Synthetic Vs Natural

Cotton

Wool

Hemp

Linen

Ramie

Bamboo

Silk

‘As crude a weapon as the cave man’s club, the chemical barrage has been hurled against the fabric of life’ Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, 1962

Synthetic Vs Natural Fabric

Until the turn of the twentieth century, the only fabrics available were natural fabrics made from fibres that came from animal, insect and vegetable sources. Natural fibres include cotton, wool, linen, hemp, silk, ramie, jute and sisal. Bamboo has gained popularity in the last few years.

In the last century, petrochemical based synthetic fabrics gained popularity over natural fabrics due to the short term economic advantages of synthetics. However, we are now seeing a shift back to natural fibres as more and more people become aware of the environmental and health costs involved in the production of these petrochemical based fibres.

Synthetic or man-made fabrics include fabrics such as rayon, acetate, nylon, acrylic, polyester, fleece, olefin, spandex, lastex and kevlar. They are made from chemically produced fibres and fibres created by scientists including some manufactured from natural materials like cellulose and wood pulp.

Most synthetic fibres are manufactured from polymer-based petrochemical materials such as polyamide (nylon), polyester, aramid, or other spun thermoplastics. It is an energy intensive process requiring large amounts of crude oil, coal or natural gas. It releases toxic emissions including volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter and acid gases such as hydrogen chloride, which can cause respiratory problems. Toxic by-products contained in the wastewater from manufacturing plants pollute our waterways, killing marine animals and disrupting the aquatic eco-system.

There is a vast difference among synthetic fabrics, just as in natural fabrics. Both types of fabrics have their different characteristics such as cost, strength, durability, ease of maintenance, shrinkage and stretchability depending on the type and quality of fibres, the manufacturing process, type of dyes used, the weave and finish of fabric and fabric design.

Synthetics can be durable, easy-care, and fade-resistant, but that does not mean that natural fibres are less durable, higher-maintenance and prone to fading. Cotton fabric can be delicate and sheer or heavy and durable like denim. Some synthetic fabric like acetate is crease-proof, so is natural fabric such as wool and silk.

Acrylic and polyester fabrics are harder to clean than wool. Natural fibres like linen, cotton and wool pill less and the pills fall off, whereas the synthetic fabrics containing fibres like polyester and nylon tend to pill more and they do not fall off on their own.

Synthetic fabrics do have some qualities that cannot be achieved with natural fibres. With synthetic fibres, one can create waterproof fabrics and fabrics with an excellent amount of stretch used for swimwear and water sporting attire.

Both synthetic and natural fabrics can have synthetic dyes and other chemicals added to make the fabric softer, more colourful, crease-free, fire-resistant, water-resistant, stain-resistant, soil-resistant and moth-repellent. While all these qualities are desirable, they can have harmful effects on our health and the environment.

Most cotton-polyester blend fabrics, especially bed linen have formaldehyde finishes to make them crease-resistant. Polyester-filled pillows, pillowcases and acrylic blankets give off vapours when they warm up against the skin. Polyurethane foam in mattresses is often sprayed with fire retardant which contains formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (causes cancer) and its vapour can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, skin reactions and headaches.

Synthetic fabric dyes are used in both synthetic and non-organically certified natural fabrics. They are unstable chemicals and can be released from damp fabrics and absorbed through the skin. Some fabric dyes such as dichlorobenzidene are potentially carcinogenic. Wash dyed synthetic and natural fabrics before use to remove excess chemicals.

A better option would be to choose unbleached and undyed fabrics. If we are going to minimise our exposure to chemicals in our lives, we need to get used to less vivid colours and fabrics in their natural, undyed state. We should also avoid buying fabrics that need to be dry cleaned as chemicals used in the dry cleaning industry are toxic and their production has resulted in stockpiles of waste that have devastated parts of our environment and have proven extremely difficult to dispose of.

Most synthetic fabrics do not ‘breathe’, absorb minimal moisture and inhibit evaporation resulting in the body feeling hot and sweaty especially during summer. Whenever possible, try to avoid wearing synthetic fabrics.

Synthetic fabrics are not bio-degradable and remain stable in the environment for a long period of time. The problem is that we use synthetic materials in all aspects of our lives. As a result we are filling our planet with waste material that takes nature hundreds of years to decompose, leaving behind the chemicals that it contained.

