From the Field to Fabric: How Cotton is Made and Why Choose Organic Cotton

If you've ever wondered how cotton—the soft and breathable material we wear daily—is made, here's a comprehensive guide to understanding its journey from the field to fabric.

1. Cotton Cultivation

The process begins in the spring when farmers plant cotton seeds in well-prepared soil. For cotton to grow properly, it needs a precise balance of nutrients, water, and sunlight.

In conventional agriculture, most seeds are genetically modified (GM). These seeds are supposed to be more resistant to pests and diseases, but they lock farmers into a cycle of dependency on large seed companies and the chemicals they sell. Contrary to popular belief, GM seeds do not always result in higher yields, and nature adapts by creating new pests that these plants cannot resist.

In contrast, organic farming uses natural, non-GMO seeds. This choice results in stronger, higher-quality fibers while ensuring healthier farming for both producers and consumers.

Once planted, the cotton seeds take about six to eight weeks to germinate and turn into flowering plants. These yellowish flowers eventually fall off, leaving behind the cotton capsules that contain the fibers.

Irrigation is a key part of cotton cultivation. Conventional farming uses a lot of water—about 20,000 liters are needed to produce just one kilogram of cotton, or 2,700 liters for a single t-shirt. Organic farming, however, consumes 91% less water, thanks to better soil management and more sustainable farming techniques.

Cotton attracts many harmful insects, which leads conventional farming to use large amounts of insecticides and pesticides. Cotton alone accounts for 24% of the world's insecticide use and 11% of pesticide use. Some of these chemicals, such as glyphosate or aldicarb, are classified as carcinogenic and harmful to the environment.

Organic farmers, on the other hand, use natural alternatives like neem oil or crop rotation to protect the plants without polluting the soil or harming biodiversity.

2. Cotton Harvesting

When the cotton capsules are mature, they're ready to be harvested.

In conventional farming, large machines are used to pick cotton in bulk, without distinguishing between mature and immature fibers. This rapid method results in uneven fiber quality and contamination with bits of stems and leaves, making the fabric rougher.

In organic farming, harvesting is done by hand, allowing only the most mature fibers to be selected, preserving their softness and length.

Conventional farming also uses chemical defoliants—substances that artificially cause the leaves to fall, making mechanical harvesting easier. Organic farming waits for the leaves to fall naturally before harvesting, preventing any contamination by harmful substances.

3. Cotton Processing

Once harvested, raw cotton goes through several stages of processing before becoming fabric.

• Ginning: This step separates the fibers from the seeds. In organic farming, unused seeds are often recycled into cooking oil or animal feed.
• Spinning: The fibers are twisted into thread. Conventional farming often uses a short-fiber spinning method, which is faster but produces thicker, rougher thread. Organic cotton uses long-fiber spinning, which results in finer, stronger, and softer thread.
• Weaving or Knitting: The thread is then transformed into fabric through various techniques. Organic cotton is often woven on traditional looms, further improving the fabric's quality.
  
  

4. Dyeing and Printing

One major environmental issue with conventional cotton is the impact of its dyeing process.

The synthetic dyes used in the textile industry contain heavy metals and toxic substances that end up in wastewater. These chemicals pollute rivers and harm local communities.

The natural dyes used for organic cotton are derived from plants, minerals, or non-toxic pigments. In addition to being better for the environment, they are also safer for the skin.

Printing on organic fabrics is done using vegetable-based inks, without chemical solvents, avoiding the release of harmful substances.

5. Why Choose Organic Cotton?

At Zizzz, we manufacture all our products with premium organic cotton. Choosing organic cotton is a responsible choice for both yourself and the planet:

• Better quality: The long fibers used in organic cotton are stronger, softer, and don’t pill.
• Less pollution: No pesticides, no toxic dyes, and a reduced water consumption.
• Respect for farmers: By avoiding GMOs and chemicals, organic cotton protects small farmers from dependence on large agrochemical industries.
• Reduced health impact: No chemical residues in the fabrics you wear daily.
  
  

Conclusion

Organic cotton is not only an ethical choice, but it also guarantees quality and durability. Behind a simple cotton garment lies a production chain that has a direct impact on the environment, the health of farmers, and ours.

By choosing organic cotton, we contribute to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable production model.

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Our Mission at Zizzz

Enhancing quality of life and well-being through better sleep

At Zizzz, our mission is to improve quality of life by promoting good sleep as an essential component of overall well-being.

We offer products and resources that promote restorative and revitalizing sleep, recognizing it as one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle, alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

By prioritizing quality sleep, we empower individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.

Preserving our environment and helping to build a better future

We achieve this goal by using only natural materials such as wool, traceable down, and organic cotton in our products, ensuring a luxurious and eco-friendly sleep environment.

Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, we produce locally, supporting local economies and reducing our carbon footprint.

Choosing Zizzz means investing in your own well-being while contributing to a more sustainable future for all.