"Eco-friendly" is used loosely in the merch industry, but the underlying certifications mean very different things.
Recycled materials
rPET fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles, reduces virgin plastic use but is not biodegradable. It is a strong choice for bags, bottles, and outerwear linings.
Organic & GOTS-certified cotton
Grown without synthetic pesticides and certified through the supply chain — a good fit for apparel where skin contact and farming practices matter most to your audience.
Biodegradable packaging
Often the easiest, lowest-cost upgrade: swapping plastic polybags for compostable mailers cuts packaging waste without changing the product itself.