Materials & Ethics: How Sea Shepherd Apparel and Merchandise Are Made

The Sea Shepherd store exists to support direct action in defense of marine life.That mission doesn’t stop at the message on our merchandise — it extends to how products are made, how they’re packaged, and the systems behind them.This page explains the materials, standards, and decisions that shape the Sea Shepherd store today.

Our Apparel Standard: Stanley/Stella

All new print-on-demand apparel in the Sea Shepherd store — including t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants — is produced using Stanley/Stella garments.We chose Stanley/Stella because they are widely regarded as an industry leader in ethical manufacturing, responsible materials, and supply-chain transparency.Ethical Labor & Supply Chain StandardsStanley/Stella operates under internationally recognized social and labor standards. Their approach includes:

  • No forced or child labor
  • Safe and regulated working conditions
  • Fair wages and long-term employment
  • Ongoing factory auditing through established third-party frameworks

Stanley/Stella is a long-standing member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve labor conditions in garment factories through independent monitoring and corrective action programs.

Responsible Materials

Stanley/Stella apparel is built around lower-impact materials, including:

  • GOTS-certified organic cotton, grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
  • Limited and intentional use of recycled fibers where appropriate
  • Fabrics tested to meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning they are screened for harmful substances

Organic cotton significantly reduces water use compared to conventional cotton and avoids chemicals that damage ecosystems and farming communities.Stanley/Stella garments are also PETA-Approved Vegan, meaning no animal-derived materials are used in their apparel.

Environmental Impact & Longevity

Rather than prioritizing speed or disposability, Stanley/Stella focuses on:

  • Lower-impact raw material sourcing
  • Waste reduction during cutting and production
  • Durable construction designed for long-term wear

A garment that lasts longer reduces overall environmental impact by slowing the cycle of replacement and disposal.

What This Means for Fit, Feel, and Weight

Ethically made garments behave differently than fast-fashion clothing.You may notice:

  • More substantial or structured fabric weights
  • Consistent, modern fits across styles
  • Materials that soften with wear instead of breaking down quickly

Each product page includes sizing information and fit guidance to help you choose confidently. If you’re between sizes, we recommend reviewing those notes before ordering.

Made-to-Order Production

Sea Shepherd apparel is produced on demand — items are printed or finished only after an order is placed.This model:

  • Reduces overproduction
  • Avoids unsold inventory
  • Keeps excess goods out of landfill

Made-to-order production can take longer than warehouse fulfillment, but it reflects a more responsible approach to consumption.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Packaging matters, too. All Sea Shepherd store orders are shipped using eco-conscious materials:

  • Mailers are made from 100% recycled plastic
  • All other packaging — including postal tubes, mug boxes, and protective packaging — is made from cardboard, which is widely considered an eco-friendly and recyclable material

We avoid unnecessary plastic wherever possible while still ensuring items arrive safely.

About Other Items in the Store

Not every product in the Sea Shepherd store is apparel. For non-apparel items, materials and manufacturing methods vary by product and supplier. Where possible, we prioritize:

  • Durable construction
  • Responsible sourcing
  • Packaging choices that reduce waste

We continuously review suppliers and materials as better options become available. Transparency and progress matter more to us than perfection.

Why Our Merchandise Costs More Than Fast Fashion

Ethical labor, responsible materials, made-to-order production, and eco-friendly packaging all cost more than mass-market alternatives.Our merchandise is not designed to be the cheapest option.It’s designed to:

  • Support direct action campaigns
  • Reduce environmental harm
  • Reflect the values behind the mission

The Bottom Line

When you buy from the Sea Shepherd store:

  • You’re supporting ocean defense efforts
  • You’re choosing ethically produced apparel
  • You’re opting out of fast-fashion economics

If you ever have questions about materials, packaging, fit, or production, our support team is always happy to help. Thank you for standing with the mission — on land and at sea.