Does organic cotton come from Xinjiang?

David Platt • 9 April 2021

Eco Promotional Product Organic Cotton

Whilst cotton is natural fibre which will biodegrade, it tends to have something of bad press on the environmental front. This is not because of the fibre itself but rather the methods of farming and production which involves large quantities of water and fungicides and other chemicals. Organic cotton is the only workable practice which eliminates highly toxic substances from the environment and works long term for the benefit of the planet.

Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and build biologically diverse agriculture. In order to ensure the cotton product is really organic from field to finished product you need to look out for the relevant accreditation, such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) symbol as well as the OEKO-Tex symbol.( https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/ )

So what’s wrong with Xinjiang?

Cotton has been the news recently for another reason with an international backlash over claims of abuses in the cotton-growing Xinjiang region. Several major brands have expressed concern over allegations that members of the mostly Muslim Uighur minority group are being used as forced labour.

As the BBC reported ‘Human rights groups believe China has detained more than a million Uighurs over the past few years in what the state defines as "re-education camps".

There is evidence of Uighurs being used as forced labour and of women being forcibly sterilised.

The US is among several countries to have accused China of committing genocide and crimes against humanity through its repression of the Uighurs.

China denies such allegations, saying it has been combatting separatism and Islamist militancy in the region’ - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-22278037

The problem of course for any brand is the backlash that would come from any association with Xinjiang province and the possibility that by endorsing the cotton from this province they would be seen to be supporting a significant breach in human rights. But it’s not just the appearances – Pavilion and many other companies simply do not wish for their money to be flowing to a region and regime which is involved in what western governments have declared to be genocide.

So does organic cotton come from Xinjiang?

Organic cotton output from the troubled Chinese province of Xinjiang increased by 6.9 per cent according to new figures for the 2018/19 harvest year from Textile Exchange ( https://textileexchange.org/ ) . The latest organic report from the US consultants shows that Xinjiang has now increased its share of China’s organic cotton production to 98.5 per cent based on the latest available data. This means that around one sixth of all global organic cotton was produced in Xinjiang.

The Textile Exchange states it “is concerned about the disturbing reports of forced labour in the Xinjiang region of China, where most of China’s organic cotton is grown, as well as reports of forced and child labour in other parts of the world that have occurred over the past several years.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Share this blog:

Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.