News

Kuyichi opens its first UK store

Dutch fashion brand Kuyichi, which was founded by the NGO Solidaridad as a way to introduce more organic cotton into the mainstream market, has opened its first stand-alone retail concept store in Manchester, UK. The store marks the beginning of the roll out of Kuyichi across the UK, Ireland and France.
Source: EcoTextile News (Thursday, September 02, 2010)
Friday, September 03, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

ICAC: world situation of organic cotton

The ICAC report Volume 63 - Numéro 5 Mai - Juin contains an article about the world situation of organic cotton "Organic Cotton: the challenges ahead".
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Source: ICAC, Elke Hortmeyer (Tuesday, June 01, 2010)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic Exchange Sustainable Textiles Conference - New York, New York USA

Press Release of the 2010 Organic Exchange Sustainable Textiles Conference
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Source: Heather Hocker (Monday, March 07, 2011)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Submitted by Heather Hocker

Control Union Certifications meets Organic and Sustainable Industry Need with Non-Toxic Fumigation System

EcO 2 B.V. has joined the Control Union World Group. EcO2 B.V. is a Dutch-based fumigation company that provides non-toxic alternatives to Methyl Bromide and other toxic fumigants while providing the same level of effectiveness. Control Union Certifications is a division of Control Union World Group. Both companies will work closely in offering a combined service for both fumigation and certification.

contact: Robert Demianew (954) 916-2667.



Source: Control Union (Thursday, July 01, 2010)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

OE comments on malaria controversy

The Organic Exchange has responded to suggestions in a recent magazine article that organic cotton farming in Africa is perpetuating the spread of malaria.
Source: Ecotextile News (Monday, July 05, 2010)
Monday, July 05, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

New website simplifies eco-sourcing

Source4Style, an online marketplace that allows fashion and interior designers to search and purchase sustainable materials from around the globe will hold a preview at this month’s Home Textiles Fabric Sourcing Expo.
Source: Ecotextile News (Friday, July 02, 2010)
Monday, July 05, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Document on co-existence of organic and GMO cotton in India

In recent months, a group of specialists in the cotton industry have studied ways of delivering pragmatic and transparent processes and recommendations which will help to further strengthen efforts for the prevention of contamination of organic cotton in countries where the cultivation of GMO cotton is common.
Specialists from organic cotton projects, certification bodies, academics and supply chain managers have elaborated a guidance document which explains the Do's and Don'ts for maintaining high standards for non-contamination, via simple protocols from seed to bale, in line with International organic farming regulations.
The content provided in this document will remain the intellectual property of C&A which has sponsored the study. However, it has been decided to publish the results in the public domain, allowing more general use and reference for the benefit of the wider organic cotton community, and in order to further strengthen the integrity of organic cotton.
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Source: C&A, Helvetas, Organic Exchange, Cotton Connect (Monday, June 21, 2010)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Indian National Fibre Policy: feedback welcome!

The Draft National Fibre Policy was released. Section VIII is about organic cotton. Comments on the draft paper can be brought in. The Date for submitting feedback and comments is extended from 21st June, 2010 to 5th July 2010.
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Source: Narasimha Reddy Donthi (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Report: Organic cotton more profitable

Greenpeace has launched a new report which says that farming organic cotton in India is more profitable than growing genetically engineered varieties of cotton because of the higher input costs of GM and a greater potential for debt accumulation.
Source: Andrea Bischof, Organic & Fairtrade Competence Center (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

C&A outlines organic cotton commitment

C&A says it is planning to sell 23 million organic cotton products in 2010, which equates to 10% of its total cotton products.
Source: Andrea Bischof, Organic & Fairtrade Competence Center (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic Exchange 2009 Organic Market Report Released

The 2009 Organic Market Report provides:
- An overview of organic cotton market growth from 2001-2010
-2009 global organic cotton market demand, including significant trends and growth accelerators
-Profiles of Top Twelve organic cotton users and significant up-and-coming companies
-Likely demand scenarios for 2010 and 2011
-Recommendations for sustainable growth of organic cotton supply and demand

The full report is available as a membership benefit, or can be purchased online; full details are at: http://organicexchange.org/oecms/Organic-Exchange-Publications.html.
Source: Organic Exchange / Daren Abney (Thursday, May 27, 2010)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Submitted by Daren Abney

Organic cotton sales up – but what’s the cost?

