Cotton Incorporated was founded back in 1970 on the principle that organic fibers should be used over synthetics. The organization was formed by cotton farmers, importers, and manufacturers of cotton goods, for the purpose of promoting the fiber and researching new innovations in sustainable cultivation and textile innovation. Cotton Inc. has faced several challenges along the way, mostly the ease of care that synthetic fabrics offered. However, they are still going strong today and have remained true to their original mission. Their Purpose The organization’s main purpose is to help suppliers of cotton fiber by offering them market research, marketing tools, and other resources. The goal of offering these services is to help foster growth and innovation in the industry. Shortly after Cotton Inc. was founded, they introduced a logo to provide consumers with a visual reference to identify genuine cotton products. Any company that supplies cotton fibers or sells cotton products can license the seal and utilize it across their marketing channels. Sustainability Initiatives
Along with the National Cotton Council, Cotton Board, and Cotton Council International, Cotton Inc. engaged ten experts in cotton biology and production to discuss how emerging technologies would impact cotton production in the future. From the information obtained, the organizations created seven US cotton industry goals that were then presented to the US Cotton Sustainability Taskforce. These goals will lead sustainable efforts for the next ten to thirty years.
Review the goals here.
According to Cotton Inc.’s CEO, J. Berrye Worsham, the organization aims to implement sustainable gains for all businesses and partners that buy, sell, and oversee cotton products by the year 2050.
Cotton Incorporated has helped form several programs that help improve sustainability in cotton production. These include: The Better Cotton Initiative, The Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and Cotton LEADS.
Cotton Inc.’s Role in Cotton’s Success Cotton Inc.’s role in the cotton industry is large and pretty important. The organization was able to curtail share decline in the 1980s, and a period of increased consumer demand for cotton resulted. In addition, much of Cotton Inc. 's advertising efforts throughout the 80s and 90s resulted in a boost of cotton’s total market share (to 39 percent), and recognition of the seal to 63 percent. Cotton Incorporated was unquestionably instrumental in the fiber’s growth. Suppliers and Brands Who Partner Brands
L.L. Bean: L.L. Bean is a proud partner of Cotton LEADS, an organization formed by Cotton Inc. and other groups to encourage the use of responsibly-grown and harvested cotton. L.L.Bean recognizes this partnership as an important element in their ongoing sustainability strategy, and the company currently uses organic cotton in many of their products. Turns out, they love Supima!
Shop L.L. Bean organic cotton products
Amazon: Just last year, online retail giant Amazon announced their partnership with Cotton Incorporated. Celebrity stylist Irma Martinez curated a limited edition shop for the company, Cotton Style House, that featured certified cotton apparel from brands such as J.Crew and American Apparel. The shop is no longer available, but Amazon’s efforts are not to be forgotten.
J.Crew: Speaking of J.Crew, the retailer known for their chic and sophisticated style has committed to a recycling/buyback program that allows customers to turn in their old jeans for a discount. In conjunction with Cotton Incorporated and their Blue Jeans Go Green program, J.Crew is sending the old jeans off to be turned into brand new denim products.
Learn more about Blue Jeans Go Green Suppliers Asher Textiles Asher Textiles is an affiliate of Cotton Inc., and are committed to becoming the dominant domestic supplier of high-quality supima cotton knits, jerseys, and blends. Their fabrics are used and beloved by several of the world’s most coveted brands such as Theory, Diane Von Furstenburg, Ralph Lauren, and Norma Kamali. Source Asher Textiles on CommonShare Cone Denim Mills Cone Denim Mills was founded in 1891 by brothers Moses and Ceasar Cone, and they just so happen to be a proud partner of Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green Program. Cone Denim has donated nearly 5,000 pieces of denim to date, which has been converted into 10,000 square feet of UltraTouch Denim insulation to be used for building efforts across the country. Learn more about Cone Denim’s Sustainable Initiatives Creditex Creditex is one of Cotton Inc.’s main suppliers of cotton fabrics. The Peruvian company has been around since the 1990s and has been committed to delivering high-end international brands with quality textiles utilizing only the best technologies and expertise in the industry. It makes sense why their name embodies creativity and innovation. Source Creditex on CommonShare More about Cotton on CommonShare: Circulose: The World's First Circular Cotton Cotton: The Original Sustainable Fabric Supima v. Egyptian Cotton