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 get is: why do we use recycled polyester instead of cotton? (For what it's worth, we do also use cotton! Just not as often). 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.

We understand that every person is different. Some people prefer cotton due to allergies, and some prefer it due to environmental reasons. That is why we still offer some cotton (and other natural fiber) choices. However, we want you to be fully educated on the reasons we do things the way we do them. 

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. 

Even when ethically sourced, conventional cotton has a massive environmental footprint. It is one of the thirstiest crops in the world, requiring thousands of gallons 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 totally 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 choose to not use cotton as our main fabric until we can ensure that it is as ethically and sustainably sourced as possible. 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.