To achieve the licence, Continental has ensured that the organic production is kept quarantined at all times throughout manufacture to avoid contamination from non-organic fibres.

This control extends to the UK warehouses, where organic garments are kept isolated and are picked, boxed and shipped independently of non-organic garments, it added.

The accreditaion comes as Continental announced its intention to become 100% organic from November with the purchase of 750t of 100% organic cotton - in conversion, which is due to be harvested in October.

Continental claims it will be the first major manufacturer for which all cotton garments will be 100% organic, or 100% organic - in conversion.

Continental director Philip Charles said: “This is a major step towards going 100% organic. By developing lasting and sustainable relationships with organic cotton farmers, we ensure our future supply of organic cotton in a time when demand might exceed supply.

“The cost of organic cotton in conversion is only 3- 5% more than conventional cotton, as compared to approximately 20- 30% more for fully organic cotton, which means that we can absorb the increase and we will not have to increase the prices of our garments.”

The company will now offer over 65 styles in 100% organic cotton - in conversion, in addition to its existing organic baby wear and three organic cotton adult styles.

Charles added: “I hope this gives a glimpse of what the future of the promotional industry might be, by demonstrating that it’s possible to switch all cotton to organic, not just a few lines.

“We are doing this to make a contribution to the fight against the climate crisis, and to begin to reverse the environmental damage and the aquatic pesticide ‘dead zone’ of deoxygenated water around the edges of many of our industrialized land masses.”

Cotton in conversion is grown on land which has only recently been converted to organic methods (typically less than two or three years). Therefore, although no chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are being used, residues may still be found in the soil.

This conversion period is difficult for farmers, who usually experience an initial drop in yield, while not being able to obtain premium organic price for their crops.

Purchasing organic cotton - in conversion is a way of supporting farmers making the transition to organic, said Continental.

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