Cotton
Cotton is the world’s most widely used natural fibre and still the undisputed ‘king’ of the global textiles industry thanks to its softness and breathability.
Cotton plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions all around the world and are harvested roughly 160 days after being planted. The fabric is derived from the fibres surrounding the seeds of cotton plants, which emerge in a round, fluffy formation once the seeds are mature.
The cotton we use is from India where it has been native to the subcontinent for over 7,000 years.
From field,
to fabric
The process in which cotton is transformed from a fibre into the products that we make takes place over three steps. First, a cotton gin is used to separate the cotton fluff from the plant seed then, during the Industrial Revolution, spinning machines were invented which allows for the cotton to be made into a yarn at a fast rate. Finally, the cotton is woven with a loom to create the fabrics that we use today.
The fabric is naturally Ecru in colour due to some of the seeds getting crushed into the cotton and is typically referred to as grey fabric in the industry. This grey fabric can then be used as it is or can be bleached (RFD Fabric), dyed (to Pantone colours) and given the appropriate finish as required.
Did you know?
- The first light bulb manufactured by Thomas Edison in the late 1800s used a cotton thread filament
- Every part of the cotton plant is used including the cottonseed oil which is used to make margarine
- US paper currency is made up of 75% cotton (the other 25% is linen) and Euro notes are 100% cotton
- It’s a natural fibre which means that it is sustainable
- It is versatile which means we can use it to make a range of products
- It’s strong and durable so cotton products will last a long time
- It is biodegradable
Types
of Cotton
Conventional
The standard cotton we use is grown primarily in India. Most of it is grown under the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) program which is one of the largest programs in the world to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of the entire cotton production. Our Oeko-Tex fabric ensures that it is free from any hazardous chemicals.
Organic
Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, ensuring that it has a low impact on the environment. The whole chain is audited and certified to ensure that it meets the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the OE100 standard. Organic Transaction certificates are issued to confirm authenticity.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade encourages sustainable cotton production by providing a fair economic benefit to the cotton farmers guaranteeing a minimum Fairtrade price for their cotton. This type of cotton is certified by the Fairtrade organisation who ensure that fair practices are in place from seed to product.
Recycled
Recycled cotton encourages sustainability by using pre-consumer waste such as cutting scraps. This converts cotton waste into cotton fibre which is then converted into new fabric. It is also known as regenerated or reclaimed cotton. This type of cotton is typically certified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS).