Cotton Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization funded by U.S. cotton growers, has launched a science-based online hub aimed at increasing awareness of plastic pollution caused by synthetic textiles.
The platform, hosted on CottonToday.com, offers research comparing the biodegradability of natural fibres such as cotton to synthetic alternatives, along with consumer and industry guidance on reducing plastic contamination through fiber choices.
“As ongoing research continues to uncover the full impact of synthetic microfibres on our bodies and environment, we must take immediate action using the effective solutions available today, and cotton is clearly one of them,” said Jesse Daystar, chief sustainability officer at Cotton Incorporated.
The resource is part of a broader campaign by the company to position cotton as a natural, biodegradable solution amid growing concern over synthetic microplastic pollution in oceans and soils. According to the group, cotton decomposes more easily in soil and aquatic environments compared to petroleum-based fibers.
A 2023 study cited by Cotton Incorporated found that synthetic textiles account for over 7 million metric tons of plastic leakage annually, significantly more than that from cotton-based materials.
The hub is intended to guide brands, retailers, and consumers toward natural fiber options to help reduce the environmental impact of apparel production.
