Long before cotton became a popular trend, Lekhraj brothers founded Cottonworld in 1987 with the goal of promoting the benefits of cotton and sustainable fashion practices. The cotton based sustainable brand started its journey towards sustainability with the goal of providing customers with apparel that feels good on the skin, looks good, and is kind to the environment.

Cotton is the foundation of Cottonworld’s philosophy; it is frequently referred to as “nature’s fabric.” Cotton, which is prized for its breathability, toughness, and adaptability, has long been a mainstay in clothing collections worldwide. The brand creates collections that accentuate the intrinsic qualities of this natural fibre, celebrating its essence. Every item of clothing, from sophisticated linen shirts to soft, organic cotton tees, exudes comfort without sacrificing style.

Ethical Production and Sourcing

Cottonworld’s dedication to sustainability goes well beyond choosing eco-friendly fabrics; it also includes moral production and sourcing procedures. The brand ensures that every garment is made with integrity by placing a high priority on accountability and transparency throughout its supply chain. It promotes fair labour practices and supports rural livelihoods by working with local farmers and artisans. This sustainable venture sets the bar for ethical fashion in a field where unethical behaviour is rampant and shows that moral values can coexist with style and quality. Cottonworld is paving the way for a more responsible and sustainable future for fashion with its unwavering commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Although Cottonworld’s identity revolves around sustainability, the brand’s classic yet modern designs are what make it visually appealing. This brand’s collections accommodate a wide range of tastes and preferences, offering both modern and classic silhouettes. It is a favorite among fashion enthusiasts who want both style and comfort because of its adaptable clothing that can be worn for both formal events and casual get-togethers.

Cottonworld’s search for eco-friendly fashion solutions is propelled by innovation. The company is always looking for new methods and tools to reduce its impact on the environment. The cotton brand incorporates sustainable practices throughout the entire production process, from water-saving procedures to environmentally friendly dyes. It’s adoption of innovation not only lessens its environmental effect but also establishes a standard for the fashion industry to adhere to.

The cotton movement 

Cottonworld’s influence goes beyond the apparel industry to include social welfare and environmental conservation groups and initiatives. Through partnerships with local groups and non-governmental organisations, the brand actively supports causes that include healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. Cottonworld is a prime example of the transformative power of fashion as a force for good, having forged alliances with organisations committed to positive change. By these initiatives, the brand not only promotes social responsibility but also helps to create a more just and sustainable society, demonstrating the wider influence that ethical fashion choices can have on the globe.

Cottonworld’s appeal is international despite its Indian roots. The brand is becoming more well-known abroad and is praised for its fine craftsmanship and sustainable philosophy. From Tokyo to New York, a discerning consumer base that values authenticity and conscious consumption is drawn to its collections. This brand emerges as a ray of hope for a fashion industry undergoing transition as the globe adopts sustainability as a defining ethos. Despite its success, Cottonworld still has to contend with issues common to the fashion industry, such as rapidly shifting consumer tastes and shifting market conditions. These difficulties do, nevertheless, also offer chances for development and innovation. The brand is still in a position to lead the way in the direction of a more sustainable and just future for fashion because it honours its basic principles while making adjustments for changing trends.

Cottonworld is a monument to classic style and environmentally conscious principles in a world overrun by fast fashion and fads. The brand’s journey, from its modest beginnings to its current global presence, demonstrates a dedication to honesty, creativity, and inclusivity. It is a source of inspiration for the fashion industry to embrace sustainability as a way of life rather than just a trend, as consumers prioritise making ethical and environmentally conscious purchases more and more. Cottonworld demonstrates that sustainability and style can coexist by weaving a tale of harmony between nature, skill, and conscience into the fabric of fashion.

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The matter of materials

Designed by MONSE, the limited-edition travel bag constructed of raw denim, crafted from domestic-grown cotton that has been spun, dyed, and woven by Around the World in 80 Fabrics partner, Huston Textile Co. The denim used to craft the travel bag will be featured on the runway at MONSE’s New York Fashion Week show on February 10, 2024.

