Sales of organic textiles in the UK

UK retail sales of organic textiles grew by an estimated 7.8 % in 2010, according to the Soil Association, the UK’s leading certifier of organic textiles and one of the world’s foremost certifiers to GOTS. The latest data for the UK organic market, including textile sales, was published in the Soil Association’s Organic Market Report 2011, revealing that the turnover of certified operators grew by 35% in 2010, reaching £ 12 million (13.6 million euros). Organic cotton accounts for around 91 % of UK organic textile sales. The remainder consists of wool, linen and other fibres. Worldwide, GOTS licensees are up from 27 just five years ago, to 2,750 across five continents.
 

Organics for Kids 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. Plans for 2011 include the company’s first range of woven gingham products. One of Macdonald & Taylors’ two branded ranges of organic cotton wool products were the first in the UK to gain Soil Association status. The company reports buoyant sales and has moved to launch four new organic products.

Abaca (see picture above) have led the way in organic mattress manufacturing in the UK. The company was started by Rhiannon Rowley, who had spotted a growing trend in the market for textile products with impeccable green credentials. The highest-profile company in the market is People Tree, thanks in part to its association with actress Emma Watson. The ‘Love from Emma’ range is entirely Fairtrade certified. Half of its products are made from organic cotton, and 90 % of these are certified to Global Organic Textiles Standards (GOTS). People Tree’s turnover increased by 17 % in 2010. Most sales come from the UK market but it also exports to 15 countries.

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 twelve 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, hoodies and other items to sell wholesale to the imprintables industry. The company doubled its product lines and enjoyed a twelvefold increase in its turnover in Soil Association certified products in 2010.

Soil Association