Although natural fibres are derived from renewable sources and are bio-degradable, those that are not certified organic may still have pesticide residues and may be processed or treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process.

Certified organic fabric is always the best option. It is derived from fibre crops grown and processed without toxic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilisers and toxic chemicals such as harsh acids, synthetic surfactants and bleaching agents and formaldehyde.

By buying certified organic fabric, you can also be certain that standards regarding working conditions have been adhered to throughout the production process.

Cotton

Cotton is a natural, cellulose fibre that grows in the seed pod of the Gossypium plant. It is the most important fibre used in large-scale textile production and is very versatile, can be used as clothing, bedding, window dressing, upholstery or accessories.

Untreated fibre comes in various natural colours ranging from ivory to light brown. However, there is a wide range of colour options available as it takes dye well. Cotton is also breathable, renewable and biodegradable.

With an increasing awareness of the amount of chemical usage in conventional cotton production and its impact on our health and the environment, more people are searching for alternatives such as certified organic cotton or other fibre crops that require fewer chemicals such as hemp.

Cotton plants are highly susceptible to pests and diseases and conventional cotton farmers are responsible for 25% of global pesticide use. Cotton is one of the most environmentally destructive agricultural crops. Heavy use of pesticides depletes the soil nutrients resulting in the need for synthetic fertilisers, thus creating a dependent cycle of increasing chemical use. Cotton farming also requires large volumes of water.

Some use chemicals such as defoliants before and after picking the cotton to clean plant residue out of the cotton. In addition, it may be bleached with chlorine-based chemicals, which are known to be toxic to the environment.

During the conversion of conventional cotton into clothing and fabric, many hazardous materials such as softeners, silicone waxes, harsh petroleum scours, heavy metals, flame and soil retardants, ammonia, and formaldehyde are used and added to the product.

Be wary of any fabric labelled static-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, easy-care, permanent-press, no-iron, stain-proof or fire-resistant because these qualities are most likely the result of toxic chemical processes. Finishes and synthetic or heavy metal dyes may also contain harsh and harmful ingredients.

Conventional cotton manufacturing processes often result in large volumes of toxic wastewater that carry away residues from chemical cleaning, dyeing and finishing. This toxic waste pollutes our waterways, depleting the oxygen from the water and destroying marine animals and disrupting ecosystems.

Most chemicals applied during the cultivation and processing of conventional cotton leave chemical residues in the fabrics, which could cause allergies, skin irritations, chemical sensitivities and other health problems.

On the other hand, organic cotton is grown in soil that is certified free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Organic cotton farmers use environmentally sustainable systems that replenish and maintain soil fertility, promote biodiversity and natural pest control. They use natural fertilisers such as compost and animal manure that recycles the nitrogen within the soil.

All the ‘nasty’ chemicals used in the processing of conventional cotton are prohibited in organic cotton processing. Only certain biodegradable, low impact dyes and oxy, hydrogen peroxide bleach is allowed in organic certification. Therefore, organic cotton is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, thus ideal for those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Beware of marketing gimmicks with descriptions such as ‘green’, ‘hand-picked’ and ‘best practice’ as these are no guarantee of environmentally responsible practices in the cultivation and processing of conventional cotton. The only guarantee is to buy certified organic cotton.

Organic cotton is becoming increasingly available but it does cost more than conventional cotton in the short term. However, we do need to consider all the hidden, detrimental long term costs of conventional cotton to our health and our environment.

Wool

Wool is woven primarily from the shorn fleece of sheep and is the most durable of the natural fibres. It is breathable, hard-wearing and can be soft or scratchy, delicate or sturdy, warm or cool, depending on the type of fabric produced. Wool is biodegradable, renewable, and recyclable. Wool is also very versatile, can be used for clothing and any decorating application from carpeting to upholstery to window dressing. The down-side is that some people are allergic to some or all wools.

Conventional wool production uses far fewer chemicals in the manufacturing process than conventional cotton. However, sheep are subjected to organophosphate dips and drenching for parasites control and often treated with antibiotics, vaccines and hormones. They graze on pastures that have been sprayed with herbicides and feeds could contain genetically modified products. Mulesing, the painful slicing of a patch of skin off the rear of merino sheeps to prevent flystrike, is commonly practised in conventionally raised sheep.

