A Detailed Guide On How To Source Sustainable Linen And Cotton From India For US Startups

general there are certain basic criteria for organic cotton and sustainable linen. These criteria are as follows:

• Use of organic farming practices, which means the entire cultivation is done without chemical based fertilisers or pesticides. This is the basis of organic cotton that’s well accepted globally.

• Organic and sustainable farming also means the humane and ethical treatment of the labor that’s involved in cultivating the raw materials. From fair wages to safe working conditions, these things are considered an integral part of ethical sourcing.

• Organic and sustainable textile also involves the use of eco-friendly dyes and water saving techniques during the processing of the fabric.

• Lastly, there are international certifications boards that verify and certify the sustainable standards maintained by any brand. These certifying boards include GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade among others. Based on your requirements, make sure the supplier you are choosing are certified by at least one of these boards before proceeding with them.

• Find Suppliers With Sustainable Certifications

• There are different certifications boards who verify different aspects of organic cotton and linen production. Here is a overview of the different boards and their certifications.

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): They verify that the finished product (cotton or linen) has gone through sustainable manufacturing processes honestly right from the farm to the factory and the finished textile.

• SEDEX / SA8000: They verify social accountability of a brand and ensure there’s appropriate supply chain transparency.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: They verify and certify that the organic cotton or linen has not been processed with any harmful chemicals or substances from the farm to the factory.

• Fair Trade Certification: They ensure that the manufactured textile has been manufactured ethically and the labor were fairly paid and ethically treated during production.

• Attend Local or International Trade Shows

• One of the best ways for you to find Indian suppliers to source organic cotton and sustainable linen is by visiting industry trade shows. If you want to find suppliers quickly, it is best that you visit Indian textile trade shows. You can also visit international shows and check for Indian supliers there, however, it may be a considerably longer process this way. Some of the most popular trade shows you can attend include:

• Textiles India Trade Show organized by the Ministry of Textiles in India

• Verify Their Certifications & Discuss Terms

• Once you have shortlisted some suppliers from trade shows. You can create a longer list by going through online textile manufacturer directories online. With a complete shortlist, it is time for you to go into the due diligence processes before shortening your shortlist. 

  First it is required that you verify the certifications presented by each supplier with the certifying body. No matter how long it takes, it will ensure that you’re working with legitimate businesses. Next, you can talk to the suppliers regarding MOQs and sample orders as well as detailed information about dyeing methods, water use, and energy sources.

  Once done, you’ll have your shortlist and then comes the next step.

• Specify Requirements & Set Up Agreements

• Clearly state your requirements once you’re set on pricing and check out the best offers you’re set to receive from the different suppliers. You can also check out the benefits they can offer, including shipping time, and overall production costs. It’ll help you decide what’s best for your business and choose a textile export company in India that completely meets your requirements adequately.

  Conclusion

  These are the steps you need to follow to find the best Indian suppliers of organic cotton and sustainable linen. For more information about garment manufacturers in India, check out CheerSagar. Cheer Sagar is among the top clothing manufacturers for startups in India and can help you create source high-quality organic cotton and sustainable linen fabric. Check out the website to learn more about the offered services.

• Source India hosted by AEPC

• Heimtextil India

• India International Textile Machinery Exhibition (ITME)