Ralph Lauren Corporation, an iconic global luxury brand, is now member of The US Cotton Trust Protocol (‘Trust Protocol’). This membership will support Ralph Lauren in its efforts to scale sustainable practices in US cotton production.
Aligned with timeless by design, Ralph Lauren is working to improve soil health through programmes that support regenerative agriculture practices and rigorous impact measurement, believing that these efforts are fundamental to building a resilient cotton industry in the US and globally.
Launched in 2020, the US Cotton Trust Protocol is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognised by Textile Exchange and Forum for the Future, and part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cotton 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge, Cotton 2040 and Cotton Up initiatives.
The Trust Protocol drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability areas—land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. The Trust Protocol integrates these sustainability metrics from Field to Market’s Fieldprint® Platform, enabling enrolled growers to measure the environmental impacts of their operation and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Katie Ioanilli, Chief Global Impact & Communications Officer at Ralph Lauren said, “Cotton makes up more than three-quarters of our total material use, and we are committed to ensuring this critical fibre is fully sustainably-sourced in our portfolio by 2025. Our ambition requires collaboration and partnership with organisations like Trust Protocol as we work together to make progress on sustainable cotton goals – within our business and the wider industry.”
“We are proud to welcome Ralph Lauren as a new member and aid in their efforts to advance better sustainability practices within the industry,” said Dr. Gary Adams, President of the US Cotton Trust Protocol.
He further added, “Ralph Lauren’s Timeless by Design strategy emphasises the importance of respecting the planet and adopting science-based practices that help protect natural resources, both of which are key pillars of the Trust Protocol. The programme was designed to enable improvements in soil health and better management of natural resources by supporting the transition to more sustainable and responsible techniques.”