Materra build climate-resilient farming systems for cotton using agricultural technology and better farming practices. They manage processes at farm level so can track plant growth and environmental impact. Materra™ Cotton has minimal impact and maximum yields which is better for the planet and for farmer yields. In June 2022, Materra received $4.5 million in seed funding from H&M Group and Invest FWD (BESTSELLER Group) to help support their current piloting project in Gujrat, India.

Cotton uses large amounts of resources to grow and has prominent impacts through water use, water contamination, soil erosion and degradation and pollution. Water diversion and pollution from cotton agriculture has created severe impacts on major ecosystems like the Aral Sea in Central Asia, the Indus Delta in Pakistan and the Murray Darling River in Australia.

Water Use

Some experts say cotton uses the most water out of all agricultural crops. Surface and ground water can be diverted away from ecosystems and local communities to grow cotton crops - it is estimated that 97% of the water in the Indus River (Pakistan and India) goes towards producing crops like cotton. Freshwater loss then occurs from inefficient water management and evaporation.

Water Contamination

Cotton farming can require large amounts of chemicals like pesticides and fertilisers. Water run-off from cotton fields can transport these chemicals into ecosystems like rivers, lakes and wetlands causing pollution and contamination. Immediate toxic effects or long term accumulation can impact biodiversity, wildlife and local communities.

Soil Erosion and Degradation

Most of the water used to irrigate cotton plants contains salt as an impurity. Salt can then build up in the soil where cotton is grown leading to salinisation. The soil is then depleted and degraded and cannot be used fro farming.

Pollution

Cotton is estimated to grow on 2.5% of agricultural land but uses around 16% of the world's insecticides. Insecticides and pesticides can pollute the water and soil which then impact biodiversity in the areas cotton grows. Pollution can also impact human life for the farm workers and nearby communities.

Materra™ Cotton is grown using resources efficiently which decreases the environmental impact of cotton and results in more reliable yields for farmers. The UK pilot of Materra™ Cotton was grown pesticide-free with up to 80% less water and fertiliser. Materra also gather data at farm level to provide enhanced visibility for their cottons carbon footprint and traceability for retailers.

-      Materra™ Cotton can have 4 times more yield per surface compared to conventional cotton.

-      Longer lasting textiles produced with higher fibre strength, length and uniformity.

-      Reduce water use by 80% and carbon dioxide produced by 30% (early estimates compared to conventional cotton).

-      Greater transparency with insights to cotton footprint at farm level.

Photograph: Karl Wiggers on Unsplash