Cotton is well-known in the textile industry. But, it has grown in recent years. It now reflects sustainability, ethics, and responsible manufacturing practices. It emphasizes the distinction between organic and conventional cotton.

Manufacturing businesses have driven this change. They have done it with programs like Ecosmart. Its collections are made from over 90% sustainable materials.

We were wondering what sets organic cotton apart from conventional cotton. Keep reading. We’ll explain the main differences and how to tell them apart. Cotton also had an impact on African wax prints.

 

Types of cotton

You can categorize cotton in a variety of ways. To do so, we can test many factors, such as the plant’s origin, fiber length, and cultivation method.

People refer to cotton fabrics as “natural” because they are made from plants. They originate from the cotton plant.

When the plant ripens, the blooms are collected, and the fibers are turned into thread. Below, we explain the cotton kinds according to their most prevalent classification:

 

Based on the length of the fiber:

Shorter fibers (less than 20mm). It’s cotton from India. It is of the lowest quality.

Medium fiber, measuring 20 to 34mm. It comes from America and is of a higher grade than the previous one.

Long or extra-long fiber, 34mm to 42mm. Egyptian cotton is noted for its high quality and elasticity.

 

Subject to the type of agriculture and processing:

Depending on the crop, we can find conventional or organic cotton. Its classification is based on factors.

These include the seed type, the water used, fertilizer application, dye type, etc. Each type’s features are detailed below.

Characteristics that distinguish organic cotton from conventional cotton

Do you know the difference between organic and conventional cotton? In this article, we’ll go over what each one is and how to identify it.

In recent years, clothing marketed as “100% cotton”, “eco” or “organic cotton” has grown. These labels are increasingly popular in stores.

You probably don’t know what each one signifies. What characteristics do they possess? Which one is better? What type of cotton does the brand I like use?

 

Conventional cotton

This cotton is natural. It comes from the cotton plant. But, it is not organic. Farmers use insecticides and pesticides in the production process. They affect soil, groundwater, and the farmers working on the plants.

The WHO estimates that over 28,000 cotton workers die each year. They die because of the use of dangerous pesticides.

In addition, machinery harvests cotton. But, it needs the plant’s leaves to fall off first. This need necessitates the use of insecticides.

 

Organic cotton

Organic cotton is also called ecological cotton.  They’re grown without herbicides, insecticides, or chemical fertilizers.

Also they are marketed as a sustainable alternative to regular cotton. It emphasizes respecting both the land and the workers who grow it.

Avoiding the use of the compounds above saves farmers. It keeps them from inhaling dangerous substances.

It also saves water and soil from contamination. And it spares end users from toxins. They might come into contact with them while wearing cotton clothing.

 

Other differences include

These organic material are also called ecological material. It is grown without pesticides or chemicals.

They are avoided at any stage of production. Conventional cotton utilizes 25% of the world’s insecticides. It has a detrimental impact on the environment.

However, the distinctions between the two are deeper. Let’s look at them in greater detail below.

 

Harvest

The difference between organic and conventional cotton is not just in how they are grown. It is also in how they are harvested.

Farmers pick organic cotton by hand to keep each fiber pure. This makes the cotton softer and more durable.

This has nothing to do with standard cotton harvesting. It uses heavy machinery that values quantity and speed over material quality.

 

New Cotton Varieties

We are dedicated to preserving organic cotton and are committed to the future. It also represents the healing of roots.

Cotton cultivars were on the edge of extinction due to traditional agriculture. They are being saved by relying on organic materials.

A new philosophy has rescued native cotton species. It is based on devotion to the land, its cycles, and its qualities.

 

How do I know if this cotton is grown organically?

The BIO GOTS label certifies and standardizes the criteria. It determines whether cotton is organic. This certificate states that the label can only be used on textile products.

The products must contain at least 70% organic cotton. This standard includes chemicals used during production, such as dyes.

They are expected to adhere to toxicological and environmental standards. You will need a brand in organic cotton to sell your fabrics or business.

You will have to budget for eco-friendly and sustainable policies. This will prevent your company from being set back.

 

Conclusion

With this information, we think you understand the difference. It’s between organic and regular cotton. However, we may not clarify all your questions about this topic.

But, you can at least identify cotton and how it’s used in clothing, bags, or other textile items.