One of the pioneering projects we've been collaborating with since 2018 is Cotonea and the Ugandan cotton processed by the company. Most of our woven fabrics are made from this high-quality cotton, and we cannot emphasize enough the wonderful cooperation with Cotonea. In 2017, we visited Uganda together and toured the cotton fields and ginnery there – the key facts about this are outlined below. Over the years, we have also regularly visited Cotonea's main site in Bempflingen as well as their Czech weaving mill, benefiting from the incredible knowledge and experience of the company and passing on this knowledge to you.
In addition to shared values and visions, it is primarily the fabrics themselves that have convinced us from the outset. The key factors contributing to the high quality of the materials are the raw material, the degree of combing of the fibers, and the subsequent processing. During combing, care is taken to remove not only the usual percentage of short fibers but a higher proportion. This results in yarn made from longer staple fibers, which in turn significantly influences the quality of the resulting fabric. A higher degree of combing typically results in finer and more uniform yarns. The fibers are better aligned, resulting in a smoother surface and a more uniform diameter of the yarn and thus the fabric. Well-combed fibers also tend to contain fewer impurities and short fibers, resulting in a stronger and more durable yarn. This is especially important for products subjected to heavy wear, such as bedding. In short, with fabrics from Cotonea, you are well equipped for any project and can rely on purchasing a sustainable and durable fabric.
The most important facts about the production and certification of the fabrics are summarized here:
On our first trip to Uganda, we explored innovative approaches to organic cotton farming with our partners Cotonea and Kayo & Kato. We advocate for self-help, supported by global aid organizations.
GADC
For example, the Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC) has been working closely with 80,000 smallholder farmers since 2009. This partnership promotes the cultivation of organic cotton and supports farmers in sustainable agriculture.
FROM SEED TO FABRIC
The journey of organic cotton always begins with smallholder farmers and proceeds through ginning, combing, and processing into yarn until the finished fabric. This process is complex but ensures, as described above, high-quality textiles.
RECONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
The founding of GADC in 2009 marked the beginning of a new era for cotton farming in Northern Uganda, a region long affected by civil war. This project offers farmers new perspectives and, above all, the opportunity to build a better life through education and access to resources.
TRADITION & INNOVATION
By promoting diverse cultivation methods and avoiding monocultures, GADC also protects the environment and improves soil fertility. This sustainable approach to farming is deeply rooted in local traditions and is also a carbon-neutral way of doing business, unlike the use of artificial fertilizers.
FAIR TRADE & EMPOWERMENT
Fair trade at GADC enables farmers to receive fair prices for their crops and to invest in education and health. Organized cooperation gives them access to knowledge and resources for an independent and sustainable future.
FROM GINNERY TO GLOBAL MARKET
The reactivation of the local ginnery by GADC was an important step in preparing farmers' cotton for the global market. This process promotes a zero-waste cycle, and farmers gain direct access to the global market.
FAIR FOR LIFE SEAL
The woven fabrics made from Ugandan cotton bear the Fair For Life seal, which we particularly value and which goes beyond the GOTS seal. It certifies not only from the ginnery but covers the entire supply chain – from cotton cultivation to the finished product. The seal ensures that all processes take place under fair and ethical conditions, meeting our high standards of sustainability and responsibility. We are proud to support this seal together with Cotonea, as it provides a more comprehensive view of fairness and ecological responsibility.
COTONEA x LEBENSKLEIDUNG
Our cooperation is characterized by shared values and trust. In 2022, we visited the Cotonea weaving mill in the Czech Republic and then the main site in Bempflingen last year. In January 2024, we put our heads together at Munich Fabric Start and had great conversations. Additionally, there is a video here about our cooperation with Cotonea, in which Enrico summarizes what sets it apart – enjoy!
