5 critical questions about cotton
And 5 honest answers
We might have already explained why we still use cotton, and emphasized the very strict requirements we set for the cultivation and production of cotton. But we still get critical questions about cotton on a regular basis. Here are the top five questions we get asked, and our answers.
WHY DO YOU USE SUPIMA COTTON FOR YOUR PRODUCTS?
Because it is cotton of the absolute highest quality. It is made from rare, premium, natural fibres, and cultivated and processed in a sustainable and transparent way.
WHERE DOES SUPIMA COME FROM AND WHO GROWS IT?
There are approximately 500 family businesses in the US that cultivate and process Supima cotton. Most of these businesses have been farming cotton for generations. The land the cotton is grown on is their own land. It is their source of income. Their legacy. That is why they do everything they can to make sure the soil does not get polluted and the water stays clean.
WHAT MAKES YOUR SUPIMA COTTON MORE SUSTAINABLE THAN ‘ORDINARY’ COTTON?
Our cotton growers are leaders in the use of new, technological agricultural processes and methods, which have to meet strict international environmental regulations and ethical standards. They don’t use any child labour, for example, and they keep the use of chemicals and water to an absolute minimum.
DOESN’T COTTON USE UP TOO MUCH WATER?
Our cotton farmers study the topography of the land and the composition of the soil to determine the optimal irrigation system for their cotton and the fertility of the soil. That might be a drip irrigation system, for example, that waters the plants directly, or a spate irrigation system that uses flood water to keep the soil wet. Although that might not sound a good way to use water, it actually has a lot of advantages: it replenishes the ground water, rejuvenates the soil, and helps to foster natural wildlife.
It is difficult to compare this water consumption with that of organic cotton because there no exact figures for these two irrigation methods. But our suppliers assure us that the difference is minimal.
DOESN’T THE PROCESSING OF COTTON CAUSE A LOT OF POLLUTION? AND ISN’T COTTON PRODUCED IN VERY BAD CONDITIONS?
Not our cotton: we do everything possible to ensure that every stage of the production process is as sustainable as possible. We don’t use any chemicals to prevent shrinkage, for example, and all our shirts and shorts are made by people who get a decent wage. We treat everyone the way we want to be treated ourselves. That’s the way it should be, right?
Have you got any more questions? Then you can always e-mail or call us.
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