Consumers the world over are increasingly becoming environment and health conscious. Developing concern for protecting ecology and preventing global warming, especially in the western countries, is boosting the demand for organic and eco-friendly products across all categories. Textile is no exception to this global trend.

Demand for organic cotton is accelerating with brands and retailers continuing to implement long term commitments to increase the use of organic cotton. Estimated global retail sales are projected to grow to $2.6 billion by the end of 2008, reflecting a 116% average annual growth rate. With this the demand for organic cotton fiber is expected to grow to 100,000 metric tons in 2008 from 40,000 metric tons in 2006, an average annual growth rate of 75%.

India is today the largest producer of organic cotton in the world with a production of 15,000 tons but still has a huge opportunity to grow. There is no conflict of interest between the conventional cotton and organic cotton and both need to co-exist in a consumer oriented society," said Mr. J.N.Singh, Textile Commissioner, Government of India, while inaugurating the full day conference titled "Understanding evolving eco issues in textiles" in Mumbai on 23rd June organized by Alok Industries Ltd alongwith TexanLab.

Mr. Dilip Jiwrajka, Managing Director, Alok Industries Limited, made a strong case for India to encourage the contract farming for organic cotton, which would simultaneously lead to the welfare of thousands of cotton growing farmers, superior products for the consumers and a high image for Indian cotton textiles in the global markets. "Leading global brands and private labels are increasing their emphasis on eco-friendly textiles, including organic cotton products, and India needs to make the best of this opportunity," he said in his presentation.

Eminent international speakers and experts shared their perspective on emerging trends in organic cotton and eco-friendly textiles. Brands like Nike, Marks and Spencer, CO-OP, Patagonia, Timberland and Wal-Mart which already sell organic lines are blazing a trail on the organic front. By the end of 2009 Nike projects that 50% of the cotton used in its sports culture apparel category will be organic and by 2011 this will be 100%. To meet the growing consumer demands, a number of new players are introducing organic cotton products including brands like Reebok, C&A, Hennes & Mauritz, Target and Next.

Organic cotton is not only cheaper to produce, but it also prevents soil damage as caused by the modern synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Several cotton farming regions in Africa have been adapted by leading global brands on contract farming basis leading to higher remuneration for farmers, fair trade practices and women empowerment.

While the world is now waking up to the need for organic textile production, traditionally, India has always been a producer of organic agricultural products, including cotton. Expressing his concern over poor condition of cotton farmers despite big demand and India’s capability to take global lead in this sector, Mr. Jiwrajka requested the Textile Commissioner to initiate a similar movement in India, whereby leading Indian cotton textile producers can adopt the Vidarbha farming region to promote fair trade cotton cultivation practices either on their own or in association with leading global brands.