We are proud to be producing high-quality merchandise blanks from 100% recycled products. The environmental savings are as impressive as the garments themselves. Did you know producing a T-shirt made from 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled polyester (rPET) has significant environmental benefits compared to one made from conventionally farmed cotton using pesticides. The key benefits include water savings, carbon emission reductions, and lower environmental pollution. Here's a breakdown:

1. Water Savings

• Recycled Cotton: Producing virgin cotton is highly water-intensive, requiring approximately 2,700 liters of water for a single cotton T-shirt. Recycled cotton, however, significantly reduces water usage because it does not require additional irrigation.

• rPET (Recycled Polyester from Plastic Bottles): Producing recycled polyester requires 90% less water than virgin polyester.

• Total Water Savings: A T-shirt made with 65% recycled cotton and 35% rPET could save approximately 1,500–2,000 liters of water per shirt compared to conventional cotton.

2. Carbon Emission Savings

• Recycled Cotton: Producing recycled cotton generates much fewer carbon emissions than virgin cotton farming, which involves emissions from fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and transportation.

• rPET: Producing recycled polyester emits 59% fewer carbon emissions than virgin polyester.

• Total Carbon Savings: The recycled material T-shirt could save 7 kg of CO₂ emissions compared to a conventional cotton T-shirt, depending on production methods.

3. Reduced Pesticide and Chemical Use

• Standard Cotton Farming: Conventional cotton is responsible for 16% of global pesticide use and extensive fertilizer application, which causes soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

• Recycled Cotton: Eliminates the need for additional pesticides, reducing toxic runoff and improving soil health.

• rPET: Prevents plastic waste from ending up in landfills or oceans, reducing microplastic pollution.

4. Energy Savings

• Recycled Cotton: Reduces energy demand since there is no need for re-growing crops.

• rPET: Uses up to 50% less energy than virgin polyester production.

The Why? - In Short

Switching to 60% recycled cotton and 40% rPET for T-shirts leads to significant environmental benefits:

• Water savings of up to 1,500–2,700 liters per shirt

• CO₂ emission reductions of 7 kg per shirt

• Elimination of harmful pesticides and fertilizers

• Energy savings and reduced reliance on virgin materials

This shift supports a circular economy, lowers textile waste, and helps combat climate change.

Key Takeaways

• Water savings: Up to 2,700 liters per T-shirt

• Carbon emission reductions: 7 kg CO₂ per T-shirt

• Eliminates pesticides: Less impact on biodiversity and human health

• Reduces textile and plastic waste, promoting a circular economy