US outdoor apparel retailer LL Bean has joined more than 470 companies from across the global supply chain who have signed up to the Cotton Leads programme, which supports responsible production practices by cotton growers in the US and Australia.
The initiative is a partnership between the entire US and Australian cotton industries that aims to raise awareness of their responsible production practices, strict regulations that protect the environment and people, the ability to affect positive change nationally, nationwide cotton research and development programmes, and sustainability benchmarking.
Its partners include global manufacturers, brands and retailers, including Walmart, Gap Inc, Hugo Boss, Macy’s, Hanesbrands, Fruit of the Loom and Esquel Group.
“For over 105 years, we’ve helped folks enjoy the outdoors with thoughtfully made gear and apparel,” explains Tom Armstrong, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer for LL Bean. “To us, that means being thoughtful about the outdoors as well, which is why we partnered with the Cotton Leads programme. They’re helping to ensure that the cotton we use is as responsibly produced as possible, with less water and fewer chemicals. Working with them is just one element of LL Bean’s overall and ongoing mission of sustainability.”
Mark Messura, senior vice president, global supply chain marketing at Cotton Incorporated, a founding member organisation of the Cotton Leads programme, adds: “Our Cotton Leads partners recognise the investments in responsible production that Australian and US growers are making, along with their commitment to supporting improvements in cotton globally. These efforts in continual improvement come from the cotton producers themselves and impose no downstream costs on the supply chain.”
Last month, LL Bean revealed it has partnered with technology firm Loomia to explore how blockchain technology can be used to extend the use and performance of clothing.
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