In our last post, we shared the definition and origin of cotton — today, we'll dive into its impact! It all starts with the cotton plant and specifically its seeds which are covered with a soft, almost entirely cellulose-based staple fibre known as cotton fibres. Cotton is an entirely natural raw material and, unlike many man-made materials, it's biodegradable in its pure form (note: this can change depending on how the cotton is processed, dyed or finished). It’s an excellent choice for versatile and lightweight product applications thanks to the fibres’ unique properties such as durability, softness and breathability. Cotton has contributed globally to how and why we live in societies today both socially, economically and environmentally. However, its production comes with its own unique set of challenges around inefficient water usage, volume of overproduction, pesticide use, social impact, labour conditions and traceability. The good news? There are many approaches and promising alternatives to traditional cultivation and processing that are emerging, most notably led by initiatives focused on organic cotton —which aims to ensure that cotton is grown according to several standards which focus on the pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, social, and human sustainability. When in doubt: check the label, check for certifications, research alternatives and as always, shop your own closet before buying something new! Over the coming weeks, we'll dive into innovations, alternatives and certifications related to cotton — stay tuned 👀 You can learn more about cotton in our current exhibition, Knowing Cotton Otherwise, at the Fashion For Good Museum, where we showcase exciting innovators, such as @oritain.global — book tickets via link in bio! #sustainability #sustainablefashion #cotton #goodmaterials #innovation #impact