Better Cotton Initiative Marks First Year with Over 3,000 Certified Partners, Signaling Shift in Textile Supply Chains
One year after launching its independent certification system, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) reports a significant milestone: over 3,000 supply chain actors worldwide are now officially certified. The figure underscores a rapid uptake of the standard since its formal introduction in February 2025, positioning BCI as a growing force in the push for more transparent and responsible cotton production.
As of January 2026, all entities sourcing Physical BCI Cotton have obtained the necessary certification. At the foundational farm level, more than 30% of farms and producer units supplying BCI Cotton have passed audits with favorable results. To manage this scale, BCI engaged over 50 independent certification bodies to conduct assessments across continents.
"The engagement we've witnessed isn't just about compliance; it's a fundamental shift in mindset," said Tom Owen, BCI's Head of Certification. "From fields to fashion retailers, there's a mounting realization that robust certification is no longer optional—it's integral to future-proofing businesses and meeting stakeholder demands for sustainability."
The certification grants participants the right to use the new BCI Cotton Label on products containing more than 30% Physical BCI Cotton. The initiative's credibility received a further boost with ISO17065 compliance recognition from bodies like the International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS), which will now oversee the accreditation of all certifiers within the BCI system.
"Our partnership with BCI extends beyond environmental metrics," noted Lauren Carlyle, Executive Director at IOAS. "It's equally focused on social equity, safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of cotton farmers and workers worldwide."
Major international players, including Australian retailer Big W and U.S. cotton marketing cooperative Staplcotn, are among the early adopters. Shane Stephens, Vice President of Cotton Services and Warehousing at Staplcotn, highlighted the market-driven nature of the change: "BCI Certification directly addresses modern procurement mandates. It provides the assurance brands and consumers now actively seek."
This development builds on BCI's announcement in late 2025 that over half of its cotton volumes are now traceable within global fashion supply chains, suggesting that transparency and certification are becoming increasingly intertwined.
Industry Voices: A Mixed Reaction
Michael Chen, Supply Chain Analyst at GreenTextile Insights: "The 3,000-certification mark is a strong start. It demonstrates scalability. The real test will be depth—ensuring continuous improvement on the ground, not just a one-time audit."
Priya Sharma, Sustainability Manager for a major European apparel brand: "This simplifies our sourcing. Having a critical mass of certified operators means we can integrate BCI cotton into more product lines with greater efficiency. It's a practical step forward."
David Kroger, Founder of 'Fashion Truth' advocacy blog: "Another corporate-led scheme patting itself on the back. Three thousand certificates in a multi-trillion dollar industry is a drop in the ocean. Where's the data on actual pesticide reduction or wage increases? This feels more like 'sustainability-washing' than systemic change."
Anya Petrova, Smallholder Cotton Farmer Representative (West Africa): "The promise of market access is welcome, but certification costs remain a burden. The initiative must ensure support and fair pricing reach the farmers at the very start of the chain, not just the large intermediaries."
This report is based on information initially published by Just Style. The content is for general informational purposes only.