Restoring our planet with SÖKTAŞ: Regenerative cotton
Stella McCartney have been partnered with SÖKTAŞ since 2019 – supporting the Turkish farm’s transition from conventional to regenerative cotton. We are increasingly weaving its textiles into our ready-to-wear and denim collections. We crafted the first-ever regenerative cotton luxury garments using SÖKTAŞ fibres, which debuted at our Summer 2023 runway show.
The SÖKTAŞ regenerative BEAM (Biologically Enhanced Agricultural Management) transition project has captured and sequestered approximately 34.38 tonnes CO2/ha over the last 4 years. As well as this, any CO2 emissions associated with regenerative cotton production and processing by SÖKTAŞ have been compensated through soil sequestration directly on its farm, with an additional 13.81 tons of CO2 (eq)/ha/year being absorbed from the atmosphere.
Who are SÖKTAŞ?
Strongly rooted in Turkey’s ancient Meander Valley, SÖKTAŞ are specialists in producing luxury cotton fabrics. With a repertoire of more than 600,000 fabrics, over 100 years of expertise in cotton farming and 50+ years of dedication to textile innovation, SÖKTAŞ are able to harness the entire production chain in a way most cannot: from cotton cultivation to final fabric finish.
What is blockchain technology?
As a progressive luxury brand, Stella McCartney has always looked to the future. That is why, since September 2022, we have been working alongside UNECE and SÖKTAŞ to trace a garment throughout its supply chain through documentary evidence. Our Snog-a-Log t-shirt is cut from fully traceable cotton, directly sourced from our SÖKTAŞ’ regenerative patches.
Blockchain technology essentially removes the often-complex paper trail required to run a business; from farmers and processors to buyers and consumers, instead replacing it with one single ledger that records all the information about each step. SÖKTAŞ use blockchain technology because they believe in an integrated approach to sustainability, meaning environmental, social and economic factors are interconnected and interdependent. In taking this approach, SÖKTAŞ has created a sustainable and resilient system that benefits both people and planet.
Is cotton always sustainable?
Conventional agriculture is the single largest driver of global biodiversity loss, with cotton production using 2.5% of the world’s arable land and accounting for 16% of all pesticide use. Cotton grown through regenerative agriculture rebuilds degraded soils, enhances soil fertility, biodiversity, water efficiency and crop resilience, leading to decreased inputs, higher-quality cotton fibres and improved community livelihoods.
Through alignment with nature’s natural cycles, off-season blankets and using non-GMO seeds, SÖKTAŞ have adopted a holistic approach to cotton production that restores and revitalises soil health, cut carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Above all, SÖKTAŞ believe that innovation, sustainable production and environmental care is the only way forward.
Regenerative sourcing is not only the future of fashion, but of our planet. If we ever hope to protect and restore nature, we cannot continue to just take from Mother Earth – we also have to give back. By implementing UNECE blockchain traceability technology into our regenerative cotton supply chain, we are proud to pioneer and transparent path forwards and hope that other fashion houses will join us.