Design Delight Studio

You asked, we answered…

You care about green choices. You ask, “How much water does cotton need? Can it be eco-friendly?” We put facts and expert views close to each idea. New research guides you to make sound cotton choices.

🔍 Water Use

The study by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) shows that 1 kg of cotton lint needs about 8,920 liters of water. This study is named Water Footprint in Cotton 2020–2024: A Global Analysis (ICAC, 2025).

• The study shows that 73.4% (6,576 liters) of water comes from rainfall. Rain falls naturally into the cycle.
• About 2,344 liters per kg come from irrigation. Irrigation needs human action.

Expert Gustavo Piccoli, President of the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), says,

“Myths cloud cotton water use. ICAC studies clear up wrong ideas with science.”

Brazil uses only 3,436 liters per kg of cotton lint. Rain feeds almost all water. Irrigation is only 64 liters per kg. Brazilian cotton fields depend on rain. They add little extra water.

🚩 Highlight Box
Global average water footprint for cotton: 8,920 liters/kg (ICAC, 2025)
Brazil’s water footprint: 3,436 liters/kg — among the world’s best
Percentage of water from rainfall: 73.4% globally (ICAC, 2025)
Link to full ICAC report: https://bit.ly/Icac-WaterFootPrint2025

Expert Tips to Reduce Water Use in Cotton Production

• Support rainfed cotton: Pick brands that grow cotton with mostly rain.
• Advocate for precision irrigation: Ask producers to use smart, water-saving tools.
• Promote seed breeding: Back research that makes cotton need less water.
• Push for clear water reports: Demand that brands show true water data.

🔍 Carbon Emissions

Cotton farming also adds carbon to the air. Farming machines, fertilizer production, and transport release carbon.

• Better water use can cut energy use.
• Innovations in farming and tools, like those in Brazil, lower emissions (Abrapa).

Tip: Look for cotton marked “low-impact” or certified by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). These certifications check both water and emissions.

🔍 Chemical Inputs

Cotton farms use pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals can harm water and nature.

• Good water care, as the ICAC report shows, cuts runoff and keeps chemicals in check.
• Use integrated pest management and eco-friendly methods to lower chemical use.

🔍 Recycling

Recycling cotton fibers cuts water and chemical needs compared to new cotton.

• Ask textile brands to use more recycled cotton in garments.
• Recycling saves resources and protects freshwater.

❓ FAQ: What is the real "water footprint" of cotton—should I avoid cotton products?

Cotton does use much water. But studies now show that most water is rainfed, not wasted. Choose cotton from areas with good water care, like Brazil. Support brands that tell the truth about their practices. You can enjoy cotton without fear if you choose wisely.

👉 Ready to learn more and shop consciously? Visit us for more insights and expert answers:
https://designdelightstudio.myshopify.com/pages/environmental-impact-of-cotton-your-questions-answered

Sources:

• International Cotton Advisory Committee. (2025). Water Footprint in Cotton 2020–2024: A Global Analysis. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/Icac-WaterFootPrint2025
• Cotton Brazil. (2025). “ICAC releases cotton water footprint analysis and updates water consumption estimates.” https://cottonbrazil.org.br
• Gustavo Piccoli, President, Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa) – quoted in Cotton Brazil (2025).

This newsletter uses short, direct links between words and ideas. Each word connects closely to the next. This style helps you understand cotton’s water use and its links to eco-friendly practices.

Design Delight Studio is your trusted partner in sustainable textiles, committed to transparency and eco-innovation. Learn more at designdelightstudio.myshopify.com