At Rafale Market, we push sustainable fashion , so we accept cotton which is one of the most used fibers in the textile industry. However, it is essential to understand the environmental impacts of this fiber to make informed choices. Here we explain everything you need to know about cotton in the fashion industry, as well as more sustainable alternatives like organic cotton and recycled cotton.
The properties of cotton
Cotton represents 23% of global textile production, with around 25 million tonnes produced in 2021. The main producing countries are Uzbekistan, China and India, as this plant requires heat to grow well.
Why is cotton so popular? Here are its main advantages:
- Comfort and breathability: Cotton is appreciated for its comfort. Soft, it allows the skin to breathe, making it ideal for everyday clothing.
- Durability: Cotton is relatively durable and can withstand many washes without deteriorating, making it perfect for your favorite clothes.
- Hypoallergenic: Cotton is hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. It is a great choice for baby clothes and intimate clothing.
The environmental impact of cotton
Despite its many advantages, cotton production has a strong impact on the environment:
- Water consumption: Cotton cultivation is extremely water intensive, requiring approximately 10,000 liters to produce one kilogram of cotton. This poses environmental problems, especially in arid regions. Additionally, cotton fields are often heavily treated with pesticides, making the soil less absorbent and less fertile, further increasing water demand.
- Water and soil pollution: Pesticides and fertilizers used in cotton farming pollute soils and local water sources, affecting aquatic ecosystems and human communities.
- Carbon footprint: Cotton growing and processing generates greenhouse gas emissions. A cotton t-shirt can emit up to 7 kg of CO2 during its life cycle.
- Deforestation: The demand for land to grow cotton has led to deforestation in some regions, resulting in a loss of biodiversity.
Sustainable alternatives to cotton: organic cotton and recycled cotton
So, should we ban cotton from our wardrobes? Not necessarily. At Rafale Market, we believe that the best solution is to prioritize alternatives to conventional cotton: organic cotton and recycled cotton.
- Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, using sustainable methods that preserve healthy soils and ecosystems. It also uses less water thanks to more efficient agricultural practices.
- Recycled cotton: Recycled cotton is made from textile waste, reducing the need to grow new cotton and decreasing the ecological footprint. The recycling process also saves water and energy.
Natural leather, vegan leather, recycled leather: Everything you need to know
Although these alternatives are interesting, classic cotton remains widely used due to technical and industrial constraints. Organic cotton represents only 1.4% of global cotton production today, making it difficult to create diverse organic cotton products. As for recycled cotton, it loses quality when recycled, often requiring mixing with new cotton (classic or organic).
At Rafale Market, we are committed to offering you fashion products combining style and durability. Cotton remains an essential fiber, but it is crucial to favor more sustainable practices. Organic cotton and recycled cotton are promising alternatives that help reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry. By choosing sustainable cotton products at Rafale Market, you are making an informed and responsible choice. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and for the future of fashion.
