The research was driven by the need to meet the rapidly growing global demand for responsible cotton. Cotton is relatively easy to grow but requires substantial agricultural space and up to 10,000 liters of water per kilogram, depending on a specific warm climate, making cotton cultivation the beginning of a lengthy and complex supply chain.
“G-Star’s curiosity and drive for innovation led us to our partnership with Wageningen University & Research to study the feasibility of growing cotton in a greenhouse. This groundbreaking experiment could revolutionize cotton cultivation by drastically reducing water consumption and land use, eliminating the use of chemical pesticides, improving cotton quality, and significantly shortening the supply chain,” said Rebecka Sancho, Head of Sustainability at G-Star.
The six-month experiment, conducted at a research facility in Bleiswijk, Netherlands, examined the quality, yield, and fiber properties of greenhouse-grown cotton, comparing its environmental footprint to traditional methods. Strategies like precision irrigation and renewable energy were explored to reduce impact, alongside an analysis of economic viability and market potential.
The research resulted in the first Dutch greenhouse-grown cotton. The findings revealed that growing cotton in a greenhouse provides a controlled and protected environment that enhances crop productivity, quality, and sustainability, while reducing the risks associated with outdoor cultivation.
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