Cotton is a natural fiber that grows around the seeds of plants in genus Gossypium plant, forming the seed hair. This plant belongs to the mallow family Malvaceae. Cotton is classified as a natural plant-based fiber with high cellulose content. There are four types of cotton that are commercially grown around the world:
- Gossypium hirsutum (Upland cotton)
- Gossypium barbadense (Extra-long staple cotton)
- Gossypium arboreum (Tree cotton)
- Gossypium herbaceum (Levant cotton)
Cotton is a renewable textile fiber that mainly contains cellulose (90-95%), and small amounts of other compounds such as waxes, pectins and organic acids. It also can be traced from farm to final product through internationally recognised certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards).
China, India, Brazil, the United States, Australia, and Pakistan can be identified as the main countries that produce cotton in the world. Cotton also has a relatively stable global supply chain.
The cotton manufacturing process converts natural cotton fibers into fabrics or yarns and then into finishing garments. Manufacturers follow several steps throughout the process, including:
- Cultivation
- Ginning (separate the lint from the seed)
- Spinning
- Weaving or Knitting
- Dyeing
- Printing
- Finishing
When comparing global cotton spinning capacity, China and India lead the industry. China has the largest capacity, with over 100 million spindles, while India ranks second with around 52 million spindles in 2024.
In the textile industry, cotton is known as one of the easiest materials to cut and sew. It also make the material special because of below mentioned characteristics:
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Physical properties: Natural softness, sheen, strongness, low elasticity and high moisture absorbency
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Comfort and feel: Thermoregulating, highly breathable and comfortable against the skin
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Aesthetic properties: Highly compatible with different types of dyes, naturally matte and can improve sheen with mercerization, durable and versatile in design
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Technical performance: Good heat resistance, high moisture absorbency and strong material performance
Cotton is mainly used in textile, fashion and hygiene-related industries. Here are few examples:
- Clothing : Dresses, shirts, underwears, denim
- Home textiles : Bedding, towels, tablecloths
- Hygiene products : Sanitary napkins, bandages, cotton pads
- Accessories : Socks, hats, bags
- Industrial uses : Sewing threads, filters, wipes
The lifespan of cotton fabric can vary depending on several factors, such as fabric quality, frequency of use, care given to the fabric, and conditions it is exposed to. However, a well maintained cotton fabric can last from 3 to 5 years to several decades. To improve durability, it is recommended to wash cotton garments in cold water using a mild detergent and to avoid bleach.
Cotton is considered a highly repairable fabric. It's easy to mend, patch or hem. With its natural durability, cotton also supports the circular textile economy.
However, cotton also has an environmental impact. Its manufacturing process requires a large amount of water (around 8,920 liters to produce 1kg of cotton fiber from cultivating to the final product). High energy consumption during the dyeing and finishing stages is another contributing factor. In conventional (non-organic) cultivation, commercial farming often relies heavily on fertilizers and chemicals to increase yields. Despite these impacts, cotton still can be considered as a lower-carbon footprint fiber compared to other synthetic fibers. Importantly, it is recyclable and biodegradable, making it more environmentally friendly at the end of its life cycle.
As a summary, here are some advantages and disadvantages of cotton:
Advantages: skin friendly, comfortable, renewable and biodegradable, versatile for clothing and other uses, durable and easy to repair
Disadvantages: high water and energy consumption during manufacturing, wrinkles easily, slow drying and limited cold resistance
In conclusion, cotton remains one of the most important fibers in the world because it is natural, comfortable, and versatile. To mitigate its environmental impact, manufacturers can consider using sustainable practices and take recycling initiatives to help reduce its carbon footprint.