COTTON AND CHEMICALS
Cotton textiles touch every aspect of our lives. From cotton towels, to T-shirts and bedding, cotton surrounds us on a daily basis.
When we think of cotton, we think of it as fluffy, white, clean and safe. Unfortunately, non-organic cotton farming produces products that are anything but clean and safe. Conventional cotton is one of the most chemically dependent crops. Less than 3% of land is used for cultivation of cotton yet 25% of all toxic chemicals used in agriculture are used for cotton alone. Five of the nine main chemicals used on cotton are known carcinogens. According to the World Health Organization, 20,000 deaths occur from pesticide poisoning every year in developing countries, many of these from cotton farming. Also three million suffer from pesticide related diseases.
Besides polluting our air, water and farm workers, the toxic chemicals used in modern farming techniques threaten our natural ecosystems and contribute to soil erosion and nutrient depletion.
WHY ORGANIC COTTON?
Organic cotton is grown without insecticides or pesticides, and therefore is 100% natural and chemical-free. Instead of using agricultural pesticides, beneficial organisms are used for insect management. No toxic chemicals are used in processing and manufacturing of organic cotton products. Certified organic cotton also bans the addition of chemicals as the fibre is turned into cloth. As the organic cotton yarns are less processed, they keep the highest level of durability and natural softness that give you great comfort.
Choosing organic is a way to support a healthier, more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of life. By buying organic products, you’re helping to save our planet and the lives of those involved in the production.
There is a growing interest and demand for organic cotton throughout the clothing and textiles industry, and Turkey is a world leader in organic cotton production with a 53% share of the market. Turkey’s history, climate and culture play a main role in this leadership.
CERTIFICATION OF ORGANIC COTTON
The demand for organic cotton is steadily growing, and as a result the certification of organic products is highly important. Cotton is only "organic" when it is certified by an organic certification body that verifies that the producer meets or exceeds the defined organic standards.
ReCoverCapTM products are certified Organic Exchange (OE), a non-profit organization focused on facilitating the growth of a global organic cotton industry. OE guidelines were developed due to an increase in consumer awareness concerning the production circumstances in the cotton industry. To obtain an Organic Exchange certificate, our caps have to meet the requirements of the OE Guidelines and are inspected regularly to ensure that they are produced by adhering to the strict regulations and standards on organic products.
ANTIBACTERIAL TESTING
Microbes such as bacteria, fungi and yeast are present almost everywhere. Whereas healthy humans have an immune system to protect against micro-organisms, textiles can easily be colonized by high numbers of microbes. Textiles are carriers of micro-organisms such as disease causing bacteria, as well as odor-generating bacteria, fungi and molds. These micro-organisms adhere to the textile and with good conditions of temperature and humidity may cause offensive odors, discoloration, cross infection or transmission of disease. These factors are the driving force behind the treatment of antibacterial treatments.
Antibacterial textiles work by controlling the multiplication of micro-organisms. The goal is to develop textiles with permanent properties which inhibit the growth of harmful and odor causing micro-organisms and to minimize potential problems by making the antibacterial finish remain effective even after 30 hand washes.
Antibacterial process is applied to ReCoverCapTM in order to make the cotton fabric durable and to protect it against bacteria and fungi as well as inhibit odor development from biological growth on textiles exposed to perspiration. The antimicrobial textile finish also exhibits absence of toxic effects for both the manufacturer and the consumer. The permanent antimicrobial properties are not lost during usage or washing and the antimicrobial effect is limited to the surface of the caps and do not interfere with the skin bacteria.
The efficacy of the antibacterial ReCoverCapTM is tested and certification after microbiological and chemical analysis is obtained from Devan Lab of AEGIS Certified Laboratories.