What is Organic Textile

Organic cotton is grown without using pesticides from plants which are not genetically modified.

High levels of agrochemicals are used in the production of non-organic, conventional cotton. Cotton production uses more chemicals per unit area than any other crop and accounts to a total of around 25% of the world's pesticides. The chemicals used in the processing of cotton also pollute the air and surface waters. Residual chemicals may also irritate skin.

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have low impact on the environment. Organic production system replenishes and maintains soil fertility, reduces the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and builds biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.

Organic agriculture uses crop rotation instead of agrochemicals along with artificial fertilizers and biological pest control instead of pesticides. Though organic cotton has less environmental impact than conventional cotton, it costs more to produce.

Cotton sold as organic must be grown according to the international guidelines for organic crop production.

Soil fertility practices that meet organic certification standards typically include crop rotation, cover cropping, animal manure additions, and use of naturally occurring rock powders. Weed management is accomplished by a combination of cultivation, flame weeding, and other cultural practices.