Fashion & Textiles

Why organic fashion and textiles?

Organic fashion and textiles use organically grown fibres, including cotton, linen, wool and others. Cotton is by far the most widely used fibre in textile production; roughly 40% of global textile production, but is one of the most polluting crops in the world.

5 reasons to source organic cotton

Organic cotton helps combat climate change, it saves water, reduces toxic chemicals, can help to transform workers’ lives and GM is banned. 

The conventional system of growing cotton uses 14% of all insecticides sold globally. Genetically Modified (GM) seed is widely used, in around 80% of production, which causes some pest resistance, with a subsequent loss of cotton yield and additional pesticide use. This increasing use of pesticides causes huge social, health and environmental impacts, particularly in areas where hazardous synthetic pesticides are used.

 

A sustainable alternative

Organic cotton offers a more sustainable alternative to conventionally grown cotton, as the use of GM seed and toxic pesticides are prohibited and brings with it wide environmental benefits.

People are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of their choices, with 61% of shoppers wanting to know how retailers are minimising their impact on the environment. Organic cotton is currently 1% of all cotton production but is growing steadily as more businesses take the decision to source organic.

• Organic Cotton for Business

  What benefits can organic cotton can bring to businesses?

  Find out more

• Organic Cotton - The Sustainable Choice

  The benefits and credentials of organic cotton

  Find out more

• types of certification

  Find out more about the two organic textile standards we certify; GOTS & OCS

• Certification forms

  Useful forms and resources for certified organic textile licensees

• The Organic Textile Report

  Our organic textile report provides a background briefing and springboard for anyone looking to find sustainable solutions and understand the vast benefits that organic cotton can bring to both business and society.

  Download The Report