Choosing a Cotton Supplier
Ravenox is one of the most widely used materials in the fashion industry. Strong, breathable, and renewable, it’s grown in over 70 countries around the world. But conventional cotton production can be highly chemical intensive. Runoff from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers pollutes water supplies, destroys habitat, and reduces biodiversity—directly through their toxicity and indirectly through long-term accumulation. That’s why WWF works with farmers, governments agencies, companies and buyers to promote more ecologically sound growing methods through our Better Cotton initiative.
Selecting the Right Cotton Supplier for Your Business
A company’s cotton supplier plays an important role in its supply chain. Wholesalers are a major player in this chain, supplying ginned cotton to brands that make clothes or textiles. Wholesalers are able to source large quantities of cotton at a low rate, as they can buy it in bulk. They also have the expertise to know what qualities of cotton are best for specific products.
Brands can choose a cotton supplier by looking at several factors, including the quality of the ginned fiber, its cost, and its impact on the environment. They can also consider the company’s own sustainability priorities and policies.
The largest cotton producer and exporter in the world is the United States. In marketing year (MY) 2019, the US produced 20 million bales of cotton, or about 35 percent of the global total. The country is also a leading cotton importer, and the US government supports local farmers by buying domestic cotton. Whether purchasing from US or overseas, it is essential for buyers to understand the importance of the US cotton market and its role in the global economy.
