Strict Traceability
Direct connections with the people of the West Indies production area
Reducing the impact of cotton cultivation on the global environment, paying farmers fair wages, and managing the working environment are important themes for the future of the cotton business. Although it is possible to trace raw cotton from the cotton market to a region, it is very difficult to determine which farmers employ which workers in which fields and how the cotton was grown. However, we have direct contracts with farmers for the Caribbean and American Sea Island cotton we handle, and we have complete control over the fields where the cotton is grown. Each product made from this raw cotton is labeled with a serial number.
Direct connections with people in U.S. production areas
American Sea Island Cotton is cultivated by family farmers. They are the only Sea Island cotton farmers with whom we have had the pleasure of working for over a decade. They take great pride in their involvement with Sea Island Cotton and share our commitment to maintaining this rare and distinctive crop.
Their cultivation in the U.S. employs cutting-edge technology and adheres to the standards set forth by the US Cotton Trust Protocol, ensuring that environmental and social impacts are considered in their operations.
Their cultivation in the U.S. employs cutting-edge technology and adheres to the standards set forth by the US Cotton Trust Protocol, ensuring that environmental and social impacts are considered in their operations.
American Sea Island Cotton
- Project for the Revival with New Mexico State University
Commercial cultivation of Sea Island cotton in the United States commenced in the 18th century but was terminated in the early 20th century due to insect damage. It was the cotton research conducted at New Mexico State University that enabled the revival of this tradition in the 21st century. The culmination of nearly a decade of research and development in extra-long staple cotton seed is the American Sea Island Cotton seed that we now offer.
The Sea Island cotton tradition continues in El Paso, where three key factors converge: the Sea Island cotton seed, rich land and skilled farmers.
Joint Industry-Academia Project with Shinshu University
- Exploring the secrets of Sea Island cotton at the genetic level
What exactly is "Sea Island cotton?" To answer this fundamental question, we are working with Shinshu University to elucidate the genetic level of Sea Island cotton. Our research has revealed genetic differences between Sea Island cotton and other extra-long staple cottons, and we have identified a means of sorting them.
Furthermore, by identifying the genes that control the characteristics of Sea Island cotton, such as the long fiber length, we can improve the quality of the cotton through efficient seed selection.
Furthermore, by identifying the genes that control the characteristics of Sea Island cotton, such as the long fiber length, we can improve the quality of the cotton through efficient seed selection.