CORDOVA.- Juan Jose Bertolinoson of a tailor, He is the founder of the Pato Pampa clothing brand. It was born in the middle of the 2001 crisis Villa Maria and always strived for upgrade Sustainability and local. Following this idea, about five years ago he joined forces with the cotton producers of Chaco and the INTA of Sáenz Peña Improving the quality of Argentine cotton. This year the Extra long fiber Pampa Argentina (Felpa), which is considered premium, produced 11 tons that passed the spinning test.
“We have achieved long fiberbetween 34 and 35 millimeters instead of the 27 or 28 that the traditional Argentine ones have, and that gives a different flexibility, a different resistance –Bertolino explains THE NATION-. Textile production creates soft, comfortable garments.”
The genesis of the development of cotton fiber began with a group of Chaco producers who approached the Córdoba company Promote the use and consumption of Argentine cotton. “It’s very good,” was Bertolino’s answer, “but let’s make good cotton. There are different qualities, the most widespread on the national market is not the best, it doesn’t look like Peruvian or Egyptian cotton, which are the most valued in the world.”
After the decision was made, they went to Sáenz Peña’s INTA and signed public-private agreement between this institution, the company Algol (works the fields) and Pato Pampa. “Testing and sampling was done until we found one high quality fiber. We were able to test spinning machines in the last harvest because we have a larger quantity than last year. Yes OK You can continue to improve in the field and weaving, We are very satisfied with the result achieved“, he said.
Argentina produces around 600,000 hectares of cotton per year, This corresponds to around 300,000 tons of fibers. About half is consumed on the domestic market and the other half is exported. Yields remain low compared to competing countries: 650 kilos of fiber per hectare at the local level; Brazil (2,500 kilos), China (2,000) or the United States and Australia (1,500).
Santa Fewith 237,300 hectares of planted area, led the 2024/2025 campaign. The sector has the New Path of Cotton program, which aims to double production and triple exports by 2030, relying on biotechnology and sustainability.
Bertolino comments that the 11 tons of plush per year were achieved Test fields of San Luis, Catamarca and Santiago del Estero. “The aim is to improve and federalize production so that we can train specialists at the local universities in the growing areas,” he says.
The entrepreneur is convinced that the improved quality achieved “will give producers greater profitability, a price more in line with their investment and the opportunity to sell them on the domestic and foreign markets.” It generates added value at the point of origin as cotton is grown, processed and made into garments in the country. Creating jobs and local economic activity.”
Garments made from this premium fiber include: QR codes that provide information about the entire production chainand even seeds on the label to encourage cotton farming. The first ones made from plush fibers were made by Pato Pampa.
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