Life-Cycle Analysis of Organic Cotton “Overwhelming Supports” Benefits

by Lori Zimmer , 11/21/14   filed under: Eco-Fashion News, Eco-Textiles 

As if eco-fashion enthusiasts didn’t already know, Textile Exchange has just released a new study proving that organic cotton causes less environmental damage than conventional cotton. The extensive study revealed the effects of the organic cotton supply chain on factors like global warming, soil erosion, energy demand and water use. Data collected from the top cotton producing countries have shown that organic cotton is significantly better for the environment across the board.

Textile Exchange has long supported the production of organic cotton, but this study shows the actual data to convince the world of its incredible benefit over conventional cotton. The study tracked the lifecycle of cotton and global production from the top five cotton producing countries who produce almost all of the world’s cotton; India, China, Turkey, Tanzania and the United States. The Textile Exchange’s research began with the farmers, and continued through the entire organic supply chain including cotton ginners, spinners, brands, retails and consumers themselves.

Their findings were remarkable. Compared to data collected on conventional cotton, the Textile Exchange found that organic cotton compared to conventional has 46 percent reduced global warming potential, 70 perfect less acidification potential, 26 percent reduced soil erosion, 62 percent reduced primary energy demand, and a whopping 91 percent reduced blue water consumption.

Textile Exchange projects that this data will influence eco-conscious retailers to abolish the purchase of conventional cotton, and to support the clearly superior, sustainable organic cotton supply chain.

SOURCE: http://www.ecouterre.com/first-life-cycle-analysis-of-organic-cotton-overwhelming-supports-its-benefits/