Textile Exchange Reports a Record for Organic Cotton Growth

Using conventional cotton is problematic as it uses pesticides. Organic cotton seeds are left untreated, whereas non-organic seeds are sprayed with insecticides and fungicides which are genetically modified. In the process of clothes manufacturing, non-organic cotton uses synthetic fibers. Organic cotton production produces around 46% less C02 emissions compared to normal cotton. As the most widely used raw material in the world, cotton is used for manufacturing apparel, denim, home textiles, as well as food and medical products. The cultivation of cotton requires vast amounts of water, chemicals, and pesticides. Although the cost of production of conventional cotton is significantly less, it sacrifices the well-being of the land and farmers, and so organic cotton is crucial for the good of the planet. Organic cotton production produces around 46% less C02 emissions compared to normal cotton. About Textile Exchange Textile Exchange is a global, nonprofit organization that creates leaders in the textile industry for preferred fibers and materials. Publishing crucial information and industry data, it helps to manage and promote textile standards and in turn, enables brands and retailer to measure and track the use of its fibers and materials. According to Textile Exchange’s CEO and Co-Founder LaRhea Pepper, the organization takes a “holistic” approach to materials and examines its entire lifecycle. The organization specifically looks for the “best in class”, that move materials along a path of continuous improvement and the potential they may have. Most of the World’s Organic Cotton Comes from India Indians are experts at organic cotton production. Unfortunately, the organic cotton that is grown in the United States doesn’t produce relatively long fibers. Only 0.7% of global cotton production is certified organic, 70% of organic cotton comes from India. In order to cut down on transportation emissions, fibers and fabrics are often produced in close proximity to India, allowing for the environmental footprint to be minimized. The year 2019-2020 saw a new record for the growth of organic cotton. Textile Exchange released its 2021 Organic Cotton Market Report this past July, showing that the largest ever volume of organic cotton had been harvested globally. 229,280 farmers grew 249,153 tonnes of organic cotton fiber on 588,425 hectares of certified organic land in 21 countries. Overall, this indicated a four percent increase in global cotton production, with organic cotton accounting for 1% of the harvest. According to Textile Exchange Founder and CEO, La Rhea Pepper, the demand for organic cotton increasing steadily over the last four years, thanks to fashion brands expanding their use of fiber in product lines. The industry is responding to concerns over the textile industry’s impact on the environment, with consumers also voicing their interest in sustainable choices. The report also points out that organic cotton production is predicted to soar in the year 2020-2021, with an estimated 48% growth, stemming predominantly from India and Turkey. In India, the large increase in growth is a result of increased demand, which in turn has caused organic cotton prices to increase. This makes the growth of organic cotton much more appealing and beneficial to farmers, leading them to dedicate more of their land to the growth of organic crops.