Organic Cotton

While cotton is considered one of the most natural fabrics, traditional cotton farming is actually one of the most chemically intensive agricultural activities in the world. Since cotton is one of the most traded commodities (accounting for about half of the textile products produced), conventional cotton farming causes significant environmental and health issues. Environmental studies show that the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, soil additives, defoliants, and other chemicals in traditional cotton production causes serious damage to the soil, water, and air. These chemicals also spread to nearby residential areas, leading to long-term health problems for both humans and animals. Additionally, these chemicals enter the human food chain through the consumption of meat and dairy products from livestock that feed on cottonseed (cottonseed is also used in many processed foods). The problems associated with cotton production are not limited to the fields; during the conversion of traditional cotton into clothing, numerous toxic chemicals are added at each stage of the process—such as silicone waxes, heavy petroleum abrasives, softeners, brighteners, heavy metals, flame retardants, ammonia, and formaldehyde.

Why Organic Cotton?

Cotton production uses about 25% of the world’s insecticides and over 10% of agricultural chemicals, including herbicides, insecticides, and defoliants (Allan Woodburn).

• To grow enough cotton for a single product, approximately one-third of the chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) used in conventional farming are not necessary. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified seven out of the 15 agricultural chemicals used in cotton farming in the United States in 2000 as “possible,” “probable,” “likely,” or “known” human carcinogens (such as acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin).

What is Organic Cotton? 

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low environmental impact. Organic farming follows the principle of "working with nature, not against it." Organic cotton is cultivated without pesticides, and the production process involves organic fertilizers, manual crop rotation, and integrated pest management. Fields are naturally fertilized, pest-eating insects are used to control crop damage, and weeds are removed both manually and with the help of plows and tractors. Third-party certification bodies verify organic producers who use only organic methods and materials. Farms can only earn the organic label after at least three years of using soil free of synthetic pesticides. Organic cotton is pure, natural, and ideal for sensitive skin as it allows better breathability.

Products such as clothing, diapers, and bedding that have been processed with pesticides and chemicals trap heat, disrupt the skin’s natural balance, prevent it from breathing, and can cause rashes and eczema, especially on babies’ sensitive skin. Organic cotton, grown and processed without toxic chemicals, is free from synthetic toxins that could enter the bloodstream through skin contact. All our organic cotton products are also free from irritating and harmful dyes. In contrast, cotton farms using chemicals expose farmers and their families to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which poses a health risk. In developing countries, poor, untrained, and inadequately equipped farmers are often exposed to the most dangerous agricultural chemicals. Organic farms, however, are free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, protecting the soil and water for long-term use. Organic cotton garments last longer thanks to their natural composition. Conventional cotton, weakened by the chemicals used during cultivation, processing, and dyeing, results in weaker, lower-quality fabrics. Organic cotton is softer, thicker, and stronger than fine traditional cotton, which wears out more quickly due to regular washing and use.

How Much Organic Cotton is Grown Worldwide?

According to data from the UK Pesticide Action Network and the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the amount of organic cotton grown in 12 countries during the 2000-2001 period was approximately 6,368 metric tons (just over 14 million pounds or 29,245 bales). This accounted for about 0.03% of global cotton production. The United States and Turkey lead the production of organic cotton, followed by countries such as India, Peru, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Senegal, Israel, Greece, Benin, and Brazil. Organic cotton is ideal for the environment, farmers' health, and your health.

What Does "Certified Organic" Mean?

"Certified Organic" means that the cotton is grown according to strict standards validated by independent government and private organizations. The certification process ensures that growers and processors meet these standards through farm inspections, detailed record-keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water. Organic cotton certification is important for adding credibility to the final product, guaranteeing the organic status to the buyer, and encouraging farmers participating in organic practices by providing premium payments.