“Throughout our collaboration with Panasonic, we had the opportunity to connect with exceptional fabric manufacturers specialising in eco-friendly textiles. Deliberately selecting indigo denim—a harmonious fusion of American and Japanese influences—we crafted the bag in the silhouette of a traditional Japanese knot bag, imbuing it with a contemporary, deconstructed interpretation,” said Laura Kim, Co-Creative Director of MONSE. Panasonic’s partnership with MONSE is the latest effort by Panasonic as it furthers its ongoing commitments to sustainability and holistic well-being. Earlier this year, Panasonic announced its partnership with Around the World in 80 Fabrics at CES 2024 in Las Vegas with an installation featuring fully sustainably produced fabrics at the Panasonic booth.

Fabrics that pollute less

“The world of designer fashion brims with breathtaking creativity. We are excited to partner with Panasonic and MONSE to introduce unique fabrics that are healthy for people and the planet,” said Dr. Tierney Thys, Co-Founder of Around the World in 80 Fabrics. “Every fabric has a face, a story, a footprint. By using traceable, regenerative eco-friendly fabrics, designers can make enormously powerful statements, not only with their product designs but also with the very materials they’ve selected.”

As part of this unique collaboration, the limited-edition travel bag will be sold in the (PANASONIC)RED product line. Since partnering with (RED) in 2022, Panasonic has committed over $700,000 to the Global Fund to help strengthen healthcare systems and fund life-saving programs that support equitable access to testing and treatment in communities most in need. Every (PANASONIC)RED product is part of this commitment. “Panasonic is evolving to be more than just a consumer electronics company. We want to provide consumers with sustainably designed and ethically sourced products that they are excited to incorporate into their daily lives,” said Michelle Esgar, Director of Marketing & Experience at Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “While there is still more work to be done, partnering with other mission-driven brands like MONSE, Around the World in 80 Fabrics and (RED), is part of our larger vision to create a more sustainable future for everyone.”

The limited-edition travel bag and Panasonic nanoe Travel Hair Dryer (EH-NA2C-W) bundle will be available in the U.S. in Spring 2024 on the Panasonic website and Amazon.

Read More: Encouraging Rural Artisans: The Okhai Initiative

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EcoVcraft  is a forward-thinking company that upholds the nation’s legacy while adhering to sustainable practices. The brand incorporates regional craftsmanship into its design philosophy, drawing inspiration from India’s artisanal traditions. The company’s curated products includes natural dye, fabrics, products made of bamboo, grass, cane, and many more. By doing this, EcoVcraft India supports regional communities and upholds traditional values in addition to producing goods with a distinctive cultural identity.

The ethical sourcing of materials is at the heart of EcoVcraft’s mission. The company actively looks for sustainable, local resources, making use of India’s wealth of available natural resources. EcoVcraft is dedicated to sourcing eco-friendly materials that not only support local economies and empower indigenous communities, but also go beyond environmental concerns. They give back by not only creating a source of income for crafters but also educate them with the wealth of knowledge on sustainable crafting techniques.

Creative designs

With a focus on modern aesthetics and traditional influences, EcoVcraft is proud of its creative designs. Every product, including bags, women’s apparel, accessories , demonstrates the brand’s commitment to fusing sustainability, beauty, and usefulness in a harmonious way. EcoVcraft contributes a unique taste to the global eco-friendly product market by incorporating aspects of Indian art and culture into its design. They export to make these signs of culture and sustainability reach all parts of the globe.

EcoVcraft contributes significantly to the preservation of cultural heritage in addition to producing goods. By working with regional craftspeople, the brand makes sure that traditional methods are not only preserved but also honoured. EcoVcraft builds a bridge between the past and the future by integrating these age-old techniques into modern designs, encouraging a sense of continuity and pride. Bamboo combs that were used by royalty at an age is now available through this platform to make us feel special. Shells picked up from the beach are the best gifts but so are these bags made from bamboo and shells.

