Our Approach

Some companies that make eco clothing actually end up using just as many or more environmental resources during the manufacturing process than conventionally made clothing. For example, most clothing made out of bamboo is shipped from Asia (because lax environmental laws allow the use of harsh chemicals), a process that negates the benefits of making the “environmentally-friendly” product in the first place. That’s not what we’re about.

We said we’re honest and transparent about our practices, and we’ll prove it to you. We found a way to measure our entire environmental impact, from extraction of our raw materials to the process of shipping, dying, and finally, disposal.

Our Research Partners = Smart.

We knew the only way to really prove our environmental credibility was through a detailed Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) study of environmental impact. We researched graduate programs that offered LCA classes, and contacted one of the top five programs: Yale University’s School of Environmental Studies. Happily, two graduate students from the program, Jen Ace and Billy Morgan, volunteered to conduct an independent study on PLAYBACK in the place of a final exam.

The LCA: Nerdy, but Necessary.

Ace and Morgan completed a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) study based on data they collected from our offices and factories. The study compared the total environmental impact of a PLAYBACK sweatshirt to that of a conventional cotton/polyester sweatshirt, using measurements like impact on global warming, ozone depletion, and amount of hazardous waste produced.

In the study, PLAYBACK came out ahead of the conventionally-produced sweatshirt in 23 out of 25 environmental categories. That’s an A in sustainability. Even by Yale standards.

To learn more about the Life Cycle Analysis, hear about our unhealthy obsession with research, or to find out Jen’s likes (sun, trees) and dislikes (pollutants, non-recyclable plastics), you can check out Jen's blog at www.jenace.com/blog