Why material choice matters more than the “sustainable” label

An RPET backpack with a virgin polyester lining is less sustainable than a 100% recycled model. An organic cotton T-shirt without GOTS certification offers no guarantee of fair production. Sustainability starts with the material, but only becomes credible through independent certification. On our certifications page we explain which labels you need to know.

RPET: recycled PET from plastic bottles

RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) is made from recycled PET bottles. The bottles are sorted, washed, shredded and melted down into yarn or pellets. Compared with virgin polyester, RPET saves up to 79% CO2 and uses considerably less water and energy (source: Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report). We use RPET in backpacks, sports bags, pens, water bottles and jackets. Always ask for the GRS certificate: it is the only independent guarantee that the percentage of recycled material is correct.

Organic cotton (GOTS)

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or GM seed. It saves up to 91% water compared with conventional cotton (source: Textile Exchange). If you use organic cotton for corporate clothing or corporate gifts, GOTS certification is the strictest label: it covers the entire chain from cotton field to finished product, including social conditions. Brands such as Stanley Stella and Continental consistently supply GOTS-certified T-shirts, sweatshirts and polo shirts.

Recycled polyester

Recycled polyester partly overlaps with RPET, but can also come from textile waste (post-consumer garment recycling). It is technically interesting for sportswear, softshells and fleece jumpers because it keeps the strong performance properties of polyester. The downside: microfibres can come loose with every wash. So combine it with a Guppyfriend washing bag or choose a woven version with a less fluffy structure.

Hemp

Hemp is one of the most sustainable natural fibres: the plant grows without pesticides, enriches the soil, uses less water than cotton and has a high yield per hectare. Hemp fabric is strong, absorbs moisture and gets softer with every wash. Hemp is often blended with organic cotton for a comfortable feel. Ideal for bags, napkins, table linen and distinctive corporate clothing with a sustainable story.

Cork

Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak. The tree is not felled, only stripped every 9 years. Portuguese cork oak forests store more than 14 million tonnes of CO2 a year. Cork is light, water-repellent, fire-retardant and biodegradable. We use cork for notebooks, phone cases, laptop sleeves, mouse mats and wallets. Ideal as a premium sustainable corporate gift with a tactile character.

Bamboo

Bamboo grows up to a metre a day and needs no pesticides. For pens, power banks, charging cables and kitchen utensils, bamboo is a strong sustainable choice. Be careful with bamboo textiles: most ‘bamboo’ T-shirts are actually viscose (regenerated cellulose), where the bamboo is turned into fibre through chemical processes. In that case, explicitly choose Lenzing lyocell or Monocel bamboo with an FSC label for a demonstrably circular process.

Recycled leather, canvas and cotton

For bags, backpacks and wallets we also use recycled leather (from production waste) and recycled canvas (from fishing nets or tent fabric). Recycled cotton comes from textile waste and saves water and land, but often has shorter fibres, so it is blended with RPET or new cotton for strength. On our sustainable bags and backpacks subpage you will find concrete examples.

Bio-based bioplastic (PLA)

PLA (polylactic acid) is a bioplastic made from corn starch or sugar cane. For pens, cups and packaging it is an alternative to fossil-based plastic. An important nuance: PLA is only industrially compostable, not at home, and it does not biodegrade in nature. Use it consciously and communicate honestly. For pens we often combine PLA with recycled paper for a consistent story.

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Frequently asked questions about sustainable materials

Is RPET as strong as virgin plastic?

Yes. For bags, jackets and water bottles, RPET performs on a par with virgin PET. Colour fastness can vary slightly, though, because the raw material comes from different sources. We match to Pantone on request.

Is organic cotton automatically sustainable?

Not automatically. Without certification such as GOTS you have no guarantee regarding pesticides, social conditions or processing along the chain. Always ask for the transaction certificate.

Which is better: organic cotton or RPET?

That depends on the product and the goal. For items worn against the skin (T-shirts), organic cotton is more pleasant and biodegradable. For bags, jackets and bottles, RPET is stronger and delivers a higher CO2 saving per unit.

Are bamboo T-shirts really sustainable?

Only if they are made using the lyocell or Monocel process and the lyocell is FSC-certified. Standard bamboo viscose uses chemical processes that can be harmful.

Tailored advice for your project

We give no-obligation advice on which material best suits your budget, target audience and sustainability goals. For companies that report under the CSRD, we supply the relevant certificates for Scope 3 documentation on request. Get in touch for free material advice.