What is regenerative cotton?
Regenerative cotton is cotton that is grown according to the principles and practices of regenerative agriculture. Unlike traditional agriculture, which often relies on intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, regenerative agriculture aims to improve soil health, increase biodiversity and create a sustainable circular system.
Why do we need regenerative cotton?
Benefits for the environment
1. Reduction of soil degradation: Regenerative farming methods improve soil structure and fertility, leading to less erosion and degradation.
2. Water retention: Healthy soil can store more water, which is particularly valuable in times of drought.
3. Reduction of chemical use: Less synthetic fertilizers and pesticides means less pollution and less negative impact on surrounding ecosystems.
Soil health benefits
1. Intercropping and crop rotation: These practices promote soil health by putting nutrients back into the soil and reducing pest pressure.
2. Compost and natural inputs: These sustainably improve soil fertility and promote soil microbiology.
Economic benefits for farmers
1. less dependence on external inputs: Lower costs for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides mean higher profits for farmers.
2. higher yields: Healthy soils often lead to higher and more stable yields.
Social benefits for municipalities
1. creation of jobs: Regenerative cotton cultivation can create local jobs and thus contribute to poverty reduction.
2. improving the quality of life: Stable and sustainable sources of income can improve the quality of life in rural communities.
Differences between regenerative and organic cotton
1. organic cotton: focuses mainly on the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
2. regenerative cotton: goes one step further and places additional emphasis on restoring soil health, promoting biodiversity and creating closed-loop systems.
Why is regenerated cotton better?
Regenerative cotton offers wider environmental and social benefits compared to conventional and even organic cotton. It not only helps to reduce environmental impact, but also actively promotes the health of ecosystems and supports the social structures of local communities.
The future of regenerative cotton
The demand for sustainable products is increasing, and so is the demand for regenerative cotton. Many companies are already starting to integrate regenerated cotton into their products, which points to a more sustainable future for cotton production and the textile industry.
