MEMPHIS – URBN has joined the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, reinforcing its efforts toward responsible sourcing and sustainability in cotton production. The company, which owns a range of consumer brands including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, and Nuuly, is aligning with the Protocol’s mission to promote environmental and social responsibility across the cotton supply chain.
URBN has set a target to source 100 per cent of its cotton from responsible sources by 2027 and aims for 60 per cent of all directly sourced raw materials to meet similar standards within the same timeframe. The company says its participation in the Trust Protocol is a means to increase traceability in its cotton supply and gain visibility into the environmental impacts of its sourcing practices.
Barbara Rozsas, chief sourcing and GTC Officer at URBN, said the company is committed to ensuring the cotton it uses is grown in ways that are environmentally and socially responsible. “At URBN, we are committed towards ensuring the cotton we use is grown in an environmentally and socially responsible manner,” said Rozsas. “We recognise joining the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a positive step in the traceability of our cotton supply chain and visibility to its environmental impact.”
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a voluntary sustainability initiative that provides measurable and verifiable standards for cotton production in the United States. The programme focuses on continuous improvement in areas such as land use, soil carbon, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy use, while also ensuring fibre quality.
“We are pleased to welcome URBN to the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol,” said Daren Abney, executive director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “Their commitment to sustainable sourcing aligns strongly with our mission to promote responsible cotton production practices and continuous improvement. We look forward to working with URBN to achieve their sourcing and tracing goals.”
URBN’s participation in the Trust Protocol builds on its broader sustainability strategy, which includes initiatives focused on circularity, reducing waste, using more sustainable materials, and increasing the use of cleaner energy.
Membership in the Protocol allows the company access to farm-level data and enhanced supply chain traceability, supporting its aim to meet high sustainability standards in its cotton sourcing practices.