In the processing of conventional wool, chemicals are used to clean and scour the wool, formaldehyde to make it fire resistant and synthetic dyes to make it more colourful.

Certified organic sheep do not receive routine chemical treatments such as drenching or dipping for parasites control. Organic sheep are bred for resistance to parasites and are fed outdoors all year round on certified organic pastures that are free from herbicides. Genetically modified feed is prohibited, and even though mulesing is not prohibited in the Organic Standards, it is not practiced.

Organic farming uses sustainable, low environmental impact practices that focus on soil health, good pasture management, healthy stock ratios, good nutrition and homeopathic treatments of their livestock. No synthetic inputs such as antibiotics, vaccines or hormones are used on the livestock. However, if an animal is unwell, it must be removed from the herd and treated appropriately.

Certified organic wool is processed without any use of chemicals. Once the sheep have been shorn, the wool is washed with biodegradable soap flakes and hot water and it is not treated with formaldehyde to make it flame retardant. Organic certification does not allow the use of synthetic or heavy metal dyes. Organic wool is somewhat rare and can be rather expensive.

Wool is one of nature’s most comfortable materials. It is highly sought after by fashion designers as it has a soft and luxurious feel, drapes well, is flexible and tailors easily.

The wool fibre is unsurpassed in its flexible strength and elasticity. Each wool fibre is made up of millions of ‘coiled springs’ that stretch and give rather than break. For this reason wool blankets and throw rugs are difficult to tear and will return to their natural shape even after being twisted and stretched. Wool’s innate elasticity also makes it wrinkle-resistant.

Wool insulates against heat and cold efficiently, keeping you warmer during winter and cooler in summer. Wool fibres trap millions of microscopic pockets of air creating a natural insulation. When wool is used in bedding, it is this trapped air that keeps us warm during the coldest of winter nights.

Wool also breathes well and averts dampness. Its unique vapour management system moves moisture away from the skin allowing you to stay cooler and drier with a more consistent body temperature throughout the night, whatever the season. Moisture vapour is absorbed into the wool fibre structure reducing moist conditions, which also discourages the propagation of dust mites.

Wool has very little tendency to collect static electricity because it naturally absorbs moisture from the air. Being static resistant, wool is less likely to attract lint and dust, cling uncomfortably, or generate a dangerous spark in potentially explosive environments. The crimp in the fibre and its waxy outer layer resists dirt and stains from penetrating the fabric.

Wool’s unique structure of amino acids makes it fire resistant. A 100% woollen fabric is difficult to ignite, burns slowly, and has limited ability to sustain a flame. As wool does not melt when burnt, it does not stick to the skin and cause more serious burns.

Wool is easy to dye because the proteins in the core of the fibre absorb and combine with a wide variety of dyes and allows the wool to hold its colour. Natural plant derived dyes can be used to good effect on woollen fabrics. When buying wool products, check they are naturally dyed.

There is a wide range of woollen bedding products available such as blankets, under blankets, mattress overlays, wool-filled quilts, pillows and mattresses. Woollen blankets and bedding are often treated with chemicals to make them moth-proof. Choose untreated ones and store with herbal moth-bags.

Australian Merino is softer than traditional wool because its fibres are much finer. It has the innate ability to both absorb excess moisture as well as repel large quantities of liquid, which means Merino can minimise odour and resists soiling. These properties make Merino particularly suited to the sportswear and undergarment markets

Wool has a ‘hand wash’ reputation over the years but developments initiated by Australian Wool Innovation have delivered Merino garments that can be machine-washed and tumble dried.

Hemp

Hemp is one of the oldest plants used by mankind and has been cultivated for thousands of years as a source of fibre for paper, cloth, sails/canvas and building materials.

Hemp is the longest and strongest natural plant fibre. Hemp is a dense, fast growing plant reaching up to five metres in height and can be cultivated in as little as 100 days. It can be grown in most climates and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions including frost and a high degree of salinity in the soil.

It is easy to grow hemp organically, thus eliminating many of the ecological problems associated with conventional cultivation of other fibres. Hemp does not require herbicides to grow as its dense foliage blocks weed growth, keeping the field weed free for the next crop.

