Cotton is one of the supreme fabrics, which is a versatile fabric loved by a large consumer base. Still, not all cotton is the same. There are three different types of cotton conventional cotton, FLO cotton, and organic cotton. There are several disparities between all three, including their functionality, feel, and usage. Read on to learn more about these types of cotton as we shed light on each of its characteristics.
Conventional Cotton
Conventional cotton is the most widely used type of cotton in the industry. Conventional cotton is manufactured using traditional farming practices. This means there is an involvement of GMOs, pesticides, and fertilizers to decrease damage due to pests and to increase yield. But this comes at a significant cost to the environment. The pesticides used to drive away infestations cause harm to the soil and the underground water table and even spread in the air, polluting it for a considerable radius.
Beyond these shortcomings, conventional cotton has been widely used in the textile industry and provides an affordable and accessible option for various clothing and textile products, meeting the demands of a global market. More than polyester yarn manufacturers in India, cotton fabric goods have the versatility and familiarity that makes them a prevalent choice in the creation of everyday garments and household textiles.
Fair Trade (FLO) Cotton
Fair Trade (FLO) Cotton is the new game changer in the textile industry. The specialty of FLO cotton is that it ensures that the farmers are paid fairly for their produce. It also promotes social and economic sustainability for the farmers involved in cotton production. Apart from fair prices, the other highlights of this type of cotton are that it means that the farmers working in the fields have a safe working environment, and there are several community-based upliftments for the farmers and families involved. It is a popular choice among the most knitted fabric manufacturers in India as consumers are shifting towards sustainable choices.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is sourced by textile manufacturers looking to manufacture organic cotton garments that are environment-friendly and skin-friendly. It is one of the most coveted types of cotton for its feel, comfort, and safety. Premium organic cotton is cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. This eco-friendly method ensures the soil health is maintained and the groundwater table is kept clean and safe. Knitted fabric manufacturers in the industry are seeing a growing demand for organic cotton as it is skin-safe and extremely baby-friendly.
The Potential Differences in the Types of Cotton
Environmental Impact
There is a stark difference between these types of cotton when we compare its environmental impact. Conventional cotton stands tall on the chart with the most acute usage of chemicals, GMOs, and so on, harming both the community as well as the environment. FLO cotton is considerably better with the absence of harmful chemicals but it still involves synthetic-based inputs by the farmers during production.
Organic cotton is the most eco-friendly option. Every aspect, including the cultivation methods, preservation of soil health, minimal water consumption, and negating effects of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, makes it the first choice for the safest and most comfortable fabric.
Community Welfare
The social implications of this cotton also stand at large while making a choice. While conventional farming practices involve harmful farming practices and exploited labor, FLO cotton manufacturing ensures the safety of the environment as well as the working conditions of the farmers. By opting for FLO cotton, consumers contribute to a supply chain that prioritizes the well-being of communities, fostering a sustainable and socially responsible approach to cotton production.
With a complete understanding of the types of cotton, traders, as well as consumers, will be able to make a better choice that is safe for them as well as their environment. Though conventional cotton is the dominant version in our market today, the increasing awareness and the need for sustainable practices have improved the demand for FLO cotton and organic cotton. Damodar Menon International has an extensive network of cotton suppliers and traders to choose from as per your needs. Contact us today for a flourishing trade of cotton.
