Organic Cotton (OC)

Organic cotton is cotton that is produced, and certified, according to organic agriculture standards.

Organic Cotton is grown as part of a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects, and is grown in rotation with other crops that replenish the soil. Organic Cotton requires a third party certification from an independent, accredited Certification Body. Organic Cotton growing practices may vary slightly from country to country but common to all is the avoidance of the use of toxic and persistent synthetic agrichemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) and genetically modified seeds.

If cotton is to be sold as organic, a third party certification from an independent, accredited certification agency is strongly recommended. Textile Exchange’s Organic Content Standard (OCS) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) are voluntary supply chain standards that track organic fiber/material content as it moves through production and into a final product. The OCS is used to support content claims, and GOTS – which includes additional social and environmental requirements in processing – is used to support product claims.