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Textilien

Cotton

Baumwolle Pflanze

Cotton is a soft, breathable natural fibre from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. It is versatile, biodegradable and skin-friendly. Organic cotton is particularly sustainable – free from chemicals and grown under fair conditions.

What is cotton?

Cotton is a soft, natural plant fiber obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. It is breathable, skin-friendly, and very versatile in use.

It is used for clothing, home textiles, medical bandages, padding, and many other textile products. As a renewable raw material, it is biodegradable and one of the most important natural fibers worldwide.

How is cotton produced?

The cotton plant is mainly cultivated in warm, dry regions. After harvesting, the fibers are separated from the seeds (ginning), cleaned, sorted, and spun into yarn. Further processing steps depend on the intended use – from weaving to dyeing.

Cotton plant
Cotton plant
Raw cotton
Raw material: harvested cotton

Environmental footprint of cotton

Cotton is a renewable raw material that is cultivated worldwide. Particularly sustainable is organically grown cotton, which is cultivated without synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

1. Sustainability of raw material sourcing

Conventional cotton cultivation requires a lot of water and is often carried out using chemical agents. Organic farming relies on natural soil care, crop rotation, and gentle harvesting methods – protecting both the environment and the health of farmers.

2. Processing and energy consumption

The processing of cotton into yarn and fabric is mostly mechanical. In organic textile production, additional high ecological standards are maintained, such as in dyeing and finishing.

Transport and global supply chains can have a negative impact on the carbon footprint. Regional or certified suppliers help to improve it.

Cotton thread
Cotton thread
Cotton field

3. Durability

Cotton is known for its high tear strength and durability. Depending on the weave and finish, it is very long-lasting and retains its shape with proper care.

4. Reusability

Cotton textiles are easy to recycle – for example, into new yarns or as insulation material. Pure cotton fabrics can also be composted or used for energy recovery.

5. Biodegradability

Untreated cotton is biodegradable and decomposes completely under natural conditions – without residues or harmful substances.

Technical properties of cotton

Property Value
Type of material Plant fiber
Density approx. 1.54 g/cm³
Compressive strength Low
Flexural strength Low to medium
Hardness Soft
Elasticity Limited – prone to wrinkling
Resistance Resistant to heat, less so to moisture and mold
Weather resistance Limited (primarily suitable for indoor use)
Color White to cream (raw)
Workability Very good – easy to spin and dye
Uses Clothing, bedding, upholstery fabrics, hygiene products

Cotton at ekomia

Cotton is an essential component of our sustainable textiles. Its skin-friendly and breathable properties make it ideal for use in bed linen, mattress covers, and upholstery materials.

We exclusively use certified organically grown cotton, which is produced without harmful chemicals and under fair working conditions.

In this way, we create durable, vegan products that protect both the environment and people – in line with our ecological design philosophy.

Cotton bed cover
Cotton bed cover

Questions & answers for Cotton

Here we answer some questions about Cotton that are frequently asked by other users.

Organic cotton is environmentally friendly, skin-friendly and free from chemicals. It saves water, protects soil, is fairly grown and biodegradable – ideal for sustainable textiles with a clear conscience.

Organic cotton is grown without chemicals and with less water, protecting soils and promoting fair working conditions. In contrast, conventional cotton harms the environment and health through pesticides, high water consumption and poor working conditions.

Wash organic bed linen at 40°C using a mild, eco-friendly detergent. Do not use fabric softener, close zips and turn inside out. Air drying is ideal; only use a tumble dryer at a low temperature. This will keep it looking beautiful and sustainable for a long time.

Organic bed linen is best dried in the air and in the shade. Shake out before hanging up. Only use a tumble dryer at a low temperature to prevent shrinkage. High heat and direct sunlight can damage the fibres and colours.

You can recognise organic cotton by labels such as GOTS, IVN BEST or Fairtrade. It comes from controlled organic cultivation, is free from chemicals, often has more transparent labelling and feels soft, natural and odourless.

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Do you still have any questions?

Do you have any questions or comments on this topic? Write a comment, we will be happy to answer.