C&A warns of organic cotton shortage
Apparel retailer C&A Europe has warned that declining supplies of organic cotton bears “ecological, social and economic consequences”.
Thorsten Rolfes, C&A’s head of corporate communications Europe, said: “We are now at a critical point in which the demand for organic cotton is exceeding the supply. The availability uncertainty tied to this threatens to endanger long-term investment in organic cotton.”
After worldwide production of organic cotton continuously rose up to 2011, crop yields subsequently sank 8% in 2012 due to reasons including the suspension of exports from Syria, which had been a big producer. Measured against the global production of cotton, the share of organic cotton is only 1%.
“Brands play a key role in the development of organic cotton as a sustainable resource. Some brands are taking action, but the supply crisis shows that much more needs to be done,” added Mr Rolfes. “Collaboration is the key – working in partnership with experts, local communities and governments can enable organic cotton to realise its full potential.
“Firms can make a difference not only in the production countries but also in the sales markets by making their customers aware of the subject of organic cotton. In our experience, it is possible to create awareness, fulfil the demand and be profitable.”
C&A is currently the largest buyer of organic cotton and sold over 100 million products made from organic cotton in the fiscal year 2013.
