1888 Mills has launched a new collection of 100% cotton bath and bedding products, developed in partnership with Cotton Incorporated. The line aims to provide consumers with natural fiber options at entry-level price points, targeting the value segment of the market.
The products carry the Seal of Cotton trademark, which signifies their natural fiber content. According to Cotton Incorporated’s 2023 Seal of Cotton Survey, 79% of surveyed consumers consider brands using this seal trustworthy, and 82% associate it with sustainability.
“Our goal was to create a collection that’s truly affordable and accessible, while giving consumers more opportunities to choose natural fibers,” said Lexi Schladenhauffen, chief merchandising officer of 1888 Mills. “We worked with Cotton Incorporated to highlight the benefits of natural cotton fiber, such as softness, breathability, and durability. We also recognize the growing awareness of microplastics in our environment and believe that towels and sheets, the fabrics we live closest to, should be as clean, natural, and comfortable as possible.”
The range includes towels engineered for softness and long-lasting loft at lower grams per square meter (GSM), along with soft woven sheets, quilts, and comforters made from 100% cotton. Designs feature solids and prints in neutral tones.
“1888 Mills champions cotton and consistently proves that natural fiber innovation meets real market needs,” said Marcy Gang, executive account manager at Cotton Incorporated. “This collection shows cotton delivers cost efficiency and gives consumers the comfort and performance they want at prices that rival low-cost synthetics. We welcome 1888 Mills’ commitment to making the benefits of cotton accessible to more people.”
This initiative comes amid increased consumer concern about microplastics released into waterways during laundry cycles—a problem primarily associated with synthetic textiles. By offering fully cotton alternatives that biodegrade readily (as detailed in a review published by BioResources: https://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/BioRes/article/view/BioRes_20_1_2391_Hubbe_Cellulose_Biodegradability), both companies hope to align with sustainability-focused purchasing trends.
Studies have shown that primary microplastics entering oceans come largely from washing synthetic materials rather than naturals like cotton (IUCN report: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2017-002.pdf).
For retailers following a good-better-best pricing strategy, this assortment is intended for the “good” category—offering quality at aggressive opening price points without relying on synthetics.
1888 Mills is known for manufacturing home textiles for retail, hospitality, and healthcare markets worldwide through facilities located in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cambodia. Its brand purpose focuses on environmental stewardship and poverty reduction initiatives within its regions of operation.
Cotton Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization supported by U.S. growers and importers; it conducts over 450 research projects annually across agriculture and textile sectors aimed at increasing demand for Upland cotton products.
Further information about both organizations or becoming licensed for use of the Seal of Cotton trademark can be found via their official channels or websites.
