Hanes® EcoSmart®

Hanes® – EcoSmart® 50/50 Cotton/Poly T-Shirt

So 5%, when you get through to the small print, the Hanes® EcoSmart® is “made with up to 5% recycled polyester from plastic bottles”. I have seen higher percentages from other lines, such as Patagonia, where some items as as high as 100% recycled poly. However I would agree that comparing Patagonia and Hanes is not really fair. Different products, different business models.

Hanes is one of the largest producers of tee and hoodies for the Promotional products industry. It is nice that a producer of their size is offering recycled content clothing alternatives. I guess I just wish they could have gotten a bit higher than 5% content.

Best sellers in the Hanes® EcoSmart® line are likely the Hanes® EcoSmart® – Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt (7.8-ounce, 50/50 cotton/poly. Made with up to 5% recycled polyester from plastic bottles), and the Hanes® – EcoSmart® 50/50 Cotton/Poly T-Shirt (5.2-ounce, 50/50 cotton/poly. Made with up to 5% polyester from recycled plastic bottles).

I keep expecting more value based options (read inexpensive) in recycled tees and hoodies to arrive in the market. But so far it seems that the continuing trend is that recycled gets used mostly for higher end clothing options. If someone could produce a higher content, basic use, recycled tee, there certainly seems a market for them.

If you are interested in Hanes® EcoSmart® to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.