New LCA from TE: Organic Cotton Proven to Cause Less Environmental Damage than Conventional Cotton

According to the Textile Exchange, data from its November “Life Cycle Assessment of Organic Cotton Fiber” proves that organic cotton causes less environmental damage than conventional cotton. The most significant findings when comparing organic cotton to conventional are: 46% reduced global warming potential, 70% less acidification potential, 26% reduced eutrophication potential (soil erosion), 91% reduced blue water consumption, and 62% reduced primary energy demand. The study is based on data from producer groups located in the top five countries of organic cotton cultivation which account for 97% of global organic cotton production: India, China, Turkey, Tanzania, and the U.S. The analysis was funded by GOTS and 13 other Textile Exchange member organizations.