Sustainable textiles for business: everything you need to know about eco t-shirts and clothing

The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world. But in corporate and promotional textiles, the shift towards sustainable alternatives is moving fast. Spanish companies are replacing virgin polyester t-shirts with organic cotton, recycled polyester and sustainable blends that deliver the same quality at a fraction of the environmental impact.

This guide covers what you need in order to make informed decisions about eco corporate textiles.

Sustainable textile materials

GOTS-certified organic cotton

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, uses 91 % less water than conventional cotton and maintains soil fertility. GOTS certification guarantees that the whole process — from the field to the finished product — meets strict environmental and social standards.

Feel and quality: organic cotton has a soft, natural handle, comparable to conventional cotton or better. T-shirts at 150-180 gsm strike a good balance between comfort and durability.

Recycled polyester (rPET)

Made from recovered PET plastic bottles. Each rPET t-shirt recycles roughly 8 bottles. The result is a light, breathable, quick-drying fabric, ideal for sportswear and technical garments.

GRS certification: verifies the recycled content and responsible production practices.

Sustainable blends

Some garments combine organic cotton with recycled polyester to get the best of both: the softness of cotton with the strength and quick drying of polyester. The typical ratio is 60 % organic cotton / 40 % rPET.

Tencel/Lyocell

Made from wood pulp out of sustainably managed forests. It has a silky handle and is biodegradable, and its production uses a closed loop in which 99 % of the solvent is recovered and reused.

Types of eco garment for businesses

Corporate t-shirts

The basic. Available in organic cotton (casual use, events, team building) and recycled polyester (sport, outdoor activities). They can be personalised by screen printing with water-based inks, embroidery or transfer.

Polo shirts

A step more formal. Organic cotton piqué polos are ideal for company uniforms and corporate events. Embroidery gives them a premium finish.

Sweatshirts

For autumn and winter, organic cotton hoodies and crew-necks are the perfect team gift. Garments employees will wear outside the office — which extends the reach of your brand.

Gilets and jackets

Recycled polyester gilets and softshells offer warmth, wind resistance and a professional look. Ideal for field teams, logistics and outdoor work.

Sustainable decoration techniques

• Screen printing with water-based inks: the greenest option for long runs. Water-based inks contain no chemical solvents and give vibrant colours.
• Embroidery: no inks, no chemicals. The thread becomes part of the fabric and lasts as long as the garment does. Ideal for logos on the chest, sleeve or back.
• Eco digital transfer: for complex, multi-colour designs, transfers with phthalate-free adhesives give a professional finish with a lower impact.

Inclusive sizing and ethical production

Sustainable textiles go beyond the materials. Make sure your supplier offers an inclusive size range (from XS to 3XL or beyond) and that production respects certified fair labour conditions.

See our textile range

In our catalogue you will find a wide selection of eco textiles ready to personalise, from basic t-shirts to premium technical garments.

Need to dress your team sustainably? Get in touch and we will advise you on the best option for your needs and your budget.