The Australian Cotton Industry has released the 2023 Sustainability Update. This report offers a detailed view of our environmental performance and achievements, providing valuable insights for growers and industry stakeholders.

Key Findings:

• Water Efficiency: We’ve achieved a 50% reduction in water use per bale of cotton compared to 1997. During extreme weather conditions, this figure adjusts to approximately 40%.

• Herbicide Impact: Although the annual hazard to algae has risen due to increased weed pressures and evolving herbicide practices, the long-term trend shows a 60% decrease since 2004.

• Workplace Safety: There has been a slight decrease in fatalities, yet serious injuries have risen. New research suggests that misinformation about cotton production may be impacting grower wellbeing.

• Productivity Gains: From 1994 to 2023, the area planted with cotton has expanded by 19%, and the amount of cotton harvested has surged by 94%, demonstrating notable gains in productivity and water use efficiency.

To meet the evolving requirements of our supply chain, brands, and retailers in our 2023 report we’ve integrated new reporting measures. This includes comprehensive details on dependencies, impacts, and various risks and opportunities.

By adopting these new standards, we clearly communicate our environmental performance and meet the needs of our customers and stakeholders. This transparency supports better decision-making and risk management, helping us stay in line with industry standards and maintain access to premium markets.

Read the Full Report, Two-page Summary or download the Excel Data pack.