Threading Success through Better Cotton
The Sussan Group is already surpassing expectations for 2024, when it comes to Better Cotton use.
David Nesbitt, Group Ethical Sourcing Manager, says when the Group signed onto the Better Cotton program last year, it had used 1162 metric tonnes of cotton in the 12 months prior.
Better Cotton - formerly the Better Cotton Initiative - is a multi-stakeholder organisation that is working with farmers all over the world to improve the natural environment and their livelihoods. Conventional cotton globally accounts for 220 million tonnes of CO2 every year.
“As part of our commitment and joining, we set a target of 20% for our first year - meaning a target of 232 tonnes of cotton sourced as Better Cotton with BCCU’s in year one. I’m pleased to say we already surpassed this figure in April with the rest of the year to go!,” he says.
It comes as team members, including David, Claire Mellios, Lisa Zammit, Kate Imer and Ellen Benington, attended the annual Australian Cotton Forum on April 30 to learn more about sustainable cotton initiatives.
The team enjoyed meeting farmers and learning about the importance they place on sustainable farming practices, the importance of water supply, differences between irrigated and dryland practices, research and trials into fully circular cotton and brand presentations highlighting shifts in fibre purchasing and sourcing strategies to address sustainability.
Claire says it was encouraging to discuss and learn with other brands about the shared challenges as they all venture into unchartered territory with a new set of rules that are still being written.
“Progress over perfection was one of the key phrases of the day. Australian cotton is world leading – it’s the most sustainable, ethical cotton globally, with the most consistent quality and highest yield per hectare,” she says.
Ellen was made acutely aware of how crucial collaboration is key in sustainability.
“Hearing from the farmers to the retail representatives, it highlighted how much knowledge is power and sharing learnings and data is the only way to improve our sustainability practices,” she says.
Storytelling around the quality of Australian cotton and sustainable farming practices was also highlighted.
Lisa observed that; “How we tell the story of Australian cotton is just as important as using it. “Sustainability is not a competition; we all need to be collaborating and doing our bit”.
All aspects of the industry were represented at the forum, making it a unique and valuable experience for every attendee.
“There are not many events where the entire supply chain is represented, and growers at the beginning of the supply chain are able to connect with retailers at the end of the supply chain,” Claire says.
“There was global representation from brands such as Versace, Stella McCartney, Northface, RM Williams – seeing the interest from the international brands in Australian Cotton reinforces its importance as a preferred fibre in our portfolio.”
Kate says the forum was an incredible opportunity to connect with brand representatives from around the world and discuss what they are doing in this space.