Cotton in Conversion: Cotton on the Road to Organic
Cotton in Conversion (CiC) is cotton grown during the three-year transition from conventional to organic farming. Good for you, good for the environment, good for cotton growers.
Cotton in Conversion is cotton that is already grown according to organic guidelines but has not yet completed the three-year conversion period. The soil needs this time to fully recover from pesticides and conventional cultivation. Only after this will farmers receive official organic certification and the associated organic premium.
Why erlich textil uses Cotton in Conversion
Less than 1% of the world's cotton is organic – demand is growing, but supply is lagging. By sourcing CiC cotton, we directly support farmers in their transition. They don't have to sell their harvest on the conventional market and receive a higher income during the transition period. In this way, we contribute to increasing the organic share of the cotton market in the long term.
CiC offers benefits on several levels:
- Organic cotton is a scarce commodity with growing demand – CiC increases the long-term supply
- Farmers are not exposed to pesticides during cultivation and earn more after the transition
- The soil recovers and becomes more fertile again
- The quality is in no way inferior to our organic products
CiC is used in some of our products – identifiable by the product description.
Learn more about Cotton in Conversion
The non-profit organization Textile Exchange advocates for sustainable fibers and materials in the textile industry. On their website, you can find detailed information about the CiC program and the criteria for converting to organic cotton.
Common Questions About Cotton in Conversion
Is CiC cotton as good as organic cotton?
Yes. CiC cotton is already cultivated according to organic guidelines – the only difference is that the three-year conversion period is still ongoing. The quality of the fiber is identical to certified organic cotton.
Why does the conversion take three years?
The soils need this time to recover from pesticides and conventional cultivation. Only then can the cotton officially be certified as "organic." However, during the conversion period, chemical pesticides are already completely avoided.
How do I identify CiC products at erlich textil?
CiC products are labeled in the product description as "Cotton (CiC)" or "Cotton in Conversion". The quality and wearing comfort are identical to our organic cotton products.
How does my purchase support the farmers?
By purchasing CiC cotton, farmers do not have to sell their harvest on the cheaper conventional market. This ensures them a higher income during the transition period and makes the switch to organic economically feasible.
