AFFIX Labs Launches Long-Lasting Surface Treatment To Kill The Coronavirus

HELSINKI — July 20, 2020 — Chemical binding expert AFFIX Labs reports it has harnessed its global experience in disease prevention to create a long-lasting surface treatment proven to kill COVID-19. Si-Quat combines a safe and well-established disinfectant and a proprietary chemical binding technique, so that the active ingredient can kill viruses, including SARS-COV-2. Testing at Portugal’s Biochemistry Institute at the University of Lisbon proves that Si-Quat effectively kills the COVID-19 pathogens that it comes into contact with.

“Tragedies have unfolded across the globe, affecting different countries at varying degrees. The second waves of COVID-19 are just appearing on the horizon. This long-lasting surface treatment is a viable, accessible solution across cultures. By killing the COVID-19 pathogen on surfaces before it can infect people, the Si-Quat solution is a game changer. It can provide increased security and peace of mind to your communities, as well as your customers,” said Tom Sam, CEO of AFFIX Labs.

Si-Quat has been tested to kill 99.99-percent of microbes within minutes, while still being fully safe to touch. Proven to be effective for about a month on frequently touched surfaces, it is the longest lasting anti-viral surface treatment available to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The product is non-corrosive, free from silver salts and heavy metal nanoparticles, and perfectly safe to touch.

Several major agencies around the globe have already accepted quaternary ammonium, the main ingredient in the surface coating, to be an effective surface treatment against the novel coronavirus, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Environmental Protection Agency, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the European Chemical Agency (ECHA).

Si-Quat was invented in January 2020 by the AFFIX Labs’ Repeltec development team to specifically help combat the COVID-19 outbreak. The product is based on the trusted and safe disinfectant quaternary ammonium, which is chemically bound to align silane quaternary ammonium molecules (silane quats) in a highly effective manner. Positively charged nitrogen particles then actively attract viruses and bacteria, penetrating the membranes and killing them within minutes.

Rigorous testing has shown Si-Quat to adhere to almost any surface, performing as the most durable surface treatment commercially available. Due to its incredibly strong layer, the solution only wears down on surfaces after thousands of touches or multiple cleaning cycles. This means that on heavily used surfaces, such as door handles and counters, Si-Quat will be effective for about a month. On rarely touched surfaces like walls, it has the potential to protect for years. Since the product is incredibly easy to apply, technicians require minimal training and only basic protection. They simply have to brush or spray Si-Quat onto the surface and allow it to dry for six hours.

“Other sanitising solutions require reapplication to every surface several times daily, interrupting business operations. This results in additional costs and disruptions at a time when many companies are already struggling,” Sam explained. “By combining proven efficacy, safety and long durability, Si-Quat is emerging as an important weapon in the battle against the spread of COVID-19.”

AFFIX Labs has begun to roll out the distribution of Si-Quat across the globe, with new regions being serviced every week. It is currently looking for distribution partners in local markets.

The project leading to the development of Si-Quat included funding from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union, under the Horizon 2020 Framework for Research and Innovation.

Posted July 20, 2020

Source: AFFIX Labs

Hyosung Introduces Sustainable Solutions At Outdoor Retailer Online

SEOUL, South Korea — July 20, 2020 — As lives have been radically disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, consumers are seeking comfort and security from their daily surroundings that range from the home where we are living in and working from, to the clothes we wear.

This global condition has accelerated the desire for comfortable, versatile, and sustainable apparel that can be worn for multiple uses, that is made to last, and is in synch with their individual style.

Materials play a key role in the comfort, performance and sustainable features consumers crave in these crossover garments. To fill this need, the fiber giant Hyosung has expanded its 100-percent recycled multi-function fiber offering, which it will present at Outdoor Retailer Online show July 21-23, 2020.

“At Hyosung, our objective is to reduce waste,” said Mike Simko, Hyosung global marketing director.

“Whether it’s our spandex or nylon or polyester, it’s all made with 100% reclaimed waste so that we’re maximizing the positive impact.”

