Organic Cotton vs Conventional Cotton
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Why is Organic Cotton more expensive and is it worth it?
First we need to look at why organic cotton is more expensive, and that might help answer the question of whether you think it’s worth it. There are a few facts and figures to give you here, but stay with me, I reckon it’s worth it.
Right from the start, organic cotton is already costlier to produce, because the organic cotton process requires more time, resources, and money to manufacture. Conventional cotton will be grown with a process that uses lots of fossil fuel, based pesticides. Organic cotton uses only natural pest control and natural soil management. With the requirement for the fields to be left to grow for 3 years. All of that then makes the growing process slower and more expensive There is a process of converting the fields to organic cotton at the outset, that also takes time and energy.
Fun fact for you, did you know that for every 1 kg of cotton produced, approximately 20,000 litres of water are used?
I’m not sure I can even comprehend how much water that is. Largely in countries that already suffer from water shortages too. Organic farming reduces the amount of water needed by over 90%.
To be certified as an organic cotton producer, it is also required that a living wage is paid to all its workers. With the guarantee that there will be no child or forced labour used in the growing and manufacturing processes.
Harvesting organic cotton is also done by hand, no large machinery is involved. Which undoubtedly makes the process slower and costlier. Then in the manufacturing process only non-toxic dyes are used, which are also more expensive to produce. Adding again to the expense.
Now take into consideration the fact that the organic cotton industry is generally smaller, therefore with smaller production runs. Which again increases the cost per product produced. Being a smaller market overall also means it is a more expensive process to promote the products.
When you are buying organic cotton products you should check that it is from a certified source, to ensure that the different processes have been followed. But testing for compliance costs money too. It’s rigorous and includes many steps, with the manufacturer having to re-apply every year!
There are many certifications that cover different parts of organic production, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) which covers textiles, OCS (Organic Certification Services) which covers crops, and OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association) which covers farmers.
So overall, organic cotton uses slower production methods, is more labour intensive and is a smaller marketplace in general. Making organic cotton approximately 20-30% more expensive than conventional cotton. I’ve no doubt that you can see exactly why that’s the case.
So the next question is why? Why would you choose organic cotton products over conventional cotton if it is going to cost more?
Simply put, because it’s better for the planet – around 16% of all the pesticides sold in the world are used on farming conventional cotton. As they are manufactured from fossil fuels, that in turn contributes to climate change. Organic farming almost halves the amount of CO2 released compared to conventional cotton.
Studies say that clothing made from organic cotton is more durable and kinder to sensitive skin too. Choosing organic cotton for your company clothing and/or marketing campaigns will show immediately where you stand, showing your company’s ethical values without saying anything else.
One of the main suppliers that we use for client’s organic cotton clothing options is the brand Stanley/Stella. They have a wide choice of garment styles, with a great adult range, kids’ styles, and bag options too. Stanley/Stella work with only 7 factories in Bangladesh with their local staff working within those factories every day too, to make sure that the required ethical conditions are met.
So, then the question of whether it’s worth the additional cost? Well, now that you know what you know, I reckon you’ll have to answer that one for yourself. If you want to see some of the Stanley/Stella range, you can go to our website, or click the link to their full catalogue here.
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