When we talk about "best practice" in cotton production, what does that truly mean? It's a term that invites discussion and, importantly, action. As advocates for sustainable and ethical fibre production, we believe that the concept of "best practice" in cotton should be both a guiding principle and an evolving conversation. Today, let's unpack what best practice means in the context of cotton and why it matters.
The Reality of Australian Cotton
In Australia, we grow the world's highest-quality, traceable, and low-impact cotton. At around 5 million bales per (wet) year, we grow around 4% of the global crop. Australian growers are world leaders in their embrace of precision farming, integrated pest management (using good bugs), and optimising water usage to keep it at a minimum. We use the least water in the world per kg of cotton lint grown! We know; who knew?
There’s a common assumption around what is best practice, yet this really changes around the world; there is no one best way, as so much varies, even within one region or town to town, let alone from country to country & the range of climates. Part of this is acknowledging that organic farming isn’t always the lowest-impact way to grow cotton. Australia does not grow organic; it’s conventional best practice. Those who have tried organic farming here have found that it takes two to three times the land and water to get the same quality and yield. Instead, fields can be rested, fertiliser & water are massively reduced, and our high-quality fibre commands a premium on global markets due to its reliability as an ingredient for long-lasting quality yarn.
Australian cotton growers are already recognised for their strides in water efficiency and innovation. By focusing on transparency, we can foster a broader dialogue about best practices that extend beyond organic certification to include accountability, fairness, and sustainability throughout the supply chain.
Balancing Local and Global Perspectives
While our work is grounded in Australia, best practices in cotton are not exclusive to any one location. The global fibre landscape offers rich opportunities to engage with diverse producers who prioritise ethical and sustainable methods, whatever the natural fibre. For example, the Falkland Islands are renowned for their fine white wool, yet Australian wool remains a world-class market leader; both things can be true and good. Similarly, Australian cotton can stand alongside global examples of excellence when best practices are upheld.
It's vital to foster a mindset that encourages curiosity rather than dogmatism. Instead of fixating on one specific certification, region, or methodology, we should focus on the broader picture: how each choice affects the end product and its impact on the people and environment involved in its creation.
What Does Cotton Best Practice Look Like?
Cotton best practices weave transparency, sustainability, fairness, and pragmatism into a thoughtful and dynamic process. Imagine tracing the journey of a single cotton boll. Its story begins on a farm where growers embrace open dialogue about their methods, allowing us to understand exactly how the cotton is cultivated.
Transparency serves as the foundation for trust, guiding us from farm to fabric. In this context, sustainable practices take centre stage. Picture fields where water-efficient techniques nurture crops while conserving precious resources and where regenerative agriculture rejuvenates the soil for future harvests. These methods not only sustain the environment but also demonstrate a long-term commitment to ethical production.
Fairness runs like a golden thread through the process, ensuring that everyone involved—from growers to factory workers—is treated with respect and paid fairly. This fairness supports their livelihoods and encourages the continuation of ethical practices.
But best practice doesn't stop there. It recognises the uniqueness of each region and encourages adaptability. For instance, what works in Australia might differ from practices in India or Africa. By embracing flexibility, the industry can innovate without being hindered by rigid rules.
Finally, the story of cotton comes full circle with consumer awareness. When people understand the journey behind their textiles, they can make choices that support fairness and sustainability. Best practice becomes not just a system but a shared value, connecting everyone in the supply chain to a larger purpose.
Accountability Across the Supply Chain
Best practices are not limited to farming; they extend through every link in the supply chain. From processing and spinning to weaving to the final product, accountability is essential. For example, ensuring that processing facilities adhere to environmentally friendly methods and that workers in those facilities are treated ethically is just as important as sustainable farming.
Supporting sustainable cotton production means making choices that honour the efforts of everyone involved. Whether an Australian farmer employs advanced water-saving techniques or a processor adopts cleaner dyeing methods, each action contributes to the broader vision of sustainability.
Encouraging Pragmatism Over Perfection
One of the most important lessons we've learned is the necessity of pragmatism. While ideals are crucial, they can become obstacles if we focus on just one method of achieving best practice. For example, insisting on using organic cotton in a market where it is not readily available can cause supply chain bottlenecks or, paradoxically, lead to support for less sustainable alternatives.
Instead, we advocate for a balanced approach that celebrates progress, transparency and innovation. By rewarding growers and processors for sustainable efforts, even if they don't meet traditional standards, we can foster a more inclusive and dynamic industry.
The Way Forward
Cotton best practices are continually evolving, andworking to support this demands collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt. To move forward, we must challenge ourselves and others to ask difficult questions: Are we doing enough to understand the origins of our materials? How can we more effectively reward ethical and innovative practices? And are we willing to embrace changes that improve both the quality of the cotton and the lives of those who produce it?
For Australian cotton, the way forward is to leverage its strengths, such as fibre quality, water efficiency, technological innovation, a transparent supply chain, and world-leading work in soil care and defining regenerative practices while continuing to address its gaps. Globally, the task is to build bridges between regions, sharing knowledge and practices that inspire growth and sustainability across borders.
Ultimately, this journey is about more than just cotton. It's about creating a textile industry that respects the environment, honours its workers, and delivers products of genuine value to consumers. The choices we make today ripple across the world, shaping the future of fibre production and the lives connected to it.
The path to best practice isn't linear; it's a dynamic process of learning, adapting, and collaborating. As we navigate this journey, let's stay committed to transparency, fairness, and innovation. Together, we can redefine what "best practice" means and ensure that it reflects the values we want to see in the world.
This article was written by Meriel Chamberlin of Full Circle Fibres and Nicky Crane of Thread Collective.