In addition to Hyosung’s new GRS 100-percent recycled creora® regen spandex collection, the company will highlight the following new recycled polyester and nylon yarns (among others) with added performance features during Outdoor Retailer Online.

Keep Cool with Comfort

A balance between comfort and function — Hyosung’s 100-percent recycled regen askin polyester with cooling technology offers cool touch, UV protection and rapid drying features created for those who like to play hard in the sun.

For a Better Future

With every ton of 100-percent reclaimed waste Hyosung uses to produce its GRS certified creora® regen spandex, consumers will be happy to know it is saving approximately 2 tons of non-renewable raw material being extracted from the earth.

Recycled. Robust. Resilient.

Hyosung’s Mipan® regen robic is the first GRS certified recycled high-tenacity nylon made from 100-percent reclaimed waste developed for eco-conscious enthusiasts who rely on their gear wherever the adventure takes them.

Staying Connected

Due to the coronavirus, many trade shows around the world have pivoted from live to digital events. To stay better connected with its customers, Hyosung has increased its digital marketing initiatives to participate in virtual trade shows and events such as Outdoor Retailer Online and the recent Kingpins24 and Performance Days online shows. The company is also developing new Hyosung Performance Textiles social platforms to include a forthcoming blog along with LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages, which will go live in August 2020.

Posted July 20, 2020

Source: Hyosung

The 54th Edition Of Filo: Yarns Restart

BIELLA, Italy — July 20, 2020 — Today the 54th Filo edition, the international Exhibition of yarns and fibers for orthogonal weaving, circular knitting weaving and technical textiles, has been launched. The show will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, October 7-8, 2020, at MiCo – Milan Convention Centre (via Gattamelata 5, Milan). The presentation has been made through a webinar which was attended by many professionals of the textile industry.

Paolo Monfermoso, general manager of Filo, said: “The choice to present the 54th edition of Filo through a webinar comes from the exceptional times we are living. However, it has been a winning choice, that enabled us to communicate with many exhibitors, operators, and the press, both nationally and internationally, in just one meeting. On the other hand, however advantageous digital technology may be, still a physical fair is key, especially for those exhibitions like Filo which are set upstream of the supply chain, since it allows operators to ‘understand’ the product, observe its qualities and think about possible textile evolutions. For this reason, it is fundamental that the textile supply chain returns to show itself to the entire world through the trade fairs. Therefore,  a lot of attention has turned on around the October edition of Filo, as proved by the high number of exhibitors’ subscriptions we have already received: it represents a strong signal of the recovery of the system, instrumental to the recovery of companies on international markets, which are more than ever attentive to quality, processes, sustainability of products and production processes. Together with Fiera Milano we are of course implementing all measures and steps to make Filo totally safe for its participants.

Today’s webinar made it possible to propose one of the most awaited and followed appointments by operators, both Italian and foreign: the presentation of Filo’s product development proposals. They have been carried out by Gianni Bologna and they are inspired to “Chromatic Reflections”. Gianni Bologna highlights: “We can remember the past months as a long grey period lived in black and white. I propose now exactly the opposite: colors. The new format of the presentation (more filmed and animated) — that it would be the same even in normal times — wants to convey the rediscovered desire of dynamism and motivation. We should remember that mentioning such a basic and direct element as color allows us also to hint at the next behavior of luxury’s consumption, extremely important for Made in Italy industry, which will be oriented towards a more basic look: a ‘silent’ luxury, clearly based on the intrinsic quality of products and their processing. It is a new minimalism which calls for some prerequisites: environmental awareness, ethics, respect for expertise on the job”.

Posted July 20, 2020

Source: Filo

Joint Statement On Policy Objectives For Reshoring And Safeguarding Domestic PPE Manufacturing

As trade associations and other organizations representing every segment of the textile, apparel and personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain in the U.S., servicing both the Department of Defense and consumer retail, we are united in our support of important principles that must be adopted in order to address our current public health needs and guarantee our nation is better prepared to respond to future emergencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a severe threat to our nation, and our association and organization members have moved swiftly to convert manufacturing facilities and build supply chains to produce desperately needed PPE. In many cases, these supply chains were created virtually overnight and at great expense, highlighting the ingenuity, commitment, and passion of U.S. manufacturers and workers in responding to this generational crisis.