Unlike cotton, hemp does not have a high water requirement. It has a deep tap root system that aerates the soil and draws nutrients and water from deeper soil layers, eliminating the need for fertilisers and irrigation.

Hemp actually enriches the soil it is grown in, thus it can be grown in the same field year after year with no negative impact on the land. After the crop has been harvested, the leaves rot down and return a high proportion of nutrients back to the soil. It is pretty much organic by nature.

Hemp fibres are easy to remove from the plant and immediately ready to comb and use. It is extremely durable and can be used in the production of textiles, clothing, shoes, rugs, upholstery, canvas, rope, cordage, archival grade paper, paper and construction materials.

Anything that can be made from cotton or linen can be made from hemp. It is very versatile as it can be as comfortable as linen and ramie, as soft as the softest cotton flannel and as strong as denim.

Hemp is an amazingly durable fabric that softens with every wash, rendering it a great fabric for items such as jeans. Due to the strength of the fibre when wet, it does not weaken or lose its shape with washing. It is extremely hard wearing and outwears other natural fibres. It rapidly absorbs moisture, which accounts for its coolness and comfort when used for clothing or bedding.

Hemp is naturally resistant to mildew and provides UV protection more effectively than other fabrics. Hemp is eight times stronger than cotton and four times as durable. It is more absorbent than cotton and therefore takes dyes better.

Despite its desirability, hemp production was illegal in many countries for years as it is closely associated with the recreational drug, marijuana. Industrial hemp and marijuana are varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Industrial hemp contains almost untraceable amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the “active” ingredient in marijuana. Marijuana contains a much higher level of (THC) than hemp.

The growth of hemp was first made illegal in the United States of America in the early part of the 20th century and the rest of the ‘Western’ World followed the US lead. However, hemp is starting to be grown under special government license in some Western countries. China has had an uninterrupted hemp trade for about 6000 years and is currently the primary producer of hemp.

Linen

Linen is one of the world’s oldest fabrics and was once considered suitable only for royalty. It is a vegetable fibre derived from the woody stem of the flax (Linum) plant, which grows 80 to 120cm high. It requires little, if any, use of fertilisers or pesticides and uses less water than cotton.

The quality of the finished linen depends largely on the quality of the plant itself. It is available in different qualities varying from almost silk-like to sack-linen, making it really versatile for use in clothing, bedding and in every type of decorating application.

Linen is labor-intensive and expensive to manufacture. The flax fibres are found in the stalk, which is picked by hand to preserve the fibres’ integrity.

Separating the fibres is also a long and tedious process if performed correctly. It is often sold in its natural, unbleached ivory colour and pre-shrunk as it shrinks when being washed the first time. Linen and cotton blends are common

When linen is made into garments, it is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather due to its high air permeability and heat conductivity properties. Heat conductivity of linen is five times as high as that of wool and 19 times that of silk.

When linen fabrics are in contact with the skin, the nodes along the length of the fibre absorb perspiration, then swell and release the moisture to the outside air, thus creating a fabric cooled by evaporation. As a result, linen cloth always feels fresh and cool and is a popular choice for bedding particularly in hot climates.

Linen is virtually lint free, non-static, non-allergenic, antibacterial, naturally insect-repellent and resistant to dirt. Linen reduces gamma radiation nearly by half and provides UV protection. Because it is a natural fibre, it is also sustainable, biodegradable and recyclable.

Linen is renowned for its spectacular durability and long life. The tensile strength of linen thread is twice as high as that of cotton and three times that of wool. It can be washed many times without changing shape. Over time, linen becomes softer and improves in comfort.

The disadvantage is linen fabrics do wrinkle very easily and requires more ironing. It is often blended with other fibres to prevent or minimise wrinkling.

Ramie

Ramie is a flowering, stingless nettle plant that is native to China and sometimes also called Chinese Grass. It grows in the form of stalks with heart shaped leaves that sprout up from an extensive underground root system. It has the characteristic small silvery hairs associated with nettles.

The ramie plant is harvested and extensively processed to yield strong fibres also called ramie, one of the oldest vegetable fibres. It can be harvested up to six times a year. The fibres need chemical treatment to remove the gums found in the bark. The process of transforming the ramie fibres into fabric is similar to the process used for manufacturing linen from flax.

