Very Poor
Material Deep Dive
Cashmere
Cashmere scores 22/100 because its carbon and weighted water impacts fall into the worst scoring bands, while pollution and chemical intensity are assessed as High.
Animal
Virgin
End of Life
6 months
100/100
Chemical Use
High
30/100
Pollution
High
35/100
Water Usage
34,160 L/kg
0/100
Carbon Footprint
16.07 kg CO₂/kg
0/100
Carbon Footprint Analysis
0/100
Cashmere produces approximately 16.07 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.
The Data
Carbon Footprint
16.07 kg CO₂/kg
FSI Carbon Score
0/100
Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report
Sustainability Breakdown
Microplastic risk
None
Care level
Delicate
Available certifications
The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) Cashmere Standard, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, ZDHC-compliant processing, GOTS (organic cashmere only)
Key properties
very warm, very soft, lightweight, insulating, breathable, moisture-wicking, biodegradable, luxurious, low microplastic risk
Common uses
sweaters, knitwear, cardigans, pullovers, scarves, shawls, hats, gloves, socks, coats, jackets, suiting, blankets, throws, home textiles
Also known as
cashmere wool, Kashmir wool, pashmina, goat cashmere