Tag Archives: sustainable

What is Cotton in Conversion?

Ethical & Sustainable Garment Certification, Ethical Clothing, Organic stuff, ,

Cotton in conversion or transitional cotton, is cotton which is on a journey to being organic.

Organic cotton is grown under strict regulations, such as no use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms, which allows it to be certified as organic.

Selvedge of organic fabric

Organic cotton must be grown on land which is clear of these chemicals for usually 3 years.  Historically, this meant that farmers couldn’t use the chemicals when growing cotton, for 3 years, but would only be able to charge for standard cotton prices.  Cotton in conversion is a bridge which allows farmers to charge an intermediate price while they are converting from conventional farming to organic farming. 

The demand for organic cotton fibres in the clothing industry is rapidly growing so the conversion process is essential for meeting the future demands.

If you would like more information on organic clothing please contact us here

Clothing from Flour Sacks

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I was talking to a group of ladies at a local sewing group and they told me all about how women used to repurpose flour sacks into dresses and clothes in the 1930’s during the great depression, when money was very tight.

The flour companies heard this was going on so they decided to start printing the flour sacks with patterns so that the clothing looked pretty. Some of them even came printed with instructions which would then wash out. You can read more about this and see images here.

When the clothes wore out, the fabric was reused again by being cut up and used for quilts.  When the 2nd world war began cotton was rationed for soldier’s uniforms so flour was packaged in paper bags and still is today.

At Impact Trading and Cotton Roots, we manufacture aprons and we have made them for customers from coffee sacks. Another great way to upcycle waste fabric. You can order coffee sack aprons from here.

Ethical Uniform in 2021

Ethical & Sustainable Garment Certification, Fairtrade Clothing, New products, WRAP Certification, , ,

Over the last two years, particularly through the pandemic, there has been an uplift in the demand for ethical uniform and also an increase in the ranges that are on offer from suppliers. 

Fairtrade organic polo shirts with buttons made from waste cotton

After the first lockdown, Fairtrade organic products sales dramatically grew, this was followed by a demand for British manufactured goods.  We believe this was driven by a number of factors.

  • Lockdowns prompted people to look to buy from their local businesses and manufacturers and gave them time to engage with their local community. 
  • The environmental crisis which has recently come to the forefront due to the increase in natural disasters which affect real people and the huge uprising of extinction rebellion just before the Coronavirus outbreak. 
  • The implementation of Brexit which has caused people to look locally for suppliers to avoid import duties and taxes.

During this period suppliers have been launching new ranges which, some of them are making their standard products organic, WRAP certified. Then there are whole new specialised products such as hi vis jackets and hi vis polo shirts, performance sports t-shirts, soft shell jackets and fleece jackets made from recycled polyester.

These products are completely new to market and give the opportunity for companies who need safety or specialist work wear, to make ethical choices which were not possible before.

For more information please call 01908 511051 or email sales@cottonroots.co.uk

Fairtrade Fortnight Inspire You

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As the world becomes increasingly aware of the ethical and environmental impacts of low quality low cost clothing, more and more businesses and organisations are turning towards Fairtrade, organic and recycled options. 

At Impact Trading and Cotton Roots we have noticed a significant move towards this recently and the great news is that the increased demand has meant that there has been a sharp rise in products available with regards to garment ranges and colours. In the next month we will be adding a range of new products including recycled fleeces, softshells, performance tops and jackets. We are also expanding our range of organic and vegan clothing.

Fairtrade organic polo shirts come in men’s and ladies in a wide range of colours. Click here to see the range

This Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from the 24th February to 8th March 2020, we are hoping that more companies will start to consider the move towards ethical and sustainable options for their future uniform and work wear solutions.

To find out more please visit our website www.cottonroots.co.uk or call us on 01908 511051

Feel Good Accessories

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At Impact Trading and Cotton Roots we have a huge range of eco-friendly, Fairtrade, sustainable and recycled clothing which organisations and businesses buy from us and often brand.  As well as clothing we also offer a range of accessories which have ethical certifications. 

Recycled caps and bags which are made from organic or Fairtrade cotton. We also have options for hat, scarfs and bath towels, which come in Fairtrade and organic options. Lanyards made from 100% bamboo and dyed with water-based inks which are comfortable, strong, durable and naturally antibacterial.

All these items can be branded with print or embroidery to fit nicely in to your organisation or business as well as giving you the feel good factor.

For more information and quotes on these please contact us at sales@cottonroots.co.uk