Once processed, ramie can be spun into thread or yarn to be used in the production of textiles, upholstery, canvas and sacking. It shares the properties and uses of linen. Ramie fibre is very fine like silk and has a smooth, lustrous appearance. It is naturally white so does not require bleaching. Ramie is often blended with cotton to make woven and knit fabrics.

Within the textile and clothing industry, ramie has many advantages. It takes up dyes easily and is highly absorbent making it comfortable to wear. It is also naturally resistant to insects, bacteria, mildew and stains.

Like cotton and linen, ramie is also washable but unlike linen, it does not shrink. Its smooth lustrous appearance improves with washing. It increases in strength when wet and withstands high water temperatures during laundering. It is strong and durable, reported to have a tensile strength eight times that of cotton, seven times greater than silk and four times greater than linen.

Ramie is expensive due to high labour requirements in the production, harvesting and decortication process. It lacks resilience and elasticity, thus is prone to wrinkles. It is often blended with other fibres such as wool to minimise wrinkling. When blended with cotton, it results in increased lustre, strength and colour.

Bamboo

Bamboo is the fastest growing grass in the world and can grow up to a meter a day. It reaches maturity quickly and is ready for harvesting after about four years, which makes it an extremely renewable resource. It is a hardy plant that does not require large volumes of water to grow and different varieties are grown all over the world.

Bamboo plants thrive naturally without the use of harmful chemical fertilisers. Herbicides and pesticides are not required as few insects prefer this as a food source and its dense thicket deters weed from growing. Bamboo also has a unique anti-bacterial and bacteriostatic substance called ‘bamboo-kun’ which keeps it healthy and strong without the use of pesticides.

Bamboo does not require replanting after harvesting because its extensive root network continually sprouts new shoots. This eliminates the need for agricultural tending and heavy machinery to plant seeds and cultivate the soil. The large and deep root system also holds soil together, prevents soil erosion and retains water.

As a natural cellulose fibre, bamboo fabric can be 100% biodegraded in soil by micro-organisms and sunlight. Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular in the textile industry as it is versatile and can be made into different varieties of fabric types including knit, woven, denim, linen textured fabrics, velvet, silk-like textured fabrics and more.

Designers love it because of its luxurious softness and silk-like draping qualities. Bamboo is also cheaper compared to silk and cashmere. It also absorbs dyes faster and more thoroughly than cotton.

Bamboo fibre is light and strong with good insulating qualities making it an increasingly popular choice for use in decorating fabrics, window shades, blinds, trims and floorings.

Bamboo fibre is highly absorbent and helps keep the wearer drier, cooler and more comfortable especially in warmer, humid weather conditions.

Bamboo fabric possesses excellent natural anti-bacterial and deodorising properties because the ‘bamboo-kun’ found within the plant is maintained in the finished bamboo fabric as it is bound tightly to the bamboo cellulose molecular structure. This anti-bacterial property is retained even after multiple washings.

It is impossible to transform the very short (less than 3mm) fibers of bamboo into yarn in a natural process. There are two ways to process the bamboo fibers; either mechanically or chemically.

Most of the bamboo used in the textile industry is made out of the fibres with heavy employment of chemicals.

Mechanically manufactured bamboo is sometimes called bamboo linen because of its similarities to flax processing. The woody parts of the bamboo plant are crushed and natural enzymes used to break the bamboo walls into a mush so that the natural fibres can be mechanically combed out and spun into yarn. Very little bamboo linen is manufactured for the textile industry because it is more expensive and labour intensive.

Chemically manufactured bamboo is sometimes called bamboo rayon because the processes are similar to those used to make rayon. Bamboo leaves and woody shoots are soaked in chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda or lye) and carbon disulphide. The fibres are extracted through a process of hydrolysis, alkalisation and multi-phase bleaching, which are then extruded through mechanical spinnerets.

Both sodium hydroxide and carbon disulphide have been linked to health problems. Breathing low levels of carbon disulphide can cause lethargy, headache and nerve damage while low levels of exposure to sodium hydroxide can cause irritation of the eyes and skin.

Even though growing bamboo plants is environmentally friendly and sustainable, the manufacturing of bamboo into fabric raises environmental and health concerns due to the use of strong chemical solvents.