However, the coronavirus has exposed severe gaps in our national readiness to respond to a public health emergency of this magnitude. We agree with the strong bipartisan consensus building in Washington and across the country that the United States must have domestic capacity to produce PPE and other vital medical supplies without relying on imports from other countries. In fact, our continuing reliance on foreign sources for these vital public health resources is a severe vulnerability to both our public health and national security.

Therefore, creating and maintaining domestic supply chains capable of producing PPE and key medical supplies in sufficient quantities to meet a national health emergency is of paramount concern for every citizen of this country.

We stand united in supporting several principles as necessary elements of our national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, principles that will both meet current needs and ensure a reliable domestic PPE manufacturing base capable of meeting our public health needs during a future crisis. We call on Congress and the Trump administration to adopt and implement the following principles through legislation, Executive Order, or other appropriate means:

Create strong domestic procurement rules for federal PPE purchases substantially similar to the Berry Amendment and the Kissell Amendment

Taxpayer dollars should not go to China and other offshore PPE producers, only to have those same producers withhold access to vital supplies and equipment in the face of global shortages. New federal government domestic purchasing requirements for PPE will create the stable demand for U.S.-made PPE that will incentivize investment in domestic PPE manufacturing.

Implement forward-looking policies to shore up the Strategic National Stockpile and to identify, incentivize, and maintain a robust domestic supply chain for PPE and medical supplies

Our Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) must be better prepared to answer our needs efficiently and adequately during a pandemic or other public health emergency. This will require additional advance planning by the executive branch and proper oversight by Congress. The SNS must also conduct critical domestic supply chain mapping to identify gaps in the supply chain and develop recommendations to meet existing and future supply chain needs.

Create federal incentives for private sector purchases of domestically produced PPE

Expanding the domestic customer base for PPE beyond the federal government and to the private sector will provide long-term stability to U.S. PPE producers and enhance our national manufacturing capacity.

Provide funding assistance for companies to reconstitute domestic PPE supply chains

The federal government should provide grants to companies that took the initiative to repurpose their factories and purchase equipment in order to rapidly increase domestic production of critical PPE items amid the COVID-19 crisis. Further support mechanisms such as additional grants and/or special tax credits for companies that make future investments in domestic PPE production should also be provided.

Strengthen the Berry Amendment

Domestic procurement requirements under the Berry Amendment have been gradually eroded in recent years. Congress must permanently re-set the Berry threshold to $150,000 and eliminate loopholes for foreign-made products.

We stand ready and willing to assist Congress and the administration in developing these policies into legislative concepts and executive action.

AFL-CIO
Alliance for American Manufacturing
American Iron and Steel Institute
American Sheep Institute
Coalition for a Prosperous America
Georgia Association of Manufacturers
Hand Tools Institute
INDA: Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
Narrow Fabrics Institute
National Cotton Council
National Council of Textile Organizations
Parachute Industry Association
Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network
SEAMS: Association of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry
SEIU
South Carolina Textile Council
U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute
United States Footwear Manufacturers Association
United Steelworkers
Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition
Workers United/SEIU

Posted July 20, 2020

Source: NCTO

Industry Coalition Releases Statement On PPE Policy

WASHINGTON— July 20, 2020 — An industry coalition representing the full spectrum of domestic personal protective equipment (PPE) production released a statement today outlining policy principles and objectives needed for reshoring and safeguarding domestic PPE manufacturing.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed severe shortages in our nation’s PPE supply and an over-reliance on foreign sourced products, underscores how important it is for the U.S. government to incentivize, support and maintain domestic manufacturing capacity for PPE.

