One of the pioneering projects we've been collaborating with for many years is Cotonea and the Ugandan organic cotton they process. A large portion of our woven fabrics are based on this high-quality cotton. The quality of the materials and the depth of our collaboration make this partnership a central component of our product range.
Back in 2017, we traveled to Uganda with Cotonea and were able to see the cotton fields and the local ginnery firsthand. Over the years, we've also made regular visits to Cotonea's headquarters in Bempflingen, Germany, and to their weaving mill in the Czech Republic. This allowed us to benefit from the company's extensive knowledge and experience – and, in turn, share that knowledge with you.
Besides shared values and visions, it is above all the fabrics themselves that convinced us from the very beginning. The high quality is primarily determined by the raw material, the degree of fiber combing, and the subsequent processing. When combing the cotton, not only are the usual short fibers removed, but a significantly higher proportion. This results in a yarn made of long-staple fibers, which forms the basis for particularly high-quality and durable fabrics.
A higher degree of combing results in finer, more uniform yarns with a smooth surface and consistent diameter. At the same time, well-combed yarns contain fewer impurities and shorter fibers, making them more resilient and durable. These qualities are particularly important for products that are subject to heavy wear and tear in everyday life – such as bed linens or home textiles. In short: Woven fabrics made from Ugandan organic cotton by Cotonea stand for quality, reliability, and sustainable longevity.
The organic cotton comes from projects like the Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC), which has been working with around 80,000 smallholder farmers in northern Uganda since 2009. The aim is to empower them to help themselves: through training, fair purchasing conditions, and long-term partnerships, sustainable organic cotton farming is promoted and economic opportunities are created.
The journey of cotton begins with small-scale farmers and continues through ginning, combing, and yarn production to the finished fabric. This complex process guarantees consistently high quality and a transparent supply chain. At the same time, the project makes a significant contribution to the reconstruction of a region long marked by civil war and opens up new opportunities for the farmers.
By avoiding monocultures and using diverse cultivation methods, the environment is protected and soil fertility is improved. This form of farming is deeply rooted in local traditions and is also CO₂-neutral – unlike conventional cotton farming with artificial fertilizers.
Another key aspect is fair trade. Farmers receive fair prices for their harvest and can invest in education, health, and infrastructure. Organized cooperation gives them access to knowledge, resources, and global markets. The reactivation of local ginnery by the GADC plays a crucial role in this, enabling a zero-waste cycle from the field to the global market.
The woven fabrics made from Ugandan organic cotton carry theFair For LifeA seal we particularly value. It goes beyond the GOTS seal, as it covers the entire supply chain – from cotton cultivation to the finished fabric. This ensures that ecological and social standards are consistently met.