Organic cotton – with responsibility for people and the environment

Which medi products use organic cotton?

The medical compression stocking mediven cotton* contains organic cotton. The health of our product users is close to our hearts - as is the environment. That is why medi uses organic cotton and works closely with yarn suppliers who are certified with the internationally leading Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). For mediven cotton*, in addition to certified organic cotton, we also use a recycled polyamide yarn - also certified according to high criteria by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).** 

What are the properties of the organic cotton in mediven cotton*?

Organic cotton has a thermoregulating effect. medi has now transferred this to the new compression stocking. The compression-giving elastane thread is double-woven with the soft cotton yarn in mediven cotton*. Thanks to the special knitting technology, the soft organic cotton lies on the inside of the stocking - directly on the skin. This is why mediven cotton* is also suitable for sensitive and allergic skin.

What is the difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton?

Compared to conventional cotton, GOTS-certified organic cotton offers important advantages for the environment and the people involved - from cultivation to further processing: 

Organic criteria according to GOTS Manual***. 

• No genetically modified seeds are used.  
• The absence of dangerous pesticides protects people and the environment.  
• Farmers are obliged to maintain crop rotation - this secures the source of income, enables biodiversity and a varied food production.  
• No pollution of water by toxins. In addition, water consumption is significantly reduced because the water storage capacity of the soil is improved. 

Social minimum standards 

• Employment is voluntary (including no forced labour, slave labour or human trafficking). 
• Workers have freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.  
• There is no child labour. 
• There is no discrimination.  
• Workers are employed under safe and hygienic working conditions. 
• There is a ban on rough or inhumane treatment (including bullying, violence, harassment). 
• Remuneration shall be fair and sufficient to meet basic needs, with some additional discretionary funds.  
• Working hours are less than 48 hours per week, workers have at least one day off and overtime is limited to a maximum of 12 hours per week. 
• There is no precarious employment - labour and social law obligations may not be circumvented. 
• Equal treatment of migrant workers must be followed. 
• To monitor socially responsible management, the above points must be documented.  

The GOTS is the world's leading standard for organic cotton, which includes not only the cultivation but also the further processing of organic cotton. It contains the above-mentioned ecological and social criteria that must be met. The GOTS is issued by independent certification companies and monitored in annual audits. The processing companies, manufacturers and retailers involved are inspected annually. 

Why does the mediven cotton* not bear the GOTS seal?

mediven cotton* consists of approximately 27 percent genuine organic cotton. In order to bear the GOTS seal on the final product, it must consist of at least 70 percent certified organic cotton. This is not feasible because mediven cotton*, as a medical product, must primarily meet other requirements, for example those of the RAL standard for medical compression stockings: according to this standard, compression-giving materials such as elastane (approx. 22 percent) and, in the case of mediven cotton*, recycled polyamide (approx. 51 percent) must be used. 

Is organic cotton biodegradable?

Organic cotton is 100 percent biodegradable from an ecological point of view because it is made of cellulose.

Why is organic cotton so soft?

The natural fibre organic cotton is so noticeably soft on the skin because no chemicals are used in cultivation and production that can destroy the cotton fibres. Organic cotton therefore has longer fibres - this affects the quality of the fabric. It feels smoother and is at the same time more durable than conventional cotton.

Is organic cotton really healthier?

Yes, because conventional cotton uses many pesticides that are hazardous to health due to the high pest infestation. Unhealthy chemicals are also used in conventional cotton during processing. As a result, the chemicals used to control pests pose health risks to humans and the environment suffers as well. 

How can I be sure that it really is organic cotton? Is there a certification or a seal?

Also suitable for allergy sufferers and sensitive skin

Where is organic cotton grown?

Around 50 per cent of organic cotton originates in India. Other large growing areas are China and Kyrgyzstan. Just under ten percent comes from Turkey.  

How to wash organic cotton?

Garments made of organic cotton are easy to care for: they are machine washable and suitable for tumble drying. A 40 degree wash cycle is recommended - hand washing is the gentlest.  

How to care for your compression stockings.