Local ethos

EcoVcraft understands that local solutions are necessary to address sustainability as a global issue. The company designs its products with consumers’ unique demands and obstacles in mind, taking into account elements like climate, way of life, and cultural preferences. This localised strategy not only makes the brand more relevant in the Indian market, but it also demonstrates how sustainable practices can be tailored to fit a variety of situations. With that being said , there is a large group of like minded people interested in Indian culture and are a big section of its clientele.

Through its educational initiatives, EcoVcraft India actively engages communities beyond the manufacturing sector. The brand cultivates a sense of accountability and proprietorship among its clientele by organizing workshops, skill-development initiatives, and environmental awareness campaigns. Through providing people with information, the goal of EcoVcraft is to produce a significant impact that goes well beyond its goods.

EcoVcraft India is more than just a name; it’s evidence of the marriage of custom and innovation, regional development and worldwide influence. This Indian brand is a shining example of how sustainable practices can be easily woven into a country’s cultural heritage, particularly in a world where environmental issues are a major concern. As EcoVcraft India keeps paving the way for a more environment friendly future, it not only supports the global sustainability movement but also acts as an example for companies everywhere to recognise the potential of their own cultural heritage in building a sustainable future.

Read More: Skizo: A new wave

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Leather in a few days

Koen Meerkerk and Hugo de Boon are a Rotterdam based designer duo, who graduated from the Willem de Kooning academy in Rotterdam with a bachelor degree in spatial design. They share a zeal to attach value to things that would otherwise be labelled useless. The duo has turned their passion into a circular economy, procuring waste mangoes from companies that are required to discard the fruits for quality control-totally free of cost- to process them into fruit leather. It involves grinding the mangoes to a coarse paste, pouring in certain additives to give it leather-like feel, drying it on racks and finally applying multiple layers of ‘waterproofing wax’ over a course of days.

Collaborating and creating

The company solely focuses on the production of Fruitleather material at present. Designers and brands can procure it through the Fruitleather Rotterdam website and utilise it to create any product they wish to make. Although the leather sheets lose their waterproofing from the edges when going through cuts and stitches, makers can apply proper natural wax to keep it durable, or buy Fruitleather Rotterdam’s own wax to do the job. “We do not directly make/sell products but rather collaborate with sustainable designers,” the duo informs. Willingness to face and solve environmental problems from a designer point of view, with the courage and energy of entrepreneurs has been their driving force. They have based the production facility in Bluecity, where they work together with other circular businesses towards a zero waste economy.

The idea of using mangoes for leather did not occur to them at random, but rather after months of thought and research- as mangoes have a lot of fiber, and Netherlands happened to import or trade more than half of the mangoes in Europe, it worked out as the ideal fruit. The vision at Fruitleather Rotterdam is not only to spread awareness of the food waste issue, but also to show how waste in general can be used in a positive way.

Read More: Doodling a sustainable fashion style

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 Sold exclusively online at EcoSleep.com, EcoSleep and EcoSleep Luxe offer an affordable entry point for all-natural latex mattresses. Boasting several top-tier certifications, both models source the world’s safest materials including eco-INSTITUT certified Talalay Latex, GOTS certified cotton, and organic EcoPlush wool, to create the ultimate hypoallergenic, supportive, and breathable sleep solution.  “Our all-new EcoSleep and EcoSleep Luxe models offer high quality, organic materials at an affordable entry point,” said John Merwin, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Bedding. “We’ve carefully selected each layer, using the most organic and environmentally friendly materials available to deliver the ultimate healthy sleep solution. We’re thrilled to be adding two GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold certified mattresses to our lineup to provide yet another sustainable option to our customers.” 

