Apulia Regenerative Cotton Project Yields First Results in Sustainable Fashion Drive
After two years of dedicated effort, the Apulia Regenerative Cotton Project has produced its first tangible results, marking a major step forward in regenerative fashion and environmental sustainability. Launched in June 2023, the initiative is a collaboration between the Sustainable Markets Initiative Fashion Task Force and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, coordinated by the European Forest Institute (EFI), the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), and Pretaterra. Its primary goal is to develop and scientifically evaluate a regenerative cotton cultivation system in Italy using agroforestry techniques to restore soil health, conserve water, and enhance biodiversity.
The project began with one hectare of cotton planted alongside peach trees, later expanding to include poplar, pomegranate, carob, fig, and mulberry trees across 5.2 hectares — surpassing its five-year target ahead of schedule. Over two years, the project yielded 5,400 kilograms of regenerative cotton and generated four peer-reviewed scientific articles published in respected journals such as Agroforestry Systems, Journal of Environmental Management, and Plants. These studies explored sustainable cotton production, carbon storage, and the use of artificial intelligence for water conservation.
A significant milestone of the initiative is the creation of the first garment made entirely from regenerative cotton — around 1,000 Giorgio Armani T-shirts produced from the first harvest. Made with certified Regenagri cotton, each T-shirt includes a QR code and digital passport ensuring full traceability across the certified supply chain. Available in white and blue with the Giorgio Armani signature, the eco-conscious garments will be sold from July in select Armani boutiques and online stores across Europe, excluding the UK and Switzerland.
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