Cotton remains one of the most widely used fibres globally, but its environmental cost is substantial. As concerns about resource depletion and environmental impact grow, the textile industry is shifting towards more sustainable alternatives. Conventional cotton and recycled cotton are often compared for their environmental effects, but which one truly benefits the planet?
Environmental Impact of Conventional Cotton
- Water Consumption: Conventional cotton farming is infamous for its excessive water usage. According to the Water Footprint Network, growing 1 kilogram of cotton requires 10,000 to 20,000 litres of water, depending on the region. This level of consumption poses a significant strain on water resources, particularly in arid areas.
- Pesticides and Fertilisers: Conventional cotton accounts for 16% of global insecticide use and 6% of pesticide use, according to PAN UK. This extensive chemical use degrades soil health, pollutes local waterways, and poses risks to both farmers and ecosystems.
- Source: https://www.pan-uk.org/cotton
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The carbon footprint of conventional cotton is substantial due to farming activities, fertiliser production, and processing. The Carbon Trust highlights that the production of a single cotton t-shirt can emit up to 2.1 kg of CO2.
- Soil Degradation: The intensive farming practices used in conventional cotton farming deplete soil nutrients and contribute to desertification, limiting the agricultural land’s future productivity. Over-reliance on monocropping exacerbates this degradation.
The Benefits of Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton, derived from post-consumer and pre-consumer waste, offers a significantly lower environmental footprint. Unlike conventional cotton, recycled cotton doesn’t require new raw materials and helps minimise the textile industry’s overall waste.
- Water Savings: One of the most significant advantages of recycled cotton is the minimal water usage required. Since the cotton fibres have already been processed, there is no need for irrigation or farming, conserving vast amounts of water.
- Reduced Pesticide Usage: Recycled cotton eliminates the need for pesticides, insecticides, or fertilisers, as no new crops are grown. This leads to fewer pollutants entering ecosystems and a healthier overall impact on biodiversity.
- Lower Carbon Emissions: Recycling cotton reduces the overall carbon footprint by limiting the energy required for new cotton production. According to Greenpeace, the energy savings from recycling materials, including cotton, can be substantial when compared to the manufacturing of virgin fibres.
- Waste Reduction: By recycling cotton, large amounts of textile waste are diverted from landfills. It helps in combating the fashion industry’s staggering waste problem, where an estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles are discarded annually.
Which is Better for the Planet?
When comparing conventional and recycled cotton, recycled cotton comes out ahead in terms of environmental impact. Its lower water requirements, absence of pesticides, and reduced carbon footprint make it a much more sustainable choice for the planet. However, challenges such as limited availability and fibre quality need to be addressed for recycled cotton to meet growing demand effectively.
As the industry invests in better recycling technologies and improves fibre processing methods, the scalability and performance of recycled cotton are expected to improve, making it an even more viable solution for eco-conscious fashion brands.
Maatrishakti’s Role in Promoting Recycled Cotton
At Maatrishakti Ecospin Pvt. Ltd., we have embraced the power of recycled cotton to reduce the environmental impact of yarn production. By utilising state-of-the-art European technology from leaders like Trützschler, Reiter, and Balkan, we produce high-quality recycled yarns from both pre-consumer and post-consumer textile waste.
Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond recycled materials. We focus on reducing our water usage and energy consumption while maintaining the highest standards of product quality. At Maatrishakti, we believe that recycled cotton is the future of fashion, contributing to a circular economy where waste is minimised, and resources are used more efficiently.
By partnering with Maatrishakti, you are joining the movement towards sustainable fashion, helping reduce the environmental burden of conventional cotton and supporting the broader goal of a cleaner, greener future.
