Organic Cotton: The Sustainable Choice for High-Quality Apparel

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. One material that has become increasingly popular in recent years is organic cotton. In this article, we will explore what organic cotton is, the advantages of using it, and Fanterco's commitment to this important and sustainable material.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Organic cotton is grown in pesticide-free fields for at least three years. Farmers use natural methods to control pests and promote soil health. Organic cotton is also grown from non-GMO seeds and is harvested by hand, making it a truly natural and eco-friendly option.

Advantages of Using Organic Cotton

Organic cotton has numerous advantages over traditional cotton, both for the environment and for human health. Here are just a few:

1. Better for the Environment: Traditional cotton farming is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. Organic cotton production is better for the environment because it uses fewer chemicals and promotes healthier soil. According to the Soil Association, the UK's leading organic certification organization, organic cotton farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 46% compared to conventional cotton farming. It also reduces water consumption by 91% and soil erosion by 26%. By choosing organic cotton, you are helping to reduce the use of harmful chemicals that can contaminate soil and waterways, and harm wildlife and local communities.

2. Better for Human Health: The use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in traditional cotton farming can also have negative health effects on farmers and their families, as well as factory workers who handle the cotton. Organic cotton production eliminates these harmful chemicals and is grown using natural and safe methods, making it a healthier option for everyone involved in the supply chain.

3. Durable and Long-Lasting: Organic cotton is often thicker and more durable than traditional cotton, making it a great choice for high-quality and long-lasting apparel.

4. Does Not Require Dyeing: Organic cotton is naturally available in a range of shades from white to beige, reducing the need for harmful dyes and chemicals that are often used to color traditional cotton. (Certainly you can still dye organic cotton if necessary.)

Features of Organic Cotton Clothing

Organic cotton clothing is known for its softness, breathability, and durability. It also has natural hypoallergenic properties, making it a great option for babies, children, and anyone with sensitive skin. Organic cotton is often thicker and heavier than traditional cotton, making it ideal for winter apparel such as sweaters and jackets. It is also naturally moisture-wicking, which means it can help keep you cool and dry in warmer weather.

GOTS Certification

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading certification for organic cotton products. It sets strict standards for organic cotton farming and production, including the use of sustainable farming practices, the exclusion of harmful chemicals, and fair labor practices. GOTS certification also requires traceability throughout the entire supply chain. GOTS certification ensures that your organic cotton products are truly sustainable and eco-friendly, of the highest quality, and are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

Requirements for organic cotton

• Organic farmland: cotton is grown on land that has stopped using chemical fertilizers and pesticides for at least three years

• No pesticides: natural barriers, such as the use of beneficial insects ladybugs (the natural predator of pests) to combat pests and plant companion crops fast-growing grains like corn or okra are used to prevent pest invasions

• Organic fertilizers: organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and instead uses organic compost made from mixtures of cow manure and plants

• Harvesting control: all certified organic cotton must undergo on-site inspections before harvesting to ensure that all harvesting equipment is clean and free of impurities from regular cotton

• Processing control: factories processing organic cotton or transitional cotton must meet organic certification standards, and each stage of production must maintain isolation and pollution control

• Storage control: warehouses storing organic cotton or transitional cotton must obtain organic product distribution qualifications based on organic cotton verification standards.

Economic Benefits of Using Organic Cotton

In addition to the environmental and health benefits, consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable and eco-friendly products, there are also economic benefits to using organic cotton.
Organic cotton farming can lead to increased soil fertility and reduced water usage, which can improve yields and lower production costs over time.

Choosing organic cotton can also benefit the apparel business economically. The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products is growing, organic cotton often commands a higher price on the market. On the same area of cultivated land, organic cotton yields 1/3 less than conventional cotton, but it sells for three times the price of conventional cotton. According to a report by Nielsen, a global market research firm, sales of sustainable products are growing faster than conventional products in many markets, and are expected to reach $150 billion by 2021.

Taiwan's Organic Cotton Industry

Taiwan's government and farmers have been promoting organic farming for many years. The government has set up programs to encourage organic farming and provide support to farmers, and many farmers have successfully transitioned to organic cotton production. Taiwan's organic cotton is highly regarded for its quality and sustainability and is a great choice for apparel businesses looking for high-quality organic cotton products.

Fanterco's Commitment to Organic Cotton

At Fanterco, we are committed to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly materials and providing our clients with high-quality and sustainable apparel solutions. As a manufacturing solution provider, we have extensive experience in sourcing and producing apparel made from organic cotton.

We work closely with a network of apparel factories in Taiwan and can help our clients find the right materials for their products, whether it is organic cotton or another sustainable material. Our partner factories can ensure that all of our products meet the highest standards for environmental sustainability and are produced under ethical working conditions to meet social responsibility requirements.

At Fanterco, we are here to help you find the right materials and suppliers to bring your vision to life. By choosing Fanterco as your partner, you can be sure that your apparel is not only stylish and durable, but also sustainable and ethical.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create sustainable, eco-friendly apparel.





sources:
1. Soil Association - Organic Cotton Report (2019) https://www.soilassociation.org/
2. Nielsen Global Corporate Sustainability Report 2015 https://engageforgood.com/2015-nielsen-global-sustainability-report/