Cotton: Our Complete Guide to More Responsible Consumption

 

 

Essential collection

Cotton is a widely used natural plant fiber in the textile industry. It is one of the most popular and widespread fibers in the world. Its versatility, softness, and breathability make it a preferred choice for many clothing and textile items, including table and kitchen linens. Explore with us the world of cotton: production process, uses, environmental impact, and important aspects to consider when purchasing cotton products.

The Origin of Cotton

Cotton appeared in ancient India and Mexico, each claiming to be the cradle of this delicate fiber. Weavers in ancient India and the Indus Valley civilization exploited the properties of cotton, creating finely woven textiles, while cotton bolls discovered in Mexico attest to early use. From distant lands, cotton crossed borders to reach Egypt, China, Iran, and Peru. It gradually integrated into the fabrics of everyday life, used for making clothing, fishing nets, and even for commercial exchanges. Ancient cultures recognized the value of cotton, cultivating it carefully and exploiting its fibers to create treasures of softness.

The history of cotton is also woven with encounters and exchanges. The wars of Alexander the Great allowed Greeks and Arabs to discover the tree cotton, expanding its influence. Trade between the Mughal and British empires played a crucial role in the spread of cotton, paving the way for new possibilities.

The decisive turning point in the history of cotton came with the industrial revolution. Steam engines entered English spinning mills, propelling cotton production to new heights and transforming the way the world perceived this natural fiber.

Cotton Cultivation

This demanding crop thrives under specific climatic conditions. It requires a frost-free climate, abundant sunlight, and moderate rainfall. Soils, while not requiring exceptional nutrient levels, should be relatively heavy. These ideal conditions are generally found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, characterized by seasonal dryness. However, to meet growing demand, a significant portion of cotton cultivation is now in less rainy regions, where irrigation is needed to ensure water supply.

Cotton, originally a perennial plant, is now grown as an annual plant to control pests. The planting period varies from early February to early June in the Northern Hemisphere, depending on local conditions. This plant is particularly attractive to arid and semi-arid regions due to its salt and drought tolerance. However, intensive use of water resources can lead to difficulties, conflicts, and environmental problems.

Environmental and Human Issues Around Cotton

Cotton is not limited to its traditional yellowish color. Indeed, it can be grown in various colors, ranging from red to green, passing through different shades of brown.

In developed countries such as the United States, Europe, and Australia, cotton harvesting is done mechanically using specialized machines that allow harvesting cotton flowers without damaging the plant itself. In contrast, in many developing countries, cotton harvesting is still done by hand, requiring meticulous and intensive work from local farmers.

Unfortunately, it is important to note that in some regions, such as Xinjiang in China, more than 20% of the world's cotton production is the result of forced labor of certain workers. This worrying reality raises concerns about working conditions and human rights. As conscious consumers, it is essential to support ethical practices and promote increased transparency in the cotton supply chain.

At Le Jacquard Français, we are proud of our commitment to sustainability and ethical standards. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that our cotton is grown in an environmentally friendly manner, respecting workers and local communities.

Properties of Cotton Fiber

Cotton is appreciated for its many qualities. It is soft, lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic, making it a popular choice for clothing and home textiles. But do you know its properties and evaluation techniques? Here's a brief summary:

Cotton Fiber Length

The length of the fibers varies. Being a natural fiber, there will always be fibers of different lengths present (fiber length distribution or fiber arrangement). The length of cotton fibers is measured and reported as the average length of the top half (average length of the 50% longest fibers) with a hundredth of an inch accuracy.

Cotton Fiber Strength

Fiber strength is measured by breaking the fibers held between the jaws of a clamp. It is expressed in grams per tex, which corresponds to the force in grams required to break a tuft of fibers of one tex unit. One tex unit is equal to the weight in grams of 1000 meters of fiber.

Advantages of Cotton for Household Linens

Whether in decoration, bedding, table or bath linens, cotton offers many advantages:

  • Comfort: Cotton is soft and pleasant to the touch, offering optimal comfort when used.
  • Durability: Cotton is a renewable resource and can be sustainably grown, thus reducing its impact on the environment.
  • Support for Farmers and Communities: Cotton cultivation supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide, contributing to local economic development.
  • Quality Sleep: Thanks to its breathability and ability to regulate temperature, cotton promotes comfortable and restful sleep.
  • Hypoallergenic: Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers.
  • Easy Care: Cotton linens are easy to care for and can withstand regular washing, maintaining their softness and appearance over time.

These advantages make cotton an ideal choice for household linens, ensuring both comfort and sustainability.

Le Jacquard Français embodies a unique expertise and offers high-quality cotton linens.

Since its inception, the company has placed great importance on health and the environment. That's why we adhere to the independent international control and certification system, Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. This label certifies that all textiles we weave, whether raw, semi-finished, or finished, are free from harmful substances for health and the environment. By adhering to the strict standards of this label, Le Jacquard Français ensures that the cotton we use is safe and environmentally friendly.
Moreover, the brand benefits from a unique expertise that has earned it the prestigious label "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" (EPV), or "Living Heritage Company." Through the use of quality cotton and this unique craftsmanship, Le Jacquard Français offers exceptional textile products. Their creations combine beauty, durability, and environmental respect.