Polyester is posing a threat to all natural fibers. World production of polyester went from five million tons in 1990 to more than 50 million tons today. Most of that growth occurred in China alone.

Cotton’s share in fiber use has dropped from 50 per cent to just over 30 per cent. Pressure from polyester production will continue and that is just a reality all natural fibers, including cotton, have to face.

However all is not lost. There is evidence China is shifting away from polyester production due to its negative environmental impact: converting crude oil, natural gas and coal into fiber is damaging to the environment. China has in recent years introduced several new acts of environmental legislation which impact on polyester production and, by association, commodity prices.

Cotton could potentially capitalise on such issues, as well as concerns about microfiber pollution.

While organic cotton undoubtedly has positive connotations with consumers, it is more expensive to grow with more variable yields, making it much more difficult to get to market at a profitable price point. Organic cotton is not necessarily economically viable.

While proponents of organic cotton will undoubtedly take issue with such sentiments there is no disputing the fact that the organic cotton market has struggled to maintain any significant momentum in recent years. Indeed, it often feels like a case of two steps forward, three steps back.