What is regenerative organic cotton?
Since our foundation, Yumeko has sold only items made of 100% organic cotton. We’re now the first brand in the Netherlands to launch supremely soft and stylish pyjamas made of regenerative cotton – gentle on your skin, gentle on the planet. Representing the next step in sustainable cotton, regenerative organic cotton is a holistic cultivation method that’s even better for the planet and farmers. But what is regenerative organic cotton exactly?
What’s wrong with conventional cotton?
Before we dive into regenerative organic cotton, let us explain why the conventional cotton industry is broken. Over the years, the conventional cotton industry has faced increasing criticism due to its huge carbon footprint and widespread worker exploitation. Most conventional cotton farms spray harmful pesticides and chemicals and consume large amounts of water, depleting the soil and polluting water sources. They’re often characterised by poor working conditions, paying low wages and offering little in the way of worker protection. This needs to change – that’s where organic cotton comes in. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.
Working conditions for farmers are also regulated. Yumeko has used nothing but organic cotton since its foundation.
As an industry pioneer, we’re continually searching for new solutions that are even more sustainable than the last – be that alternative materials or progressive production and farming practices.
What makes regenerative organic cotton different?
Regenerative organic cotton is grown according to progressive farming practices. It’s a holistic approach that goes one step further than standard organic farming. The idea is simple: give back more to the planet than you take. That means restoring, nourishing and improving the soil, water sources and biodiversity as part of a holistic system that sees people work in harmony with nature.
Farming practices are tailored to each individual field and shaped by soil quality, precipitation levels and local biodiversity.
Regenerative farming follows a set of standard practices:
- Protect the soil structure by limiting or stopping tillage;
- Zero use of pesticides or other chemicals;
- Application of techniques such as crop rotation, mulching and planting hedges to provide a habitat for beneficiary insects, birds and wild animals. This approach restores the ecological balance and control pests naturally, eliminating farmers’ reliance on agrochemical companies.
Regenerative cotton not only improves the environment in which it’s grown, but also supports the farmers who produce it. By creating employment in local communities and reducing dependence on synthetic fertiliser and pesticides, it offers a long-term solution rather than a quick fix. This approach helps farmers to become self-sufficient, improving the financial stability and social sustainability of farming communities.
ROC label
The Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) label is awarded to food and fibres grown according to regenerative organic practices. The ROC label is one of the highest global standards and focuses on three pillars: soil health, animal welfare and fairness for farmers and workers.
There are three certification levels:
- Bronze: At least 10% of the land must meet the ROC standard at initial certification. This figure must be at least 50% by year five.
- Silver: At least 50% of the land must meet the ROC standard at initial certification. This figure must be at least 75% by year five.
- Gold: 100% of the land meets the ROC standard at initial certification.
Having achieved ROC Bronze certification, our Indian cotton partner has started its journey towards fully regenerative cotton. Yumeko is also ROC Bronze certified.
Responsible choices for the future
By purchasing regenerative cotton products by Yumeko – our pyjamas being just one example – you’re helping to reduce your carbon footprint, nurture biodiversity and foster more sustainable agriculture and communities. Regenerative cotton improves planet health while helping to create a fairer economic system. That means each item you buy has an impact – both locally and globally.
It’s the cotton you’ve always dreamed of. Discover Yumeko’s collection and make your pyjama day softer and more sustainable.