Anvil Knitwear Becomes First US-based Company to Join Cotton made in Africa Initiative

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anvil Knitwear, a leading apparel brand, has become the first US-based apparel manufacturer to join the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative. The CmiA initiative is a public-private partnership project to promote sales of sustainably grown cotton from Africa, overseen by the Aid by Trade Foundation, an organization that aims to reduce poverty and promote economic development through market-based incentives.  CmiA is yet another Anvil partnership that aligns with the company's social and environmental priorities, as well as the company's evolving sustainable fiber strategy.

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Anthony Corsano, CEO of Anvil Knitwear in New York commented on the new partnership's alignment with Anvil's social and environmental priorities and its evolving sustainable fiber strategy: "Cotton made in Africa is another source of sustainable fiber for Anvil. It is rain fed, utilizes principles of soil conservation and reduced pesticides, and incorporates important ILO labor principles. We also hope our purchases help African cotton farmers improve their living standards."

Currently, CmiA works in five African countries to help local people help themselves through trade via two initiatives. One supports cotton farmers on-site with training and social projects; the other, continues to build its Demand Alliance of international textile companies that take up sustainably produced cotton and process it further for the global market. CmiA partners include the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German DEG [investment and development agency], WWF and German Agro Action, as well as over twenty major textile companies.  

Anvil Knitwear is a leading manufacturer of innovative, high-quality, apparel and accessories and the largest consumer of U.S. organic cotton.  With a proven record in engaging in responsible business practices, Anvil has recently partnered with nonprofit organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, TED, Earth Day Network and the Coalition for Rainforest Nations. Most recently, Anvil launched Shirt Scan™, a new phone app which incorporates product traceability along with multi-media content for its customers.

About Anvil Knitwear:

Anvil Knitwear, Inc., a century old apparel brand, is a leader in the sustainable apparel industry with its AnvilOrganic® and AnvilSustainable™ brands. Anvil's Eco Collection offers 17 affordable styles made from a variety of fibers such as certified organic cotton, transitional cotton, recycled cotton, and recycled PET bottles and blends in addition to its over 70 traditional styles.  For more information, please visit www.anvilknitwear.com, www.anvilcsr.com , www.shirtscan.com and www.trackmyt.com.

SOURCE Anvil Knitwear