The latest headline figures on organic cotton retail sales supplied by Organic Exchange (OE) show a healthy 35% growth to a value of US$4.3 billion in 2009, but they also suggest that like the conventional cotton sector, there is considerable ‘mark-up’ taking place along the supply chain with very little profit trickling back down to impoverished farmers.
Source: Ecotextile News (Tuesday, May 25, 2010)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Japanese Organic Cotton Labeling Guidelines now released

After consultation with numerous stakeholders, including Organic Exchange, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan has completed its Guidelines of Labeling Organic Cotton. These guidelines apply to all products distributed and sold in the Japanese market, and set clear requirements on the certification of the organic fiber. OE is pleased to note that the guidelines allow for the labeling of both partial and full organic content, and do address processing inputs, which means that they can be supported by the OE 100, OE Blended and GOTS standards.
Source: Organic Exchange (Thursday, May 06, 2010)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic cotton leads India’s export charge

India is targeting US$1 billion worth of organic product exports in the next five years, driven primarily by a greater demand for non-food products such as organic cotton.
Source: Ecotextile News (Tuesday, May 18, 2010)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

India’s cotton export ban penalises organic

The Indian government’s decision to ban cotton exports looks like having an unfair impact on the growers of Fairtrade and organic cotton in India, as upstream profits from soaring cotton prices fail to trickle back into Indian farmer’s pockets.
Source: Ecotextile News (Friday, April 30, 2010)
Friday, April 30, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Sears enhances eco-offer

Sears Canada Inc. has launched ‘Live Green’, a new program which identifies eco-friendly products and services for customers looking to make greener choices.
Source: Ecotextile News (Monday, March 29, 2010)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

H&M to launch sustainable collection

At the end of March, Swedish retailer H&M will launch its first collection featuring 100% sustainable materials.
Source: Ecotextile News (Tuesday, March 23, 2010)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

GOTS launches new database

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is hoping to make the process of setting up a complete organic supply chain as transparent and easy as possible with the launch of a new online database.
Source: Ecotextile News (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

US firm offers sustainable sourcing in Africa

Sustainable Global Sourcing, a new San Francisco–based venture, has opened its first apparel factory in Liberia and is ready to take orders for organic-cotton garments.
Source: Ecotextile News (Wednesday, March 10, 2010)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Humanity in Fashion Award created by hessnatur

The first European fashion award for ecological and fair clothing will be presented to a young and rising designer at the spectacular Ozeanum in Stralsund in October 2010.
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Source: hessnatur, Verena Kuhnert (Friday, February 12, 2010)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

New OE 2009 Organic Cotton Farm & Fiber Report

Organic Exchange is proud to announce the new OE 2009 Organic Cotton Farm & Fiber Report is complete and now available. This valuable industry-serving report is available to OE members at the $500 membership level and above, member details here. This report is also available for purchase for $400 USD via the online order form, with any questions please contact Daren Abney: daren@organicexchange.org.

The OE 2009 Organic Cotton Farm & Fiber Report explains that organic cotton now represents 0.76 percent of global cotton production, while exploring the challenges of 2009 production.
Source: Organic Exchange, Daren Abney (Wednesday, February 17, 2010)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic cotton grows 20% but challenges remain

Global organic cotton production rose by 20% in 2009 tipping the scales at 175,113 metric tons (802,599 bales) grown on 625,000 acres (253,000 hectares), according to a new report from Organic Exchange (OE).
Source: Ecotextile News (Monday, February 15, 2010)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Tests confirm: no traces of genetically modified content in C&A's organic cotton!

