Organic cotton fibre: signs of growth in the European market  

In 2001, sales of organic cotton in Germany, Europe’s largest market, appeared to be stagnating but in the UK, and now also in France and Italy, growth is definitely taking place. In 2002, reports from business contacts suggested that growth was around 25%. Early indications from the same sources are that growth is even higher in 2003 at around 38%. Growth may well be higher again in 2004 with the launch of an organic cotton yoga wear collection by Agrocel in Marks and Spencers’ stores nationwide. 
    The UK market in 2001 was estimated at 250 tonnes of organic cotton fibre. The total organic cotton in the UK is thus likely to be 430 tonnes or so now, rising to 500 tonnes in 2004. This is, nevertheless, a very small proportion of UK fibre use.
    Most cotton fibre comes into the UK as finished goods, with yarns and fabrics making up only a small proportion of the total. This makes it difficult for designers wishing to access small quantities of fabric, and smaller businesses wanting to enter the sector and make some of their own clothing. 
    In France, the Monoprix chain is launching an organic cotton line, and smaller companies are starting to enter the sector. In Italy, the Coop chain is reported to be preparing a launch and the Italian Organic Association (AIAB) is backing organic cotton. (SF)

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 62, December 2003, page 6]