There are many reasons why organic cotton is superior to regular cotton. Here's your guide to understanding organic cotton vs. regular cotton comparison. And here's why organic cotton plays a key role in sustainable clothing production.
Regular cotton is the most widely used clothing material in the garment industry. It has an extremely high demand. The high demand for this fiber encourages manufacturers to utilize unsustainable methods. In order to accelerate the cotton growing process, manufacturers and cotton growers depend on pesticides and toxic chemicals.
As a result, 26 million tonnes of cotton are harvested each year. This immense demand does not only damage the environment but also results in the production of low-quality garments. Even though cotton is a natural fiber, the substances, and pesticides used in the production process make them harmful to skin health.
Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton
All of these reasons and more have encouraged consumers to prefer environmentally friendly products. And when it comes to sustainability in the clothing industry, we understand the importance of organic cotton and its place among different types of fabric. There are many reasons why we see a shift towards organic cotton in the industry. There is world of differences between the two types of cotton.
Organic cotton requires less energy, labor, and resources.
Regular cotton is an incredibly thirsty fiber. Tragically, a single cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water. Organic cotton, on the other hand, requires 91% less water than its non-organic counterpart.
Regular cotton is easier and cheaper to produce, but its toll on the environment is massive.
Organic cotton requires gentle labor and also takes longer to produce. Regular cotton, on the other hand, has a faster growth and production process due to the addition of fertilizers.
The production of organic cotton does not contain pesticides or chemical additives.
As mentioned earlier, the production of organic cotton requires no fertilizers, petrochemicals or insecticides. Thanks to that, organic cotton promotes soil quality and plays a key role in preserving the ecosystem.
Organic cotton can not keep up with the demand for it. Yet it is the best option to preserve wildlife and soil quality.
The lack of fertilizers ensures a sustainable and eco-friendly production method. Therefore, it means that it takes a lot longer to produce organic cotton. The process also includes the preservation of biological diversity. These and several more reasons like using specialized tools cause the process to take longer than usual.
Organic cotton is more durable and stronger than conventional cotton.
Clothes made from organic cotton tend to endure much longer. They are durable because of the strong nature of the organically grown crop. Regular cotton is weaker than its organic rival because of the toxic additives used in the harvesting and processing. The fibers in plain cotton often fail to endure all those pesticides and fertilizers. That's why organic cotton clothes are the most durable clothes in our wardrobe.
Organic cotton is softer than regular cotton.
Organic cotton has a soft and gentle touch on the skin. Its exquisite surface of it is the reason why it is widely used in baby clothing. Experts recommend wearing clothes produced from 100% organic cotton for people who tend to suffer minor skin issues. Unlike their cheaper counterparts, organic cotton clothes prevent skin irritations and other allergies.
Why should you avoid regular cotton products?
That's because regular cotton includes pesticides that account for a series of severe health issues. And cancer is on the top of that list. It is also important to note the number of pesticides used in regular cotton production. Clothing producers who depend on regular cotton around the world use $2.6 billion worth of toxic substances. In the United States, cotton ranks after corn and soybeans as the third largest user of pesticides.
Here are some of the most widely used pesticides in the production of regular cotton.
Methyl parathion
Fluometuron
Glyphosate
Organophosphates
Pyrethroids
Acetamiprid
Chlorpyrifos
Formaldehyde
Chlorine bleach
Ammonia
Neonicotinoids
The list above is only some of the substances that are actively used in production. Cotton producers depend on these toxic additives to preserve the crop from insects and disease carriers. But these toxic chemicals are not only dangerous for certain pests, but they also pose a threat to skin health. Producers use them in the production of synthetic fibers as well.
We also know that a great number of people suffer from skin diseases like eczema because of low-quality cotton products. Even though wearing it after multiple washes, regular cotton clothes will not be pure of chemical residues.
Interesting Facts About Organic Cotton
As we mentioned above, there is a massive amount of difference between organic cotton and regular cotton. But we believe that it is significant to list the features and traits of this natural fiber in an extensive manner.
Organic cotton does not shrink.
It is also highly breathable.
It is more expensive.
100% knitted organic cotton is quite stretchable.
It lasts longer than regular cotton.
Organic cotton is biodegradable. If there are no extra additives used in the production, clothing made from 100% organic cotton will biodegrade in at least six months.
Organic cotton is also hypoallergenic.
After recycled cotton, it is one of the most eco-friendly natural fabrics. It reduces water usage, ensures a safer environment for operators, and helps preserve biodiversity.
Alternative Fabrics to Cotton
It is also crucial to follow the world of garment industry and its emerging products. Hundreds of new fabric types are in the works to substitute the thirsty regular cotton. Companies aim to meet environmental concerns and ensure that methods are eco-friendly as well.
One of the best in the business, Ogma Fabric, offers more than 50 kinds of fabrics and woven fabrics that include a wide variety of natural and organic fibers. This does not only relieve the industrial stress on regular cotton, but it also introduces high-quality custom-made fabrics that create a whole new catalog for the customer.
Conclusion
Here's everything you need to know about the organic cotton vs. regular cotton comparison. We have listed the advantages and disadvantages of organic cotton. From its many traits to the production process, it is clearly superior to its conventionally produced rival.
And there is no doubt that its volume in the clothing industry will increase in the upcoming years. Until then, it is best to buy products from respected brands that utilize sustainable methods in their works.