The
Microfiber Crew sold by Jockey Inc. is part of a line of largely polyester
shirts worn by active people looking for a sweat wicking fiber.
Manufacturing
location- The majority of Jockey’s shirts are manufactured in the United States,
Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. However, a large amount of their materials
come from China, who exports large amounts of polyamide and spandex fibers.
Sales-
The shirt sells for 28 dollars online. The company revenue is 443.2 million
yearly, and the polyamide shirts account for about 20% of the profits. This
shirt and those similar to it generate about 88.64 million yearly.
Recyclability
and Product Lifespan- The estimated lifespan of this shirt with the average
American user is around 3-7 years. After the shirt has passed this period, many
are donated and used second handed. While the exact number isn’t available,
many have the potential to last another 10 years in the hands of new owners.
Polyamide is a recyclable material, and Jockey claims to have contractors to
perform recycling services. However, many end up in a landfill with other forms
of solid waste.
Toxic
Materials- The polyamide shirt contains a surprising number of toxic chemicals.
The polyamide itself is known to irritate skin but little else. The dangerous
aspects are the Teflon coating to repel water and petrochemical dyes to give
the material its color. Teflon is a known cancer agent as well as dangerous to
groundwater sources after the shirt begins to decompose in a landfill. While
this may not be an issue, many polyamides from China are often treated with
formaldehyde to cheapen production and give the shirt a sleek feel. This is a
potential danger similar to the Teflon. It is dangerous to human skin, the
environment around a landfill, and workers handling the materials.
Petrochemical dyes are used to give the shirts color, and darker dyes are known
to contain toxic chemicals as well. Overall the shirt is not a healthy choice
for yourself or the environment, but could be made better through enforcement
of strict safety policies by Jockey to reduce levels of formaldehyde and Teflon.
Sentimental
Value- Although the shirt is stated in reviews to be of high quality, it is
unlikely to have much sentimental value to its marketed demographic (men 20-50
years of age). This said the shirt would last until it experiences wear or the
user replaces it with a more recent shirt.
