It is a widely accepted fact that the fashion industry is a leading contributor to overall waste. The volume of clothing ending up in landfills on a daily basis is disheartening to say the least. According to a 2022 report by Public Interest Research Groups, manufacturers and retailers in the U.S. waste 13 million tonnes of clothing every year, and that number is going up. Add to this the fact that the EPA estimates 7% of landfill space is consumed by textile waste and the conclusion is unavoidable. The message is clear, the industry needs to do better.

Custom hats are a popular accessory, but they can also have a significant impact on the environment. CapBeast is no stranger to this reality. We take sustainability seriously and strive to minimize our environmental footprint through our materials and practices. That is why, since the founding of CapBeast, we have made it our mission to identify and implement strategies to reduce waste and our overall environmental footprint. 

One of the key ways we promote sustainability is by ensuring that any damaged or unsold hats from our production and fulfillment center do not end up in landfills. Since 2018, we have been sending textile waste, consisting of hats that cannot be repurposed or otherwise used, to a recycling plant where they can be processed. This not only keeps waste out of landfills but also conserves resources by reducing the need for new materials. To date, thousands of pounds of our hats have found a new life via textile recycling.

Another way we avoid the landfill is through our commitment to our community, specifically the less fortunate. Every winter, we donate custom hats to leading charitable organizations including Mobile Loaves and others across North America that help clothe and shelter the homeless. This not only provides warmth and comfort to those in need, but also helps to reduce waste.

“I want to sincerely thank you for the GENEROUS donation” - Kathy, Mobile Loaves

Finally, we have been testing the use of eco-friendly materials in our custom hats. As more alternatives are coming into the market, our team is sourcing materials that are organic, recycled, or biodegradable. This initiative will not only reduce our environmental impact but also has the potential to make our hats stand out in a crowded marketplace. A great example of this is the Geo Sustainable Bucket Hat by Atlantis (images below). 

In conclusion, we believe that it's possible to make fashionable, custom hats while being environmentally friendly. By using sustainable materials and practices, we can minimize our environmental footprint while also giving back to our community. We hope that other companies will follow this example, and that customers will make conscious choices when they shop for custom hats. By choosing to buy a custom hat from CapBeast, you can feel good about knowing that you are not only making a fashion statement but also supporting sustainable practices. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future for the fashion industry and the planet.