Our association members, encompassing every segment of the U.S. textile, apparel and PPE supply chain, as well as unions representing workers, acted swiftly to convert manufacturing facilities and build supply chains virtually overnight to produce desperately needed PPE.

“We are united in our support of important principles that must be adopted in order to address our current public health needs and guarantee our nation is better prepared to respond to future emergencies,” the 21 associations said in the joint statement.

The associations are calling on Congress and the Trump administration to adopt principles outlined in the statement through legislation, executive order and other appropriate means.

See the full joint statement and principles here.

The statement was signed by the following organizations:

  • AFL-CIO
  • Alliance for American Manufacturing
  • American Iron and Steel Institute
  • American Sheep Institute
  • Coalition for a Prosperous America
  • Georgia Association of Manufacturers
  • Hand Tools Institute
  • INDA: Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
  • Narrow Fabrics Institute
  • National Cotton Council
  • National Council of Textile Organizations
  • Parachute Industry Association
  • Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network
  • SEAMS: Association of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry
  • SEIU
  • South Carolina Textile Council
  • U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute
  • United States Footwear Manufacturers Association
  • United Steelworkers
  • Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition
  • Workers United/SEIU

Posted July 20, 2020

Source: NCTO

Northwest Health Care Linen Service Recertifies For Hygienically Clean Healthcare

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — July 17, 2020 — Northwest Health Care Linen Service, a family-owned and -operated full-service healthcare laundry processor and linen company that serves the greater Puget Sound region of western Washington, has recently qualified for renewal of the Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification. The recertification reflects their continued commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles. Northwest Health Care Linen Service also holds the TRSA Clean Green Certification for its practices with regard to environmental stewardship.

“Congratulations to Northwest Health Care Linen Service on their recertification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted July 17, 2020

Source: TRSA

2020 Virtual Edition Of Texworld USA And Apparel Sourcing USA Opens July 21

ATLANTA — July 17, 2020 — As the largest sourcing event on the East Coast for fabric buyers, product R&D specialists, designers and other industry sourcing professionals, Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA Virtual Summer Edition reaches an even greater audience, enabling access to those who historically were unable to travel to the event. The premier event opens for three days of product discovery, trend analysis and education, live on July 21-23, 2020.

“Amidst the current environmental and economic situation, we are pleased to be providing a means for the textile sourcing community to continue to exchange information and connect with suppliers across the globe. Our belief in face-to-face interaction remains constant, but there’s a new normal emerging and we are excited to have found a way to pivot our event to keep our commitment to supporting the industry,” stated Jennifer Bacon, show director, Fashion and Apparel, Messe Frankfurt North America.

More than 400 exhibiting companies from 15 countries, including Canada, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, India, Turkey, the United States and others will be on hand to showcase their high-quality apparel fabrics, trims and accessories available at reasonable prices. Together, Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA cover nearly 40 different product categories.  All of which will be represented on the virtual platform. Visitors can take advantage of the AI-powered matchmaking capabilities to get a list of recommended textile suppliers, set up video meetings, catch up on trends and gather insights from the educational sessions.

Educational Programming hits key industry topics

Live streaming each day of Textile Talks and the Lenzing Seminar Series will feature experts and thought leaders focused on sharing their experiences and knowledge.  Interactive presentations will address a variety of topics, including the following:

  • Tuesday, July 21 – Demand Planning during a Crisis

With the COVID-19 virus racing around the world, determining which products to make, where to sell them and when consumers might buy has become an even bigger gamble. This panel will reveal how the industry can make the right bets using tech tools that add science to the art of buying and planning.

  • Wednesday, July 22 – One World: Fall/Winter 2021 Trend Presentation

Our modern world feels increasingly interconnected, with people discovering that what happens far away directly impacts our lives over here. This awareness will usher in a collective interest in protecting and preserving the resources and cultures we share, while delighting in self-expression.

  • Thursday, July 23 – Building Your Business – Why aren’t you near-shoring

Understanding the shift in consumer behavior and how to develop market strategies and product for the new market place will be explored in this discussion.

