The report reviews different methods for the production of materials e.g. organic farming as compared to conventional, or virgin polyester as compared to mechanically recycled polyester. The scope of the report covers raw material production starting with the cultivation or extraction of a raw material (Tier 4) through to raw material processing and fiber creation (Tier 3). The interdependence of all processes in the overall GHG profile of a fiber was remarkable. For example, whether manure is a by-product of a farm or purchased for cotton has an effect throughout the supply chain on GHG emissions.

The report includes a short section on potential new materials and systems targeted to lower GHG emissions of raw materials. These materials will be reviewed as they commercialize and their GHG profile is clarified. High level findings and recommendations on cotton and polyester are outlined in the next paragraphs. To get the most out of this report we recommend getting into the details that provide the most useful insights for decision making.