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Material Deep Dive

Linen

Linen scores 82, driven by very low cradle-to-gate fibre carbon (mass-allocation LCA), strong weighted water performance, and excellent biodegradability.

Plant

Virgin

End of Life

2 months

100/100
Chemical Use

Moderate

60/100
Pollution

Moderate

60/100
Water Usage

3,783 L/kg

88/100
Carbon Footprint

0.41 kg CO₂/kg

98/100
Considerations

Processing (retting) can cause localised pollution if not well managed

Conventional flax still uses some fertilisers and herbicides

Limited certified supply compared to cotton

Look for European Flax or GOTS certification for best practices

Strengths

Very low carbon footprint—one of the most climate-friendly natural fibres

Strong and durable, often lasting for decades with proper care

Biodegrades completely with no microplastic concerns

Often grown with less water than cotton

Flax can improve soil health when used in crop rotations

Carbon Footprint Analysis

98/100

Linen produces approximately 0.41 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

0.41 kg CO₂/kg

FSI Carbon Score

98/100

Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report

Sustainability Breakdown

Microplastic risk

None

Care level

Moderate

Available certifications

GOTS, EU Ecolabel, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, European Flax, Masters of Linen, Organic Content Standard, Cradle to Cradle

Key properties

breathable, highly moisture-wicking, strong, durable, cool touch, natural luster, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, antimicrobial tendency, good UV resistance

Common uses

shirts, blouses, dresses, trousers, summer suiting, knitwear, bedding, table linens, towels, home textiles, upholstery blends

Also known as

flax, flax linen, linen flax, lin

Linen quick guide

Last updated: December 2025

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