Cotton Incorporated launches microplastics resource hub

Cotton Incorporated has introduced a dedicated resource hub for consumers, retailers, and suppliers to clarify the impact of textiles on microplastic pollution. The new Breaking Free From Plastics section has been added to the organization’s Cotton Today informational platform. This hub compiles science-backed research, featuring peer-reviewed studies that compare the biodegradability of natural fibers like cotton with synthetic materials.

The section also offers practical advice for brands, retailers, and consumers on reducing plastic pollution through better fiber choices and sustainable practices. Additionally, it provides data on how cotton supports circular economy models by naturally decomposing in soil and water, while highlighting Cotton Incorporated’s ongoing leadership in promoting sustainable initiatives within the textile industry.

“Plastic pollution is a global crisis that can be addressed immediately through improved data sharing, education, and collective action,” said Jesse Daystar, Ph.D., vice president and chief sustainability officer at Cotton Incorporated. “This hub delivers clear and trustworthy information about how our fiber choices impact the planet, encouraging supply chains and consumers to adopt effective solutions such as choosing natural fibers like cotton to reduce plastic contamination in our environment and even in our bodies.”