Cotton is a natural fibre, valued for its wide range of uses. Fabrics made from cotton are often soft and breathable. However, cultivation requires high amounts of water; and the conditions under which it is grown, harvested and processed can have a significant impact on both people and the environment.

Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, and it is free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). All our organic cotton is traceable, and the entire process is audited by a third-party organisation. 

The global demand for organic cotton currently exceeds the available supply, and scaling up production takes time. ARKET is part of the H&M Group, a founding member of an industry initiative called the Organic Cotton Accelerator – an industry initiative that helps farmers grow organic cotton profitably. It also supports the development of locally adapted high-quality cotton seeds and promotes innovations to strengthen both the supply and integrity of organic cotton.

Recycled cotton is made from post-consumer waste or manufacturing scraps – old textiles and production offcuts that are shredded into fibres and spun into new yarn, to be used for new fabrics. All our recycled cotton is traceable, and the process is audited by a third-party organisation.

Compared with conventional cotton farming, farms certified by ROC™ must implement plans that support soil and landquality, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness in accordance with the ROC™ standard. Depending on the farm and local conditions, these plans may include practices such as composting, cover cropping, intercropping, and reduced tillage. These methods can help restore soil health by increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil and supporting a wider variety of plants, insects, and soil organisms. The ROC™ program also supports the humane treatment of animals and promotes social equity by requiring fair working conditions and access to healthcare for farmers and workers involved in the program.

The remainder of our cotton is sourced through Better Cotton, a non-profit organisation that supports cotton farmers in adopting practices that offer long-lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits, both on their farms and in their local communities. Better Cotton is sourced via a mass balance system, which means it may be mixed with conventional cotton in the manufacturing process and is therefore not physically traceable. However, by sourcing through Better Cotton, we are supporting a global initiative that reaches more farmers and drives meaningful change on a scale.  

Pima cotton is considered one of the finest cotton varieties in the world. The fibres are exceptionally long – ranging from 38 to 41 millimetres, compared to 20 and 32 millimetres for standard cotton.  Longer fibres make stronger and more uniform yarns, which enhances the durability of the fabric. Garments made from Pima cotton have a smooth surface and an almost silk-like feel.

This cotton is grown using hydroponic farming, a soilless cultivation method where water and nutrients are delivered directly to the roots, allowing precise control and reducing reliance on farmable land.

Linen is a soft yet durable natural fibre from the flax plant. Flax is a resilient crop that can grow in poor soil and requires less water in production than cotton. The hollow structure of linen fibres and the loose weave they create make the fabric naturally breathable.

Originally derived from flax plants, recycled linen is made from leftovers or fabric from the production process. The material is collected, recycled, and spun into yarn.

Products certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS TE-00047206) owned by Textile Exchange contain wool fibre from farms independently certified to meet animal welfare and land-management requirements. 

Products certified to the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS TE-00047206) owned by Textile Exchange contain mohair fibre from farms independently certified to meet animal welfare and land-management requirements.

Products certified to the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS TE-00047206) owned by Textile Exchange contain alpaca fibre from farms independently certified to meet animal welfare and land-management requirements.

The Good Cashmere Standard® is owned by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) and sets out requirements for animal welfare, land management and herders’ working conditions. The fibres are traceable from the farm to the final product.

Recycled cashmere is made from post-consumer waste or manufacturing scraps.

Recycled wool is made from postconsumer waste or from manufacturing scraps.

Chrome-free tanned leather

The leather is tanned using vegetable or synthetic extracts instead of chromium salts.

Metal-free tanned leather

Metal-free leather is tanned using vegetable or synthetic extracts, thereby avoiding the use of chromium salts and metallic salts. 

Vegetable tanned leather

Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins derived from plant sources like tree barks and leaves. 

Split leather and suede

Split leather is obtained from the inner layer of the hide after it has been separated from the top grain. It is typically finished with a brushed surface, giving it a soft touch and velvety appearance while maintaining flexibility and natural comfort.

Our Upcycled Down™ is made from pre-used feathers and down, washed and sterilised using high-temperature water processes without added chemical disinfectants.