Maritaş Denim Realized the First Regenerative Cotton Harvest
Maritaş Denim realized Turkey’s first TÜBİTAK-supported regenerative cotton harvest, carried out in cooperation with universities and industry, in the Harran Plain. In the first stage, the work carried out in 500 decares of production area and 10 decares of pilot project area is planned to last 24 months gradually.
Maritaş Denim, which produces 24 million meters of fabric from yarn to weaving in its fully integrated plants, will increase the share of cotton obtained through regenerative agriculture in total fabric production with its new project. Based on this, the project, carried out in cooperation with Harran University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops and Gaziantep University, Department of Textile Engineering, aims to provide contracted production and close supply to farmers. In the first stage, the work carried out in 500 decares of production area and 10 decares of pilot project area is planned to last 24 months gradually. Within the scope of the project, the first harvest of cotton seeds planted in May 2023 was realized.
An Important Step to Contribute to the Local Economy
Maritaş Denim, which produces fabric and leads the sector in the field of green transformation, exports fabric to 340 brands in 41 different countries through its agencies located in 16 countries. The first harvest of regenerative cotton is expected to provide enough raw material to meet the demand of approximately 500 thousand meters for an average weight of 100% content fabric. Maritaş Denim, which has taken an important step to discover and develop best practice methods in raw material procurement, provides data that will shed light on future production processes and contribute to the company’s sustainability goals. One of the main objectives of the research is to identify and develop the most up-to-date and effective practices in raw material sourcing. This research project, which is intended to guide the future process, is an important step to strengthen Maritaş Denim’s commitment to sustainability and contribute to the local economy by expanding its cultivation areas.
Supporting Regenerative Agriculture with Close Procurement
Maritaş Denim imported cotton obtained from regenerative agriculture, which has been developed and widespread in recent years in response to climate change, from 5 thousand km to 7 thousand km away. The company started to use contract farming method to reduce the need for remote raw materials. Maritaş Denim, which aims to obtain raw materials through close sourcing by contracting farmers in the Harran Plain, supports regenerative agriculture by reducing carbon emissions. Thus, it aims to improve the soil, increase crop productivity and water retention capacity compared to monoculture agriculture.
Stating that they want to take a real step by creating change on behalf of nature, humanity and industry with the project, Maritaş Denim Assistant General Manager Fatih Kesim said: We beliveve that, the regenerative cotton production we have initiated in the Harran Plain will be a guide for generations that will return the soil and nature to their essence, produce without polluting and live in harmony with nature. We are proud to be pioneering a movement that will have not only local but also global impact. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the authorities of Harran University, Gaziantep University and Şanlıurfa Chamber of Agricultural Engineers for guiding us in the project we have implemented to redefine denim and transform our approach to cotton in the perspective of sustainability in the industry.”
“Our Goal is to Create a Sustainable Cotton Supply Chain for the Textile Industry”
Prof. Dr. Osman Çopur, Head of the Department of Field Crops at Harran University Faculty of Agriculture, stated that cotton has been cultivated in approximately 75% of the Harran Plain, where cotton has been produced for 28 years, and Şanlıurfa accounts for 45% of Turkey’s cotton production. Çopur continued his words as follows: “Continuous cotton cultivation can cause deep ploughing, soil stone formation, disease, increase in weeds and deterioration in the microbiology of the soil. Research shows that more than 100% of the carbon emissions caused by industrial agriculture can be reabsorbed in 3 years with the widespread adoption of restorative agriculture practices. This project, which we realized together in line with Maritaş Denim’s social responsibility and sustainable agriculture approach, started in November 2022 with the planting of winter intermediate product lentils. The soil that was enriched with nitrogen also reduced the cost of cotton production. Our aim is to create a sustainable cotton supply chain for the textile industry and leave a healthy soil for future generations.”
“Regenerative Cotton Offers High Fabric Quality”
Prof.Dr. Cem Güneşoğlu, Gaziantep University Textile Engineering Department Head, emphasized the importance of cotton fiber in the textile industry: “The goal of increasing cotton production has resulted in a high level of chemical consumption. Today, cotton production accounts for 2% of global agriculture and also is responsible for 20% of the pesticides consumed in agriculture: this is not a sustainable situation. That’s why regenerative production is the latest link in sustainable agriculture and cotton production that started in the 1980s. Maintaining soil health means improving the quality of every product grown in this soil. Regenerative cotton therefore offers better fiber quality, higher fabric quality, and good wearing comfort. When regenerated cotton is mentioned in our country, recycle cotton comes to mind. Unlike other companies, this awareness of Maritaş Denim is very valuable for us.”
