March/April 2021

John Elmuccio, co-founder of St. Louis-based knitwear company Evolution St. Louis, has joined the Textile and Apparel Management Professional Advisory Board at the University of Missouri.

New Valdese Weavers’ President Blake Millinor

Valdese, N.C.-based Valdese Weavers has named Blake Millinor president. Long-running President and CEO Mike Shelton will continue to serve as CEO of the company until the end of the year at which time Millinor will also assume CEO responsibilities.

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC, The Woodlands, Texas, has named Mitch Eichelberger executive vice president, Polymers and Specialties; and Benjamin “Benny” Mermans, vice president, Sustainability.

Alice Ballenger has joined Spartanburg-based Milliken & Company as director of strategy for the Textile Division. The company also promoted Cindy Boiter to executive vice president and president of Milliken’s Chemical Division.

Finland-based Spinnova named Ben Selby CFO.

Jane Newman

HanesBrands, Winston-Salem, N.C., has appointed Jane Newman chief design officer, global innerwear.

J.Crew, New York City, has added four new people to its senior management team: Jose Davila, chief people officer; Danielle Schmelkin, chief information officer; Derek Yarbrough, chief marketing officer; and Liz Hershfield, senior vice president, Sustainability. The team is led by CEO Libby Wadle.

Denver-based VF Corp. has named Susie Mulder global brand president, Timberland®. She reports to VF’s Chairman, President and CEO Steve Rendle.

Marty Davis has joined Alder Color Solutions, Portland, Ore., as co-president. He will work alongside current President Keith Voight.

Mauro Consalvi

Matik Inc. has added Mauro Consalvi to its sales management team. Consalvi is director of North American sales for Olbrich coating/laminating products.

David Johnson Jr. has joined Atlanta-based Hamilton International as sales director.

The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C., has named the following seven people to serve three-year terms on its board of directors: Richard Altice, president and CEO, NatureWorks; Dr. Ashish Diwanji, president, Lydall Performance Materials Inc.; Lee Ellen Dreschler, senior vice president, Corporate R&D, The Procter & Gamble Co.; Barbara Lawless, business director, Nonwoven Medical Fabrics, Precision Fabrics Group Inc.; David K. Smith, senior vice president, Engineered Performance Products Autovation, Milliken & Company; Mike Tuck, vice president, Global Product Supply, Procurement and Manufacturing, Owens and Minor Products Division; and Robert Weilminster, president, U.S. and Canada – Hygiene, Berry Global.

Portland, Ore.-based Columbia Sportswear Co. has named Craig Zanon senior vice
president, Emerging Brands. He replaces Doug Morse who is retiring.

At its recent annual meeting, the Washington-based National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) re-elected Cap Yarns CEO David Roberts chairman, and elected Palmetto Synthetics President David Poston vice chairman. The organization also elected chairs for each of its four councils as follows: Fiber Council, David Poston; Yarn Council, Frontier Spinning’s Robin Perkins; Fabric and Home Furnishings Council, Glen Raven’s Leib Oehmig; and Industry Support Council, Fi-Tech’s Ian Mills. The following people were elected to NCTO’s board of directors: Fiber Council – PHP’s Jay Brinson, Auriga’s Tom Brekovsky, William Barnet & Son’s Chuck Hall, The Lycra Co.’s Melissa Minihan, DAK Americas’ Alejandro Sanchez, and Stein Fibers’ Chip Stein; Yarn Council – National Spinning’s Jim Booterbaugh, Parkdale Mills’ Charles Heilig, Unifi’s Eddie Ingle, American & Efird’s Allen Smith and Shuford Yarns’ Marvin Smith; Fabric Council – Inman Mills’ Norman Chapman, Auburn Manufacturing’s Kathie Leonard; Milliken & Company’s Chad McAllister, Leib Oehmig, Sage Automotive Interiors’ Dirk Pieper, and Valdese Weavers’ Blake Millinor; and Industry Support Council – Picanol’s Cyril Guerin, Ian Mills, and Marisa Fumei-South with Two-One-Two New York Inc. Elected by their respective councils to serve on the Executive Committee were Ian Mills, Melissa Minihan, Leib Oehmig, Robin Perkins, Allen Smith and Chip Stein.

