1. Reduced Water Usage
Traditional cotton farming requires 7,000-29,000 liters of water per kilogram of cotton, depending on the region. In contrast, vertical farming operates using hydroponic or aeroponic systems that can reduce water use by up to 95%. This is especially crucial as water scarcity becomes a growing concern worldwide.
2. No Pesticides, Healthier Ecosystems
Pesticide use in conventional cotton farming contributes to soil degradation and water pollution. In a controlled environment, cotton can be grown without chemical pesticides, leading to healthier ecosystems and safer working conditions for farm laborers.
3. Higher Yields and Year-Round Production
A conventional cotton crop takes 130 to 160 days to mature and is limited to one harvest per year in most regions. With vertical farming, Gooddrop aims to achieve two to three harvests annually, significantly increasing yield per square meter.
4. Reduced Land Use
By stacking cotton plants vertically, Gooddrop can maximize production in a fraction of the space required for traditional farming. This opens the door for cotton farming in urban areas, reducing reliance on large-scale monoculture farms that contribute to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
5. Lower Carbon Footprint
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, partly due to the long supply chains involved in cotton processing. Gooddrop’s integrated model—growing, spinning, and manufacturing cotton in one location—could significantly cut transportation emissions and streamline the production process.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main concerns with vertical farming is its high energy consumption, as plants rely entirely on LED lighting instead of sunlight. Gooddrop acknowledges this challenge and plans to incorporate self-sustaining energy solutions, such as solar or wind power, to offset electricity costs.
Additionally, the economic viability of growing cotton indoors remains under research. To optimize the process, Gooddrop has partnered with the University of Nottingham, where scientists are studying the best cotton varieties for indoor growth, the effects of different light wavelengths on cotton yield, and strategies to improve water use efficiency.
Scaling Up: The Future of Gooddrop’s ‘Grow-to-Wear’ Model
Currently, Gooddrop operates research units in two 40-foot containers, experimenting with different growing conditions. The next step is to establish a full-scale 1,200-square-meter R&D facility with an attached spinning mill. The company aims to launch its first commercially available garments by 2027.
Beyond producing its own apparel, Gooddrop hopes to license its technology to other textile companies, paving the way for a larger industry shift toward sustainable cotton production.
A New Era for Cotton Farming?
While vertical farming has traditionally been associated with food crops like lettuce and strawberries, Gooddrop’s pioneering efforts could redefine its role in the textile industry. By addressing environmental concerns and optimizing production efficiency, vertical farming has the potential to make cotton farming cleaner, more sustainable, and economically viable.
If successful, this model could mark a significant shift in how we produce and consume cotton, providing a blueprint for other high-impact agricultural industries to follow. With continued research and investment, vertical farming may soon be a staple of both the food and fashion industries.
