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Who We Are Cotton Incorporated is the research and marketing company for U.S. cotton growers and importers. Established in 1970 as a not-for-profit company, its mission is to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. The company meets this straightforward mission by identifying efficiency and best practice opportunities along each link of the global cotton supply chain, and through global marketing efforts aimed at consumer and trade audiences. As a company dedicated to providing research and intelligence to the global cotton industry, Cotton Incorporated has offices in strategic textile centers around the world: Hong Kong, Mexico City, New York, Osaka and Shanghai, with the World Headquarters based in Cary, North Carolina. The Cary facility is a state-of-the-art research center that performs or oversees the development of innovations in agricultural practices, fiber processing and analyses, textile chemistry, spinning, weaving, and fabric engineering; and provides in-depth crop, market and consumer marketing analyses to stakeholders. The company also creates and disseminates seasonal surface and color trend directions, and is aggressively researching commercial product uses for the entire cotton plant. To Learn More Cotton Incorporated 6399 Weston Parkway Cary, NC (919) 678-2200 www.cottonworks.com W hen it comes to fabric, cotton has been a longtime fan favorite among designers, textile manufacturers and consumers alike. Known for its comfort, versatility, and durability, cotton can also be a great pick for the environmentally conscious. Among the oldest fibers in the world, cotton remains one of the most natural and sustainable fibers available – featuring a circular lifecycle that could take cotton plants from the farm right back to the earth 1 aer fibers have reached the end of their product life. Once cotton is grown, harvested, and manufactured into a variety of products, it can then take a circular journey unique to the product type – reused, recycled 2 , and/or returned to the earth 1 to complete its life – which means it may not have to take up space in a landfill. "Consumers are starting to think more seriously about their purchasing decisions and the impact they have on the environment," explains Mark Messura, senior vice president of global supply chain marketing for Cotton Incorporated. "Cotton can meet not only consumers' needs, but allow retailers, brands, and manufacturers, the capability to provide a natural fiber alternative. With its circular lifecycle, cotton can be a sustainable fiber that offers exceptional performance while supporting a healthier planet." Tending the Earth, Growing a Fiber e cotton industry continues to focus on innovative solutions to reduce its impact on the environment. Over the past 35 years, U.S. cotton growers have led this effort through research and better farming practices to more efficiently 3 utilize our natural resources. "U.S. cotton producers and industry organizations continue to set and achieve new environmental targets, push the frontier of sustainability and lead the worldwide effort in responsible cotton production," explains Dr. Jesse Daystar, vice president and chief sustainability officer for Cotton Incorporated. "From targets that increase soil carbon and land use efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, soil loss per acre, and decrease water and energy use, the sustainability and circularity of cotton can make it an ideal choice as we face sustainability challenges." As part of the U.S. cotton industry's 10-year goals, cotton's production process continues to evolve in a positive direction 3 through innovation in technologies, management systems, and conservation. e U.S. cotton industry is committed to the sharing of best practices and leading the way for production systems around the world. Putting the Whole Plant to Use When it comes to the cotton plant itself, it's unlike many other crops in that the entire plant – seed, fiber, and plant parts – is usable. For example, cottonseed is used to make edible oil as well as feed for dairy cows. Farmers SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION From Farm to Earth Cotton's Sustainable, Circular Lifecycle 24 • Textile Insight ~ September/October 2020 textileinsight.com