
Growing
Good
Sustainable cotton sourcing for a sustainable future
Cotton LEADSSM is a program born out of partnership between the Australian and U.S. cotton industries. The goal: engage and connect businesses across the global supply chain with the leading efforts in sustainable cotton sourcing and production.
We connect textile manufacturers, brands and retailers with opportunities to support our cotton growers’ sustainability efforts and to share data, resources and technologies globally for the benefit of improving cotton around the world. By supporting research and best practices through the Cotton LEADS program, companies help expand the global supply of sustainably produced cotton.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance sustainable cotton sourcing and production. Through the Cotton LEADS program, this can be done without adding costs and complexity to downstream users in the supply chain. We promote research and practices that weave sustainability into all aspects of sustainable cotton sourcing and production. We share resources and best practices to improve cotton production worldwide.
This approach is an effective way to drive large-scale, continuous improvements that are accessible to the greatest number of cotton growers and downstream businesses.
Our Guiding Principles
Commitment
To sustainably balance social, economic, and environmental factors
Recognition
That we must continue to improve, invest, research and implement best practices
Understanding
That working at a national level drives large-scale improvements
Belief
In working cooperatively to advance sustainable cotton sourcing and production
Confidence
In transparent and traceable cotton identification systems
Committed to sustainability
When you choose the Cotton LEADS supply of cotton from the United States or Australia, you can have confidence your raw material is sustainably produced, whether it’s upland or pima, conventionally or organically grown.
Learn more about the regulatory environments in which these cotton growers operate and how they’re tackling environmental challenges.
Regulation and Compliance
Cotton from the two Cotton LEADS countries is grown with robust government and industry oversight, ensuring that worker, consumer and environmental safety is prioritized during production.
Learn more about Australia Learn more about the U.S.Impact Areas
Through a variety of innovative practices, new technologies and everyday dedication, researchers and cotton growers are addressing key environmental issues that face the cotton industry.
Learn moreTransparency
We support life cycle assessments, reliable traceability systems and third-party measurement and verification – so you can be confident in choosing sustainably sourced cotton.
Learn more