U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition

By Cotton Grower Staff|April 12, 2021

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a global, industry-wide nonprofit of over 250 members working to reduce environmental impact and promote social justice throughout the global value chain.

With this membership, 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.

“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,” said Dr. Gary Adams, President of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “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.”

As a SAC member, the Trust Protocol will provide a unique perspective from the U.S. cotton industry through collective work with other members to measure sustainability progress, collaborate on research, and identify and mitigate industry challenges. The Trust Protocol’s core program focuses on six key sustainability metrics including land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency.

“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,” SAC Executive Director Amina Razvi said. “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.”