By Agroempresario.com

The cotton industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation thanks to the innovative efforts of UK-based startup Gooddrop. Known for its destructive environmental impact, conventional cotton farming relies heavily on agrochemicals, land, and water resources. Gooddrop aims to change this narrative by leveraging vertical farming to create a sustainable "grow-to-wear" apparel business.

“We’ve chosen a type of cotton that represents over 90% of the global market to make the biggest environmental and financial impact,” explains Simon Wardle, CEO of Gooddrop. Vertical farming not only eliminates the need for pesticides but also drastically reduces water usage and can be located closer to consumers, minimizing transport emissions.

Vertical Farms: Rethinking Cotton Production

Traditionally dismissed as economically unfeasible, growing cotton indoors is now showing promise through Gooddrop’s innovative approach. Vertical farming allows for stacking multiple growing layers, achieving higher yields in a controlled environment free from seasonal constraints. Cotton, which typically takes 130 to 160 days to harvest in open fields, can produce two to three annual harvests indoors.

While energy consumption for lighting remains a challenge in vertical farming, Gooddrop is developing self-sustaining energy solutions tailored to the location of its farms.

Bridging Academia and Industry

Gooddrop has partnered with the University of Nottingham for a three-year research program. This collaboration focuses on optimizing cotton varieties for indoor growth, enhancing water efficiency, and refining light conditions to improve crop yield and quality.

“The integration of commercial and academic efforts allows us to drive innovation while continuously refining our approach,” says Wardle. The partnership has already yielded advanced research units for cotton farming and promising data for scaling operations.

Scaling Up and Looking Ahead

Gooddrop is currently in the experimental stage, operating from research facilities that include 40-foot containers and glasshouse environments. Its next milestone involves building a dedicated R&D facility with 1,200 square meters of growing space and an integrated spinning mill.

The startup plans to debut its apparel line and eventually license its technology to retailers interested in sustainable fashion. “We’re working with retailers eager to collaborate on the first garments grown and manufactured in the UK,” Wardle reveals.

By addressing cotton’s environmental footprint through vertical farming, Gooddrop is not just redefining the textile industry but also proving that sustainable solutions can lead to scalable, profitable innovations.