When we talk about ‘organic,’ we’re referring to something that comes from living matter. In agriculture, this means products grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It’s a way of farming that’s more in tune with nature.
Organic textiles can include different fibres like hemp, flax (linen), jute, silk, and wool, with organic cotton being one of the most commonly used materials in fashion and textiles.
Cultivating and producing organic cotton has many benefits, including promoting soil health, reducing water usage, and minimising chemical runoff, which improves people’s lives in cotton-growing regions and benefits future generations. Most organic cotton comes from subtropical countries such as India, China, and the USA. In contrast, conventional cotton growing is one of the most chemical-intensive agricultural practices, using some of the most toxic chemicals classified by the Environmental Protection Agency, which significantly impact the earth’s air, water, soil, and the health of people in these areas.
Organic farming systems can also contribute to biodiversity conservation. Standard organic farming practices benefit a wide range of organisms. Compared to conventional farms, organic farms generally support a greater diversity of insects, earthworms, birds, bees and other native pollinators, soil microbes and fungi.
Sources
Sewport – Organic fabrics 
Global Organic Textile Standard – GOTS Worldwide textile processing standard for organic fibres
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – Version 7.0
May 2024 RETHINK
