At Mochipan, every fabric choice we make is intentional. We strive to create beautiful, high-quality garments while also considering ethical sourcing, sustainability, and longevity. One question we often receive is: why do we use recycled polyester instead of cotton? The answer is complex, but it comes down to two main factors: the ethical issues surrounding conventional cotton and the environmental concerns of virgin polyester.

Cotton is often seen as the “natural” and “sustainable” choice, but unfortunately, the reality isn’t so simple. The cotton industry has long been associated with severe ethical and environmental issues, making it difficult for us to confidently source it without compromising our values.  

One of the most troubling aspects of cotton production is the widespread use of forced labor, particularly in China’s Xinjiang region. Reports from human rights organizations have detailed how Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities have been subjected to forced labor in cotton fields and textile factories. Since China is the world’s largest cotton producer, and much of the global supply chain is tangled with Xinjiang cotton, it’s incredibly difficult to guarantee that any conventional cotton is truly ethically sourced.

While some suppliers claim to provide “conflict-free” cotton, tracing its origins with absolute certainty remains a challenge. For us, if we can’t be 100% sure a fiber is ethical, we won’t use it.

Even when ethically sourced, conventional cotton has a massive environmental footprint. It is one of the thirstiest crops in the world, requiring thousands of liters of water to produce just one garment. In regions already suffering from water scarcity, cotton farming can exacerbate drought conditions and deplete vital water sources.  

Additionally, conventional cotton farming relies heavily on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which contribute to soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. While organic cotton is a better alternative, it still requires significant water and land use, making it a less-than-perfect solution.  

We recognize that virgin polyester is far from sustainable—it’s derived from fossil fuels, sheds microplastics, and contributes to pollution. However, recycled polyester (rPET) offers a better alternative by repurposing existing plastic waste, such as discarded water bottles and old textiles, into new fabrics.  

- Reduces Plastic Waste: By turning plastic waste into fabric, we help divert materials from landfills and oceans, giving them a second life instead of contributing to pollution.  

- Lower Carbon Footprint: Producing recycled polyester requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin polyester and conventional cotton.  

- Water Conservation: Unlike cotton, recycled polyester does not require massive amounts of water for cultivation and processing.  

- Durability & Longevity: Polyester fabrics tend to be more durable and long-lasting than cotton, meaning garments made from rPET have a longer wear life and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

At Mochipan, we aren’t anti-cotton—we simply refuse to use it until we can ensure that it is both ethically sourced and truly sustainable. We continue to research better options, such as certified organic cotton from trustworthy suppliers, and we are always looking for new innovations in sustainable textiles.  

Our goal is to create clothing that aligns with our values of fairness, transparency, and environmental responsibility. While recycled polyester isn’t perfect, it is currently the best available option to balance ethics, sustainability, and garment longevity. As the fashion industry evolves, we will continue adapting and improving our material choices to ensure that our products reflect the world we want to create.  

Thank you for supporting Mochipan and for being part of a community that values thoughtful fashion choices.