University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

The Yarn Manufacturing Stage
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Yarn manufacture includes different sub processes such as leaning, mixing, carding,
combing, drafting, twisting, and winding. Most of these are physical processes that
are the same for both organic and non-organic cotton. However, as with ginning,
there has to be a clear segregation of the operational area if a company is processing
both types of cotton. If this can be achieved, then a premium can be obtained (Table
9).
The Fabric Manufacturing / Knitting Stage
Knitting is a mechanical process of changing yarn into fabric. There is no difference
between organic and conventional cotton knitting. The only thing that has to be taken
into account while processing certified organic cotton is to not to use oils that contain
heavy metals or other potentially contaminating pollutants in the mechanical knitting
process. Once again, manufacturers that can achieve this can obtain a premium
(Table10).
Price difference in
organic and conventional
cotton griege fabric (per
Kg)
Additional cost of organic cotton
yarn required to produce 1 Kg of
organic cotton griege fabric
$ 2. 43 $ 2 .00 $ 0. 43
Table 10: Value addition at the knitting stage
The Fabric Finishing Stage
Value addition
at knitting stage
Fabric finishing is a crucial stage in the manufacture of cotton products. It is the final
stage before the garment is cut and stitched. Finishing involves dyeing, printing,
mercerising and other processes that give the fabric added benefits or features. There
are no universally-agreed standards or regulations for the finishing of organic cotton
products, although there are a number of independent organisations that use their