Driven by denim mills’ and manufacturers’ efforts to embrace regenerative agriculture, the global denim industry is making a significant shift toward regenerative cotton.
This transition is being accelerated by initiatives aimed at educating farmers, providing funding, and sourcing locally grown, traceable regenerative cotton. These efforts aim to create a more sustainable and resilient denim production process by focusing on soil health, carbon sequestration, and water conservation.
Some of the key mills leading this change include the Brazil-based Vicunha which has incorporated regenerative cotton into its product range through its Regen by Vicunha initiative. The mill has partnered with Scheffer, a leader in regenerative cotton production, and aims to produce 2 million meters of regenerative denim by 2025.
Similarly Pakistan-based Artistic Milliners is expanding its regenerative cotton program from 92 farmers in 2023 to 600 in 2024. The program focuses on regenerating ecosystems in Rahim Yar Khan, a region affected by chemical-based farming practices. The mill plans to increase its use of regenerative cotton from less than 2 per cent to 5 per cent over the next few years, with an emphasis on soil health, carbon emissions reduction, and biodiversity.
Pakistan-based Soorty launched the Soorty Regenagri Initiative in 2023, targeting 5,000 acre in South Punjab. The initiative focuses on sustainable practices like reducing chemical use, promoting biodiversity, and increasing female farmer participation. The brand’s regenerative cotton usage increased significantly in 2024, and it plans to continue expanding based on customer demand.
The global demand for regenerative cotton is growing despite the challenges faced by regenerative agriculture related to supply chain consistency, lead times, and cost. The denim industry’s shift towards regenerative cotton represents a growing commitment to sustainability, with mills and brands scaling up production and working together to promote long-term ecological restoration.