March/April 2021

March/April 2021

Glen Raven and United Fabrics have launched “Reflections,” their second joint contract upholstery collection featuring 30 durable, soft and bleach cleanable fabrics. Patterns in the collection include Inga-Boho, Palma, Daphne, and Miles and Velma.

Following an audit, France-based Elkem Silicones’ Saint-Fons plant has received its ISO 14001 certification.

Austria-based Andritz has received an order for four new needlepunch lines from Chongqing Double Elephant Microfiber Materials Co. Ltd.

The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C., has launched an on-demand training series and collection of webinars led by subject matter experts. The programs are designed for all levels of professionals in the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry. More information can be found at pathlms.com/ inda/courses.

France-based Arkema’s Pebax® elastomer brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Germany-based Freudenberg Performance Materials’ Apparel business unit has launched an online store front for interlinings, paddings, tapes, canvas and preformed materials, linings and comfortemp® thermal insulation used in the apparel industry. The website is located at shop.freudenberg-apparel.com.

Motion Industries Inc., Birmingham, Ala., is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a rebranding. Moving forward, the company will be known as Motion.

The American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) has announced FloorTek Expo 2021 will be held September 14-15, 2021, at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton.

March/April 2021

Next-Level Repellency Performance

Burlington’s PF Zero™, a fluorocarbon-free, water-based repellent finish, is high-performance and eco-friendly.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

With environmental consciousness and sustainability in mind, Greensboro, N.C.-based Burlington Performance Fabrics has launched PF Zero™, a non-fluorocarbon-based repellent finish for high-performance apparel fabrics. The eco-friendly, water-based technology is durable, breathable, comfortable and odorless, according to Burlington.

The technology is being launched across multiple business and has been introduced to numerous brands. The finish is suitable for any application where water repellent protection is required including outerwear, rainwear, snow sports, and golf, among other applications. The technology also is available for use on personal protective equipment fabrics and flame-resistant materials such as fire turnout gear. In addition, PF Zero is in development for use in uniform and military fabrics.

Burlington reports the finish may be applied across both man-made and natural fabric substrates. PF Zero also is compatible with other Burlington technologies such as antimicrobial, insect-repellent and moisture control chemistries to produce a fabric that confers multiple benefits.

“The PF Zero technology, combined with Burlington fabric innovations, creates the ultimate in performance and comfort for active lifestyles,” said Nelson Bebo, vice president, Performance Fabrics.

“PF Zero offers the next level of sustainable performance to Burlington’s advanced fabric technologies with a PFAS [perfluorooctanoic acid]-free finish offering superior repellency that can be combined with other Burlington Labs technologies — whether it be a moisture activated cooling sensation, a smart technology that adapts to your environment hot or cold, basic wicking or UV protection. Life can be unpredictable. Burlington’s PF Zero fabrics give you the comfort and confidence to take it all in stride.”

According to the company, PF Zero out-performs the industry standard rating of 90 even after 50 launderings when evaluated using the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Test Method 22 Water Repellency: Spray Test on both 100-percent polyester and 100-percent nylon substrates.

PF Zero is a perfect complement to Burlington’s Micromove™ 365 fabric collection. The fiber technology paired with the finish offer sustainable comfort, stretch and durability in a soft, drapable fabric in two- and four-way stretch for a maximum range of motion.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of all Burlington developments, with a commitment to responsible chemistries, recycled content and manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impact,” Bebo added. “PF Zero technology opens new opportunities across Burlington’s platform of performance technologies, allowing us to lead in the development of sustainable, easy-care and super comfortable fabrics that protect and perform throughout the day.”

For more information about Burlington Performance Fabrics’ PF Zero™, please visit burlingtonfabrics.com.

March/April 2021

Ascend Presents Expanded Portfolio, Local Production And Technical Resources At Chinaplas

HOUSTON, — April 14, 2021 — Ascend Performance Materials returns to Asia’s biggest plastics trade show after investments in local manufacturing and an innovation center in Suzhou, China, and an expanded product portfolio, including products beyond polyamide 66.

In 2020 and early 2021, Ascend purchased its compounding facility in Suzhou, two Italian manufacturers specializing in PA66, PA6 and masterbatches, and a French company specialized in flame-retardant compounds. The company also launched its HiDura™ long-chain polyamides and Acteev™ antimicrobial plastics, fibers and fabrics.

