5 Loc can deliver traceability metrics, certifications and data to help manufacturers and brands meet their sustainability goals, it said.

It secures a commitment from the farmer for the required quantity at a target price point then establishes the supply chain - spinner, mill and garment maker – or can work with customers’ existing supply chain partners.

Each customer’s cotton is tracked through the process and the certifications and data are gathered. This can be used to benchmark against development goals or they can be shared with customers to provide traceability.

The company said: “Assembling a supply chain is a time-intensive process that involves a lot of players. 

“At one end of the supply chain is the inherent uncertainty of any agricultural product that is dependent on weather. At the other end is the fluid nature of retail demand. 

“Manufacturers need fast and flexible solutions to respond to changes up and down the supply chain. 5 Loc is well-positioned to react to those changes and secure a trusted supply of responsible cotton to meet manufacturers’ demands.”

5 Loc works with farmers who are using sustainable and regenerative practices and their stories can be shared with supply chain partners or end consumers. It has been designed to work with any cotton identity programme or branded cotton, such as Better Cotton Initiative, the US Trust Protocol, e3 and Supima, as well as growers of organic cotton, non-GMO hybrid cotton, transitional cotton and regenerative cotton.

Mr Crossland previously helped to develop the Certified FiberMax traceability programme and managed the e3 Sustainable Cotton Initiative.

Photo by Fred Moreno on Unsplash