Exploring Organic Cotton

As we come to the end of the Soil Association’s Organic September, our Communications Lead, Alex, explores the benefits of using organic cotton…

Did you know there are over 100 million cotton farmers producing in cotton in 80 countries worldwide, with cotton production covering 2.5% of the world’s arable land. The production of cotton itself is responsible for 16% of all pesticides used in the world, according to A New Textiles Economy Report resulting in toxic water pollution, contaminating drinking water sources and threatening precious ecosystems. In developing countries, the production of cotton is thought to account for 50% of total pesticide use.

Soil & Harvests

Organic cotton seeds are not treated with genetically modified pesticides and chemicals unlike standard cotton seeds. This means that right from the beginning, the seeds can grow naturally which helps to enrich soil quality and does not lead to toxic waterways or wildlife.

Climate Change

Organic farming releases less carbon dioxide into the environment than standard cotton production and therefore reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Farmers & their families

Improved quality soil brings a better harvest and therefore a bigger income. With the harvest of organic cotton farmers can plant other crop varieties to improve soil structure and restrict the build-up of pests and weeds.

Kinder on your skin

Organic cotton tends to be higher quality and soft to touch thanks to the use of no harsh chemicals.

Factory Conditions

GOTS certified organic cotton has a social criteria which factories and manufactures must meet. This includes employing people on their own free will, have ‘zero tolerance’ towards child labour and pay living wages

GOTS Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is cotton that’s produced and certified to organic agricultural standards. *GOTS is recognised as the world’s leading processing standard

for textiles made from organic fibres. Only textile products that hat contain a minimum of 70% organic fibres can become GOTS certified. It ensures that textiles are truly organic at every stage of production - from farming, through to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling of the final product.