With its expanded portfolio and manufacturing footprint, Ascend aims to fully serve the growing e-mobility, electrical and electronics, and consumer segments.

“Much of our projected demand growth will be in China and Asia,” said Kevin Wu, senior vice president and managing director of Asia for Ascend. “Our facility in Suzhou will make us more responsive to our customers’ growth and the growing on-site innovation center will allow us to quickly innovate and test new materials for specific customer applications.”

Ascend operates under a five-year plan with the current plan focused on transforming the company into a more global, diversified and reliable supplier to its customers.

“Our investments over the past year have brought us closer to our customers in Asia and Europe, broadened our product portfolio in PA66 and specialty polyamides, and expanded our technical resources to work more closely with customers,” said Phil McDivitt, president and CEO of Ascend.

The company is featuring its expanded portfolio, including a new line of UL yellow card-certified Starflam® flame-retardant polyamides, a high-temperature Vydyne® XHT, a portfolio of HiDura LCPAs, and apparel and masks made with Acteev at Chinaplas 2021 in Shenzen at the SWECC booth 17L40 from 13-16 April.

Posted April 14, 2021

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Standard Textile Recognized As A U.S. Best Managed Company

CINCINNATI — April 14, 2021 — Standard Textile is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2021 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams.

The 2021 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic, resilient culture, as well as strong financials, all while facing the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite major challenges and immense pressure, they continued to lead with purpose and the vision to make significant contributions to their industries, communities, workforces, and the economy.

“I am very proud that Standard Textile has been selected as a 2021 US Best Managed Company. In 2020, during a year of uncertainty, our leadership team and associates came together as a One Standard team to ensure our communities had continuous access to essential supplies needed to safeguard the health of clinicians, patients, and their families,” said Gary Heiman, president and CEO of Standard Textile. “This recognition speaks to the team’s extraordinary commitment to doing what is best for our customers and our communities.”

In March 2020, Standard Textile restructured its global supply chain to provide support for America’s frontline medical workers, leading an urgent charge to increase production of PPE (personal protective equipment) in order to provide hospitals and healthcare workers in the United States with additional protection against COVID-19. A collaboration between the company’s research and development laboratory, and its operations in Thomaston, Ga., and Union, S.C., resulted in rapidly developing a unique American version of a liquid-resistant, breathable, and reusable cover gown for healthcare workers. In March 2021, Standard Textile was presented with the “Best Health Care and Medical Innovation” Award by Ohio Business Magazine in recognition of this effort.

During the fall of 2020, Standard Textile launched a national program to combat homelessness called Standard Textile Cares. The company is partnering with non-profit organizations across the U.S. that provide mobile shower services to people living either on the streets or in insufficient housing, with a goal of supporting 80,000 showers by the end of 2021.

Applicants for the Best Managed Companies program are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and financial performance. Standard Textile joins a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 30 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.

Posted April 14, 2021

Source: Standard Textile

Jeanologia Join Forces With Cone Denim To Launch Mission Zero Goal

VALENCIA, Spain — April 14, 2021 — Jeanologia announces their Mission Zero goal and kicks off the first step in their “Road to Mission Zero.” In partnership with Cone Denim, the collection showcases authentic, sustainable options from fabric to finish. The collection will launch at the upcoming Kingspins 24 show.

Cone Denim and Jeanologia share common values and a vision to keep jeans as a symbol of the new rebels that want to protect the environment and the planet and be an inspiration to the whole textile industry.

Historically, blue jeans have always had a strong significance. They are a symbol of youth, rebellion and have even become the most democratic garment of them all. Unfortunately, their popularity and high acceptance have also brought about some undesirable consequences like excessive usage of water, chemicals, and energy that negatively impact the carbon footprint. That is why it is important to immediately bring together the efforts of all those involved to change denim production processes.

For Enrique Silla, CEO of Jeanologia: “We firmly believe that people and the planet come first and that is why we decided to embark on a very important mission: eliminate 100 percent of jeans wear waste from the fabric to the final garment by 2025. We believe a Mission Zero is possible and necessary.”

Mission Zero commitment is the 100-percent elimination of waste generated in Blue Jeans manufacturing and finishing from the fabric to the final garment, reducing water usage to near zero amounts and returning clean water back into Nature.

