Cotton production and global demand have significantly changed since we first manufactured gabardine. Today, conventional cotton farming can have significant environmental and social impacts due to the amount of water, fertilisers and pesticides used in cultivation, as well as the energy-intensive processes of spinning, weaving and dyeing cotton.
100% of our cotton is procured more sustainably using a portfolio approach and in 2021, we formalised our ambition around organic cotton, with a target to source 100% certified organic cotton by 2025. Over 100% of our cotton was sourced more sustainably in FY 2021/22*. This compares to 78% in the prior year*. Certified organic cotton is traced through the supply chain and has many environmental and social benefits, promoting soil health, supporting biodiversity and safeguarding farmers.
In addition, we support Cotton 2040, a cross-industry partnership convened by Forum for the Future to address long-term resilience in cotton supply chains.
* Where cotton is the product's main material