Q&A with Melanie Boyle on World Environment Day

Each year on June 5, World Environment Day shines a light on the shared responsibility we all have to protect our planet. At Standard Textile, that responsibility guides everything we do, from designing durable, reusable products to supporting a circular economy and reducing waste to deliver lasting value.

Leading that charge is Melanie Boyle, Director of Sustainability. With a background in ESG and CSR, Melanie helps embed sustainability into our operations, our products, and partnerships.

This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, speaks to a global challenge that affects every part of the supply chain. While reducing plastic use is part of the solution, Melanie’s focus is on building systems for long-term change, from rethinking packaging to setting science-based emissions targets.

We spoke with Melanie about what drives her, what she’s learned, and where she sees the greatest potential to make a difference.

 

What does World Environment Day mean to you, and how does it connect to the impact you’re working to make?

“For me, World Environment Day is a chance to pause and reflect. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, so I really value this reminder to step back, celebrate wins, and refocus on the bigger picture. It’s also a time to spot new opportunities, and push ourselves not to get complacent.

In my work, it means focusing on education, encouraging action, creating space for collaboration, connecting people with solutions and building partnerships that can scale impact.”

 

This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution. In 2024, we eliminated polybags from our U.S.-made product packaging. What did that process teach you?

“Eliminating polybags was a major milestone and a great example of how meaningful change really happens. It underscored that sustainability isn’t a solo effort, it takes cross-functional teamwork across design, engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, and quality.

We didn’t just flip a switch. We ran pilots, tested different packaging materials, and made sure we preserved product quality. The biggest takeaway is that success often comes from a series of small, persistent steps.”

 

Why are innovation, reusability and long-term value so important right now, and how do you keep them front and center?

“To us, they are not buzzwords — they’re strategic imperatives. That means rethinking materials, performance, and processes to reduce waste and help our customers operate efficiently.

Keeping this focus in a fast-paced business requires intention. Sustainability is not a silo; it has to be embedded into how we work every day.”

 

Standard Textile recently submitted its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). What does that step mean for us as and what’s next?

“Joining SBTi is a major milestone for us. It shows that we’re serious about reducing our emissions in a way that’s backed by science and aligned with global climate goals.

It also makes us think differently — about how we use energy, how we manage resources, and how we can keep improving. It’s not just about checking a box, it’s about building a stronger, more efficient company while doing what’s right for the planet.”

 

To learn more, visit our Sustainability page to download the 2024 Impact Report and explore the initiatives mentioned in this conversation.