Organic Cotton and Textiles: Analysis Methods

GMO: What is Organic Cotton?

Organic Cotton and Textile Analysis

Cotton is one of the basic raw materials of textile production and is often preferred as a natural fiber. Cotton fabrics are highly preferred by consumers for both durability and comfort. However, certain tests are necessary to determine the quality of cotton products. Textile tests aim to evaluate the durability, flexibility, color retention properties and health safety of fabrics.

Textile Tests: Physical and Chemical Tests

Textile tests are generally classified into two main groups. These tests are physical tests that measure the properties of the fabric such as tensile, tensile, fraying and bending; physical tests of the fabric's colors, resistance to factors such as washing, sunlight or sweat, and chemical tests that test whether it contains harmful substances.

GMO: What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is natural cotton produced from plants that do not contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and do not use chemical fertilizers and pesticides during production.

GMO cotton is cotton that has been genetically engineered to increase certain characteristics (such as resistance to pests or higher yields). The most widely used GMO technology is “Bt cotton”, which makes the cotton plant resistant to insects. Bt refers to toxins produced by a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis, which protect the cotton plant against pests. However, the long-term environmental and health impacts of GM crops are still debated. Therefore, organic cotton is increasingly preferred in the textile industry as an environmentally friendly and healthy alternative.

Organic Cotton for Sustainability in Textiles

Cotton is one of the most widely used natural textile materials in the world and its production process is closely linked to environmental impacts. Organic cotton production eliminates the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, protecting the health of the soil in the long term. It also offers advantages such as using water resources more efficiently and increasing biodiversity.

Therefore, certain quality standards and certifications have been developed for sustainable cotton production. In this blog post, we will talk about some important international standards, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, ISO, IWA 32, GOTS and other certifications and testing services used in cotton production.

IWA 32: A Guide to Sustainable Agricultural Practices

IWA 32 (International Workshop Agreement 32) is a guide to sustainable agricultural practices. It provides a framework for how to improve the production processes of agricultural products in terms of environmental, economic and social sustainability.

In terms of cotton production, IWA 32 includes important elements for producers, such as protecting soil health, making efficient use of water and being mindful of pesticide use. Such sustainable practices help cotton producers reduce their impact on the environment, while providing consumers with healthier and safer products.

GOTS, GMO and Pesticide Testing

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is an international certificate created to ensure quality and sustainability in the production of organic textiles. It is considered one of the most reliable certifications to determine whether cotton products are organically produced.

GOTS certified cotton prohibits the use of GMOs, synthetic chemicals and harmful pesticides.

Pesticide and GMO analysis is an important quality control tool for textile manufacturers. Organic cotton producers aim to maintain the organic certification of their products by using such tests to detect the presence of GMOs and pesticides.

• GMO Screening Analysis in Cotton: Within the scope of our laboratory, using the IWA 32 method, it is determined whether the product contains GMO gene region in Cotton and Cotton derivative products (Leaf, Yarn, Fabric, fiber,).
• Pesticide Analysis: Pesticide active ingredients help to identify hazards related to chemical residues on products. In our laboratory, all pesticide active ingredients prohibited within the scope of organic agriculture, Glufosinate; Glyphosate; AMPA; Fosetyl-Al; Phosphonic acid acid, such as the detection of high polarity pesticides and Dithiocarbamete group pesticides are detected.

How is the GMO Screening Test Performed?

First, genetic material (DNA) is isolated from cotton fiber, purified and examined for currently known genetic modifications in cotton using the screening method. The test gives a clear yes/no result on the presence of genetically modified cotton in the analyzed sample.

For GMO screening according to the ISO/IWA 32 method and recognition of the international Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the test is performed on raw cotton or yarns and textiles.

Why Nanolab?

Nanolab Laboratories Group has successfully passed the ISO IWA 32:2019 GMO Screening Analysis global proficiency test organized by Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR) and conducted in cooperation with Organic Cotton Acclerator (OCA), Textile Exchange (TE) and The Global Organic Standard Textile Standard (GOTS) and has taken its place in the list of the few laboratories that can perform qualitative GMO testing on cotton products.

You can contact Nanolab for more information and GMO analysis services in cotton and textile products with our reliable and fast analysis results, state-of-the-art devices and experienced staff.

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