Cotton and Textiles emission factors
Textile production is a carbon-intensive process, with significant variation between fibre types. Conventional cotton production ranges from 5 to 10 kg CO₂e per kilogram of fibre due to farming inputs, irrigation, and processing. Polyester, derived from petroleum, typically ranges from 5 to 7 kg CO₂e per kilogram. Organic cotton and recycled polyester offer lower-carbon alternatives, though exact figures depend on production location and practices.
Why it matters for carbon reporting
The fashion and textile industry is responsible for approximately 4% of global emissions. For clothing brands, fabric sourcing dominates the product carbon footprint. Understanding the emission factors for different fibres helps brands make informed sourcing decisions and substantiate sustainability claims to increasingly scrutinous consumers and regulators.
Practical example
A workwear company sources 50 tonnes of cotton annually. Switching from conventional cotton (8 kg CO₂e/kg) to organic cotton (4.5 kg CO₂e/kg) reduces fibre emissions from 400 to 225 tCO₂e, a 44% reduction. The change is highlighted in the company's sustainability report.
How to reduce cotton and textiles emissions
- 1Specify organic or regeneratively grown cotton for lower-carbon fibre
- 2Increase recycled polyester content in synthetic garments
- 3Design for longevity and repairability to reduce per-wear emissions
- 4Request supplier-specific fibre carbon data for accurate Scope 3 reporting
Sample emission factors
View allClothing and household textiles
EcoTLC
Clothing and household textiles
EcoTLC
Clothing and clothing accessories stores
GTAP-MRIO model with satellite GHG accounts
Clothing and clothing accessories stores
GTAP-MRIO model with satellite GHG accounts
Clothing and clothing accessories stores
GTAP-MRIO model with satellite GHG accounts
Clothing and clothing accessories stores
GTAP-MRIO model with satellite GHG accounts
Clothing and clothing accessories stores
GTAP-MRIO model with satellite GHG accounts
Clothing and clothing accessories stores
GTAP-MRIO model with satellite GHG accounts
Showing 8 of 843 matching factors. Search all factors in the Data Explorer
Calculate your cotton and textiles emissions
EcoHedge automatically applies the correct emission factors to your financial data. Connect your accounting software and get your carbon report in hours.