Cotton Leads the program launched in 2013, focuses on responsible cotton production as well as responsible textile manufacturing. More than 125 international and local Cotton LEADS™ partners and supporters across the global cotton supply chain attended a one-day conference in Hong Kong titled ‘Moving Toward Sustainability in the Supply Chain’ recently. The Cotton LEADS™ partner conference focused on responsible cotton production, as well as responsible textile manufacturing. Updates on national-level improvement progress from cotton growers in Australia and the US was shared at the meet. The highlight of the day was a preview of a comprehensive and scientific assessment of cotton’s environmental impact the ‘Global Life Cycle Assessment for Cotton’, to be released in full over the coming weeks. The second half of the one-day event was dedicated to technical presentations and discussions with companies offering innovative textile manufacturing options. Among the presenting companies were: Mayer & Cie; Tonello Company; Bros Eastern and SPG Prints B.V.
Cotton Leads cotton producers operate with a system that is transparent, well-regulated, and that continues to reduce the environmental impact of cotton production. It has more than 360 partners including yarn spinners, textile and apparel manufacturers, retailers and brands. It aims at supporting responsible and sustainable supply chains and sourcing.
Cotton Leads is also actively involved in advancing responsible technologies and continuous improvement beyond the agriculture boundary. It is committed to responsible cotton production and is founded on core principles that are consistent with sustainability, the use of best practices and traceability in the supply chain.
This joint program, initiated by Australia and the United States, offers manufacturers, brands and retailers a reliable cotton supply and assurance that their raw material is responsibly produced and identified. Cotton Leads is driven by producers, scientists and professionals striving to make sure cotton is produced responsibly now and for years to come.
Cotton Leads gives the supply chain an opportunity to hear about responsible production progress at the farm level—directly from the growers implementing this progress—and to hear about the latest technologies from textile companies advocating sustainability downstream.