#Seed2Sew

BASF’s “Seed to Sew” project in Greece began in 2022 and focuses on sustainable cotton cultivation. This initiative promotes reducing carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption, and the precise use of crop protection products. It involves 1600 farmers, three cotton ginning plants, and one spinning mill, producing 50,000 to 55,000 bales of cotton annually. The project uses blockchain technology to ensure transparency in the cotton supply chain, with data recorded through an app and linked to scannable QR codes on each cotton bale and finished garment.

In the U.S., BASF has a similar initiative called the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program, empowering farmers to highlight their sustainability efforts. Labels and seals on clothes also provide clues about their sustainability. For instance, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the strictest, covering environmental and social criteria throughout the supply chain, while the IVN Best certification from the International Association of Natural Textiles focuses on natural fibers from organic farming to the final product. However, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 only tests for harmful substances in the final product without considering production impact. This is circular clothing, emphasizing sustainability and transparency from field to consumer.