A new study by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) suggests cotton could help the textile industry become more climate-friendly as cotton binds CO2 more effectively than other crops. The cotton plant has a positive effect on the climate and absorbs carbon dioxide more effectively than others, says Roland Stelzer, Managing Director, Cotonea, an organic brand founded in 2003, that has helped set up cultivation projects for organic cotton in Uganda and Kyrgyzstan and has personal knowledge of all the stages along its production chain.

The ICAC study says, nylon production produces the highest amount of greenhouse gases compared to seven other fibre types. Cotton production results in the second lowest rate of emissions. The amount of cotton needed for 1,000 gm of fibre absorbs more than 2,500 gm of CO2, adds Stelzer. He believes, the spreading information via the media regarding the environmental friendliness of cotton will help the industry make cotton more attractive to fashion designers and producers.