Solidaridad news and archive

Cotton and biodiversity: New report demonstrates key role of smallholder farmers

When it comes to cotton, many think of large companies responsible for its cultivation. However, according to Solidaridad figures from 2023, 70 percent of the world's cotton is produced by smallholder farmers. These are family farms of between one and ten hectares. Four key factors are responsible for agriculture contributing significantly to...

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Business

Study: How does automation affect workers in Bangladesh’s RMG sector?

Bangladesh is the second largest exporter of readymade garments (RMGs) after China, contributing 10.35 percent of the national GDP and 84.58 percent of the country's exports in fiscal year 2023. The country is also home to 61 of the top 100 highest-rated LEED-certified factories in the world and 229 LEED-certified green factories....

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Business

2023 Cotton Ranking: Only nine fashion companies source cotton sustainably

Since 2017, Solidaridad Europe and the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) publish their annual cotton ranking - a look at the largest cotton users among international apparel brands and retailers and their sourcing practices. The number has grown from 37 companies in 2017 to 82 in 2023. The ranking analyses their public objectives and...

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Fashion |REPORT

"Sourcing more sustainable cotton is the best way forward"

London - The fashion industry has yet to fully embrace sustainable cotton, which poses a serious threat to the future of the sustainable cotton market. Although several fashion retailers, such as People Tree, Filippa K and Marks & Spencers, have shared their goals to increase the usage of sustainable cotton, the uptake of the material by fashion...