After two years, the “Apulia Regenerative Cotton Project” initiated by the Armani Group has achieved the first tangible results. It is a step forward towards regenerative fashion and in achieving the goals set for the regeneration of soil, water and biodiversity.
The “Apulia Regenerative Cotton Project” was launched in June 2023. It was created in collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative Fashion Task Force and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance. It is coordinated by the European Forestry Institute (EFI), the Council for Agricultural Research and Economic Analysis (CREA) and Pretaterra. The aim of the project is to develop an experimental cotton field using the regenerative cultivation system. Sustainable cotton production is scientifically tested and evaluated in Italy through the use of agroforestry, regenerative cultivation techniques.
After the first planting of cotton with rows of peach trees on one hectare of land in 2023, cultivation was gradually expanded the following year. In addition to cotton, poplars and pomegranate trees were planted on a total of three hectares, of which 0.6 hectares were in agroforestry and 2.4 hectares were in monoculture. In the third year, cotton sowing was introduced, alternating with rows of carob, fig and mulberry trees. The total area was around 5.2 hectares, of which 3.6 hectares were in agroforestry and 1.6 hectares in monoculture. This meant that the agricultural area was expanded and the goal of five hectares was achieved ahead of schedule within five years.
In the first year, 2,400 kilograms of regenerative cotton were harvested. In the second year it was 3,000 kilograms.
The experimental project produced four scientific articles, which were published in English-language journals after review by independent researchers. Journals include Agroforestry Systems, Journal of Environmental Management and Plants. Articles cover topics such as the sustainable production of cotton, storing carbon in soil through agroforestry, and using artificial intelligence to save irrigation water.
Another milestone was the production of the first garment made entirely from regenerative cotton. The cotton is called “regenerative” because it comes from farming methods based on the agroforestry system. These agricultural practices aim to maintain biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration. At the same time, emissions, the use of chemicals and water consumption should be reduced.
Around 1000 T-shirts available
Around 1,000 T-shirts were made from the cotton from the first sowing. The T-shirts are made entirely of Regenagri certified cotton and are equipped with a QR code and a digital passport that guarantees their authenticity and traceability. The certification covers the entire supply chain to ensure full product traceability. Each supplier involved is verified to receive Regenagri certification. This includes all phases from the cultivation and processing of the cotton to the weaving, manufacturing, assembly and sale of the product.
The T-shirts are available in white and blue and feature a tone-on-tone embroidered Giorgio Armani signature. Currently only a men’s model is available. The t-shirts will be sold in select Giorgio Armani boutiques in Europe from July, excluding the UK and Switzerland. They will also be available online in these regions during the same period. The packaging is also made from recycled material.
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