H&M is just one of an increasing number of major retailers to declare a commitment to the use of organic cotton (see page 17). Others include Marks & Spencer and Wal-Mart.
In order to be classified as “organic”, a crop must be cultivated in soil whose fertility is maintained and replenished without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilisers. Furthermore, the soil needs to have been kept free from such substances for at least three years.
At a time of growing concern about the environment, declaring “a commitment to organic cotton” is good for business. Consumers who are concerned about the chemicals used in the production of the clothes they buy can feel content that, by shopping at H&M, they are not only obtaining “fast fashion” items (see page 19) at low prices but also helping to save the environment.
In fact, the hype far exceeds the reality. It is impossible for the world’s major retailers to sell clothes made from organic cotton en masse because the output of organic cotton is minuscule. So, for the time being at least, claims by retailers that they are committed to using organic cotton are little more than publicity-seeking gestures.
Things are changing, however. According to a report2 from USA- based Organic Exchange, of which H&M is a member, the amount of organic cotton produced globally is set to soar—albeit from an extremely low base.
Product Overview
Six times a year, Textile Outlook International provides up to 200 pages of expert comment and analysis. A subscription provides an overview of the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. It is essential reading for senior executives in the fibre, textile and apparel industries – and for anyone who is not involved in the industry, but needs to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues.
Reports in Textile Outlook International include:
country profiles – providing a comprehensive guide to the textile and clothing industries in a range of countries and regions. The reports include an economic and political profile together with a comprehensive overview of the main issues, plus an outlook for the future.
company profiles – giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others. Companies profiled recently include retailers, manufacturers, innovators and sourcing companies involved in textiles and apparel as well as smaller companies which illustrate the opportunities for firms which are interested in selected sourcing locations.
trends in world textile and apparel trade and production – taking into account current issues facing the industry – such as global fibre prices; competition from China and other low cost countries; the elimination of quotas and imposition of selective new ones; relocation of production operations; the impact of economic factors affecting trade; international trade agreements; trade promotion agreements (TPAs); and much more.
trends in EU and US imports of textiles and clothing – providing comprehensive statistical data and analysis of the top ten supplying countries to the EU and US markets. These reports are updated each year and contain value and volume data as well as average prices and analyses of trends for up to 15 product categories.
innovations, technological developments, business development opportunities, individual sector analysis and political implications which affect players in the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. Some of the topics which have been covered in recent reports include: new innovations in the textile and clothing industry, such as environmentally friendly textiles, plant based fibres, and developments in textile colorants; innovations in textile machinery; and overviews of the European swimwear, hosiery and lingerie markets.
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