Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

By partnering with ethical manufacturers and promoting bio-based innovations, Sustained Collective supports decent work practices and contributes to sustainable economic growth within the fashion sector.

Traditional fast fashion generates significant waste, with an estimated truckload of discarded textiles sent to landfills every second globally. Our shirts directly promote sustainable production and reduce waste by enabling circular use of resources.

The fashion industry contributes up to 10% of global carbon emissions. By offering reusable shirts and sustainable inks, we’re reducing the carbon footprint associated with disposable event apparel and traditional dyeing processes.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 13: Climate Action

Carbon Footprint Savings

Durability and Longevity

Our organic cotton T-shirts last for 15-20 years, reducing the need for frequent production cycles and promoting sustainability.

Waste Reduction

In 2023, 238 million kg of textile waste was discarded in the Netherlands, with 53% still wearable. Globally, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually. By reusing our T-shirts, we help reduce landfill waste and environmental harm.

Energy Usage

Reusable T-shirts need significantly less energy over time, cutting down on energy-intensive production processes with each use.

a factory with smoke billowing out of it's stacks

Water Footprint

Although initial water use is similar, our T-shirts' longevity greatly reduces their water impact over time. The water consumption per wash is minimal compared to the water-intensive process of manufacturing new single-use shirts.

Cost per Use

A single-use T-shirt has a 100% cost per use, while our reusable shirts reduce the cost per use to just 2%.

Upcycling

At the end of their life, our T-shirts are repurposed through upcycling, supporting the circular economy and minimizing waste.

Single-Use T-Shirts

vs.

Sustained Collective T-Shirts

Carbon Footprint Breakdown

Single-Use T-Shirt Lifecycle

Sustained Collective T-Shirt Lifecycle

Production (55%): While still a major impact, the production phase for reusable T-shirts is slightly lower, thanks to sustainable materials like organic cotton and bio-based ink.
Transport & Distribution (10%): With fewer shipments due to their reusability and local event sourcing, emissions are significantly reduced.
Usage (20%): While reusable T-shirts may require occasional washing, they significantly reduce overall water and energy consumption by extending the T-shirt’s lifespan. Their durability ensures fewer replacements, and each wash uses less water and energy compared to the constant need for washing multiple single-use shirts.
Upcycling (12%): The circular approach reduces waste and emissions by reusing materials at the end of the T-shirt’s life, contributing to a lower overall footprint.
Disposal (3%): Minimal emissions from disposal as the T-shirt is upcycled, recycled, or reused in a closed-loop system.