Questions to Ask Fabric Suppliers

Fibers

What are the fibers (i.e. natural plant fibers, natural animal fibers, synthetic fibers from oil or natural gas, or cellulous plant fibers)?

  • What makes them eco-friendly (i.e. organic, highly renewable, etc.)?
  • What is the geographic origin of the fiber? Asking for this information you can help you to assess the ethical and environmental concerns in that specific area.
  • Are sustainable practices used in the cultivation of this crop (i.e. wastewater recycling, crop rotation)?
  • Are ethical practices of animal husbandry followed?
  • Is the viscose process highly toxic? Are the chemicals recyclable? Is water conserved (i.e. Lenzing viscose, Tencel, Modal, Cupro)?
  • Is the fabric recycled?
  • Can the fabric be recycled or is it biodegradable?
  • What amount of care (i.e. washing) does this fabric require?

Dyeing/Finishing

How is the fabric and/or garment dyed and finished?

  • Does the finishing possess qualities that will reduce the garment's impact after purchase (i.e. antimicrobial properties or stain resistance that will lower its need for washing)?
  • Is the finish free of hazardous chemicals (i.e. formaldehyde)?
  • Are the dyeing, printing or tanning methods involved sustainable? To what degree (i.e. water reuse, free of harmful chemicals, etc.)?

Certifications

To what region does the fiber, fabric or garment certification apply?

  • Does the certification cover only the fiber, fabric or garment, or does it apply to the fiber, fabric and garment, or all three?
  • What is/are the focus area(s) of the certification (i.e. organic agriculture, labor practices, chemical residues, animal welfare)?

Additional Questions

How will the fabric wastage be discarded? Does your factory participate in a textile recycling program that will pick up this wastage for use in insulation, batting, yarn, etc?

How will the end product be disposed of? Can it be recycled or reused? Is it biodegradable?

What are your total greenhouse emissions? Has the company taken steps to reduce emissions (i.e. optimizing processing to compensate for air shipping)?

Do you know the location of all of your producers (including outsourced sewing, dyeing, printing, etc.)?

Is your product being responsibly and ethically produced (i.e. how much are workers paid, do they benefit from incentives such as a pay-by-piece program, are child labor laws being respected)?

Do you invest in community development in the areas in which you produce? (i.e. Donating some of your employee's time to non-profits supporting development or the environment where you produce)?



SUSTAINABLE FIBERS >>

SUSTAINABLE TECHNIQUES >>

SUSTAINABLE CERTIFICATIONS >>