Cotton Brazil highlights the role of natural fibers, especially cotton, in reducing plastic use in fashion and promoting more conscious consumption
Plastic Free July often brings attention to packaging, shopping bags, and straws, but rarely puts our wardrobes at the center of the conversation. Yet a large share of the clothing produced worldwide today is made from polyester and other synthetic fibers derived from petroleum – in other words, plastic.
Cotton Brazil, an initiative led by Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Growers Association), ANEA (Brazilian Cotton Exporters Association) with the support of ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), is using this occasion to spotlight a discussion that still receives too little attention: the impact of synthetic fibers on the environment and human health, and the role of natural fibers, particularly cotton, in building a more conscious fashion industry.
The Case for Natural Fibers
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), approximately 35% of the microplastics released into the world’s oceans originate from washing synthetic textiles. These particles eventually make their way into rivers, oceans, and even the food chain. Unlike polyester and other fossil fuel-based fibers, cotton is a natural, biodegradable, and renewable fiber grown from a plant that also produces food and oil.
In the 2024/25 crop season, 79% of Brazil’s cotton production followed the standards of the Responsible Brazilian Cotton (ABR) Program. The ABR Program is benchmarked against the Better Cotton Standard System, enabling ABR-certified cotton to be recognized and marketed as BCI in global markets. It certifies environmental, social, and economic best practices throughout the production chain and represents 36% of all certified cotton produced worldwide.
Beyond environmental concerns, the relationship between fabric and skin is also receiving greater attention in discussions around health and well-being. Natural fibers such as cotton are breathable and are generally less likely to cause irritation than synthetic fabrics, making cotton garments particularly appealing for sensitive groups, including babies, children, and people with reactive skin.
From farm to fashion
For Cotton Brazil, Plastic Free July is an opportunity to broaden this conversation and demonstrate that conscious consumption also begins with reading a garment’s label. Choosing clothing made from natural fibers, understanding textile composition before making a purchase, and supporting responsible supply chains such as Brazilian cotton are simple actions that contribute to a more responsible fashion industry – from farm to fashion.
The initiative also reinforces that this transformation does not depend solely on consumers. The industry itself plays a central role by choosing more sustainable raw materials and investing in traceability. In this context, Abrapa continues to work alongside the textile and fashion supply chain to expand the use and recognition of Responsible Brazilian Cotton as a practical alternative to the plastic-based fibers that make up much of the clothing worn around the world today.
By placing cotton at the heart of the Plastic Free July conversation, the initiative encourages people to take a fresh look at their wardrobes. Understanding what each garment is made of is also an act of environmental awareness, and Brazilian cotton remains one of the most effective natural alternatives for a more sustainable future.
About Cotton Brazil
Cotton Brazil is an international initiative that positions Brazilian cotton as a global benchmark for quality, sustainability and technological excellence. Launched in 2020, the initiative is led by Abrapa in partnership with Anea, the Brazilian Cotton Exporters Association, and ApexBrasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, with additional support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
About Abrapa
Abrapa, the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association, represents 99% of all cotton planted, 99% of production, and 100% of cotton exports in Brazil. It operates in both domestic and international markets, promoting Brazilian cotton as a high-quality, traceable, and sustainable product.