TLR International Laboratories (NL) have confirmed that garments sold under C&A's "Bio Cotton" label are free of GM-construct.
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Source: C&A (Tuesday, February 09, 2010)
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Clarification on the ITMF report: misquotation in the FT article

The CICR confirms the misquotation in the FT article. K. R. Kranthi, Acting Director, Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur affirms that the CICR has neither collected samples from organic cotton producers in India anytime nor conducted any ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno sorbent Assay) studies with organic cotton at the institute.
Source: K. R. Kranthi, Acting Director, Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur (Sunday, January 31, 2010)
Monday, February 01, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic ‘fraud’: GMO lab clarifies position

There has been an enormous amount of controversy and rumour in the global textile sector after a recent FT report alleged that leading European brands sold organic clothing which was knowingly certified as organic but which contained traces of genetically modified (GM) cotton from India. GM cotton is outlawed under organic standards.
Source: Ecotextile News (Thursday, January 28, 2010)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic Exchange Responds to Organic Cotton Fraud Assertions from Financial Times of Germany Article

According to Organic Exchange (OE), allegations in a recent article in the German edition of the Financial Times that major retailers are knowingly selling as organic cotton genetically modified (GMO) cotton from India are unfounded.
Source: Organic Exchange, La Rhea Pepper (Wednesday, January 27, 2010)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

H&M doubts GM used in its organic cotton

In response to reports about the integrity of organic cotton coming from India, H&M has confirmed that promoting organic cotton continues to be part of its environmental strategy and says there is no reason to believe that organic cotton used in its garments comes from GM seeds.
Source: Ecotextile News (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

C&A backs organic cotton

European retailer C&A is the second major brand to come out today and re-affirm its commitment to organic cotton in the wake of press reports that claimed C&A – along with others – were unknowingly selling organic cotton clothing tainted with genetically modified (GM) cotton.
Source: Ecotextile News (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

OE response to contamination claims in Financial Times of Germany article

Clothing retailers across Europe have been quick to reassure their customers

that their garments sold under organic cotton labels are indeed environmentally

sound.
Download file (96024 Bytes)
Source: Organic Exchange (Monday, January 25, 2010)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

GOTS for newcomers

The first German language Organic Textile Symposium will take place from 3-4 March, 2010 in Switzerland.
Source: Organic Textile Services (Friday, January 01, 2010)
Friday, January 08, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Kuyichi denim plans to extend reach

The Dutch sustainable denim brand Kuyichi plans that in 2010 100% of the cotton they use will be certified as organic.
Source: Ecotextile News (Friday, January 08, 2010)
Friday, January 08, 2010
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

US organic cotton wants more promotion

Organic cotton growers increased plantings by 26% in 2009 compared to the previous year, according to the preliminary data collected by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). However, those surveyed also highlighted the problems of securing a reliable market for their cotton.
Source: EcoTextile News (Tuesday, December 22, 2009)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

South America gets GOTS certifiers

Two South America-based label certifiers have been accredited by GOTS giving them the authority to certify to this globally recognised organic textile standard.
Source: EcoTextile News (Monday, December 07, 2009)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Farmers in India convert to organic cotton

Terra Viva - about the organic cotton sector in India, with a video clip about the achievements of Chetna Organic Farming Association.
Source: euronews (Tuesday, November 24, 2009)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Map of Organic Cotton Producers by Organic Exchange

Attention Farmers and Farm Groups – OE is introducing the Farmer Visibility Map and needs your to help ensure we have as much information available as possible.
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Source: Ashley Currin (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Submitted by Ashley Currin

Villages export fake Bt Cotton; US, EU see red

Imagine a complete village growing ‘genetically modified’ Bt Cotton and then falsely certifying it as organic, and exporting it to EU, US, Switzerland and other importers!
Source: The Times of India (Saturday, November 14, 2009)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Traceability programme for Anvil childrenswear

Anvil Knitwear has launched TrackMyT.com, an interactive, web-based scheme which chronicles the complete journey and environmental impact of a t-shirt, from cotton-seed to consumer.
Source: Ecotextile News (Monday, November 16, 2009)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

A World of Ideas - Technologies for Sustainable Cott on Textile Manufacturing

Cotton Inc. has launched a manual for cotton textile processors which outlines a range of ideas and technologies for the sustainable production of cotton goods.
Source: cotton today (Friday, November 06, 2009)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Latest Trends in Organic Cotton from the World Congress "From Fashion to Sustainability" in Switzerland

The conference offered a platform with more than 30 workshops, keynote sessions and panel discussions, organized around four main topics: building partnerships along the chain, value chain integrity, marketing and communication, trends and policies.
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Source: Apparel Online (Sunday, November 01, 2009)
Monday, November 02, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Swedish firm scoops organic textile prize

