Packaging
Orders arrive like old-fashioned packages, free of plastic and PVC, typically without any poly mailers or bubble wrap. Inks and prints on packaging are minimal (mostly just necessary labels), and there’s no evidence of toxic inks or excess embellishment. Notably, in rare cases of inclement weather, Linoto will protect light-colored linens with wax paper or a biodegradable potato-starch bag instead of conventional plastic.
Material Sustainability
Linoto uses 100% natural linen fiber (flax) across its product range, with no synthetics in the textiles. Linoto’s flax linen is grown and processed in Europe, primarily Belgium and Italy, which are known for sustainable flax farming and high environmental standards. Notably, the Belgian “eco-linen” from Libeco is produced under strict ecological practices: flax is dew-retted in fields (broken down by rain and dew instead of chemical retting), grown with no irrigation and minimal pesticides, and the natural colors are undyed or oxygen-bleached (instead of chlorine). Linoto’s Organic Linen line uses certified organic flax (one of only a few fields globally producing organic flax) that is certified organic through planting, spinning, weaving, and finishing. The mills hold organic certifications for this fabric, indicating a high level of supply-chain sustainability. Even the conventional linen lines are relatively eco-friendly: flax cultivation generally requires less water and fewer chemicals than cotton, and Linoto confirms that their Italian partner mills use dyes free of toxins and heavy metals suited for natural fibers.
Energy Use and Footprint
As a small manufacturer, Linoto does not publicly report greenhouse gas emissions or specific energy usage. There is no disclosed carbon footprint or offset program. However, several aspects of Linoto’s model inherently reduce its energy and transportation impact. All sewing and finishing is done locally in New York, meaning the final manufacturing stage is not outsourced overseas. This localization shortens the supply chain for U.S. customers. On the other hand, there is no evidence that Linoto’s workshop runs on renewable energy; it likely uses grid electricity (New York’s grid has some renewables but also fossil fuel sources). The brand does not mention using solar power or purchasing renewable energy credits. Similarly, we found no mention of carbon offsets for shipping or operations.
Waste Management
Linoto demonstrates a strong, proactive approach to waste reduction, especially in textile production. The company’s Zero Waste Program aims to “minimize fabric waste to less than 2% across all product lines.” This initiative is evident in how products are cut and how scraps are utilized. Linoto actively upcycles linen remnants into new products: the 100% linen boxer shorts are sewn from large off-cut pieces, and the “Household Helper” Treeless Linen Towels (reusable cleaning cloths) are made from smaller scrap sections. Furthermore, Linoto has put out an open call for partnerships to find additional uses for linen scraps in other industries (such as insulation, composites, or kids’ clothing), showing a dedication to ensuring no fabric is wasted beyond their own needs.
Business Model
Linoto’s business model encourages slow, sustainable consumption rather than fast turnover. The brand focuses on a core, evergreen product range (classic linen sheets, bedding, table linens, and towels in a variety of colors) which are available continuously, not in fleeting seasonal collections. New product introductions are infrequent and generally functional (for instance, adding linen boxers or new colors) rather than chasing fashion trends. There is little emphasis on “trendy” or seasonal designs; in fact, linen itself is a timeless material, and Linoto’s selling point is long-term quality.
