Sally Fox (inventor)

Sally Fox is an American cotton breeder and entrepreneur known for developing naturally colored cotton varieties. Frustrated by the dyeing process and its environmental impact, Fox sought to breed cotton plants that produced fibers in shades of brown, green, and other colors.

Her journey began in the 1980s when she acquired a bag of brown cotton seeds from a private collector. Through selective breeding and careful cultivation, she developed long-staple, naturally colored cotton that could be spun on conventional machinery. This breakthrough allowed for the production of textiles without the need for harsh chemical dyes.

Fox established her company, Natural Cotton Colours, Inc., to market and license her patented cotton varieties. While initially successful, facing challenges such as lower yields compared to white cotton and competition from cheaper, chemically dyed imports, the company and brand have evolved.

Her work is significant for its potential to reduce the environmental footprint of the textile industry and for its contribution to biodiversity in agriculture. Naturally colored cotton requires less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than conventionally grown white cotton, further reducing its environmental impact. Fox’s innovation has inspired other researchers and breeders to explore the potential of naturally colored fibers and sustainable textile production.