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 materials.

Ink

Screen printing has been around for over a thousand years, and with more than 25 years of hands-on experience, our screen printing team continues to honor this timeless craft with modern sustainability in mind. All of our garments are screen printed in our Philadelphia studio using energy-efficient equipment, water filtration and reuse systems, and a zero-waste approach 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, our production partner is the only screen printing company in North America exclusively using organic, 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 GOTS-certified organic inks are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and ozone-depleting substances. They’re not only the most environmentally friendly inks in the world, but they also produce ultra-soft, long-lasting prints with top durability ratings. Every ingredient is plant-based and GMO-free, and even the ink production process returns nutrients back to the earth—making our prints as kind to your skin as they are to the environment. Our inks pass the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Class 1.

Fabric & dyes

Our fabrics have all undergone the most comprehensive organic certification process in the industry. All of our 100% organic cotton is GOTS certified. GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. The aim of the standard is to recognize the requirements to ensure organic status of the textures; from the harvesting of raw materials, to the inks being used.

Most garments today are dyed using synthetic chemicals like azo dyes, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that can be toxic to both humans and the environment. These dyes are often water-soluble, making it easy for them to absorb into the skin, potentially causing irritation or long-term health concerns. Despite global awareness, these toxic dyes are still widely used in fast fashion production, especially in areas with limited environmental regulations. This not only compromises human health but also contaminates water sources and ecosystems. That’s why we only work with non-toxic certified cotton and ensure that no hazardous chemicals or dyes are present in any of our garments.

Farming

To guarantee the safety of our products, we rely on OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, which ensures every component of our clothing is tested and verified to be free of harmful substances such as formaldehyde, azo dyes, cadmium, and nickel. This certification is managed by independent testing institutes and updated annually based on the latest scientific research and regulations. In addition, our organic certification ensures a truly sustainable process—from healthy farming practices and ethical labor conditions to eco-friendly dyeing. Together, these standards reflect our commitment to producing high-quality garments that protect both people and the planet.

At the heart of our supply chain are eco-conscious cotton farms that prioritize sustainability, fairness, and full transparency. Each cotton farm we work with is globally certified by independent third-party verifiers, ensuring that safe, responsible, and organic practices are upheld from the ground up. These farms follow strict environmental and quality standards, including ISO 9001-2015, which promotes customer focus, ethical leadership, and continuous improvement throughout all levels of operation. They also implement internationally recognized environmental management systems to measure and minimize their impact on the planet. By holding ourselves accountable to the highest certifications and values, we ensure integrity of our garments from seed to stitch.

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 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.

With clear intention, we prioritize transparency and the vitality of both the Earth and the souls who wear our garments.