Better Cotton Initiative reaches 700 members

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 16, 2016

Not-for-profit organization Better Cotton Initiative ended 2015 on a high note, with the number of its members now reaching 700. The initiative, which was founded five years ago, aims to achieve a more sustainable cotton sector by enabling cooperation between all actors in the industry, from suppliers and manufacturers to retailers and brands.

In 2015, the BCI met its target of 700 members and has now partnerships with 46 retailers and brands. Some of these include H&M, Woolworths, G-Star Raw, Adidas and Tommy Hilfiger, while newcomers include C&A and the United States Fashion Association (USFIA).

“In our sixth year, BCI and Better Cotton have reached a level of maturity that the entire sector can be proud of. We could not have done this without our members. This year, we call on all 700 of you to do your part in transforming the future of cotton, and increasing the uptake of Better Cotton even further,” said Programme Director, Ruchira Joshi.

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2015 marked the fifth consecutive year with a 50% increase in new members. On average, 20 new companies join the organization per month.

Backed by WWF, BCI has developed a sustainable approach to cotton production, which protects its environmental, social and economic factors. The system is expected to be recognized as a mainstream sustainable commodity by 2020, and the initiative aims to have 5 million Better Cotton farmers producing 8.2 million metric tonnes by the end of the term.