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Organic Cotton Fabric
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Organic cotton fabric use rose in great popularity in the last couple of decades. For today’s consumer, ethically sourced textiles, especially in fashion, is an ethical corporate practice that attracts today’s savvy buyer. Brands that embrace the organic textile revolution stand to gain a lot, but buyers stand to gain even more.
So, what is “organic cotton fabric?”
Cotton grown with processes and materials that have a smaller footprint on the environment than traditional methods.
Likewise, as a business or maker that prioritizes the use of ethically produced, eco-friendly fabric, Canvas ETC. offers organic cotton fabric for sale. Make your next project sustainable and 100 percent organic.
According to the Organic Trade Association, “Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, expand biologically diverse agriculture, and prohibit the use of synthetic toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, as well as genetically engineered seed.”
As a result, third-party organizations verify that organic producers meet the regulations in place. Consumers demand organic cotton fabric worldwide. Therefore, as consumers, you should ensure the organic cotton you purchase holds a certification under the Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS.
As a result, Canvas ETC only sells organic cotton fabric with GOTS certification.
Above all, in 2015 and 2016, over 107 metric tons of organic cotton was grown by these countries:
Most importantly, these countries are contributing to the growing organic cotton initiative that promotes sustainability.
What is a sustainable fabric?
Textiles fall under different regulation than say, food, to be described as organic. A product may be labeled “organic” but only contain a small percent of actual organic cotton. It’s also possible that it says organic but is dyed using toxic chemicals.
So, while using cotton deemed organic is a wonderful start, one should absolutely be aware of the organic and sustainable standards to make better choices when shopping.
Here’s what you should look for:
The GOTS symbol on a product tells you that the product was grown AND processed using organic standards. This means the fibers have met rigid criteria. According to the GOTS website: “The aim of the standard is to define world-wide recognized requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. Textile processors and manufacturers are enabled to export their organic fabrics and garments with one certification accepted in all major markets.”
This symbol appears when a fabric uses cotton grown with organic standards. The product is then traced along the supply chain by third parties to ensure that the product delivered is indeed 100 percent cotton fabric. However, this symbol does not imply that the product was processed using organic standards.
The Soil Association, a founding member of the GOTS, stand above all other organization. As the UK’s largest membership charitable organization, they fight to standardize food and farming practices focused on health and sustainability. Consumers in the UK and Europe widely recognize this certification.
Sustainable and organically produced fabrics have gained popularity in recent years for a number of reasons.
Largely used in fashion, textiles pollutes the environment more than most industries. For instance, the t-shirt you’re wearing likely had to travel over 21,000 miles to get to you. And to make one cotton shirts, over seven full bathtubs of water were used.
These stats are staggering, but they’re true. And today’s consumer is reminded of this fact. So, organic, sustainably produced fabrics take some of the carbon-footprint out of the process. Conventional cotton farming is notoriously impactful due to the use of insecticides and other toxic chemicals.
In addition to production, recycling has become ever-important to the informed consumer. For that reason, sustainable fabrics are desirable.
Remember that the chemicals in conventional fabrics harm some people and animals. This may include skin irritation, rashes, and in some cases, headaches. That’s from chemical residues in the fibers of the textile.
If organic cotton fabric matters to you, make sure you check with the producer or importer. At Canvas ETC, we have all the paperwork needed to prove to you that our cotton fabric is GOTS certified.
According to the Organic Trade Association, Organic cotton use is far and wide, “As a result of consumer interest, organic cotton fiber is used in everything from personal care items (sanitary products, make-up removal pads, cotton puffs, ear swabs), to fabrics, home furnishings (towels, bathrobes, sheets, blankets, bedding, beds), children’s products (toys, diapers), and clothes of all kinds and styles (whether for lounging, sports or the workplace). In addition, organic cottonseed is used for animal feed, and organic cottonseed oil is used in a variety of food products, including cookies and chips.”
So, what can you make with Canvas ETC’s organic cotton fabric? Here are a few ideas from our fabric experts:
Organic cotton fabric makes for great pillowcases! The fabric washes well and feels soft. No sleeping on chemical-laden fabric.
All the rage for decor, floor poufs are comfortable and add some dimension to your home. They are easily created from cotton fabric. You can even use fabric stamps to customize.
Use totes instead of plastic bags. They also make fun, custom gift bags for your next birthday party.
Because cotton fabric is washable, makeup bags and pencil bags benefit greatly from the wash-ability of organic cotton.
Create safe, non-toxic baby blocks with organic cotton fabric. Use fabric stamps, or just keep them naturally-colored for a modern look.
Soft, chemical-free safety blankets are perfect for babies! For the eco-friendly mom, this is a perfect gift for a new baby.
Quilts made from cotton fabric look beautiful. With simple, undyed fabric, there’s a rustic look to it. Most importantly, the feel of the fabric improves with each wash.
Cotton is perfect for creating simple slacks, pajamas, skirts, dresses and skirts. For children, you can make quite an outfit from very little fabric.
Do you need organic cotton fabric for your next sewing project? Canvas ETC carries 15oz organic cotton fabric. Therefore, this heavier weight fabric is perfect for tents, shelters, yurts, floor cloth, mats and more! Not sure if this is the right fabric for you? Contact one of our experts today.