“This is the reason why we join forces with companies from our industry like Cone, that share these same values and vision,” Silla added.

“We are excited to partner with Jeanologia as we focus on building a sustainable future and minimizing our impact on natural resources,” said Steve Maggard, president, Cone Denim.  “One area of particular focus for us is water conservation, which is perfectly aligned to the Mission Zero goal. Cone currently uses Jeanologia’s G2 Ozone finishing ranges, lasers and Bluescan machinery.

Additionally, we are in the process of installing a Zero Liquid Discharge wastewater treatment system at our mill in Northern Mexico.  These investments will enable us to make significant advances towards Cone’s 2025 water usage reduction goal.”

Road to Mission Zero collection

Cone Denim Mills and Jeanologia will present the first Road to Mission Zero collection, on the Earth Day at Kingpins24, a collection where heritage, sustainability and innovation are present from the fabric to the finish.

Contributing to the goal of Mission Zero is a must, beginning with fabric. Cone Denim Flash Finish fabrics are produced on G2 Dynamic ozone finishing ranges and are the perfect fabric collaboration to include in the first road to Mission Zero collection. These fabrics are highly light-sensitive with great reaction to the eco-technologies and are an eco-efficient alternative for some of the most water-intensive and pollutant fabric finishing processes.

The collection has been developed across a full range of sustainable finishes, with a wide scale of wash levels, nice high and lows done with atmospheric finishing and keeping the authenticity of the traditional stone washed look. By integrating Jeanologia technologies and using them as part of the denim eco-system, we can eliminate highly inefficient and hazardous practices and create amazing denim and jeans without sacrificing denim’s authentic look and iconic soul

Posted April 14, 2021

Source: Jeanologia

NCTO Sends Letter To Acting OMB Director, Requesting Agency To Grant Approval For Collection Of China 301 Duties On Section 321 De Minimis Shipments

WASHINGTON — April 14, 2021 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas sent a letter to Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Robert Fairweather today, requesting the agency reconsider and approve a proposal to direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect Section 301 penalty duties on billions of dollars of Chinese goods currently shipped duty free under Section 321 de minimis waivers.

“There has been an exponential growth of shipments to the United States in recent years that qualify for Section 321 duty-free treatment,” Glas said in the letter. “U.S. manufacturers of textiles, apparel and other consumer goods that routinely sell for less than the $800 de minimis threshold increasingly find their markets and workforce threatened by this tariff avoidance scheme.”

The letter details how the current Section 321 provision is now being coupled with e-commerce to provide billions in duty avoidance on these imported products, including:

  • Increased import price pressure on domestic manufacturers of various types of consumer items that routinely sell for less than $800 such as apparel, footwear, home furnishings, toys, consumer electronics, flatware, auto parts, etc.
  • An inability to properly identify and block the importation of adulterated products posing a health and safety risk to consumers.
  • An inability to properly identify and block imports of counterfeit products that violate intellectual property laws.
  • Enhanced ability of countries like China to access the U.S. market, despite their failure to provide reciprocal access to their markets and their persistent illegal and unfair trading practices.

“Imported merchandise from China that enters under a Section 321 waiver is exempt from all normal tariffs and any penalty duties assessed under the current 301 case. This unreasonable and unnecessary duty exemption severely undermines the purpose and value of the existing Section 301 determination against China as an effort to address its longstanding predatory trade practices,” Glas stated.

“The Biden administration should undertake an exhaustive review of this problem to develop the policy changes needed to mitigate the damaging impact of Section 321 waivers on U.S. workers and manufacturers,” Glas added. “In the interim, it is critical that the OMB and CBP take reasonable steps, such as denying Section 321 benefits to goods covered under the existing China 301 determination [tariffs]. Doing so would be a valuable first step toward limiting the dangerous and growing exploitation of this tariff waiver mechanism.”

See the full letter here.

Posted April 14, 2021

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

KARL MAYER: Using The K.Management Dashboard, KM.ON Customers Have A Direct Connection To Their Textile Production

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — April 12, 2021 — Using the k.management dashboard, KM.ON customers have a direct connection to their production — no matter when and from where. The smart tool provides a comprehensive overview of what is happening at production level and uses near-time data from machines that have been securely networked to the KM.ON cloud via the industrial computer k.ey for this purpose. This therefore provides an overview of all important machine key figures as a basis for efficient management. Decisions can be made quickly and soundly, and processes can be planned prudently. In the event of malfunctions and bottlenecks, rapid intervention is possible and the customer can save valuable time when completing routine work.

