Cotton vs. recycled blends: a cost and quality comparison for SS27
As sustainability mandates increase, more brands are asking us to spec recycled polyester and organic cotton blends. Here is a frank breakdown of where the cost and quality tradeoffs actually sit for SS27 production.
Recycled polyester (rPET) derived from post-consumer bottles has become the most commercially accessible sustainable fibre in Bangladesh's supply chain. Mill-gate pricing is now within 8–12% of virgin poly, down from a 25%+ premium three years ago. For performance-oriented knitwear — activewear, outerwear linings, interlock fleece — rPET is often the right call.
Organic cotton tells a different story. The premium over conventional cotton sits at 18–30% depending on certification (GOTS vs. OCS) and yarn count. The quality uplift is real — better handle, cleaner dye uptake, less fibre breakage — but for basic T-shirt programmes where brand marketing doesn't lean into sustainability, the math rarely closes.
The winning formula we're seeing for SS27: hybrid specs. A 70/30 conventional cotton / rPET blend for core basics hits a sweet spot of cost, performance and a credible sustainability story. For hero pieces, full organic or full rPET with a verified chain of custody.
Mart Tex can arrange fabric lab dips and salesman samples in 12–15 days from most partner mills. Reach out with your fibre brief and target FOB and we'll map the right options.