60 suppliers to global brands sign up for 'Cotton Leads'

Cotton LEADS is a program that emphasises the responsible growing practices of cotton growers in Australia and the United States.

The organisations to have signed up to Cotton LEADS are suppliers to some of the world’s most recognisable apparel brands, and include Fruit of the Loom; Brooks Brothers; Central Textiles; Tuscarora Yarns; Mount Vernon Mills; and the Esquel Group.

Cotton Australia CEO, Adam Kay, says the Cotton LEADS partners are very pleased with the swift addition of signatories to the program.

"The Cotton LEADS partners are very encouraged by the strong take-up of signatory companies to the program," Mr Kay says. "The swift adoption of the program underlines the strong global demand for cotton that is recognised as responsibly produced."

"With such a strong showing in a very short time we anticipate more companies and brands will sign on and specify Cotton LEADS cotton, which is very good news for cotton growers in Australia and the United States."

Fruit of the Loom was one of the first companies to sign on to the Cotton LEADS program. Tony Pelaski, the brand’s Chief Operating Officer, says: “Fruit of the Loom continues to strive for the highest level of corporate responsibility in our supply chain. As a member of Cotton LEADS, we are assuring consumers of our commitment to sustainability and traceability in the cotton we use in our products."   

Cotton LEADS is committed to continuous improvement in farm production practices, environmental stewardship and the dissemination of best practices information broadly throughout the world’s cotton producing countries.

The Cotton LEADS program emphasises the environmental gains achieved at a national level within the two current member nations, as well as the national oversight and national capabilities of the cotton industries in the US and Australia.

Combined, Cotton LEADS cotton accounts for roughly 17% of global production. Cotton LEADS helps assure a ready supply of responsibly-grown cotton to a textile industry that is increasingly interested in sustainable and traceable production practices, as well as commitments to ongoing improvement.

The national-level practices and progress of the Australian and United States cotton industries continue to attract the interest of textile business around the world.

Click here to view names of companies.

Cotton Australia