ESG Sustainable Procurement News and Updates
"Organic Cotton" News Archive
Made In Africa: Ethiopia Joins Sustainable Cotton Initatiave
As Africa steps up its sustainable cotton farming through initiatives such as Cotton made in Africa, prominent cotton-producing nations like Ethiopia are joining the eco-bandwagon. Is developing Africa the sustainable cotton leader for 2015?
|March 26th, 2015|9:00 AM
Apparel & Textiles
Material Innovation & Circularity
Gildans Next Generation ESG Strategy: Driving Sustainable Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement for Long-Term Value
Discover how Gildan's Next Generation ESG Strategy drives sustainable innovation and stakeholder engagement for long-term value.
|May 21st, 2025|1:21 PM
GANT’s 2022 Campaign Revolves Around Reused Clothing
GANT joins the trend of garment rental to promote its latest sustainability campaign, along with achieving 100% organic cotton.
|June 8th, 2022|11:23 AM
Better Cotton's Expansion in Côte d’Ivoire Empowers Farmers
Better Cotton is expanding its footprint in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to support 200,000 farmers in the next five years through a strategic partnership with APROCOT-CI, focusing on comprehensive training and resources to boost sustainable cotton yields.
|November 21st, 2023|1:38 PM
Avanti Inc: Setting the Benchmark for Organic Cotton
Avanti produces and sells organic cotton yarn, fabric and items that meet everyday customers' needs. It produces goods of fine quality that end up being worn next to skin, therefore the company understands how important it is to protect the people and the environment.
|March 14th, 2016|6:45 AM
Apparel & Textiles
Manufacturing 4.0
Made in Germany: How Trigema is Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Manufacturing
Discover how Trigema, Germany’s largest sportswear manufacturer, is redefining sustainability with energy-efficient production and responsible sourcing. Learn how legacy brands can integrate ESG principles while maintaining competitiveness.
|March 17th, 2025|4:50 PM
From Food to Fashion: Applying Sustainability Lessons Across Industries
With growing consumer pressure pushing the fashion industry to become more sustainable, some designers are looking to the food industry for inspiration.
|February 28th, 2020|1:43 AM
Circulose: The World’s First Circular Cotton
Circulose is recycled cotton, made better
|November 6th, 2019|8:00 AM
Fibre52 Cotton Technology Receives the Green Light from ZDHC
ZDHC's approval of Fiber52's chemical-free cotton technology signifies a crucial milestone in the textile industry's pursuit of sustainability and greener production methods.
|October 4th, 2023|12:16 PM
7 Principles for Sustainable Cotton: The Better Cotton Initiative
The Better Cotton Standard System, one of the most exciting things in the world of sustainable textiles.
|March 26th, 2020|10:29 AM
Our Community
GOTS Marks its 20th Anniversary with All-Time High in Credited Facilities
Twenty years after its inception, the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres records new all-time high figures: 18 GOTS Approved Certification Bodies report a total of 12,338 certified facilities (+19%) in 79 countries (+11%).
|May 16th, 2022|3:19 PM
Knickeys: How this Brand is Reclaiming the Male Gaze
Knickey CEO Cayla O’Connell on reclaiming the male gaze, representing all female-identifying bodies, and ethical clothing production.
|May 4th, 2022|5:06 PM
GOODEE Added to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2021
MONTREAL, March 9, 2021 /CNW/ - GOODEE, an online marketplace where good design and good purpose intersect, has been named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2021.
|May 18th, 2022|4:26 PM
Apparel & Textiles
Material Innovation & Circularity
Gildans Next Generation ESG Strategy: Driving Sustainable Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement for Long-Term Value
Discover how Gildan's Next Generation ESG Strategy drives sustainable innovation and stakeholder engagement for long-term value.
|May 21st, 2025|1:21 PM
Pact Is Bringing Sustainable Fashion To The Whole Family
Pact offers a broad line of options for everyone in the family with classic styles that cross-generational tastes and meet the criteria of even the most ethically and environmentally conscious consumers.
|August 2nd, 2022|1:58 PM
Explore Popular Categories to Find Sustainable Business Partners

