The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has been added to Textile Exchange’s list of preferred fibres and materials. The Trust Protocol will now be one of 36 fibres and materials that over 170 participating brands and retailers can select from as part of Textile Exchange’s Material Change Index program.

Textile Exchange defines a preferred fibre or material as one which results in improved environmental and/or social sustainability outcomes and impacts in comparison to conventional production. The Trust Protocol will join a portfolio of more sustainable cotton production initiatives including the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA), Fairtrade Cotton, Organic Cotton, REEL, ISCC, and Recycled Cotton as a preferred cotton fibre.

The master list of preferred fibres and materials evolves over time as sustainability innovations prove themselves. Textile Exchange consults widely with its members and NGO partners to ensure the categories are always reflective of the latest thinking.

“We are pleased to see the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol recognized on Textile Exchange’s list of preferred fibres and materials,” said Ken Burton, executive director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is an industry-wide system that will guide U.S. cotton growers to continuously improve and reduce their environmental footprint. We will provide brands and retailers with aggregate data that track the efforts of U.S. cotton growers to improve water and soil conservation and reduce greenhouse gases. These data will support the fashion and retail industries in their efforts to demonstrate progress toward sustainability goals.”

Textile Exchange encourages companies to accelerate their use of preferred fibres and acknowledges and honours companies that recognize the importance of integrating a preferred fibre and materials strategy into their business practices.

“At Textile Exchange, our mission is to inspire and equip people to accelerate sustainable practices in the textile value chain,” said La Rhea Pepper, Managing Director of Textile Exchange. “We’re pleased to add Trust Protocol cotton to our list of preferred fibre and materials, which will give brands and retailers another option to source sustainable cotton as they integrate preferred fibers into their business strategy.”

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