom t shirt with a screen-printed logo on it for a couple of quid.

“So, it's not that we’re expensive. It's that the stuff people are used to is artificially cheap, because the people who make it have been exploited along the way.”

Many of their garments are certified by Fair Wear Foundation which is an organisation that works to improve conditions for workers in garment factories.

Dan’s clients include Inspire Youth Zone in Chorley, Lancaster University, Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe, and Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery, and he hopes his business will continue to grow and add in more like-minded customer who care about the environment.