Held alongside Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA is the co-located event, Home Textiles Sourcing, for those manufacturers, retailers, converters, contract specifiers and designers seeking new fabrics and products for their latest home collections.

Registration is open. To register or for more information on any of these events, please visit us online.

Posted July 17, 2020

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

TRSA Amends Professional Development And Conference
Schedule For Remainder Of 2020

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — July 17, 2020 — Throughout the late spring and summer, TRSA has seen its professional development and networking opportunities pivot from in-person to virtual platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we head toward the fall and take stock in the pandemic’s continued impact on our industry, public health and travel, TRSA has made the decision to cancel several events and host others virtually for the remainder of 2020.

On July 15, TRSA hosted the 3rd Annual Leadership Summit as a virtual event and debuted a new hosting platform that provided an enhanced user experience in terms of participation, networking and collaboration. The success of this program has underscored our goals of providing quality professional-development experiences despite the physical limitations in place around the world at this time.

TRSA will continue to offer webinars regularly on big issues affecting our industry, as well as core competencies and best practices. Additionally, these virtual events are on the fall calendar and will feature live keynotes, workshops, breakouts and interactive panels via our new hosting platform:

  • TRSA Virtual Marketing and Sales Summit, Nov. 17-18, 2020; and
  • TRSA Virtual Healthcare Conference, Dec. 1-3, 2020.

TRSA’s 107th Annual Conference, originally set for October in Alexandria, Va., has been canceled; the Lifetime Achievement and Industry Award Winners will be recognized in 2021 at the in-person TRSA 11th Annual Legislative Conference at National Harbor, Md., March 24-25.

“Our top priority remains the health and safety of all who support TRSA in-person events, from attendees and sponsors, presenters and task force volunteers and the TRSA staff,” said Joseph Ricci, CAE, TRSA president and CEO.  “While we are disappointed to miss the in-person networking and collaboration that is the hallmark of our live events, we are excited about the upgraded hosting platform that will provide a conduit to an engaging, vital learning experience.”

These TRSA 2021 in-person core programs and events are also on the TRSA calendar:

  • March 24-25, 2021
    • 11th Annual Legislative Conference
    • Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD
  • June 9, 2021
    • Clean Show Welcome Reception
    • College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta, GA
  • August 8-12, 2021
    • 57th Annual Executive Management Institute (EMI)
    • 32nd Annual Professional Management Institute (PMI)
    • 29th Annual Maintenance Management Institute
    • College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Hyattsville, MD
  • October 19-22, 2021
    • 108th Annual Conference
    • Cap Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, CA
  • November 17-18, 2021
    • 
10th Annual Healthcare Conference
    • Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel, Plano, TX

For additional information on upcoming webinars, regional town halls, market-specific roundtables and professional-development for 2020 as well as updates to the 2021 events, visit www.trsa.org/calendar.

Posted July 17, 2020

Source: TRSA

Chargeurs*PCC Launches New U.S. Health Textile Division And Direct-To-Consumer E-Commerce Site For Protective Face Masks

NEW YORK CITY — July 16, 2020 — Chargeurs*PCC Fashion Technologies today announced the launch of its first U.S. consumer-facing division, Lainiere Health & Wellness, as well as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce website offering the new division’s collection of protective face masks. The company also announced it is launching a partnership with Marc Jacobs and will donate anti-microbial material made by Lainiere Health & Wellness to the designer for his face mask collection, with 100 percent of the proceeds of sales benefiting UNICEF USA.

“As masks were becoming the new must-wear protective accessory, we at Chargeurs knew immediately that we needed to leverage our expertise and pivot our US business so we could supply consumers and our brand partners with functional, fashionable mask options,” said Angela Chan, global president and managing director, Chargeurs*PCC Fashion Technologies. “The interlinings we make are typically hidden inside garments, but they are a crucial part of fashion and are used to create a protective interior layer in high-quality face masks for the consumer market. We’re proud to now be partnering with Marc Jacobs to supply the brand with our antimicrobial products to be used in masks that will be sold to benefit UNICEF USA.”