Silk

Silk is the finest natural fabric, a soft, lightweight and absorbent material that can be made into bedspreads and clothing. Despite its fragile look, it is a very durable and long wearing fibre. It is very versatile and can be used in a variety of home décor items including rugs and tapestries.

Silk is insect fibre which comes from the cocoon of the silkworm, a caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of mulberry trees. The silkworm spins a cocoon made of fine, long filaments. A single filament from a cocoon can be as long as 1600 meters.

During the traditional process of making silk, the cocoons are boiled before the larva change into a moth. The silk is believed to be the finest at this stage because when the cocoons open to release the moth, the continuity of the fibre is believed to be lost.

There is another way of producing silk without killing the silk worms. This so called peace silk is obtained by waiting until the moths emerged through a small hole in one end of the cocoon and then spinning the cocoons into yarn which in turn is woven into fabric.

Peace silk is more expensive than conventional silk because it is more labour intensive. Cocoons must be checked to make sure the moth has flown out. Since it is made on handlooms, it takes about two months to spin the yarn and another month to weave it. Even though peace silk is less lustrous than conventionally produced silk, it is strong and durable, wrinkle resistant, softer and drapes better.

Silk is considered an animal fibre because it has a protein structure. Just like other animal fibres, silk does not conduct heat and provides excellent insulation to keep our bodies warm in winter and cool in summer.

Interview

Dr Lok: Hi Peter, Can you tell us about your business and how it started?

Peter: Organature was established by necessity back in 2004. After being diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), it was necessary for me to find bedroom and household products that we could use in our home, which would not affect my health. These products needed to be without any of the toxic chemicals used in conventional textiles.

After years of research we discovered the health benefits of certified organic cotton. This is when we decided to start Organature. Since then our business has grown to include several non-toxic product lines. These products are produced in the clean air of the South Gippsland region in a clean chemical-free environment.

Dr Lok: What do you aim to achieve in business?

Peter: We aim to educate people about the proliferation of chemicals in today’s world whilst helping to relieve the symptoms of MCS and other diseases and syndromes, such as autism, Asperger syndrome, asthma and eczema. We do this by providing the products and giving the advice necessary to create a safer living environment.

Dr Lok: What is your business philosophy?

Peter: Our philosophy is first and foremost; that everyone should be entitled to live in a chemical-free environment. It is this philosophy that has given us our direction for our business now and into the future.

Dr Lok: What were the major obstacles to start with?

Peter: The main obstacle was my own personal health. I was always keen to help others but I was generally too unwell to provide assistance.

My main symptoms were constant brain fog (inability to think straight), muscle fatigue which meant I found it difficult to get out of bed, irritable bowel and jangling nerves. There were ‘feelings of doom’, sweats and rashes and constant heart palpitations, mood swings and almost constant ‘flu-like’ symptoms.

Sourcing certified materials was also a major obstacle in the early days. Back then, we managed to purchase the only crop of organically grown Australian cotton. Unfortunately we had to get it spun in Indonesia as all of our manufacturing machinery was shipped overseas along with the rest of Australia’s textile industry. This was a huge investment for us back then but with the aid of the farmer who grew the cotton we managed to get the process underway.

Dr Lok: When did you first become passionate about the organic movement and what is it about organics that is important to you?

Peter: For us it is all about being as chemical-free as possible. Our passion started about 20 years ago when my health made me aware of the chemicals in our food. Almost 10 years later, I became very aware of the chemicals used in the textile industry. Extensive research over many years has enabled me to create the most chemical free home environment possible. The key to this is the use of organically produced cotton textiles.

Dr Lok: What are some of the problems associated with traditional cotton farming?

Peter: Conventional cotton is a water hungry crop. It not only uses the largest volume of chemicals but also some of the most dangerous chemicals of any commercial crop. Extremely high volumes of water are needed to dilute and disperse these chemicals.

World Health Organisation estimates that between 20,000 to 40,000 people die from accidental pesticide poisoning each year, and they attribute a large proportion of this to conventional cotton farming.

Most people do not realise that the textiles they wear and sleep in are also full of toxic chemicals. Our skin, which is our biggest organ, absorbs these toxins without any filtering.

Dr Lok: What other problems are associated with the use of pesticides?

