The Story of Cotton: From Tradition to Technology

Cotton is more than just a raw material - it is a livelihood for over 100 million families worldwide, especially in countries like India, which stands as one of the largest producers and consumers of cotton. The fibres versatility, breathability, and biodegradability have made it an integral part of our daily use, while its natural origin positions it as a key enabler in the global sustainability movement.

LMW is redefining how this age-old fibre is processed — with cutting-edge technology, smart automation, and sustainable practices that ensure every strand of cotton contributes to a greener textile future.

The Historical Legacy of Cotton

Cotton cultivation and textile production in India have extremely ancient roots, going back to the Indus Valley Civilization (ca. 3000-2500 BCE), where archaeologists have found cotton fabrics and seeds, particularly associated with Gossypium arboreum. Over centuries, indigenous cotton varieties like “desi” cotton dominated cultivation, yielding fabrics such as muslins, calicos and other fine cotton textiles that were highly prized in international trade.

Under the Mughal Empire (16th-18th centuries), cotton textiles were a cornerstone of manufacturing and export, and techniques such as the worm-gear roller gin (churka) and the spinning wheel became widespread, increasing production efficiency.

Across the Atlantic, Central America domesticated around 5,000 BC. Meanwhile, in South America, along the northern coastal regions of Peru, was cultivated around 4,500–4,000 BC, giving rise to the Pima and Giza varieties known for their silky texture, superior strength, and luxurious quality.

The Industrial Revolution of the 18th century marked a turning point. The invention of spinning and weaving machinery transformed cotton from a handcrafted fabric into a mass-produced commodity. India, the birthplace of cotton cultivation, would later reclaim its leadership in spinning through modern technology and sustainable practices — a vision that LMW continues to champion today.

Indian Cotton: The Pride of Global Textiles

India has a long-standing association with cotton, both as a major cultivator and a key participant in the global textile value chain. The country’s diverse climate allows cultivation of all variety (staple length) of fabrics catering to a wide range of yarn counts and applications.

Indian cotton enjoys global demand due to its spinnability, versatility, and suitability for both coarse and fine counts, making it the backbone of the Indian spinning industry. It not only powers the domestic textile market but also fuels exports to major economies like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

Top 5 Cotton Varieties in India

1. Shankar-6 (Gujarat)

• Type: Medium to long staple (28–30 mm)
• Features: Excellent fibre strength and uniformity
• Applications: Ideal for medium and fine-count yarns used in garments and home textiles

2. Bunny (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana)

• Type: Medium staple (27–29 mm)
• Features: Good spinnability, strength, and smooth texture
• Applications: Used for knitting and woven fabrics such as T-shirts, casual wear, and hosiery

3. MCU-5 (Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh)

• Type: Long staple (30–32 mm)
• Features: Fine fibre with good lustre and elongation
• Applications: Suited for combed and compact yarns used in premium shirting and blended fabrics

4. DCH-32 (Karnataka & Maharashtra)

• Type: Long staple (32–34 mm)
• Features: Superior length and strength, suitable for high-count yarns
• Applications: Ideal for fine combed yarns and luxury fabrics

5. Suvin (Tamil Nadu)

• Type: Extra-long staple (35–38 mm)
• Features: Exceptional softness, shine, and tensile strength
• Applications: Used for ultra-fine yarns, high-end shirting, and luxury apparel

Other types of cotton

Not all cotton is the same — different varieties offer distinct fibre lengths, strengths, and applications that influence yarn quality and spinning performance. Globally, four major types of cotton dominate textile manufacturing:

1. Upland Cotton

• Origin: Native to Central America and Mexico.
• Characteristics: Medium staple length, soft feel, and high adaptability — ideal for general-purpose yarns used in everyday apparel and home textiles.
• Applications: Widely used in everyday textiles such as T-shirts, denim, bed linens, and home furnishing fabrics due to its versatility and comfort.

2. GIZA Cotton

• Origin: Cultivated in the fertile Nile Delta region of Egypt, where the unique climatic conditions — rich soil, steady sunlight, and controlled irrigation — contribute to the fibre’s exceptional quality.
• Characteristics: Known for its extra-long staple length, silky texture, and high tensile strength, Giza cotton fibres produce yarns with excellent uniformity, sheen, and softness. The fibre’s superior purity and fineness make it ideal for fine spinning and luxury applications.
• Applications: Preferred in premium textiles, such as luxury shirts, fine bed linens, and high-end fashion fabrics, where comfort, smoothness, and durability are paramount.

3. Pima Cotton

• Origin: Developed in the United States from the same species as Egyptian cotton.
• Characteristics: Long staple, high tensile strength, and silky texture.
• Applications: High-quality apparel and fine-count yarns.

4. Organic Cotton

• Origin: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
• Characteristics: Eco-friendly, renewable, and traceable through certified sustainable farming practices.
• Applications: Sustainable fashion, babywear, and eco-textiles.

Cotton in the Modern Textile Industry

Today, cotton is more than a fibre — it’s a global industry supporting millions of livelihoods across agriculture, manufacturing, and fashion. Its inherent properties make it indispensable for a wide range of applications:

• Apparel: From casual wear to luxury garments, cotton remains the preferred choice for its breathability, softness, and versatility.
• Home Textiles: Bedsheets, towels, and upholstery rely on cotton’s comfort and absorbency.
• Industrial Uses: Medical gauze, canvas, ropes, and filters utilize cotton’s strength and durability.

Sustainability: The Next Chapter in Cotton’s Journey

As environmental awareness grows, cotton’s natural and biodegradable properties have regained attention. The industry is witnessing a shift toward Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and organic cotton, which promote responsible farming, reduced water usage, and lower carbon footprints.

At the same time, mills are investing in energy-efficient machinery, waste reduction, and circular manufacturing, aligning with global sustainability goals.

LMW: Empowering the Cotton Value Chain

LMW, India’s leading textile machinery manufacturer, has been instrumental in modernizing cotton processing from Fibre to Yarn through smart technology.

LMW’s Complete Spinning System covers every stage — from Blowroom to Winders — enabling mills to achieve superior quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Key Advantages of LMW’s Spinning Solutions for cotton

• Sustainable Products that optimize power, air, and waste management.
• SMART Solutions designed for processing diverse cotton varieties — from short-staple fibres to long-staple fibres.
• Automation and Digital Integration that bring real-time control to spinning floors.

By bridging tradition with technology, LMW ensures that the legacy of cotton continues to thrive in a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive textile industry.