Sustainability & our printing process
It is important to have transparency, authentication, and certificates amongst this massive industry of apparel, where greenwashing and fast fashion is the new norm. At Pattern Interrupt, we only use the most sustainable materials and processes possible.
Our process is 100% non-toxic, utilizing water-based and plant-based ingredients for the screen printing process, and 100% organic cotton or recycled materials.
Ink
All of our garments are screen printed in our Aspen, Colorado studio using eco-friendly processes that reflects our deep commitment to the planet.
Unlike most printers who still use toxic plastisol or misleading “eco” inks, which often contain harmful chemicals and known human carcinogens like formaldehyde while releasing toxic gasses such as sulfur dioxide, we ensure to use only non-toxic, 100% solvent-free water-based inks. This rare level of dedication requires mastering a more complex process and sourcing costlier raw materials—but the result is a cleaner planet and safer clothing for you.
Our inks are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, PVC, phthalates, and ozone-depleting substances. They’re not only environmentally friendly, but they also produce ultra-soft, long-lasting prints as kind to your skin as they are to the environment.
Fabric & dyes
We are screen printing on either re-used and up-cycled cotton textiles, or new organic cotton pieces. Our new fabrics undergo one of the most comprehensive organic certification processes in the textile industry. All of our 100% organic cotton is GOTS certified. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, backed by independent certification of the entire supply chain. This standard ensures the organic integrity of textiles from the harvesting of raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible processing, including the dyes and chemical inputs used.
Many garments in the fashion industry are produced using dyes and finishing chemicals that may pose risks to human health and the environment, particularly when regulatory standards are limited. In contrast, we work exclusively with certified organic cotton fabrics that meet strict GOTS and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 requirements. These certifications ensure that no harmful or restricted substances are present in our garments, helping protect both the people who wear them and the ecosystems involved in their production.
Farming
To ensure the safety of our garments, we rely on OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, which verifies that every component of the finished product has been tested by independent institutes and confirmed to be free from harmful substances, including regulated chemicals such as formaldehyde, certain azo dyes, and heavy metals. This standard is continuously updated to reflect the latest scientific research and international safety regulations.
In addition, our cotton is sourced from GOTS-certified organic farms, which uphold strict environmental and social responsibility criteria throughout the cultivation and processing stages. GOTS certification supports sustainable farming practices by prohibiting toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, protecting soil health, conserving water, and enforcing minimum social standards within the supply chain.
At the foundation of our garments are cotton farms committed to responsible agriculture and long-term environmental stewardship. These farms are independently certified and audited to ensure organic integrity, traceability, and compliance with globally recognized standards. By working exclusively with certified partners, we maintain accountability and care at every stage—from seed to finished garment—ensuring products that respect both people and the planet.
Fair work
We believe that the quality of a garment is directly tied to the integrity of the people who make it, which is why fair, safe, and equitable working conditions are a non-negotiable across our entire supply chain. All of the manufacturers and their factories we partner with are WRAP certified—the world’s largest independent social compliance program for the apparel industry—ensuring adherence to rigorous standards around fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical labor practices. These standards align with core principles from the International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations (UNGPs), and OECD. We also work with Fairtrade-certified facilities, verified by FLOCERT, to ensure that every stage of production is built on socially responsible practices that uplift workers and promote long-term sustainability. From fair compensation to freedom of association, our partners meet the highest global benchmarks—proving that ethical production and premium quality go hand in hand.
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With clear intention, we prioritize transparency and the vitality of both the Earth and the souls who wear our garments.