Cotton
Find out more about our approach to sourcing more sustainable cotton
Establishing and maintaining clear minimum sourcing standards
- Reducing water use;
- Reducing the dependency on pesticides and synthetic fertilisers;
- Improving social conditions for farmers; and
- Supporting the economic sustainability of farmers
Better Cotton Initiative | The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) aims to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future. BCI takes a mass-balance approach and end product ultimately may not physically contain BCI cotton. A minimum of 50% of the product composition is required for Plan A Product Attribute purposes. |
Fairtrade Certified | Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Premiums paid go to a communal fund for workers and farmers to use for the benefit of their farms and communities. Suppliers must follow the full chain of custody requirements for Fairtrade certification, including audits where necessary. |
Organic Cotton | Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. Any product claiming organic status must meet our Organic Fibre Policy (e.g. meet legal standards for organic fibres and supported by correct documentation and certificates). A minimum of 50% of the product composition is required for Plan A Product Attribute purposes. |
Recycled Cotton | Using reused or recycled cotton in lieu of virgin fibre can improve the sustainability performance of the product. We aspire to use post-consumer waste (e.g. used garments) but post industrial waste (mill waste and noils) are acceptable as an alternative. A minimum of 25% of the product composition which meets our Recycled Textiles Policy (e.g. supported by certification to a recognised recycling standard – namely the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or SCS Recycled Content Standard) is required for Plan A Product Attribute purposes. |
Supporting market transformation through working with industry partners, standard setting organisations and other stakeholders
- Demonstrating the inherent benefits of Better Cotton production, particularly the financial profitability for farmers;
- Reducing the impact of water and pesticide use on human and environmental health;
- Improving soil health and biodiversity;
- Promoting decent working conditions for farming communities and cotton farm workers;
- Facilitating global knowledge exchange on more sustainable cotton production; and
- Increasing the traceability along the cotton supply chain.
- Buyer and Investor Committee – charged with linking supply and demand and proposing new strategic initiatives; and
- Field Innovation and Impact Committee – tasked with running the annual application process and seeking out new approaches to more effective and efficient implementation.
- Building demand for more sustainable cotton: enabling an increased demand for sustainable cotton within the fashion and apparel industry.
- Closing the loop on cotton: scaling up cotton recycling and circularity.
- Traceability: building greater visibility and transparency throughout the cotton value chain and across standards.
- Upskilling for resilience: creating a cross-industry forum to build resilience among smallholder cotton farmers in a changing world.
Supporting programmes which enhance the lives of people and communities