Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the chemical pool following bans and restrictions on the use of some of the nastier chemicals in cotton, along come neonicotinoids. These are widely used in cotton (imidacloprid and acetamiprid, for example), including sustainable cotton. However, there is growing concern over damage to honeybees (colony collapse disorder) and bumble bees, as well as to other terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates and birds. What does this mean for sustainable cottons and the brands who use them?