Here the fiber is separated from the seed. Organic cotton must be processed
separately from conventional cotton, and machines must be cleaned to avoid
contamination. The seed is used in animal feed or pressed into oils for
processed foods.
The cotton is cleaned to remove any foreign matter and then combed to align fibers
and remove any that are too short. The fibers are pulled together into a loose
yarn called "sliver", which is then twisted under tension to create yarns. Again, machinery
must remain uncontaminated.
The yarns are made into fabrics, with separate machines for organic cotton.
For 100% organic products, only environmentally-friendly chemicals that meet organic
fiber processing standards are used.
Patterns are cut, pieces assembled, and the final product is sewn, pressed, and
packaged, ready for the journey. Throughout the process it is extremely important
that the organic cotton is kept separate and clearly identified, and that the
certification is tracked.