As the global textile and apparel industry moves toward sustainability, cotton is emerging as a key natural fiber thanks to its
biodegradability and compostability, offering real solutions to reduce textile waste and support a circular economy.
From Nature – Back to Nature
Grown from sunlight, soil, and water, cotton is a drought-tolerant crop with relatively low water use and, unlike synthetic fibers, does not generate microplastics. At the end of its life cycle, cotton fibers can biodegrade in water, wastewater, and soil, returning safely to the earth as part of natural ecological processes.
Cotton waste can also be transformed into bioenergy, biofuels, biochar, or nutrient-rich compost, completing a circular loop in less than 90 days under appropriate composting conditions.
Composting – a Sustainable End-of-Life Solution for Cotton
Composting is the process of converting organic materials—including cotton fabrics and garments—into nutrient-rich fertilizer. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Green Guides, a product marketed as compostable must:
A Cornell University study (2010) found that cotton fabric lost up to 77% of its mass within 90 days under composting conditions, while polyester hardly degraded at all. A more recent Cornell study (2023) showed that cotton components in denim jeans began decomposing after just one month, leaving only synthetic fibers after five months.
Reducing Textile Waste and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In the United States, textile waste accounts for nearly 6% of municipal solid waste, dominated by non-biodegradable synthetics. When organic materials are landfilled, the oxygen-poor environment promotes anaerobic decomposition, releasing methane (CH₄)—a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period.
Redirecting cotton away from landfills toward composting helps prevent methane emissions, enriches soil quality, and supports the textile sector’s climate goals.
Consumers Increasingly Value Sustainability
According to Cotton Incorporated’s Global Sustainability Survey, 58% of global consumers consider sustainability when purchasing apparel. Biodegradability and compostability are becoming increasingly important attributes, strengthening cotton’s position as a preferred fiber for sustainable products and helping brands enhance their environmental image.
Conclusion
Cotton’s biodegradability and compostability offer practical pathways for building a greener textile industry. By leveraging cotton’s natural properties, Vietnam’s textile and apparel sector can reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and expand circular production models—aligning with global sustainability expectations and strengthening competitiveness in key markets.
Source: Cotton Incorporated (2024) – CottonWorks.com
