Carhartt, Inc. Joins U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol As Part Of Its Strategy To Source More Responsibly Grown Cotton

Carhartt website graphic

MEMPHIS, TENN (June 25, 2024) – The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has today announced that Carhartt, Inc. is the latest brand to join its sustainable cotton program. Carhartt, known for producing durable gear designed to serve and protect all hardworking people for more than 135 years, has chosen to join the Trust Protocol as part of its strategy to source more responsibly grown cotton.  

“We pride ourselves on a history of manufacturing gear that is built to last from day one with the best and most durable materials available,” said Gretchen R. Valade, Director of Sustainability at Carhartt. “Becoming a member of the Trust Protocol enables us to continue our exploration into more responsibly sourced materials, which is the next step in our mission to leave a better world for the next generation of hardworking people.” 

Carhartt’s Membership in the Trust Protocol will also provide transparency as the company works to gain greater insight into their supply chain by allowing full traceability of the U.S. cotton in their gear.  

“Continuous improvement is a key part of our philosophy, which is why we’re eager to help our members work towards greater sustainability by providing measurable and verifiable farm-level data, as well as traceability of the U.S. cotton they are sourcing,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the Trust Protocol. “We’re thrilled that we can support Carhartt on their own continuous improvement journey towards sourcing more sustainable cotton.” 

The Trust Protocol is recognized by Textile Exchange and Forum for the Future, and part of the Cascale, Textile Exchange’s 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge, Cotton 2040, and Cotton Up initiatives. It has also been published in the International Trade Centre Standards Map, recognized as a standard for sustainable cotton by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, approved as a standard for sustainable cotton by German Federal Government, and confirmed as an ISEAL Community Member. 
 
To learn more about The Trust Protocol, visit TrustUSCotton.org. 

– END –

About the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol   

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is the voluntary sustainability program for U.S. cotton growers and traceability platform for all U.S. Cotton. It is the only system that provides quantifiable, verifiable goals and measurement and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability metrics – land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy efficiency. It is also the world’s first sustainable cotton fiber program to offer article-level supply chain transparency to all members.   

The Trust Protocol is also proud to lead the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton Program, a 5-year, collaborative initiative that presents a transformative opportunity for cotton growers to enhance their profitability, operations, and environmental stewardship, all while contributing to the long-term viability of the U.S. cotton industry.   

ABOUT CARHARTT Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with approximately 3,000 employees worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com 

 Media Contact:  
Andrea Miles  
Andrea.Miles@hillandknowlton.com 
+1 (213) 300-1507  

Visit us online at: TrustUSCotton.org  

Follow us at:   
https://twitter.com/trustuscotton   
https://www.facebook.com/trustuscotton/   
https://www.instagram.com/trustuscotton/   
https://www.linkedin.com/company/responsibleuscotton/   

  

News & Events

A collective of news and updates, expert insights, upcoming events and our latest reports.   

Brands & RetailersFeaturedNews

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Announces Enhanced Membership Structure

FeaturedGrowersNews

Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Climbs for Fifth Straight Year

AnnouncementsGrowersNews

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Growers Can Now Apply for the Level 2 Climate Smart Cotton Program 

Search

Deepika Mishra

Standards and Data Lead (consultant)

Deepika Mishra is the Standards and Data Lead for the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, acting as a consultant for the program. As an accomplished scientist and data analytics specialist, Deepika leads on analysis of the Trust Protocol’s environmental metrics. She collaborates extensively with agricultural research institutions, conservation groups, and food and trade organizations, playing a vital role in the establishment of sustainability and social standards within the industry.

Deepika earned her Ph.D. in plant and soil science from Texas Tech University, specializing in cotton breeding and genetics. With over a decade of experience, she has spearheaded diverse agricultural projects in both India and the United States, covering crops like cotton, cowpeas, castor, sesame, guar, guayule, tomato, and field pennycress (cover crop). Her contributions also include the development and release of multiple cowpea varieties in India during her M.S. studies in vegetable breeding and genetics.