Combining wool and cotton

Both EcoSleep models layer sustainably sourced organic wool and organic cotton to create an all-natural quilted top cover. These layers not only offer comfort, but also provide temperature regulation, shape retention, and act as a natural fire retardant. As a naturally hypoallergenic fiber, wool also contains properties that prevent the build-up of dust mites, dust particles, and other potentially harmful allergens. Taking it a step further, EcoSleep Luxe adds another layer of luxury to the top of the mattress, pairing organic cashmere with two layers of wool to provide a plusher feel. Both models add 100 percent natural Talalay Latex below the wool top layers, delivering a uniquely buoyant feel designed to relieve tension and relax the body. EcoSleep includes a 3-inch layer of all-natural latex while EcoSleep Luxe features an additional dense layer of latex to provide additional support. 8-inch coils follow the latex layers, providing superior response and body contouring support while ensuring motion isolation to minimise sleep disturbance. An organic wool base completes each build, adding an additional layer of fire protection and support to the mattresses. 

Brooklyn Bedding received both GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS certifications in 2022 after passing a series of rigorous examinations, inspections, and testing. GOTS was developed in 2006 as a worldwide standard to ensure organic status and socially responsible manufacturing of textiles through the entire supply chain, including fiber production, processing, and manufacturing. The certification sets the benchmark for a universal understanding of environmentally friendly production systems and social accountability in the organic textile sector. Both EcoSleep and EcoSleep Luxe come with a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial. EcoSleep Standard starts at $995 for a queen and the Luxe model comes in at just $1,295 for a queen. 

Read More: Sleep on it: Organic mattress and bedding brand Naturepedic educates on healthy sleep

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The showcase encompassed a comprehensive end-product display of the wood-sourced fibers across segments such as denim, home textile, intimate & loungewear, general outerwear, and traditional wear. Participants got to directly experience their latest products and innovations. Notably, the exhibition highlighted the impressive variety of LENZING ECOVERO black fibers, celebrated for delivering exceptional depth of black color in fabrics, and LENZING ECOVERO with REFIBRA technology which is another step closer to a circular economy. This innovative offering is in harmony with Lenzing’s dedication to sustainability and the pursuit of innovative products. The company recently transformed its Indonesian manufacturing site to produce LENZING ECOVERO fibers which are certified with the internationally recognised EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence. The site will also offer LENZING ECOVERO black fibers for Asian customers.

As an industry leader in the evolving textile industry, Lenzing continues to present pioneering and planet-friendly solutions that align with the evolving demands of the Indian market. The conclave saw enthusiastic engagement from essential stakeholders, creating valuable networking prospects and collaborative dialogues, reinforcing the group’s standing as a frontrunner in the ever-changing textile landscape. Talking about the event, Avinash Mane – Senior Commercial Director of AMEA & NEA region, Textiles Business, Lenzing Group, said, “We are elated by the success of ‘The Lenzing Conclave’ in Bengaluru, where industry luminaries across the supply chain gathered to envision the future of textile fibers. The company maintains its leadership in sustainable solutions, exemplified by our flagship products and pioneering innovations. We take pride that our fibers are supporting brands and retailers to create innovative and sustainable fashion offerings for the Indian consumers”

Read More: 30 Years of Tencel

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Okhai, which translates to “hand” in the local tongue, is a social enterprise that was founded with the goal of giving rural artisans- especially women – a sustainable platform for their handcrafted goods. Established on the tenets of moral and equitable commerce, Okhai aims to close the distance between small-town craftspeople and the international market.

Empowering Rural Women

Okhai’s emphasis on empowering women artisans in rural India is one of its unique selling points. Okhai gives women a means of support through various craft forms, which improves their confidence and skills while also giving them a source of income. The initiative makes sure that women are fairly compensated for their efforts and acknowledges the important role they play in traditional crafts. The preservation of traditional crafts, which are frequently handed down through the generations, is highly valued in Okhai. Its assortment of products, which ranges from exquisite embroidery to colorful textile prints, accessories, home decor items, and kitchen and dining objects, captures the rich cultural diversity of India. Okhai not only preserves the crafts but also gives them relevance in the current era by fusing these age-old methods into modern designs.

