Cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibres in the textile industry. Countless items of clothing are made from it, but as is so often the case, not all cotton is the same: Not all cotton is the same. There are sometimes considerable differences between conventional cotton and organic cotton. This blog article will tell you what these are and why organic cotton is the more sustainable choice.
What is the difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton?
When the word ‘wool’ is mentioned, some people are inclined to think of sheep or other animals. But unlike lpaca wool and others, cotton is of plant origin and comes from a shrub. Despite the relatively high water consumption, the cultivation of cotton plants is particularly widespread in India, China and the USA. Pesticides, chemical pesticides and genetically modified seed material are sometimes used to protect the crop from pest infestation and to make it more resistant.
If this is the case, there can no longer be any talk of organic cotton - because then artificial fertilisers and the like are prohibited. Only natural fertilisers may be used - or the soil is supplied with nutrients via varied crop rotations. Only around one per cent of the world's cotton cultivation meets organic requirements.
The advantages of organic cotton
Looking at the large proportion of conventional cotton compared to organic cotton and corresponding cotton fabrics suggests that the decision in favour of the latter is a conscious one. What are the reasons for choosing organic natural fibres as the basis for your own clothing
- Environmental aspects: By not using pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, the soil and water are less polluted. Although cotton production always uses a lot of water, this is at least somewhat lower with organic cotton - not least because the soil is less depleted and can store water better.
- Skin-friendliness: If the cotton plants come into contact with various chemical substances, this not only harms the environment, but also the people who wear the cotton fabrics. It is not uncommon for traces of the pesticides to still be detectable in the textile, which is then worn directly on the skin. With organic cotton, however, no concerns are necessary.
- Working conditions: In addition to the end consumers, the people involved in the cultivation also come into contact with the harmful substances and risk health consequences. Organic cotton not only eliminates this critical aspect, but the other conditions for growing organic cotton are also generally better - for example through sustainable cultivation, fair wages and better working conditions.
- Quality: Last but not least, clothing made from organic cotton often lasts longer because the quality is particularly impressive. By avoiding chemical treatments or careful harvesting by hand, the fibres are often more tear-resistant and hard-wearing than those from conventional cultivation.
There are therefore many good reasons why choosing organic cotton is the better choice. For you, the workers who grow it and our planet.
Problems around organic cotton
Once the decision in favour of organic cotton has been made, this is laudable - but there are still certain issues for consumers. The term ‘organic’ is hardly protected and is often misused for marketing purposes. The easiest way to recognise organic cotton is by means of established seals such as the GOTS seal for Global Organic Textile Standards, which distinguishes various cotton fabrics. This promises natural materials and high standards throughout the entire manufacturing process. The OCS seal (Organic Content Standards) stands for the traceability of the individual components. There are also other seals that make it easier to find your way around. -
Another challenge for organic cotton cultivation is that genetically unmodified seed is sometimes difficult to obtain. This slows down the expansion of the share of organic cotton considerably.
Organic cotton - what is it good for?
The soft and sustainable natural fibre can be processed into a wide range of great cotton fabrics for various products. This includes clothing such as jumpers, nderwear, T-Shirts, shorts and long trousers as well as bed linen and towels. Accessoires such as bags, hats and scarves also benefit from the pleasant organic cotton fibre. Organic cotton is an excellent choice if you want your own clothing and other textiles to meet high standards.
High-quality and sustainable clothing from the Faedah Collection
As organic cotton and cotton fabrics made from it are a natural and durable material, they are in excellent hands in our range. We rely exclusively on brands that share our high values. These include Indigo Luna and APU KUNTURfor example, which offer various garments made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. The brands focus on timeless designs and a high level of comfort. Shop fairly, sustainably and with the environment in mind.