British cotton-growing startup cuts water, fertiliser, insecticides
12/12/2019
The company, called hydroCotton, has completed its first harvest growing using biological pest control methods instead of insecticides. This, the company said, helps to ensure safe working conditions for farmers.
In addition to saving water and fertiliser, hydroCotton said it can double production per square metre, which is said to create 40% savings in production costs — and potentially more in developing countries.
As reported by the UK Fashion and Textile Association, the company is also prototyping new ways to track and communicate farm production data. With the technology, farms will be able to automatically generate production data onsite before uploading this data into a blockchain, providing farmers with a streamlined service for verifying sustainable cotton production.
The company, whose key aims include maximising yields while minimising environmental and social impact, was founded by three friends (pictured) — Edward Brial, Edward Hill and John Bertolaso — during their time at Imperial College and at the Royal College of Art. They are currently looking to connect with various members of the supply chain.
In 2020, hydroCotton plans to scale up farm trials at its Essex grow site. For the following year, the firm has plans for a pilot farm capable of producing commercial volumes of cotton fibre to be used in a sustainable cotton clothing line.
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