What has made organic cotton so popular in recent years? Want to know where this fiber's popularity comes from and how it differs from traditional, conventional cotton? Today, we're going to answer all the most important questions – explore the properties of this material and unravel all its secrets. Let's get started!
Organic cotton - what is it?
The fundamental question is: what exactly is organic cotton ? You might be surprised to learn that this type of cotton is very similar to conventional cotton, but what distinguishes these two materials most is their production method. In short, the fiber is made without synthetic additives or genetically modified elements. This is crucial for our skin, but also for the environment and the people involved in its production. While cotton is the most popular textile fiber in the world, it's worth choosing the type that represents the most responsible choice. Below, you'll read about 4 properties of organic cotton!
What properties does organic cotton have?
- Organic, meaning no chemicals
Have you heard about clothes full of chemicals harmful to our skin? Us too, so the first property that makes us love organic cotton is that the fiber is produced without harmful chemicals and is 100% natural. What does this mean in practice? No chemicals, insecticides, or pesticides are used on its plantations . Furthermore, this material does not contain heavy metals or harmful bleaches. However, remember that this usually doesn't apply to items dyed with intense colors made of organic cotton. The safest dyeing process involves colors in the brown, green, white, and beige palette. It's worth knowing this before buying a new garment.
- Less water consumption
The biggest drawback of conventional cotton? In our opinion, it's the exorbitant water consumption during production. One kilogram of conventional cotton uses up to 20,000 liters of water—terrifying, isn't it? The silver lining is that a more responsible choice is possible: organic cotton . This reduction in water consumption is possible because up to 80% of the cotton is watered with rainwater. This makes a huge difference to our environment.
- Greenhouse gas production
For consumers who value informed choices and environmental protection, the lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with organic cotton production should be of paramount importance. Textile Exchange's data indicates that the difference can be as much as 46% compared to conventional cotton. What accounts for this significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions? The reason lies in the previously mentioned lack of fertilizers and pesticides used in organic cotton production. These substances emit carbon dioxide.
- Regular monitoring of standards
How can we be sure that organic cotton production is being carried out properly? GOTS-certified audits monitor cotton plantations, which monitor requirements throughout the supply chain—not only in terms of chemicals but also working conditions (age of workers, fair wages, etc.). Such audits occur at least once a year and cover plantations that have received GOTS certification, so it's worth paying attention to the labeling and information about the fiber standards. It's worth noting that obtaining certification isn't easy—cotton fields are certified organic only after three consecutive years of using soil completely free of pesticides and chemicals.
Differences between organic cotton and conventional cotton
Now that we know the differences between organic and conventional cotton in terms of production methods, it's worth discussing a few more important properties that are crucial for everyday wear and skin comfort. First and foremost , organic cotton is more durable because its fibers aren't weakened by chemicals. This also impacts its softness on the skin and its ability to retain its original shape. It's also an ideal choice for allergy sufferers: it breathes better and doesn't irritate the skin with harmful chemicals.
Looking for an alternative to organic cotton? Our store offers a wide range of cotton products, including those made from SUPIMA cotton . Its fibers are exceptionally durable and long-lasting, ensuring long-lasting quality.
We hope we've explained what organic cotton is and presented its properties and fiber characteristics clearly. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below. Finally, we have a very important question for you: would you like to see organic cotton products in our product range ? We'd love to hear from you.
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