You Asked: What’s Cotton’s True Carbon Footprint?
Climate impact is top of mind for many of us—so today we’re breaking down the greenhouse gas emissions tied to cotton, from farm operations to finished garments. Read on for clear data, expert insights, and practical ways you can shrink your wardrobe’s carbon footprint.
🌎 Cotton & CO₂ Emissions
- 5.8 kg CO₂e/kg cotton – average emissions to grow and process one kilogram of raw cotton.
- 33 kg CO₂e per T-shirt – when you include spinning, weaving, dyeing, and transport.
- 80 kg CO₂e per Pair of Jeans – heavier fabrics and more processing steps drive this number up.
🚩 Key Stat
Jeans = 80 kg CO₂e – equivalent to driving a petrol car ~350 km.
🔥 Hotspots in the Supply Chain
- Fertilizer Production: Nitrogen fertilizers can account for 20% of cotton’s total emissions.
- Energy-Intensive Processing: Dyeing & finishing steps often rely on fossil-fuel heat.
- Global Transport: Shipping garments from farm to closet adds another 10–15%.
• Pro Tips to Slash Your Carbon
- Choose brands using renewable energy in their mills.
- Lean into local or small-batch producers to reduce transport emissions.
- Extend garment life: wash less, repair when needed, and buy quality over quantity.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can recycled cotton really cut CO₂ emissions?
A: Yes—using recycled cotton can reduce total carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to new fiber, since it avoids farming and primary processing steps.
👉 Learn More & Take Action
Discover how Design Delight Studio is integrating carbon-smart practices into every stage of our cotton supply chain:
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