From conventional to organic cotton

Since the time civilizationstarted in this world, the usage of cotton came into existence. Evidence hasbeen found in the Mexican caves where people who lived before 7,000 years, usedcotton to weave clothes interwoven with feathers and fur. In India, cotton was used in the pre-Harappan period, approximately before 6,000 years, and wasexported to Mesopotamia. Greek historian Herodotus has described cotton as,"There are trees which grow wild there, the fruit of which is a woolexceeding in beauty and goodness that of sheep. The Indians make their clothesof this tree wool." Such is the enchantment and historic importance ofcotton.

Conventional Cotton - The other, bitter half:

Conventional is also known astraditional or commercial grown cotton. They are the natural fibers used intextiles. Its unique fiber structures can absorb upto 27 times its own weight.It is used in a number of textile products. A processed form of fibers obtainedfrom cotton has shining nature and resembles satin. It is an important sourceof foreign exchange in more than 50 countries.

But the conventional cottonindustry also has a darker side, which most of us are unaware of. The processof growing and harvesting conventional cotton has devastating facts hiddenbehind. The industry today depends to a much greater extent on chemicals suchas fertilizers and insecticides. It is one of the crops sprayed heavily withpesticides, almost 30 to 40 times during the process of its cultivation. Furthermore, during the process of converting conventional cotton into fabric, anumber of toxic chemicals such as silicone waxes, fabric softeners, petroleumrubs, ammonia, and formaldehyde are used that are hazardous to the health ofany living being.

Conventional Cotton Shocking Statistics:

Globally, conventional cotton farming takes place in only about 3% of the farmland but consumes 25 percent of the chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Of all the pesticides used in the world, approximately 25 percent are used on cotton plants. Less than 25 percent of pesticides sprayed on the crop ever hits it. The rest floats and contaminates other vegetations, plants animals and human beings.

Percentage of all U.S. counties containing groundwater susceptible to contamination from agricultural pesticides and fertilizers: 46%. (After Silent Spring, NRDC, 6/93)

Number of active ingredients in pesticides found to cause cancer in animals or humans: 107. (After Silent Spring, NRDC, 6/93)

Five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the U.S. (cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluralin) are KNOWN cancer-causing chemicals. All nine are classified by the U.S. EPA as Category I and II the most dangerous chemicals. (Conventional Cotton Statistics, www.ecochoices.com)

The chemicals that are residual also cause irritation in the skin.

Organic Cotton:

Growing cotton without chemicals,defoliants and harmful pesticides is now considered environment friendly andbiodynamic. Organic cotton is grown from plants that are not geneticallymodified. It is a positive solution to all the health hazards caused byconventional cotton cultivation. It is earning a greater respect in the globalmarket today. It is also known as green cotton, environmentally friendly cottonand bio-logical cotton for its virtues.

Why Organic Cotton?

This cotton is natural, untreated and GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) free.
The soil where organic cotton is cultivated remains healthy and substantially retains moisture from a higher level of organic matters present in them.

Natural soybean softening is used in the process of refining raw organic cotton. Hence the resulting products are remarkably soft due to the absence of chemicals in them.

Natural dyes with less or no sulpur content is used to process this cotton.

Organic clothes are breathable and moisture resistant, and hence are safe for baby diapers. It is free of toxins and can be reused as well as recycled. They are economically and ecologically preferable.

Organic cotton seed oil is used as vegetable oil for cooking.

Market Potential for Organic Cotton:

Projected global market demand for Organic Cotton

Demand for organic cotton saw a positive increase from 245 million USD in 2001 to 580 million USD in 2005 and to 1.1 billion USD in 2006. Global production of organic cotton in 24 countries was 57,931 metric tones in 2006. Sales of textile retail are estimated by industry leaders to reach 2.6 billion USD by 2008 with a 116 percent annual growth rate. Substantially, the demand for organic cotton is also expected to increase from 40,000 metric tons in 2006 to 100,000 metric tons in 2008 showing a drastic growth rate of 75 percent. Market for organic cotton is estimated to be 3.5 billion USD in 2008, 4.5 billion USD in 2009, and reach 6.8 billion USD in 2010.

A 2007 Report states the top ten countries in the production of organic cotton as:

Turkey
India
China
Syria
Peru
U.S.
Uganda
Tanzania
Israel
Pakistan

Almost half of the organic cotton is grown in Middle East of Turkey, Syria, and Israel. One third of the total quantity is grown in India and Pakistan.

Organic cotton products are likely to sustain a stronger place in the clothing market providing unprecedented opportunities for the companies engaged in this business. Initial cost is a bit expensive, but is more beneficial in the long run. Clothing is a magnificent business and the nature of humans is resistance to change, from chemically processing cotton to organic processes, but long term benefits of accepting organic cotton is productive.

Nowadays consumers are becoming more and more aware of the environmental pollution and global warming. The bottom line of any manufacturing process is demand of the ultimate consumer. So it depends on the consumers attitude to buy environmentally friendly products, and encourage the growth of organic cotton industry.

References:

1. http://www.ecochoices.com/

2. http://www.phoenixorganics.com

3. http://www.lotusorganics.com

4. http://enews.toxicslink.org

5. http://www.organicexchange.org