The limited-edition Marc Jacobs face masks were designed using filters made with Lainiere Health & Wellness’s performance fabric, which reduces bacteria by 99 percent. The masks are made by hand in New York with upcycled materials from past Marc Jacobs collections. All proceeds from the sales of the Marc Jacobs masks will be donated to UNICEF USA to help the organization as it responds to COVID-19 and assists the most at-risk communities. Consumers can purchase the masks exclusively at MarcJacobs.com.

The launch of the new Lainiere Health & Wellness division represents Chargeurs’ first move into the consumer health and wellness space in the US. The company has long been a global B2B leader in the supply of interlinings. Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, Chargeurs has shifted a significant portion of its global textile production toward health and wellness–related protective equipment. To support US manufacturing, Chargeurs will start producing face masks at its Troy, Ohio, factory by September.

The Lainiere Health & Wellness face mask collection includes a fashion performance line created by Chan, who has a background in fashion design. The collection includes 16 unique styles featuring luxurious fabrics such as lace and silk as well as hand-stitched embellishments, embroidery and sequins. The entire line of washable, reusable masks offers anti-bacterial and anti-odor properties.

Posted July 17, 2020

Source: Chargeurs*PCC Fashion Technologies

With U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Brands And Retailers Can Now Source U.S. Cotton With More Confidence

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — July 15, 2020 — Starting today, brands and retailers can join the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, a new system for responsibly grown cotton that will provide annual data for six areas of sustainability in line with the U.N. Sustainability Goals. This year-over-year data, available for the first time, will allow brands and retailers to better measure progress towards meeting sustainability commitments.

“One of our goals in developing the Trust Protocol is to give brands and retailers greater confidence when including U.S. cotton in their sourcing mix,” said Ken Burton, executive director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “Participating brands and retailers will now be able to demonstrate measurable progress in reducing their environmental footprint and in achieving sustainability targets.”

The Trust Protocol underpins and verifies sustainability progress through sophisticated data collection and independent third-party verification. By working with Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and Control Union Certifications North America, the Trust Protocol enables brands and retailers to better track the cotton entering their supply chain. Brands who become members of the Trust Protocol will have access to aggregate year-over-year data on water use, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, soil carbon and land use efficiency.

“At Levi Strauss & Co., the quality and sustainability of the cotton we use is critical to our business and important to our customers. We are deeply committed to sourcing sustainable cotton and reducing water usage, carbon emissions, and chemical usage,” said Liza Schillo, senior manager, Global Sustainability Integration, Levi Strauss & Co. and Trust Protocol Board Member. “We are therefore in strong support of the introduction of standards — including the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol — that champion sustainably grown cotton and drive wider adoption over the long-term of sustainable cultivation practices.”

The Trust Protocol is a complement to existing sustainability programs and is designed from the ground up to fit the unique cotton mass-growing environment of the United States. “We are engaged in an open dialogue with existing standards in the cotton industry, and open to are exploring future collaboration,” Burton added.

Last month, the Trust Protocol was added to Textile Exchange’s list of 36 preferred fibers and materials that more than 170 participating brands and retailers can select from as part of Textile Exchange’s Material Change Index program.

35 Years of Continuous Improvements

Over the past 35 years, U.S. cotton has made significant improvements in growing cotton responsibly.

To continue the progress, the Trust Protocol has ambitious national goals for 2025. By this date, the Trust Protocol aims to have more than half of all U.S. cotton production included in the program.

“Achieving a transition towards agricultural sustainability requires broad public and private partnerships and a vital part of my work at The Nature Conservancy includes looking at ways to collaborate with key agricultural stakeholders,” said Dr. Kris Johnson, deputy director of Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy, North American Region and U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Board Member. “Informed by science-based targets, the Trust Protocol provides evidence of and encourages continuous improvements in U.S. cotton production.”

Posted July 17, 2020

Source: U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

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