Packaging
The brand reports that its threads, labels, hangtags, and packaging are made from recycled and biodegradable inputs, indicating an effort to minimize plastic and single-use waste. This suggests that poly bags, mailing materials, and trimmings have been redesigned with post-consumer recycled content or compostable alternatives
Material Sustainability
The brand publicly confirms the use of Certified Organic cotton, Regenerative cotton, Recycled cotton, and eco-friendly cellulosic fibers like Tencel and Refibra across its denim and apparel line. These fibers are derived from more sustainable sources (e.g. organic cotton grown without toxic pesticides or GMOs, and Tencel/Refibra made in closed-loop processes) and generally have a lower environmental footprint than conventional cotton or synthetics. The company also requires its material suppliers to hold certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or participate in programs such as the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).
Despite this predominant use of preferred fibers, Ética’s range may still include some conventional cotton or higher-impact material in certain styles. Independent sustainability analysts note that the brand uses a mix of lower-impact materials (like GOTS-certified or recycled cotton) and some higher-impact conventional cotton
Energy Use and Footprint
Ética Denim has implemented notable initiatives to reduce energy use and overall environmental footprint in manufacturing, particularly through innovative technology. Its proprietary InCloud® process for denim finishing dramatically cuts resource consumption, reducing water usage per jean from 300–600 liters to just 1–2 liters and lowering energy use by around 70% compared to industry norms. By replacing traditional high-temperature, chemically-intensive washes with nano-bubble, ozone, and laser technologies, Ética not only saves water but also curtails energy demand.
However, beyond process-level efficiencies, Ética provides little data on its total carbon footprint or use of renewable energy. There is no public evidence that the company powers its facilities with renewables (e.g. solar at its factory) or that it offsets remaining emissions.
Waste Management
Ética’s vertically integrated factory in Puebla, Mexico is equipped with an on-site water purification and recycling system, allowing all process wastewater to be treated and reused for local farmland irrigation. This closed-loop water system not only prevents pollution but also eliminates waste of a valuable resource. Furthermore, Ética has found an innovative outlet for a typical denim waste byproduct: the brand repurposes used eco-stones (from denim abrasion processes) by converting them into load-bearing bricks, which are then used to build schools and low-income housing in the community.
On the product end-of-life side, Ética’s approach is less developed. The brand does not yet offer take-back or recycling programs for old garments, nor does it advertise garment repair services or resale platforms.
Business Model
Ética Denim’s business model incorporates elements of slow fashion and ethical production, though it remains a traditional retail model at its core. The brand emphasizes quality, durability, and timeless style in its denim, which inherently promotes longer garment lifespans. Rather than fast-fashion turnover, Ética offers a core evergreen collection of styles and releases new designs in limited capsules or seasonal drops a few times a year.