Sustainability and Fair Trade:

Okhai’s business model is based on fair trade principles. The program makes sure that artists are paid fairly for their labor and have moral working conditions. In addition to encouraging sustainable practices, Okhai hopes to aid in environmental preservation. Customers who are more and more looking for products with ethical and sustainable production practices will appreciate this dedication to a positive social and environmental impact. Okhai acts as a link between small-town craftspeople and the international market. The program gives artisans a platform to present their goods to a wider audience through partnerships with retailers and its online platform. This not only gives artisans a way to make a living, but it also showcases the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into each handmade item.

Okhai has an effect on entire communities in addition to individual artisans. Okhai helps rural communities grow economically by generating a steady stream of revenue. The program also frequently funds community development initiatives like healthcare and education, which improves the lives of people involved even more. However, despite Okhai’s notable progress in empowering rural artisans, obstacles still exist. These include problems with infrastructure, market accessibility, and the requirement for ongoing skill development. To help more artisans in the future, Okhai is still dedicated to tackling these issues and broadening its scope.

In summary, Okhai serves as a ray of hope for rural artisans—especially women—by giving them a stage on which to display their abilities and engage with a worldwide clientele. The initiative is a prime example of the transformative power of social enterprises in promoting positive change, and it also serves to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage as it grows.

Read More: The ethic of Ethicus

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Complexity of organic cotton certification

There are several international certifications and standards for organic cotton. This begins with Ginning, the process of separating the seed and cotton from the harvested cotton ball and cotton to ensure traceability for yarn, fabrics, and the final product. However, for processes prior to that stage, the certification standard for organic agricultural products is applied to cotton balls and the field.

Existence of these two different certifications makes it difficult to achieve consistent traceability management for organic cotton (products). In the past, there were cases of large-scale fraud that came to light related to organic cotton in India, the world’s largest producer country of organic cotton.

Traceability aimed for by Cotton iD

Yagi & Co. Ltd made and started operating a proprietary management system that links the two international certifications for the organic cotton produced in India that we handle. This system enables consistent traceability management from the cotton field to thread. Through this system, the company can achieve incredibly transparent traceability for 85% or more of the organic cotton that we handle, from cotton field to thread. It started distribution of products with the brand “Unito Organic” which covers yarn, textile & garment. It can provide certifications of this management to customers purchasing applicable organic cotton from Yagi.

Organic Cotton and Us

Yagi & Co. Ltd has been a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) member since 2006 and one of Japan’s top companies in terms of the volume of internationally certified organic cotton handled. In particular, in regard to organic cotton from India, as board members of the PBP Cotton Foundation, it participates in activities to support the conversion to organic farming for cotton farmers in India, continue to provide school support for the children of farmers, and have worked to established sustainable frameworks for the production and sales of organic cotton.

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The finding is underscored as just four US asset managers, BlackRock, Vanguard, Fidelity and State Street make up a fifth of all market capitalisation of equity holdings for garment production (the step prior to point of sale). Conversely, in the early, upstream, stages of the supply chain, large institutional investors and asset managers hold between only a quarter (for raw material manufacturing) and a sixth (for fibre production and fabric manufacturing). Instead, holding companies and larger conglomerates are the major equity owners at these upstream stages.

Follow the (Money) Thread

The new report, Follow the (Money) Thread, builds on previous research which analysed almost 3,900 companies across the textile supply chain, highlighting poor supply chain visibility and limited direct control of most of the negative environmental impacts of the industry by retail companies and investors. Richard Wielechowski, Senior Investment Analyst (Textiles) at Planet Tracker, comments: “We find investors operating in the countries where most textiles are consumed are often shielded from the negative environmental impacts that take place before clothing reaches stores. However, these investors have the power to transform corporate behaviour and drive the move to a sustainable textiles industry. Whether it’s through proxy voting or investment decisions, it’s imperative institutional investors and asset managers push brands to take ownership of the environmental harms across value chains”.