The dashboard — and its many benefits — was launched on the market at ITMA ASIA 2018. It has now received a major upgrade. The new features offer even greater clarity, functionality and ease of use. What’s more, the data quality and data availability have been optimized. Following further development, the tool works reliably worldwide — including in China.

Quick orientation, easy to use

Given the new design, changes to the new dashboard version are immediately apparent. The way information is presented has been fundamentally revised. It offers greater clarity and faster orientation in terms of coloring and structure.

Even the overview page, with its reduced color scheme and functional structure, invites you in and encourages you to explore. Instead of being displayed in a mix as in the previous version, key figures are now visually separated according to their function. “Every value has its framework,” said KM.ON Product Manager Marcel Wenzel. The content is easier to access and is also explained in a way that is easy to understand.

For each key figure displayed, more detailed explanations can be obtained by clicking on the adjacent question mark symbol. By clicking the “Help” question mark symbol, which is superimposed above the entire application in the top right-hand corner, the user can also access the user manual. The reference guide contains background information on the complete application, including publication references.

The users can adjust the language based on their preference under their personal “User settings” by clicking their user avatar. The available languages include German, English, modern Chinese and traditional Chinese.

These extensive changes were driven by discussions with customers. As part of these joint exchanges, the desire for simplicity emerged above all. “Given their profession, our customers are not digital natives. They want simple, intuitive solutions, without usage barriers,” Wenzel said. The software specialist and his team also closely followed user wishes when optimizing the dashboard content.

Appropriate data for making informed decisions

No matter where the machines are located and information is needed, the dashboard provides data in near real time. On the overview page, the machine name and the next upcoming beam change time are displayed for each machine as before. New symbols now provide information about the status of the machine in eye-catching colors. Possible states are Stop, Running and Offline. The symbols illustrate the degree of production utilization, even when briefly checking the homepage. A filter function can also be used to detect machines that are idle and by extension, capacity reserves or technical problems.

Other new display features include the number of stops and the remaining time when processing an item, including the number of items per job.

A sorting function for all networked machines based on specified categories makes it possible to optimize production. By prioritizing according to remaining production time and upcoming beam replacement time, the capacities for item removal and beam replenishment can be planned perfectly. In turn, the number of stops when producing an item allows conclusions to be drawn about the fabric quality produced, for example.

Just like the overview page, the details page for each individual machine has also been decluttered. As part of a structured display, an adjusted offering appears, consisting of information on status, output, current and maximum speed, upcoming beam change times for all warp beams — sorted by urgency — as well as job stage with remaining time per item and for the complete job.

Information on the machine type, serial number and available KAMCOS® version are found at the bottom of the details page.

Further developments pre-programmed

The new k.management dashboard was extensively tested with customers in Germany and the USA in February this year. The roll-out to all KM.ON customers then began the following April. In order to attract other textile companies, the innovative solution will be presented at the KARL MAYER stand at ITMA ASIA, which is being held from June 12-16, 2021. Additional changes are in the pipeline for the year. After a transitional phase, there are plans to switch from the previously free mode to an optional paid-for mode. A fee will then be levied in exchange for extended information and functionalities.

In addition, Wenzel is already working on new ideas. “We are constantly asking ourselves which target groups need which additional information. Step by step, we are developing our dashboard together with our customers,” Wenzel explained. The current version already offers possibilities for suitable further developments. For example, the overview page could help the machine operator to plan their to-do list even better by incorporating additional key figures, or indeed attract new stakeholders such as managers and directors with strategic rather than operational information.

Posted April 14, 2021

Source: KARL MAYER Group

Optitex, Alvanon Extend Collaboration To Make 3D Avatar Library Available to Optitex O/Cloud Users

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 25, 2021 — Optitex®, a global provider of integrated end-to-end 2D & 3D CAD/CAM software solutions for the fashion and apparel industry, and Alvanon, a provider of body technologies for the apparel industry, today announced the extension of their long-term collaboration to support Optitex’s enhanced O/Cloud platform, and enable O/Cloud customers to enjoy the benefits of Alvanon’s rich selection of fit standards and 3D avatars.

