The London-based social enterprise CottonConnect has today published its first Impact Report, showcasing how its programmes are creating more sustainable supply chains to drive positive impact on the environment, climate, and livelihoods.
The Impact Report 2022 highlights the results of programmes in the cotton production year 2021-22, including the REEL Cotton Programme, Organic Cotton Farmer Training Programme, Women in Cotton, and Health and Safety for Gins.
The REEL Cotton Programme, takin data aggregated from all programmes in 2021-22, increased profit for REEL Cotton farmers by 18.1% with a 6.6% increase in yield and an 11.4% reduction in input costs compared with control farmers.
The sustainable agricultural practices that the REEL Cotton farmer drives also reduced negative impacts of cotton farming on the environment. Chemical use, for instance, was reduced by 16.6%, chemical fertiliser use was reduced by 20.4%, and water use was reduced by 11.4%, compared with control farmers.
All the results published in the CottonConnect Impact Report have been second and third-party verified and have been achieved by supporting farmers to adopt the sustainable agricultural practices taught in CottonConnect’s flagship REEL Cotton Programme.
The three-year REEL Cotton Programme is farmer-led, with criteria developed specifically for cotton farmers’ needs.
In addition, to assess how the positive outcomes of the REEL Cotton Programme potentially reduce the impact on the environment, CottonConnect commissioned a Life cycle Assessment study. The results of this study revealed a clear improvement across the majority of indicators for the REEL Cotton programme.
This LCA revealed a 35.9% reduction in greenhouse gasses, a 50.3% reduction in Eutrophication, and a 40.3% reduction in water consumption.
Alison Ward, ceo of CottonConnect, said: “For us, it’s not just about reducing the negative impacts of cotton cultivation on the environment, for example, through reduced water and chemical use. We’re also looking at the positive impact our programmes can have on the environment by improving soil health, biodiversity, and water management.
“We aim to build the resilience of cotton farming communities through gender equality, financial equity, and a just transition. More importantly, involving farmers in decision-making and providing an inspirational future.”
Headquartered in London, CottonConnect has on-the-ground teams around the world helping to improve the sustainability of global textile supply chains and enabling producers and raw material farmers to work more responsibly.
The programme helps brands access more sustainable cotton. CottonConnect has previously partnered and continues to work with fashion brands such as Primark, C&A, and CarreFour.
