Sustainable & Ethical Merch
Artists and fans want great merchandise without the hidden climate and social footprint. Using these specs, vendors, and templates, artists can switch to better materials and methods.
Weigh your priorities
Ask about materials, print methods, and shipping
Email your merch partner
Apparel (Tees, Crews, Hoodies)
FOR MATERIALS → USE:
- 100% GOTS organic cotton (or organic cotton + Tencel™ for softer feel)
- Recycled cotton (Everybody.World “Trash Tee”, Everywhere 100% recycled cotton)
- Organic cotton + GRS-certified rPET blend (when durability/stretch is needed)
BUDGET OPTION: Blends with <50% conventional cotton + recycled content (rPET or recycled cotton)
AVOID: 100% conventional cotton; virgin polyester where a recycled option exists.
BLANK VENDORS: Allmade • Royal Apparel • recover • econscious • Everybody.World
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FOR INKS & DYES → USE:
- Water-based inks (or PVC-free plastisol if water-based isn’t available).
- Ask about low-impact dyes for garment-dyed pieces.
PRINT VENDORS: Ambient Inks • Mountain Mindful • Rock Recycled
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What to ask your vendor:
- Can you quote GOTS organic cotton blanks (or 100% recycled cotton) in my sizes/colors?
- Confirm GRS for any recycled content and OEKO-TEX for finished garments/inks.
- Print using water-based inks; if not possible, use PVC-/phthalate-free inks.
- No individual polybags; bulk pack or paper bands.
Hats
USE: 100% Wool; Recycled Organic Cotton; rHDPE Blends; 100% Organic Cotton
BUDGET OPTION: Less than 50% conventional cotton blended with RPET; Organic or Recycled Blends
AVOID: Conventional Cotton; Polyester
BLANK HAT VENDORS: econscious • Ebbets • Topiku
PRINT VENDORS: Ambient Inks
Posters
BEST: 100% post consumer waste paper (FSC certified)
BETTER: Use 2nd: 100% recycled paper
GOOD: Any % of post consumer use/recycled paper
BUDGET OPTION: FSC certified paper is always best but tends to be more expensive. In this case look for 100% post consumer waste paper
AVOID: non-recycled/conventional paper
INK: Low impact, biodegradable inks (Soy, Linseed, Castor, etc.)
PRINT VENDORS: Ambient Inks
IMPACT: Every 2000 posters produced with 100% post-consumer waste paper saves: 41 pounds of solid waste, 12 trees, 4.99 Million BTUs of Energy, 960 Gallons of Water (Source: Ambient Inks)
Vinyl, CDs, Cassettes
VINYL
MATERIAL: 135 to 140 gram recycled vinyl — using production scraps and non-conforming products
BUDGET OPTION: 180-gram heavyweight records
do not carry better quality audio
compared to 120–140 gram albums. This new phase of vinyl can be considered a step backwards since it’s putting more carbon into the world (with only a cosmetic return).
PACKAGING: Does your vinyl provider require shrink wrap? Can you replace it with cardboard? Will they use bio-polyethylene? See what sustainable options are available and push for more.
SUSTAINABLE VINYL PRODUCTION:
Key Production • Optimal Media • HD Vinyl • Green Vinyl Records • Viryl • Deepgrooves
CDs & CASSETTS
PACKAGING: Switching from plastic cases to paper can cut the carbon footprint of CDs and cassettes by 95%.
What to ask your plant:
- Quote recycled PVC / eco-mix at 140 g and bio-vinyl option if available.
- No shrinkwrap — paper band or seal sticker instead.
- Jackets/inserts on FSC 100% recycled with plant-based inks.
Shipping
- Plan ahead, ship fewer: bulk ground/rail to regional hubs; avoid air.
- Localize: print/press in-region for regional legs.
- Right-size inventory: use sales data; avoid hauling low-sellers.
- Materials: 100% recycled mailers/boxes, kraft paper fill, no polybags (or paper bands).
- Pallet wrap: recycled/ recyclable film; collect and recycle film where possible.
CONSIDER: Offer add on costs for fans to offset shipping
NEW IDEAS: Don Giovanni Records makes a point to offer discounts for semi-damaged goods rather than shipping and reshipping the damaged items (this cuts out unnecessary carbon emissions and keeps customers happy)
SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS: EcoEnclose • Better Packaging Co. • Ranpak
Ready-to-Send Email to Your Merch Partner
Subject: Merch order – sustainable specs & quote request
Hi [Name],
We’re placing a new order and want to use preferred sustainable specs:
Apparel
• Blanks: quote GOTS organic cotton (or 100% recycled cotton) in [styles/colors/qty].
• Certs: please confirm GOTS/OEKO-TEX (and GRS for any recycled content).
• Printing: water-based inks (or PVC-/phthalate-free alternative).
• Packaging: no individual polybags; bulk pack or paper bands.
Vinyl (if applicable)
• Disc: quote recycled PVC / eco-mix at 140 g, and a bio-vinyl option.
• Packaging: FSC 100% recycled jackets/inserts, plant-based inks, no shrinkwrap (paper obi/seal).
Shipping
• Bulk ground to [hub/venue] by [date].
• 100% recycled cartons/mailers; avoid air unless critical.
Please send pricing, lead times, and any alternatives that meet or exceed these specs.
Thanks!
