UK: Organic textile sales defy economic downturn

Retail sales of organic textiles in the UK have defied the economic downturn growing by an estimated 7.8 % in 2010, with turnover of organic businesses certified by the Soil Association increasing by 35 % to £ 12 million, according to the Soil Association’s latest Organic Market Report. Organic cotton accounts for around 91 % of UK organic textile sales. The remainder consists of wool, linen and other fibres. The Soil Association is the UK’s leading certifier of organic textiles and one of the world’s foremost certifiers to Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). Worldwide, GOTS licensees are up from 27 just five years ago to 2,750 across five continents. Organic cotton now accounts for 1 % of total cotton production and is on the increase. India accounts for most of the growth with a 37 % increase over last year.
 

Some of the growing businesses in the UK were: Organics for Kids, who has been producing organic babywear since 2004. Its entire range is manufactured in the UK, using organic cotton from Turkey. Turnover increased by 40 % in the year to September 2010, and further growth of 20-40 % is anticipated in 2011. Launched in 2004, Abaca (picture) has led the way in UK organic mattress manufacturing, experiencing a 37% growth in turnover in 2010. Actress Emma Watson has launched a ‘Love from Emma’ range for People Tree made largely with organic cotton and entirely Fairtrade certified. People Tree’s turnover increased by 17 % in 2010. Seasalt is the Soil Association’s leading organic textile licensee in terms of turnover. It has its own range of coastal-inspired fashion which is available through its website and 12 stores in Cornwall, Devon, Guernsey and the Scilly Isles. Turnover increased by 49% in 2010, with organic cotton accounting for around 41 % of sales.
 

The fastest-growing Soil Association licensee is Continental Clothing, which specialises in designing and manufacturing t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. The company doubled its product lines and enjoyed a twelvefold increase in its turnover for Soil Association certified products in 2010. Recent contracts have included leisurewear for Tesco, tour merchandise for the band Pearl Jam and promotional wear for the EDF Birmingham Marathon.
 

Soil Association