Cotton, the humble plant and fiber that not only brings fabric to the world, provides employment to millions of people around the world, its role in sustainable and inclusive economic development, and its many secondary uses more and more recognized.
Cotton is naturally woven or knitted into a wide variety of fabrics such as velvet, corduroy, knits and flannel, but the United Nations defines World Cotton Day not solely on the role of cotton in fashion and home products, but It is aimed at increasing market recognition of cotton and raising awareness of its role in international trade and poverty alleviation. The organization notes that cotton is a drought-tolerant crop that is resistant to climate change, meaning it can be grown in dry and arid regions.
According to the United Nations: “Cotton accounts for only 2.1 percent of the world’s arable land, yet it meets 27 percent of the world’s textile needs. The entire cotton plant produces virtually no waste.” Cotton is not just a source of fiber, its seeds are used for dairy cows high-quality feed. The seeds can also be pressed into cottonseed oil, which is used in cooking, cosmetics, soap and chips, salad dressings and other foods. Linter, the fluff left over after the ginning process, also has countless industrial uses. Linter with longer fibers is typically used in medical supplies, while linters with shorter fibers are used in items such as gunpowder, cotton balls and even X-ray films. Cotton by-products are everywhere, from ice cream to wallpaper, from hot dog casings to baseballs, not to mention many of the things we use at home, such as cotton swabs, wipes, and even disposable diapers.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been working with developing countries to increase productivity and create more jobs through initiatives such as the +Cotton project, a Brazilian business that aims to help cotton in Latin America Producers introduce innovative farming methods. + The cotton project promotes sustainable and inclusive production and encourages rural development. The idea is that governments, extension workers, researchers, academics, farmers’ unions and the textile sector work together to boost cotton production, drive technological innovation, and expand the marketing of fibers and their products. The ultimate goals include promoting food security, eradicating rural poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality and the autonomy of women farmers, economic growth, and responsible production and consumption.
The United States plays an important role in the global cotton market as it is the world’s third largest cotton producer and a major cotton exporter. In recent years, U.S. cotton exports have accounted for about 35 percent of global cotton exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that between August 2019 and July 2020, the marketing year, farmers in the country produced nearly 20 million bales of cotton with a total value of about $7 billion. A single bale of cotton—about 480 pounds of lint—can yield more than 200 pairs of jeans or 1,200 T-shirts. Among them, upland cotton production accounts for the vast majority.
In addition to clothing, upland cotton is used in household items such as curtains, bedding and upholstery, hospital and medical supplies, feminine hygiene products and cleaning wipes.
Upland cotton can also be used in natural, unbleached cotton products. Cotton fibers are mechanically cleaned without consuming water, chemicals or heat. It is highly absorbent and low in surfactant. Consumers prefer cotton products that are soft, comfortable and hypoallergenic. For example, natural, unbleached cotton can be an affordable option for a variety of wipes. Consumers showed an overall high regard for cotton, arguing that wipes made from cotton are better than wipes made from synthetic fibers. This has become one of the driving factors driving consumers to purchase cotton products. In particular, they note the sustainability of cotton, with the majority of consumers believing cotton wipes will perform better because it is made from natural materials (54%), according to the Cotton Incorporated 2022 Global Wipes Survey ), eco-friendly (53%), compostable or biodegradable (49%).
This preference for cotton is also reflected in feminine and baby products. According to Cotton Incorporated’s 2018 Global Baby Care Survey, the majority of consumers (66%) again said they prefer cotton baby diapers and wipes. The majority of consumers (71%) are “very interested” in diapers containing cotton, and 68% are “very fond” of wipes containing cotton. Additionally, according to Cotton Incorporated’s 2020 Global Feminine Hygiene Survey, most consumers believe cotton is the best fiber for their feminine hygiene products because it is “safest for my body” (61%), “non-toxic” (60%) ) and “hypoallergenic” (60%”).
Of course, according to the 2022 Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Survey, cotton is used in nearly every apparel category. Clothing has always been the top choice for holiday gifts, with about half of holiday gift buyers planning to give clothing as a gift. And most givers of clothing gifts look for cotton-rich clothing gifts this season.
This is good news for cotton farmers everywhere. As the United Nations pointed out on World Cotton Day, cotton farming is important for developed countries and it is one of the basic agriculture in LDCs and developing countries alike.
Post time: Jul-25-2024