Liz Hershfield: New boss of the Cotton Council for sustainable fashion!

Liz Hershfield: New boss of the Cotton Council for sustainable fashion!

Liz Hershfield was appointed the new Executive Director of the Cotton Council International (CCI). She succeeds Bruce Atherley, who retired at the end of March. Hershfield has extensive expertise in sustainability, global procurement, product development and supply chain strategy. These skills are crucial to advance the Cotton USA ™ brand worldwide and to support the US cotton initiatives. Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council of America (NCC), emphasizes the importance of leadership and innovative strategies for the competitive advantage of US cotton.

Hershfield previously worked for well-known brands such as J.Crew, Madewell and GAP Inc. and founded its own consulting company Green-ISH. Her success was recognized by the textile Exchange Ryan Young Climate+ Award and the "The Direct 60" award from The Lead. In her new role, she will promote the "The Cotton USA ™ Difference" and the international partnership in the textile supply chain. The CCI is a non-profit association that supports the export of US cotton worldwide under the Cotton USA ™ brand and can look back on almost 70 years of experience.

sustainability in the fashion industry

The fashion industry is increasingly under pressure to become more sustainable. Consumers require transparency and responsibility for companies because textile production has serious environmental impacts. This includes the high water consumption, especially in cotton production and coloring, as well as the use of pesticides and chemicals that pollute floors and water. Furthermore, the industry contributes to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

The social effects are also alarming: in many production countries there are bad working conditions, low wages, child labor and forced labor are widespread. This applies above all to the health of communities near production facilities. Companies that do not produce sustainably also risk losing market shares while demand for ecologically responsible products is increasing.

trend -setting steps to promote sustainability

In order to master the challenges in textile production, several steps are necessary. The use of sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics should come first. Production processes must be optimized so that energy and water consumption is minimized. Transparent supply chains and certifications according to standards such as GOTS and fair trade are also crucial.

In addition, companies need investments in new technologies and materials to strengthen innovation leadership and competitiveness. Consumers can contribute to the promotion of a responsible production by conscious purchase decisions and support of sustainable brands.

Despite the high price pressure and the complex supply chains, there is a need for a joint effort of companies, governments, NGOs and consumers to make a sustainable future in the fashion industry. Cotton USA and [better sustainable] (https://besser- sustainable.com/nachthalt-textilproduktion-die-zukun-der-mod industries/) open information and approaches to improve in this area.