EarthPositive has won the Best Organic Textile Product 2009 at the Natural & Organic Products Annual Industry Awards.
Source: Ecotextile News (Wednesday, October 21, 2009)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

'Peace cotton' smooths its way into Benin

It has not rained much recently in the northern regions of Benin in west Africa, the soil is hard and cracking. But from it sprout small and precious white flowers of organic cotton.
Source: France 24, International News 24/7 (Sunday, October 18, 2009)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Handbook “Sustainable cotton on the shelves”

This hands-on manual is meant to help mainstream retailers to decide on, to source and to market sustainable cotton.
Source: CREM (Monday, September 28, 2009)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Blog and blips about the World Congress on Organic Cotton

The World Congress on Organic Cotton in Interlaken, Switzerland, has started today. More than 350 professionals are meeting 4 days to exchange and to learn about current issues on organic cotton. Read the blog and see the blips about the conference.
Source: Andrea Bischof, Organic & Fairtrade Competence Center (Tuesday, September 22, 2009)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Private equity funds organic cotton project

Zameen Organic, a farmer-owned organic cotton trading and marketing company has received a Rs10 million (US$200,000) investment from venture capital firm, Aavishkaar India.
Source: Ecotextile News (Thursday, September 10, 2009)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

The role of organic production in the cotton industry

The 68th Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is underway. Speakers
during a Roundtable discussion on Sunday the 6th suggested that organic cotton has the potential to
provide new ideas that can influence and support wider sustainability drives in the sector.
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Source: International Cotton Advisory Committee (Monday, September 07, 2009)
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Farmers to reap rewards of prize

The bioRe Foundation, which aims to improve the living conditions for more than 11,000 farmer families in India and Tanzania, is to receive a donation of CHF100,000 (US$94,00) from Remei AG, which was awarded the funds from the Zürcher Kantonalbank Sustainability Award.
Source: Ecotextile News (Wednesday, September 02, 2009)
Monday, September 07, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

India targets US$1 billion organic cotton sales

India has set itself a target of US$1 billion worth of organic product sales by 2012 as it looks to capitalise on its already booming production capacity.
Source: Ecotextile News (Friday, August 28, 2009)
Monday, September 07, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Anvil opts for ‘conversion’ cotton

Anvil Knitwear has launched a new eco t-shirt made from recycled PET plastic bottles and transitional cotton, which has been grown on farms that are in the process of becoming certified organic.
Source: Ecotextile News (Tuesday, September 01, 2009)
Monday, September 07, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic Exchange: Annual report 2008

An overview of Organic Exchange and its continued growth during a difficult year.
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Source: Organic Exchange (Friday, August 28, 2009)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Special report: bioRe Tanzania

A new 8 page exclusive report on the bioRe Tanzania organic cotton project has been published by Ecotextile News magazine and is freely available as a download from this web-site.
Download file (1184908 Bytes)
Source: Ecotextile News (Tuesday, August 26, 2008)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Campaign to promote organic and fairtrade cotton

In March 2009, Helvetas launched a nation-wide campaign in Switzerland to raise consumer awareness for textiles made from organic and fairtrade cotton. The campaign is implemented in collaboration with brands and retailers (Coop Switzerland, Switcher, Hess Natur), the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs SECO and various other organisations. It includes posters, a shop-finder where retailers can register their offer of organic and fairtrade textiles, and extensive media work.
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Source: Helvetas Organic & Fairtrade Competence Centre (Wednesday, April 01, 2009)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Submitted by Frank Eyhorn

West Africa: Can organic cotton save the industry?

Fuel and fertiliser price hikes, insect infestations and chemical damage to soil have led some cotton farmers in West Africa to produce organic cotton. But the international recession has blunted demand for the new crop, according to an industry trade group.
Source: IRIN Africa News (Tuesday, February 17, 2009)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Exclusive: Organic cotton market outlook

Despite the difficult retail sector, most brands selling organic cotton remain upbeat about the market for organics with many brands and retailers planning to expand their offers in 2009 and 2010.
Source: EcoTextile News (Wednesday, March 18, 2009)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

Organic Exchange releases its first "Farm System Crops Baseline Report"

A review of crops grown in rotation or as part of the organic cotton farm system.
Source: Organic Exchange (Thursday, May 14, 2009)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Submitted by Andrea Bischof

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