The information below is not 100 percent exact and should be viewed as an estimate based on available research from academic studies, industry reports, life cycle assessments, and publicly available manufacturing data. Every supply chain is different, and environmental impacts can vary depending on farming practices, manufacturing processes, transportation, and production facilities. We are sharing this information to help provide greater transparency and to give a better understanding of some of the environmental considerations behind each purchase.
This hoodie is made from heavyweight 14 ounce 100 percent cotton French terry fabric. French terry is a knit fabric with a smooth exterior and looped interior that provides structure, durability, and insulation while remaining breathable. The environmental impact of cotton depends on where it is grown, the farming practices used, and the manufacturing processes required to turn raw fiber into finished fabric.
Based on published life cycle assessments, a heavyweight cotton hoodie is estimated to generate approximately 10 to 18 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent throughout its production. This estimate includes cotton cultivation, spinning, knitting, dyeing, garment manufacturing, transportation, and packaging. A significant portion of these emissions comes from spinning the cotton into yarn, knitting the fabric, and the dyeing and finishing processes, all of which require substantial amounts of energy and water.
The garment is cut and sewn in a certified factory in China before being transported to the United States by ocean freight. Ocean shipping generally accounts for a relatively small portion of the total carbon footprint when compared with fabric production and manufacturing. After arriving in the United States, the garment is distributed through domestic shipping to customers.
The fabric is dyed using fiber reactive dyes that are free from heavy metals and restricted amines. Wastewater generated during the dyeing process is treated before release in accordance with the manufacturing facility’s environmental requirements. Dyeing methods and wastewater treatment systems can vary between production facilities.
Because this hoodie is made entirely from cotton and contains no synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon, it does not release plastic microfibers during washing. Under the right environmental conditions, cotton is a biodegradable natural fiber.
Each order is shipped using recycled paper or certified compostable packaging instead of conventional plastic mailers. The production of this packaging contributes a relatively small portion of the product’s overall environmental footprint. This hoodie is produced in limited production runs and is also available through preorders, allowing production quantities to more closely reflect customer demand.