The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has publicized a membership in Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The Trust Protocol will deliver a perspective from US cotton industry through collective work with other members to measure sustainability progress, collaborate on research, and mitigate industry challenges.
Dr Gary Adams, President of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol said, “During a time of ever-growing supply chain scrutiny, being a member of the SAC is further validation of how the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is working to set a new standard in more sustainable cotton production.”
“While our grower members have a long history of sustainable cotton growing practices, they understand the importance of continuous improvement and have committed to meeting bold sustainability targets by 2025,” Adams added.
As part of its core program, the Trust Protocol is focused on six key sustainability metrics including land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency.
While Amina Razvi, SAC Executive Director said, “We welcome the addition of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and look forward to its participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability.”
“Having the Trust Protocol as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions,” Razvi added.
The Trust Protocol has welcomed more than 300 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members since its launch in 2020.
This includes Gap and its collection of purpose-led lifestyle brands Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta as well as UK retailers Byford and Next Plc. Other Trust Protocol member announcements include the first 10 US mills to join and the first members in Latin America.
The Trust Protocol is on the Textile Exchange’s list of 36 preferred fibres and materials that more than 170 participating brands and retailers can select from as part of Textile Exchange’s Material Change Index program.
The Trust Protocol is also working to align with existing standards in the cotton industry and is part of the Forum for the Future Cotton 2040 and the CottonUp guide.
SAC is a global, industry-wide non-profit of over 250 members working to reduce environmental impact and promote social justice throughout the global value chain.
The Trust Protocol joins leading apparel, footwear, and textile brands, retailers, manufacturers, sourcing agents, service providers, trade associations, nonprofits/NGOs, and academic institutions in a shared vision of an industry that gives more than it takes – to the planet and its people.
