Armani Group announces first results of Apulia regenerative cotton project
After two years_ the Apulia regenerative cotton project has yielded its first tangible results. This marks a significant step towards regenerative fashion and the achievement of its goals for soil_ water_ and biodiversity regeneration.
Launched in June 2023_ the project is a collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative Fashion Task Force and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance. It is coordinated by the European Forest Institute (EFI)_ the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA)_ and Pretaterra. The Apulia Regenerative Cotton Project was established to develop an experimental cotton field using a regenerative cultivation system. This involves scientifically testing and evaluating sustainable cotton production through the application of agroforestry regenerative agriculture techniques in Italy.
Following the first cotton planting with rows of peach trees on one hectare of land in 2023_ the cultivation gradually expanded the following year. Poplar and pomegranate trees were added alongside the cotton_ covering a total of 3 hectares_ with 0.6 hectares in agroforestry and 2.4 in monoculture. In the third year_ cotton was sown in alternation with rows of carob_ fig_ and mulberry trees_ totalling approximately 5.2 hectares (3.6 in agroforestry and 1.6 in monoculture). This expansion of agricultural land meant the five-hectare target was reached ahead of the five-year schedule.
In the first year_ 2_400 kilograms of regenerative cotton were harvested; in the second year_ 3_000 kilograms were harvested.
The experimental project has generated four articles. After peer review by independent scientists_ these were published in English-language scientific journals_ including Agroforestry Systems_ Journal of Environmental Management_ and Plants. The articles address topics such as sustainable cotton production; carbon storage in soil with agroforestry; and the use of artificial intelligence to conserve irrigation water.
Another milestone was the creation of the first garment made entirely from regenerative cotton. This cotton is so named because it originates from crops based on an agroforestry system. This system promotes agricultural practices aimed at improving biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration_ while also reducing emissions_ chemical use_ and water consumption.
Approximately 1_000 T-shirts have been produced using cotton from the first harvest. Made entirely from Regenagri cotton_ the T-shirts feature a QR code and a digital passport to guarantee their authenticity and traceability. The certification covers the entire supply chain_ ensuring complete product traceability and chain of custody. Every supplier involved_ from cotton cultivation and processing to weaving_ manufacturing_ packaging_ and sales_ undergoes audits to obtain Regenagri certification.
Available in white and blue with the Giorgio Armani signature embroidered in the same colour_ the T-shirts are currently only available in a men's model. They will be on sale in selected Giorgio Armani boutiques in Europe (excluding the UK and Switzerland) and online in the same regions from July. The packaging is also made from recycled material.