The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a global not-for-profit organisation and the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. BCI exists 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.
Principles and Criteria
The Better Cotton Principles and Criteria lay out the global definition of Better Cotton, by upholding the following seven principles:
- BCI Farmers minimise the harmful impact of crop protection practices
- BCI Farmers promote water stewardship
- BCI Farmers care for the health of the soil
- BCI Farmers enhance biodiversity and use land responsibly
- BCI Farmers care for and preserve fibre quality
- BCI Farmers promote decent work
- BCI Farmers operate an effective management system
What is the Better Cotton Standard?
BCI manages the farm-level implementation of the Better Cotton Standard, a holistic approach to more sustainable cotton production. Licensed BCI Farmers produce cotton in a way that cares for the environment, minimising the negative effects of fertilisers and pesticides, and caring for water, soil health and natural habitats. This is what we refer to as ‘Better Cotton’. BCI Farmers also commit to decent work principles – conditions that support workers’ safety and wellbeing. The Better Cotton Standard is not applicable to the cotton supply chain.
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