This enhanced collaboration will allow Optitex customers to facilitate teamwork between brand and vendor designers, patternmakers, and collection product managers dispersed around the globe in different locations and time zones. Further, irrespective of the lockdown requirements still in place, it will enable teams to make both collection and style-level decisions exceedingly faster and easier.

By integrating the Alvanon Body Platform’s (ABP) vast library of over 6,000 3D virtual avatars, each representing a specific brand’s fit standards, into Optitex O/Cloud’s 3D environment, Optitex customers, apparel design and development teams, fashion brands and retailers, can enjoy the benefits of Alvanon’s range of correctly sized and shaped 3D avatars to test patterns in all sizes, and validate fit.

Optitex O/Cloud enables seamless 3D collaboration, from concept to production, all on a single cloud-based platform, where users can manage the end-to-end development process by sharing their digital workplace with the supply chain — teams, vendors and partners, all in a high-quality digital 3D environment.

This collaboration will enable Optitex O/Cloud users to share and review 3D garments simulated on Alvanon virtual bodies over O/Cloud, collaborate with various view options and a variety of tools, including real-time 3D sphere rotation, and commenting. Alvanon’s library offers both standard (ASTM) and brand-specific avatars.

With access to Alvanon’s extensive library of 3D virtual bodies, patternmakers can run online fit sessions via the cloud, and collaborate with all stakeholders — supervisors, designers, and team members, to review how garments look and feel on their Alvanon virtual body, using a variety of Fit tools, such as Tension Map, Mesh View, and Distance Map. Users will also be able to navigate the model, view all of its colorways, and add comments directly on the garment, all of which will help accelerate the design review process. As all garment-related information is easily viewed in 3D, users no longer need to share static images of their garment in different map views.

“At Alvanon, we believe that the 3D journey begins with the 3D avatar. Not just any avatar, but the fit standard that represents the brand’s target customers’ body shapes and sizes,” said Jason Wang, COO of Alvanon. “We are pleased to further our collaboration with Optitex, to enhance their customers’ design capabilities, and the overall user experience. It’s via close collaboration with leading 3D digital software providers such as Optitex that we can deliver our range of virtual avatars, and provide the fit accuracy that brands and retailers demand.”

Amit Ben-Sheffer, vice president, Products at Optitex, commented: “As a market leader, we are committed to helping our customers streamline their operations, and to achieve and maintain their high ranking in the fashion industry. Our continued collaboration with Alvanon is yet another example of how Optitex helps its customers tailor their digital workflow by enabling a collaborative and efficient fit process based on their virtual fit models of choice.”

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Optitex/Alvanon

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — April 7, 2021 — The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announces membership in the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a global, industry-wide nonprofit of over 250 members working to reduce environmental impact and promote social justice throughout the global value chain. The Trust Protocol joins leading apparel, footwear, and textile brands, retailers, manufacturers, sourcing agents, service providers, trade associations, nonprofits/NGOs, and academic institutions in a shared vision of an industry that gives more than it takes — to the planet and its people.

“During a time of ever-growing supply chain scrutiny, being a member of the SAC is further validation of how the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is working to set a new standard in more sustainable cotton production,” said Dr. Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “While our grower members have a long history of sustainable cotton growing practices, they understand the importance of continuous improvement and have committed to meeting bold sustainability targets by 2025.”

As a member of the SAC, the Trust Protocol will provide a unique perspective from the U.S. cotton industry through collective work with other members to measure sustainability progress, collaborate on research, and identify and mitigate industry challenges. As part of its core program, the Trust Protocol is focused on six key sustainability metrics including land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency.

“We welcome the addition of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and look forward to its participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability,” SAC Executive Director Amina Razvi said. “Having the Trust Protocol as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions.”

The Trust Protocol has welcomed more than 300 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members since its launch in 2020. This includes Gap Inc. and its collection of purpose-led lifestyle brands Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta as well as U.K. retailers Byford and Next Plc. Other Trust Protocol member announcements include the first 10 U.S. mills to join and the first members in Latin America.

The Trust Protocol is included on the 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. The Trust Protocol is also working to align with existing standards in the cotton industry and is part of the Forum for the Future Cotton 2040 and the CottonUp guide.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: U.S.Cotton Trust Protocol®

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