Over the last 50 years, sustainability has emerged as a leading concern for the apparel industry—and U.S. cotton growers have played a major part in the movement toward more responsible processes and products.
A lifecycle analysis of cotton fiber and fabric conducted by Cotton Incorporated shows the industry has demonstrated a decrease in things like greenhouse gas emissions and soil loss while achieving increases in areas like land use efficiency.
Looking ahead, the commitment to improvement continues. U.S. cotton growers have established new targets for 2025, which include a further increase in soil carbon and even greater water and energy efficiency.
Additionally, the U.S. cotton industry has implemented the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, which uses third-party verification to measure the industry’s progress annually in alignment with the U.N. Sustainability Goals. This is an important step in helping fashion brands and retailers achieve their own sustainability goals.
On the occasion of Cotton Incorporated’s 50th anniversary, Jesse Daystar, Cotton Incorporated vice president and Chief Sustainability Officer, shares key achievements, dispels long-held misconceptions and explains why it’s appropriate to characterize cotton growers as “active environmentalists.”