Seed Preparation

Natural untreated GMO free seeds

Typically treated with fungicides or insecticides, possibly GMO’s.

Soil Preparation

Healthy soil through crop rotation. Retains moisture in soil from increased organic matter.

Synthetic fertilizers, loss of soil due to monocrop culture, intensive irrigation.

Weed Control

Healthy soil creates natural balance. Beneficial insects and trap crops used.

Aerial spraying of insecticides and pesticides. Nine of the most commonly used pesticides are known cancer-causing agents.

Harvesting

Natural defoliation from freezing temperatures or through the use of water management.

Defoliation induced with toxic chemicals.

Production

Warp fibres stabilized using double plying or non-toxic cornstarch.

Warp fibers stabilized using toxic waxes.

Whitening

Safe peroxide is used.

Chlorine bleaching creates toxic by-products which are released into the environment.

Finishing

Soft Scour in warm water with soda ash for a PH of 7.5-8.

Hot water, synthetic surfactants, additional chemicals (sometimes formaldehyde).

EU manufacture

Social criteria in place to ensure safe, healthy, non-abusive, nondiscriminatory environment with living wages.

No social screening. Possible child or forced labor used. Facilities may be unsafe and unhealthy.