Cotton Sourcing

At NextFriday, we are committed to setting the tone in the use of sustainable, harnessing higher standards for the methods our suppliers use and the products we deliver to our customers.

This commitment underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability within the cotton industry. Our approach to sustainable cotton farming is multifaceted, focusing on innovative agricultural practices, rigorous supplier standards, and the ultimate goal of producing top-tier sustainable cotton products.

Our commitment begins with ensuring our supplies advocate for and implementing state-of-the-art sustainable farming techniques. We require our suppliers to employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. By reducing reliance on harmful chemical pesticides and promoting natural pest control methods, we ensure minimal environmental impact and enhance the quality of our cotton products.

Additionally, we champion the use of organic farming practices, insisting on cotton that is grown with minimal use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This not only supports biodiversity but also produces cleaner, greener cotton fibers that meet our high-quality standards.

We also place a strong emphasis on efficient water management practices, recognizing the significant water demands of traditional cotton farming. Techniques like drip irrigation are a must for our suppliers, ensuring water is used judiciously—directly at the plant roots—thereby reducing wastage and preserving this vital resource.

We hold our suppliers to stringent standards, requiring them to adopt these sustainable practices and demonstrate their commitment through continuous improvement and compliance with our sustainability criteria.  This includes rigorous certification processes to ensure their practices meet our expectations for environmental care, worker safety, and product quality. 

The reason we use US farms is the standard of work globally is lower elsewhere.  By fostering close relationships with our suppliers, we ensure that every part of our supply chain reflects our values and commitment to sustainability.

On the social front, reducing chemical use decreases health risks to farmworkers, aligning with our commitment to human rights and safe working conditions. Improved soil health ensures the long-term viability of farms, supporting communities and securing a sustainable future for the cotton industry.

Our dedication to sustainable cotton farming is integral to our business ethos. We believe that by setting high standards and leading by example, we can make a significant impact on the cotton industry, creating products that are not only superior in quality but also kinder to the planet and its people. As we move forward, we will continue to innovate, uphold our stringent standards, and work collaboratively with our suppliers to ensure that our products are truly sustainable, from seed to store.

The cotton used in our T-Shirts is a high quality grade, and while cottton is traded as a comodity we try where possible to sourse from the following organisations, that reflect our values for sourcing.

Calcot, Ltd: Calcot is active in promoting more sustainable practices among its member growers. The cooperative emphasizes the use of modern, efficient techniques that minimize water and chemical use, thereby reducing the overall environmental footprint of its cotton production. Calcot also supports the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), which focuses on improving global cotton production for both farmers and the environment.

Louis Dreyfus Company: This company has a strong focus on sustainability across its commodity range, including cotton. Louis Dreyfus is involved in several sustainability programs and partnerships, such as BCI, which aim to improve the sustainability of cotton farming practices around the world. The company emphasizes responsible sourcing and aims to increase its procurement of sustainable cotton.

In the US our cotton can be farmed in any of the following states:

Texas: Texas is the largest cotton-producing state in the U.S., contributing significantly to both the national and global cotton markets. The High Plains region, along with the Rolling Plains and the Blackland Prairies, are particularly notable for their extensive cotton production.

Georgia: As the second-largest producer, Georgia plays a crucial role, particularly in the Upland cotton sector. The state benefits from a long growing season and typically produces high-quality cotton.

Mississippi: This state is known for its fertile soil and has a strong historical association with cotton cultivation. Cotton remains a staple of Mississippi's agricultural output.

Arkansas: Arkansas’s cotton production is centered in the eastern part of the state, which has rich, alluvial soils ideal for cotton farming.

California: Distinguished by its Pima cotton production, California grows some of the highest quality cotton in the world. The San Joaquin Valley is the primary region for cotton cultivation in the state

We hope you find this information useful.