Organic Cotton
Our Organic Cotton Projects
For over 25 years, we are partnering with local farmers from Bergama Izmir located in the Aegean region of Turkey for our organic cotton production. Our manufacturing facilities are located also in Izmir strategically reduces the distance cotton travels hence our carbon footprint.
Aegean region is located far western part of Turkey, enjoying the best Mediterranean climate where cotton is grown under the sun, wind, and rain of this land by experienced farmers for almost two hundred years. Aegean cotton has all the features expected from good quality fiber. It is among the best in the world with its characteristics of long fibers, brightness, high strength, and homogeneity. Uniform micronaire values, staple length averaging around 30 mm, and strength around 32 gpt lead to good quality fine yarns up to NE ’70s.
Most important aspect of our cotton production is the seeds used which are the traditional ones and contains no GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). The use of GMO containing seeds is prohibited by law and strict penalties can be enforced. Considering the major cotton growing countries of the world have chosen a different path; we, organic cotton promoters take pride in the purity of our local fiber. This does not only prevent contamination to other food crops, but also does not pose any health risks as cotton seed oil is blended in vegetable oils we use for cooking and frying, and animal feed in farms.
The biggest difference between yarns spun from Aegean cotton and other origins is that fabrics produced from this yarn have superior color absorption and retention. This remarkable aspect makes all products to be brighter and more vibrant. For this reason, less dyestuff and less energy are used during production. Another distinct character is the better hand feel of the fabrics produced, so no additional finishing processes are required. We transform Aegean cotton into yarn and further textile products locally and share this special crop with the whole world.
Nature is regarded as a stakeholder in our practice, we are working towards benefitting the nature during our production just as any other stakeholder such as the local farmers and our employees. That is the reason we use regenerative farming practices for our cotton production. These practices have the following principles that are embedded to our vision.
1- To produce sufficient quantities of high-quality organic raw cotton, food, fiber, and other products.
2- To work compatibly with natural cycles and living systems through the soil, plants, and animals in the entire production system.
3- To recognize the wider social and ecological impact of and within the organic production and processing system.
4- To maintain and increase long-term fertility and biological activity of soils using locally adapted cultural, biological and mechanical methods as opposed to reliance on inputs.
5- To maintain and encourage agricultural and natural biodiversity on the farm and surrounds through the use of sustainable production systems and the protection of plant and wildlife habitats.
6- To maintain and conserve genetic diversity through attention to on-farm management of genetic resources.
7- To promote the responsible use and conservation of water and all life therein.
8- To use, as far as possible, renewable resources in production and processing systems and avoid pollution and waste.
9- To foster local and regional production and distribution.
10- To create a harmonious balance between crop production and animal husbandry.
11- To utilize biodegradable, recyclable, and recycled packaging materials.
12- To provide everyone involved in organic farming and processing with a quality of life that satisfies their basic needs, within a safe, secure and healthy working environment.
13- To support the establishment of an entire production, processing and distribution chain which is both socially just and ecologically responsible.
14- To recognise the importance of, and protect and learn from, indigenous knowledge and traditional farming systems.