Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton
A premium cotton variety (*Gossypium barbadense*) with fibers exceeding 34mm in length, prized for exceptional softness, strength, and luster. Ideal for luxury textiles (high-end apparel, bedding) and durable technical fabrics (medical gauze, banknotes).
**Primary Sources:**
– **Egypt:** Nile Delta (Giza 45, Giza 86), certified by the *Cotton Egypt Association*.
– **Sudan:** Gezira region (Barakat 90), emerging in sustainable markets.
– **Americas:**
– **USA:** Southwest (Pima cotton, notably in Arizona/California).
– **Caribbean:** Sea Island Cotton (Barbados, Jamaica).
– **Peru:** Sustainable Pima cotton production.
**Key Fact:**
Accounts for **<1% of global cotton production** due to water-intensive farming and labor costs. Certified ELS cotton (e.g., Egyptian Giza) commands premium prices, driven by demand for eco-luxury goods. Sustainability efforts focus on organic farming and Nile water management.
