Delta Apparel, Inc. (PPAI 188431, S9) headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, has joined the Cotton LEADS, which seeks to raise awareness of sustainable and responsible cotton growing practices, and to keep member partners informed about the leading efforts in reducing the environmental impact of cotton production.

“Quality products start with quality ingredients,” says Deb Merrill, president of Delta Group and CFO of Delta Apparel, Inc. “For Delta Apparel, quality has to also include a sustainability component. We are proud to support the work that cotton farmers are doing and to utilize their fiber across our brand portfolio, including Salt Life, COAST, Soffe and Delta. We take great pride in the efficiency throughout our supply chain and managing sustainable cotton resources without adding costs.”

The Cotton LEADS program is a joint effort of the Australian and U.S. cotton industries, and was founded by Cotton Australia, the Australian Cotton Shippers Association, the Cotton Foundation, the National Cotton Council of America, Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated. Currently, the Cotton LEADS program has more than 600 partner companies around the world.

“Delta Apparel has been a good customer of U.S. cotton for many years,” says Jennifer Lukowiak, director of supply chain marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “By joining Cotton LEADS, they underscore their commitment to sustainability and to the role U.S. cotton plays in fulfilling it.”