Better Cotton Initiative, also known as BCI, is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 that aims to improve sustainability in cotton production. It is an initiative that seeks to transform the global cotton industry by promoting more responsible agricultural practices, both environmentally and socially. With a presence in more than 20 countries, BCI works directly with millions of farmers, teaching them more sustainable cultivation techniques, helping them reduce the use of pesticides, optimize water consumption and improve the quality of life of workers in the sector.

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Importance of sustainable cotton in the textile industry

The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world, and conventional cotton, which is the most widely used fibre globally, has a considerable environmental impact. Why? Because cotton production requires large amounts of water, pesticides and fertilisers, which affect biodiversity and the surrounding ecosystems.

This means that choosing sustainable cotton not only benefits the planet, but also promotes fair trade, supported by brands that are committed to sustainability and ethics.

What is it used for?

BCI cotton has a wide range of applications in various, but is mainly used for:

Fashion clothing and basic garments

It is ideal for making clothing items such as T-shirts, trousers, dresses, shirts, bedding and underwear. Thanks to its softness, breathability and durability, it is one of the most popular options for many fashion brands looking to integrate sustainability into their collections.

Home Products

It is also used in the creation of decorative products, such as sheets, towels, curtains and pillowcases. Its comfort and softness make it perfect for items that come into direct contact with the skin.

Accessories and complements

BCI cotton is also used to a greater or lesser extent in the manufacture of bags, backpacks, hats and other accessories as an alternative to synthetic materials.

Benefits of BCI

BCI cotton offers numerous benefits for both the environment and the people involved in its cultivation and production:

Reducing environmental impact

Chief among these advantages is the significant reduction in water consumption and pesticide use in cultivation. The sustainable agricultural practices promoted by BCI help conserve water resources and minimize the use of harmful chemicals that affect both the environment and human health.

Better working conditions

The BCI initiative works closely with producers to ensure that labour rights are respected and the quality of life of cotton workers is improved. This includes access to decent working conditions, fair wages and a safe working environment.

Promoting biodiversity

The sustainable practices promoted by BCI help protect biodiversity and reduce the negative impact of cotton farming on local ecosystems. What does this mean? It contributes to the preservation of fauna and flora and ensures a healthier environment for future generations.

Traceability and transparency

As we briefly mentioned in the previous section, BCI cotton allows traceability throughout the entire supply chain. You as a consumer, when purchasing a product made with BCI cotton, can be sure that the products you purchase meet the standards set by the initiative.

Promoting responsible agricultural practices

By educating farmers and encouraging knowledge sharing on sustainable farming practices, BCI helps cotton producers adopt more responsible techniques. This includes improving soil quality, reducing erosion and implementing truly efficient cultivation strategies.

Differences between BCI cotton and conventional cotton

While the cotton we are used to and BCI cotton are essentially “the same”, they are produced very differently:

Sustainable agricultural practices

• BCI Cotton : Promotes responsible and sustainable agricultural practices, including efficient use of water, reduced use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and the implementation of techniques to conserve biodiversity.

• Conventional cotton : Relies on large amounts of water, pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which often have negative effects on human health and the environment.

Working conditions

• BCI Cotton : Seeks to ensure that cotton farmers and workers enjoy decent working conditions, with fair wages and job security.

• Conventional cotton : Often associated with precarious labor practices, especially in countries with weak labor regulations.

Impact on the environment

• BCI Cotton : Reduced impact on the environment, helps preserve local biodiversity and improves ecosystem health.

• Conventional cotton : It usually has adverse effects on the environment, due to the high demand for resources such as water and the dependence on pesticides and herbicides.

Traceability

• BCI Cotton : Every batch of BCI cotton can be traced throughout the entire supply chain.

• Conventional cotton : In many cases, conventional cotton does not have the same traceability and it is not possible to know exactly where it comes from or how it was grown.

How does the Better Cotton Initiative certification work?

Better Cotton Initiative certification is achieved through a multi-stage process:

• Adoption of sustainable standards : Farmers participating in the initiative must follow a set of standards, such as efficient water management, pesticide reduction and sustainable soil management.

• Training and education for producers : Once producers commit to the initiative, the initiative provides them with training and technical support to help them adopt more sustainable practices.

• Audits and monitoring : To ensure that BCI standards are met, regular audits and continuous monitoring are carried out on the plantations. This ensures that farmers and producers maintain high levels of sustainability and social responsibility.

• Compliance verification : At the end of the process, cotton that meets the initiative's requirements receives the Better Cotton Initiative certification seal, which guarantees its sustainable origin.

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How to identify BCI cotton certified products?

The clearest method of identifying products containing BCI cotton is the seal that we briefly mentioned as the last stage of the certification process. Other ways of identifying that a product is made with BCI cotton are:

Product labels and descriptions

Many retailers and brands disclose the origin of their materials on product labels or in their online store descriptions. If a product is made with BCI cotton, the brand will highlight this to attract environmentally conscious consumers.

Check with the retailer or manufacturer

If you don't find the seal on a product, don't hesitate to ask the retailer or manufacturer directly about the origin of the cotton used. Brands committed to sustainability will be willing to provide you with this information.

Where to buy products with BCI cotton?

More and more brands are joining the Better Cotton Initiative, recognising the importance of a more sustainable future for the textile industry. Today, you can find products with BCI cotton in a wide variety of popular chain clothing stores.

The ideal is to choose brands that are strongly committed to promoting a sustainable and ethical textile industry. At Clotsy we work with materials that are respectful of our planet and your skin. We design each garment so that you can use it for a long time and we work with national workshops to promote and help national production. Take a look at our collections of: barefoot shoes , sustainable sportswear , sustainable underwear and sustainable women's clothing .

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing products made with BCI cotton is a simple way to contribute to sustainability and fair trade. By choosing this type of cotton, you support responsible production, environmental protection and better working conditions for the people involved in the production of this material.