Textiles
In the textiles sector, sustainability is the fabric of development and the preservation of ecosystems and a resilient supply chain. Businesses are mitigating their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices including reducing water in dyeing to circularity, where recycling and waste reduction are put forward. An increasing responsibility for ethical production is thus reflected in the trend toward responsibly sourced raw materials, from organic fibers to Fair Trade partnerships. Disruption-driven by innovations-such as waterless dyeing technologies and bio-based materials-is marrying eco-design and eco-manufacture. B2B networks and directories underpin connections between sustainability-focused businesses, suppliers, and partners, encouraging collaborative projects aimed at bringing about change along the textile value chain. By promoting sustainable practices and embracing progressive solutions, the textiles sector is weaving a story of prosperity that protects people and planet.

Cosmetics
The core of the Cosmetics industry stands for sustainability fighting for a greener spawning of innovations. Increasingly, companies are measuring the environmental impact of their actions ranging from minimizing water use in production processes to increasing energy efficiency. Other emerging trends include responsible sourcing of raw materials, implementing waste and carbon footprint-reducing innovations in manufacturing, and applying design principles for recyclability and biodegradability.
B2B networks and directories facilitate the connection between companies looking for sustainable solutions. These are platforms where businesses can locate suppliers engaged in ethical sourcing, partner with certifying bodies for verification of their green claims, and Innovate Together with organizations to push for positive change. Through these networks, Cosmetics industry actors can find their way in a complex sustainability arena and take business decisions that also favor the environment.

