S M Holdings gets Africa's first OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON certification

S.M. Holdings Ltd. is a key player in supplying cotton from over five countries, with significant potential for further expansion. Fully integrated into the cotton production process - from farming to ginning - S.M. Holdings Ltd. guarantees superior quality cotton at competitive costs. This commitment has attracted spinners both locally and internationally, solidifying the company’s reputation in the global textile industry. Its remarkable growth in recent years has been driven by unwavering determination, commitment, and a dedication to ensuring premium quality and timely delivery. Its mission is to deliver innovative, technology-driven support services to farmers while providing premium-quality lint and tailored services to clients. By focusing on the unique needs of each client, they strive to achieve complete satisfaction and foster lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

TESTEX spoke to S.M. Holdings about its decision to become OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON certified, its role in the cotton market, the challenges it faces, and how it sees the future development of cotton in the sustainable textiles industry. 

S.M. Holdings: Our role begins with contracting farmers and providing them with training in sustainable agricultural practices. From there, we process raw cotton into high-quality lint that meets the stringent standards of both local and international buyers. This critical step in the cotton value chain bridges the gap between farmers and textile mills, ensuring seamless integration.

However, challenges persist, including fluctuating global cotton prices, port congestion impacting timely shipments, and the high costs associated with compliance to sustainable certifications.

Despite these obstacles, the future of cotton in the sustainable textiles market is promising. With rising consumer demand for traceable and ethically sourced materials, sustainable cotton, such as OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON and CmiA certified varieties, is emerging as a key industry driver. By investing in sustainable farming practices and fostering transparent supply chains, cotton has the potential to play a transformative role in creating a greener, more sustainable future for fashion.

OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON is renowned for its rigorous testing and its commitment to safety and sustainability throughout the supply chain. This certification builds consumer trust by ensuring global compliance, improving market access, enhancing confidence, and solidifying our reputation. It also affirms our dedication to sustainable practices, regulatory compliance, and product credibility.

Our collaboration with TESTEX was a highly positive experience. Their team provided clear guidance and consistent support throughout the certification process. TESTEX’s global network and ability to trace products back to their origins - connecting fashion brands with the story of ginners and farmers - brought significant value to our operations and storytelling efforts.

We aim to become global leaders in sustainable agriculture. With a rich legacy spanning 30 years, our vision includes expanding value-added processing and establishing direct partnerships with fashion brands, driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.

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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)