Organic Cotton: Soft, Safe, and Sustainable for Our Planet

Save the Planet, Choose Organic

So what's all the fuss about organic cotton?

Quite simply, it’s better for our children, our workers and our planet – and here’s why:

 It's naturally soft. There’s a reason organic cotton feels so soft. It skips all the harsh chemicals and dyes used to process standard cotton, which strip the fibres and damage the fabric.

 Safe and healthy. Organic cotton growers and garment makers aren’t exposed to harsh chemicals and dyes, which is much safer for them (phew!) – and it’s a lot better for the environment too. Only natural methods are used for pest control, which helps keep soil fertile, water clean and our air untainted.

 It's super kind to skin. Thanks to the absence of harmful chemicals, organic cotton is also kind to even the most delicate skin and is super-soft. That means it’s perfect for babies and children – and less likely to trigger allergies and skin conditions such as eczema.

 You get to enjoy your clothes for longer. Because organic clothes haven’t been processed in the same way as regular clothes, they’ll last for much longer and wash brilliantly – even at 30 degrees – so they can be worn again and again. You can then pass them on to friends or through the generations as your child moves up a size!

 

We go the extra organic mile.

Toby Tiger clothes are GOTS certified, a badge of honour for us. In short, it means we – and you – can be very sure that our cotton suppliers and garment makers are using only the best practices for ecological, social and ethical standards.

Factories are checked to make sure workers are working in a safe and clean environment and getting paid a fair, living wage. Factories also have to prove how much water and energy they use to produce their cotton, while GOTS sets targets and practices to reduce the strain.

All in all, happy workers make our comfy clothes, which makes the environment much happier too. It puts a smile on our faces, and of course, those of the children wearing them! 

 

What are organic fibres?

Today’s sustainability challenges and the fashion and textile industry’s contribution to them, demand a collective rethinking of the production and consumption of textiles. Organic fibres have an important role to play in creating a sustainable sector that actively reduces its environmental impact and prioritizes human health over short-term gains. A textile product carrying the GOTs label grade “made with organic” must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibres and a product with the GOTS label grade “organic” must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres. Organic fibres are natural fibres grown without synthetic pesticides (e.g. insecticides) or herbicides and GMOs (genetically modified organisms) according to the principles of organic agriculture i.e. a production process which sustains the health of ecosystems, soils and people.

 

What are Azo-free dyes?

Azo-free dyes are a type of dye that do not contain azo compounds. Azo compounds are synthetic chemicals traditionally used in the textile industry to create vibrant and long-lasting colours. However, certain azo compounds have been found to be harmful to human health and the environment.

Azo-free dyes are an alternative to conventional dyes that contain azo compounds. These dyes are made from natural or organic materials, such as plant extracts, and do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins. They are considered to be more environmentally friendly and safer for both the wearer and the planet.

By choosing products with azo-free dyes, you can ensure that your clothes are free from potentially harmful substances while still enjoying a wide range of vibrant colours. It's a win-win for style, safety, and sustainability!