Union of responsibility

Cotton Australia and Cotton Incorporated are joining forces to raise awareness of the responsible growing practices among cotton producers in both Australia and the United States.

The Cotton LEADS programme is aimed at brands, retailers and manufacturers of textiles and nonwovens committed to sourcing cotton that is grown in a responsible and transparent manner.

Combined, Australia and the United States account for roughly 17% of global cotton production.  

“Cotton LEADS is designed to assist businesses along the cotton supply chain with their sustainability goals,” says Berrye Worsham, president and CEO of Cotton Incorporated. “Apparel brands, retailers and manufacturers require large volumes and a reliable supply of responsibly-produced fibre, as well as proof of responsible production. Through Cotton LEADS, we will demonstrate how cotton grown in the United States and Australia can help meet these requirements.”

“Cotton producers in Australia and the US pioneered practices that have resulted in impressive, country-wide environmental gains,” explains Adam Kay, CEO of Cotton Australia. “Both countries approach improvement on a national level. This includes national reporting and regulatory enforcement, but also facilitates the national implementation of best practices and the ability to collect data on a national level."

Cotton is likely to become much more of a premium product in the coming decades as the demand for all fibres grows globally – and certainly in respect of nonwovens.

Of the 85.9 million tons of fibre produced in 2012, 58.5 million tons were manmade fibres (68% of the total), 31% or 26.3 million tons were cotton (31%) and 1% was wool, according to the latest figures from CIRFS – the Brussels, Belgium-based European Manmade Fibres Association.

The overall share of manmade fibres is certainly growing – up from 33 million tons in 2000 and 18.5 million tons in 1990.

Interestingly, however, while between 1990 and 2000, cotton production remained virtually unchanged at around 18.9 million tons, a further eight million annual tons is now being produced annually.

And there can be little doubt that cotton remains associated in the minds of most consumers with comfort and quality.

Pictured are Berrye Worsham, president and CEO of Cotton Incorporated and Adam Kay, CEO of Cotton Australia.