Cotton
For a large part of our product range, we use cotton. Cotton is a natural fibre obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. After harvesting, the fibres are cleaned, spun and processed into yarns. Cotton is valued for its skin-friendly properties, breathability and high durability.
We place particular emphasis on fibre quality and primarily use long-staple, ring-spun and combed cotton. These processing methods result in a material that is even, durable and comfortable to wear.
Compared with certified cotton, conventionally grown cotton is not subject to consistent, binding requirements regarding the use of chemicals or resources during cultivation and further processing. This can often result in greater use of crop protection products and higher water consumption. The associated environmental impacts therefore depend heavily on the specific cultivation conditions and production processes involved. Part of the cotton we use is sourced in accordance with standards such as GOTS and Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA).
For products containing GOTS-certified cotton, at least 85% of the cotton content consists of certified fibres. The standard includes requirements covering the entire textile processing chain, including the use of chemicals, specific processing methods, and criteria relating to working conditions and material traceability. Individual production stages are audited and documented against defined requirements.
In addition, we support the Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) initiative. CmiA sets requirements for cotton cultivation and promotes improved agricultural practices as well as social and economic conditions for cotton producers. Our support is provided through a mass balance system. Under this approach, the volume of CmiA cotton we support is accounted for throughout the supply chain on a bookkeeping basis, without the cotton being physically traceable to an individual finished product.
