Better Cotton launches new on-product labelling for consumers

Better Cotton is introducing new on-product labelling in stores to certify to consumers the proportion of BCI cotton contained in each item and will adopt the name ‘BCI Cotton.’

Since its launch sixteen years ago, BCI has built a network of 1.4 million approved cotton growers worldwide, supported in exchange for their commitment to follow certain environmentally responsible practices (reducing the use of water, fertilisers, and pesticides) and social practices (combating forced and child labour).

BCI’s new labelling aims to highlight this CSR positioning to end consumers. The label is designed to ensure that the farms, suppliers, retailers, and brands involved have been certified to Better Cotton standards by a third-party organisation.

“At a time when sustainability claims are coming under increasing scrutiny, when global business pressures and environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities are evolving, transparency and accountability are more crucial than ever,” said Nick Weatherill, CEO of BCI. “Our new label reaffirms our commitment to both, as part of our mission to generate measurable impact and continuous improvement in sustainability across the cotton sector.”

BCI now claims to account for 23% of global cotton production, up from 22% a year ago, with 5.6 million tonnes produced in fifteen countries over the 2023/24 season.

In 2024, cotton was the world’s second most-produced fibre behind polyester, according to Textile Exchange, with 24.5 million tonnes harvested, down 19%. Some 34% of cotton was certified as sustainable that year, compared with 28% a year earlier.