It ain't fashion, if it ain't sustainable

Organic Cotton

Organic Cotton / LCA Study

15 April 2025

3 minutes

Encouraging the adoption of organic cotton is a key step, as it generally relies on fewer synthetic inputs and supports more sustainable farming systems

Organic Cotton Farming Consistently Has Lower Environmental Footprint Across Categories, Finds OCA Study

The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) has published the findings of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study highlighting the environmental benefits of organic cotton farming in India, offering detailed, locally relevant data demonstrating organic cotton’s reduced environmental impact compared to conventional farming.

Staff Writer

Cotton Production / Cotton 2040 Impact

7 November 2024

5 minutes

Cotton 2040 worked towards aligning key players in the cotton system on the change needed, catalysing collaborative action to adapt to the changing climate, and empowering brands to embrace sustainable cotton.

Industry Needs to Hold Itself Accountable to Ensure the Rigour of Standards

The Cotton 2040 project of the charity Forum for the Future was a platform which aimed to accelerate progress and maximise the impact of existing sustainable cotton initiatives. A year after the platform published its Impact Report, texfash speaks to Neil Walker, Senior Sustainability Strategist, about the project's legacy.

Subir Ghosh

Interview

Certifications / GOTS Project

30 November 2023

2 minutes

Established in 1926 in Osaka, Sankei Meriyasu is a testament to timeless craftsmanship. Since relocating to Nakazaki-cho in 1945, the company has been unwavering in its dedication to traditional sewing techniques. Using vintage machinery and the hands of skilled Japanese artisans, Sankei Meriyasu crafts unique T-shirts and sweats.

GOTS Pilot Project Opens Path for Small Operators to Access Certifications

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is enlarging its ongoing Controlled Supply Chain Scheme Pilot Project that was strategically developed to overcome the obstacles that often deter small-scale operators from pursuing its certification.

Staff Writer

Cotton Crisis / Certifications

17 November 2023

7 minutes

Since there is ‘Quantitative Method’ involved with GMO testing, it changed the fundamental perception of textile fraternity about organic certification. At present this certificate only focuses on 100% organic farming.

The Certification Process Must Be Fool-Proof, Follow Standard Global Guidelines

The Germany-based Hohenstein Group is a leading independent and accredited testing and research institute supporting the textiles sector. Vinod Kumar, Global Business Director at Oeko-Tex Eco Passport & Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton and also Managing Director of the Hohenstein Group for India, Sri Lanka and Middle East, touches on a host of topics in this tete-a-tete with texfash.com.

Richa Bansal

Interview

Organic Cotton / US Production

13 November 2023

3 minutes

While organic cotton is in high demand, production levels are low in the U.S. A Texas A&M AgriLife-led team of researchers is working with producers to determine how to conquer challenges and open up opportunities.

New Project Wants to Turn Around Production, Make US a Leader in Organic Cotton

Organic cotton production in the US could soon get a fillip as small-plot experiments begin in certified or transitioning organic fields in Texas, New Mexico and Tennessee over a four-year period to evaluate specific regenerative management practices.

Staff Writer

Cotton Farming / GOTS Project

8 June 2023

2 minutes

A satellite image of the Nile river basin. The green patch shows farmlands.

GOTS to Use Satellite Imagery, AI for Cultivation Detection in Indian Field Project

In a global first, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) will soon be able to detect organic versus non-organic cotton fields in India by using AI and satellite imagery.

Staff Writer

Certifications / Organic India

19 May 2023

2 minutes

Earlier, the IOAS had in March this year suspended the accreditation of Control Union (CU) India from testing and sampling of Indian organic textile products on charges of irregularities committed in its certification process.

IOAS Lifts Ban on Control Union (India)

The IOAS has lifted the ban on Control Union (CU) India for GOTS, Textile Exchange and ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation which it had imposed in March this year.

Staff Writer

Organic Standards / GOTS 7.0

14 March 2023

3 minutes

New due diligence criteria ensures that Certified Entities address their actual and potential negative impacts on human rights and the environment.

GOTS Announces Version 7.0; Tightens Control on Environmental and Social Criteria

After a year-long revision process, the Global Organic Textile Standard has released a brand new GOTS Version 7.0. The new version will be fully effective as of 1 March 2024.

Staff Writer

Certifications / Organic India

7 March 2023

1 minute

The blame for the low level of 'data confidence' in organic cotton numbers lies primarily with one country: India.

IOAS Suspends Control Union India for Irregularities in Certification Process

The IOAS has suspended the accreditation of Control Union (CU) India from testing and sampling of Indian organic textile products on charges of irregularities.

Staff Writer

Going Organic / Farmer Participation

22 February 2023

3 minutes

The income from in-conversion or organic cotton cultivation accounted for 63% of the total family income of farmers across the different projects. Other crops contributed to 22% of family income, and the remaining 16% came from non-agricultural sources such as off-farm labour.

OCA Sees 235% Increase in Participating Farmers in India, €4 million Paid in Farmer Premiums

The Organic Cotton Accelerator has reported a 235% increase in the number of Indian farmers participating in its Farm Programme. The number has increased from 22,146 last season to 74,229 this time.