The report also reveals that along with large institutional investors being the top equity holders downstream, this end of the supply chain also attracts more loans from international banks, such as JP Morgan, Bank of America and HSBC, likely given challenges around risk due diligence at the manufacturing stages of the value chain. Planet Tracker calls for the support of the provision of capital where lenders have been less active. Its previous Easy (Un)pickings report demonstrated that even small levels of investment upstream can drive significant improvements in environmental impacts whilst also having a short payback period.

Also Read: Spider inspired silk that is sustainable!

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Strengthening collaboration 

The meeting attracted diverse participants, including representatives from brands, local farm groups, NGOs such as Lok Sanjh, CABI CWA, SAWIE, REEDS and WWF- Pakistan, as well as individuals from integrated vertical units, seed companies, and procurement agencies. A total of 16 organisations, including 4 commercial textile organisations, such as Artistic Fabric, Soorty Enterprises, Interloop, and Artistic Milliners, attended. The event placed a strong emphasis on involving implementation partners and vertically integrated textile setups. 

With this event, the association aims to increase understanding of how OCA’s programs and methodologies can foster partnerships and interdependencies among stakeholders. It was also an opportunity for the participants to share their challenges and concerns, which will further guide OCA to align its priorities and programmes for Pakistan based on the current ground realities and needs. They also hope to send a clear message that In-conversion and organic cotton should be an essential part of everyone’s preferred fibre roadmap for textile products manufactured in Pakistan. This meeting marks a crucial phase in OCA’s engagement in Pakistan. Based on its two years of experience and partnerships on the ground, OCA aims to strengthen its presence and plan for the future while advancing its mission of creating a more sustainable and transparent cotton supply chain.  

The meeting covered topics such as improving the quantity and quality of non-genetically modified seed, availability of certified bio-input, local policy aspects, and stakeholder collaboration. It was inspiring to see the participants’ excitement and motivation to understand OCA’s work and their support in addressing the challenges of organic cotton. It is a good start in the right direction.

Comments from the stakeholders 

“Participating in the Organic Cotton Accelerator’s event has illuminated a promising path towards a more resilient ecosystem for organic cotton cultivation in Pakistan. This endeavour not only holds the potential to elevate farmer incomes but also promises to transform the deserving region of Balochistan. We envision the ripple effects of this conference being felt far and wide, catalysing increased international demand for Pakistani organic cotton. Together, we forge a brighter, sustainable future,” said Asad Soorty, Director, Soorty Enterprises

“The whole point of the conference was to brainstorm and come up with collective action to help improve the organic cotton landscape in Pakistan. This workshop was able to achieve that and more. We expect this to be a regular feature and hope the next workshop will be held near farm areas to get a better context of organic farming in Pakistan,” said Saqib Sohail, CSR & Cotton Project Lead, Artistic Milliners

A country with immense organic cotton potential 

Pakistan has had a history of near self-sufficiency in cotton. Over recent years though, the share of cotton production has declined. Pakistan has become a large net importer, unable to keep up with factory exports. The country had no significant history of organic cotton farming, especially since the introduction of genetically modified cotton. After a successful pilot was implemented in 2021-22, OCA launched its fieldwork in Pakistan in 2022. But unfortunately, tragedy struck the country during the summer of the same year, with floods affecting millions of people and over one million hectares of agricultural land. Notably, the Balochistan and Sindh provinces were hit by the hardest floods, with severe crop losses, especially cotton, disturbing the livelihoods of farming communities. The tragic natural event has only confirmed the urgent need to work with at-risk communities to build more sustainable and resilient farming practices.  

With collaborative partnerships established, OCA is now in a place to support the growth of organic production in Pakistan and invest in the enabling environment required for a healthy and thriving organic cotton sector. 

Also read Axita Cotton Limited receives whopping order worth USD 3.28M from

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