Our Fabric
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 litres 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 60% recycled cotton and 40% rPET could save approximately 1,500–2,000 litres 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 7kg 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 fertiliser 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.
DANGERFIELD - PULP KITCHEN Range. Printed on TMRW rock Tee
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 litres per shirt
CO₂ emission reductions of 7kg per shirt
Elimination of harmful pesticides and fertilisers
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 litres 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