Sustainable cotton for day and night
Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) advocates environmental protection and better living and working conditions for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Rather than donate money, CmiA activates market forces: It fosters an alliance between textile companies and apparel companies and encourages them to purchase sustainable cotton certified in accordance with the CmiA standard for their collections and to pay a licensing fee to use the seal. The proceeds from licensing fees are reinvested in training and local projects. Cotton farming in accordance with the CmiA standard excludes the use of genetically modified seeds and pesticides deemed hazardous by international conventions as well as deforestation of primary forests. Because no artificial irrigation is used and the harvesting process is carried out without machines, regular water consumption and greenhouse emissions are reduced substantially during cotton production. The group of more than 30 international retail partners and apparel companies using CmiA cotton for their products include Otto Group, Dibella, Tchibo, Bestseller, Asos and Tendam Retail. CmiA cotton also has made a name for itself in the home textile segment; a large number of towels and bedlinens are being produced according to the CmiA standard. The speaker will discuss the CmiA standard, explain how CmiA can be implemented in the textile value chain and provide inspiration by presenting cases and best practices.