Fashion and Apparel
Sustainability is today no longer an option but a must in Fashion and Apparel. The industry is in a paradigm shift, going down the responsible practices route-from conserving water, energy, and resources. Companies are practicing responsible sourcing, creating new ways of production, and employing design philosophies that are least harmful to the environment. These B2B networks and directories are helping to further this paradigm shift by connecting businesses with suppliers and partners who practice ethical and environmentally mindful practices. With sustainability at the forefront, the Fashion and Apparel industry is not just redesigning its future but also setting an important example for businesses around the world in all industries.
Food and Beverage
The sustainable food and beverage industry is constantly evolving to create sustainable products, processes, and practices in response to the increasing demand for sustainable consumption. Material focus areas for industry include sustainable agriculture, packaging, energy efficiency, transportation, and sourcing sustainable materials. The goal is to reduce waste, improve efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of production. Sustainable food and beverage companies are also working towards circular economic systems by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials, investing in sustainable marketing practices, and sourcing ingredients from ethical and sustainable suppliers.
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## 2. Benefits of Sustainability in the Food and Drink Industry
### A. Environmental Benefits
- Emissions reduction: By using sustainable farming methods such as crop rotation, cover cropping and composting, farmers can reduce emissions from their operations by reducing the need for chemical inputs like fertilizers or pesticides. In addition, sustainable farming practices result in healthier soil that can capture more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to fight climate change.
- Renewable energy sources: The sustainable food and beverage industry also leads to less reliance on non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels for energy-intensive activities like refrigeration or transportation. By utilizing renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power for these processes, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency and sustainability.
- Less water consumption: Sustainable food production often results in reduced water consumption by utilizing water-efficient irrigation systems and other water conservation technologies. Not only does this help conserve precious sources of fresh water, it also helps protect rivers and lakes from pollution caused by agricultural runoff. Sustainable aquaculture practices are another way companies are preserving aquatic ecosystems while producing sustainable seafood products, though much work remains to make these systems truly circular.
- Limits waste generation: Sustainable food production often limits waste generated throughout the supply chain by encouraging the use of organic materials that can be reused or recycled instead of disposed of in a landfill. This reduces the overall amount of waste products that end up in our environment and helps preserve natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
### B. Social Benefits
- Improved access to nutrient-rich foods: Sustainable farming methods often focus on growing a wide variety of plant-based foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients which are critical for healthy diets. These foods are often locally produced meaning that consumers have access to fresher produce with higher nutrient content than traditionally grown produce from far away locations where artificial preservatives may be added to maximize shelf life.
- Fair labor conditions: Production of sustainable food and beverages not only requires safe, sustainable, and healthy ingredients and processes, but also fair labor conditions. Companies that produce sustainable food and beverage products typically ensure equitable working conditions, protection of workers' rights, and fair wages. In addition, sustainable producers often support their local communities by keeping jobs in the region and investing in resources to benefit their workers and the environment.
### C. Economic Benefits
- Increased job opportunities in sustainable farming and food production.
- Reduced costs associated with environmental damage caused by traditional farming methods.
- Higher profits due to increased demand for sustainable products.
- Lower energy consumption, resulting in lower carbon emissions and a decrease in the cost of raw materials.
## 3. Producing Sustainable Food and Drinks
### A. Materials & Inputs:
Increasing common inputs for sustainable food and beverages include:
- Organic or local ingredients such as grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, herbs, and spices.
- Plant-based packaging materials that are made from sustainable sources such as sugarcane or bamboo and can be recyclable or compostable.
- Sustainable packaging materials such as paperboard, glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans or recyclable plastics are increasingly utilized.
- Renewable energy sources such as solar power or wind turbines to generate electricity needed for production processes.
### B. Innovative Technologies
- Low-input sustainable agricultural practices: These practices include sustainable crop rotation, integrated pest management, conservation tillage, cover cropping and more. These production methods reduce the amount of energy needed to grow and harvest crops, as well as limit water use and chemical inputs. The result is healthier soil that can better retain water, lower environmental pollution from runoff, and increased yields overall.
- Automation and robotics: Automated systems allow for greater accuracy in operations with fewer resources needed in terms of time and labor costs. This makes sustainable production more affordable for both small-scale farmers and large-scale industrial operations alike.
## 4. Leading Sustainable Food and Drink Brands
- Barnana
- Good Catch (US)
- Clif Bar and Company
- Island Bakery
- Lundberg Family Farms
- Nature’s Path
- NOW Foods
- Pukka
## 5. Sustainable Food and Drinks Standards
- USDA ORGANIC
- FAIRTRADE INTERNATIONAL
- SOIL ASSOCIATION
- THE NON-GMO PROJECT
- ACO CERTIFICATION LTD
- NATURLAND
- WORLD FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION (WFTO)
- FAIR TRADE USA
- AMAGGI RESPONSIBLE SOY STANDARD
- ACCREDITED FISH FARM SCHEME
- EUROPEAN VEGETARIAN UNION
- ORGANIC FARMERS AND GROWERS
- BIOFORUM

Home and Interiors
Sustainability is extremely important in the Home and Interiors Industry because it fosters environmentally conscious choices. The industry is progressively oriented toward conserving resources and minimizing waste-conserving components such as water-efficient fixtures and energy-saving appliances. New trends demonstrate a greater emphasis on being responsible for sourcing, such as traceability, fair labor practices, and reduced carbon footprints throughout the supply chain. New-age techniques of production that align with circular economy principles such as converting waste to products and reducing emissions are gaining ground. Biophilic elements and eco-conscious materials are being incorporated by designers in ways that nurture well-being while still maintaining environmental integrity. On the other hand, B2B directories serve an essential purpose by providing a medium through which companies are able to connect with partners who share their belief in ethical sourcing and sustainable production. Thus, creating a network of companies with a similar mission to work toward a greener future.

Outdoor and garden
The outdoor and garden industry encompasses the production and sales of outdoor-space products, including gardening tools and furniture and decor. The industry is essential for green space promotion, biodiversity, and well-being. Some major sustainability trends include using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and water conservation practices. Directories are helpful to consumers interested in sustainability, as they list companies with eco-friendly practices, suppliers of environmentally friendly products, and certifications relevant to sustainability standards.