Fabric
Linen
Flax from Europe, woven in India and Bangladesh
Impact score
84/ 100
Better Choice
A blended indicator of water, carbon, chemical load, durability and recyclability.
Measured impact per kg of fibre
Water footprint2,600 L / kg
Carbon footprint2.9 kg CO₂e / kg
Process energy25 MJ / kg
Microfibre sheddingNo shedding
BiodegradableYes
Durability15 years typical wear
Recyclability72 / 100
Data confidence
highHigh confidence — multiple peer-reviewed or industry datasets agree
Sources: European Flax LCA 2021 · Higg MSI 2023
Figures are cradle-to-gate averages per kilogram of fibre or fabric, not measurements of your specific garment. A typical adult shirt weighs roughly 0.2 kg.
Qualitative ratings
Water useLow
Carbon footprintLow
Chemical loadLow
DurabilityVery high
RecyclabilityGood when unblended
What is it
Bast fibre from the flax plant, retted and spun into a cool crisp cloth.
Why it matters
Flax needs little irrigation or pesticide and every part of the plant is used.
Water Carbon Chemicals End of life
What you can do
Accept the creases; press damp and store folded rather than hung.