Peter: Pesticides are toxic and many are harmful to human health. Some pesticides have been linked to cancer and some are based on World War II nerve gases. These damage the nervous system, and many also disrupt the hormonal balance in our body. They threaten our potential to reproduce, and to have healthy offspring.

Some pesticides remain in the environment for decades they accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals and contaminate the environment far from where they were originally used

Dr Lok: What products do you produce?

Peter: We produce a full range of household products. Our main product lines are organic cotton fabrics, bedding, mattresses, bed linen and clothing. Our Innerspring and Futon Mattresses are made with 100% certified organic cotton. They are free from fumigants, fire retardants, mould inhibitors or formaldehyde and are safe for people suffering from chemical sensitivity related illnesses. We have recently recognised the need for natural timber bedroom products and have included several into our range.

Dr Lok: What should people look out for when buying this type of product?

Peter: When shopping for these products you should always look out for products that are certified organic if possible. Beware of phrases like ‘Non-iron’, ‘Easy care’, ‘Wrinkle free‘, Permanent press’,’ Ultra Fresh’ and ‘Flame proof’. This is secret code for chemicals! Avoid these products as they will most certainly contain formaldehyde!

Dr Lok: You mentioned timber products, what are the dangers to MCS sufferers?

Peter: Imported timber products are finished with chemical paints or varnishes and often fumigated for quarantine purposes upon arrival into Australia. Most furniture made in Australia will also contain harmful chemicals within the timber itself and also the finishes applied to them. By bringing these products into your home, you are bringing the chemicals with them.

Dr Lok: What makes your business special?

Peter: Our business was actually founded through the genuine motivation of poor health, unlike many other businesses who simply started to “Jump on the band wagon” in order to make a profit from the shift in people’s thinking. We are 100% Australian, family owned and operated.

Dr Lok: You must be very proud of your brand; what is it that has made your products as respected as they are?

Peter: We believe in providing the most superior product possible. We are very proud of our product and stand by what we do. Our policy is to keep our prices as low as possible as our focus has always been helping our customers with their health requirements rather than turning huge profits. Our prices have not risen since 2004.

We are proud to be one of the few businesses in this industry still manufacturing within Australia. All our cotton fabrics are converted to fine quality product mostly on our own premises here in South Gippsland, Victoria.

Dr Lok: What is your philosophy when it comes to product development?

Peter: When it comes to developing a new product we always ask ourselves,’ Will this product assist our customers in creating a more chemical free home environment? ‘We recently introduced our own line of beds and futon bases made from Australian hardwood. This means no fumigated foreign timbers upon import and none in your home.

Dr Lok: Where do you obtain your raw ingredients?

Peter: Due to the climate conditions in Australia, cotton cannot be grown organically as it only uses water that falls from the sky and as a dry nation, Australia cannot consistently sustain this production.

Our organic cotton is grown in places like India and Turkey, and is processed in certified mills under the Global Organic Textiles Standard and is certified by Control Union. Unfortunately, there is no mill in Australia to accommodate the requirements of certified organic cotton. If we could grow and mill in Australia, we most certainly would.

Dr Lok: Are all your products certified organic?

Peter: All of our products are made from 100% certified organic cotton. We go above and beyond any regulations specified by the organic certifiers. For example, we only use true cellulose film for packaging NOT plastic as is allowed under organic certification.

Our whites only use oxybleach, we do not use optical brighteners as is also allowed by organic standards. Our cutting table is Australian hardwood NOT chipboard or MDF. Our family staff do not use any scented personal products or cleaning agents in order to avoid contamination of our products.

Dr Lok: What do you hope to achieve for the future?

Peter: Our vision for the future is to inspire and educate people to the many benefits of going organic, not only for our own personal health and well-being but for the health of our planet, our children and generations to come.

Dr Lok: What aspect of your business gives you the most pleasure?

Peter: It would have to be reading the hundreds of unsolicited testimonials we receive from our customers. They are often telling us about how our products have helped change their lives for the better. It is very rewarding to see the growing awareness of the general public towards the benefits of organic cotton textiles, in particular parents of newborn children.

Dr Lok: How can people find out about you and your business?

Peter: We are available on the internet at www.organature.com.au. You can call us on (03) 5663 6245 or come and visit us at The Sustainable Living Festival at Melbourne’s Federation Square or at Melbourne’s Organic Expo.