Organic apparel is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable form of fashion. A significant increase has shown in the sales of organic cotton: in 2008, clothing and home textiles have reached an estimated $3.2 billion.

organic cotton 63% increase in organic cotton sales in 2008According to the Organic Cotton Market Report released by Organic Exchange, a non-profit organization, there was a 63% increase from the $1.9 billion market the year before.

The top organic cotton contenders include Wal-Mart, C&A, Nike, H&M, Zara, Anbil, Coop Switzerland, Pottery Barn, Greensource and Hess Natur. These companies stay committed tot heir levels of sustainability, with expectations to expand their output up to 33% by 2010, an estimated $5.3 billion market.

According to the supplemented 2008 Organic Cotton Farm and Fiber Report, the amount of organic cotton farmers grew in 2007/2008 increased by a whopping 152%, while supplies grew by 95%, a significant increase from the previous year’s 53%.

“It is a sign of the times that despite ominous financial forecasts, brands and retailers are standing fast to their commitment to making their product lines more sustainable by ever increasing their use of organic cotton and other organic fibers such as wool, linen, and silk,” LaRhea Pepper, Organic Exchange senior director, noted in the press release.

Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without toxins, pesticides, fertilizers or genetically-modified seeds.

To read the publications, visit: organicexchange.org/publ.php

Image courtesy of organic-cotton.us

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