Better Cotton is not just about meeting a set of standards; it’s about being part of a global movement to improve the cotton industry for people, the environment, and the future of the sector.
At Intertek, we are committed to fostering a more sustainable, transparent, and responsible cotton industry. Better Cotton's principles and requirements aim to drive improvements in the industry for people, the environment, and the future prosperity of the sector more broadly, supporting farmers, suppliers, and the entire cotton supply chain.
The growing demand for supply chain transparency and visibility aids in effective risk management and operational efficiency through improved practices and opens avenues for valuable networking within the global Better Cotton community.
Committing to Better Cotton through its Chain of Custody Certification and Independent Assessment programs offers a plethora of benefits. It not only promotes environmentally friendly practices but also enhances market access and strengthens the reputation of producers, suppliers, and brands by meeting the growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced products.
Intertek's Better Cotton auditing services play a key role for farmers, ginners, merchants, middlemen, traders, mills, manufacturers, sourcing agents, retailers, and brands involved in buying or selling physical Better Cotton or fulfilling Better Cotton Mass Balance orders.
Better Cotton Certification from Third-Party Verification (3PV)
Better Cotton is transitioning from third-party verification (3PV) to a formal certification system. This shift strengthens the credibility of Better Cotton and ensures greater transparency throughout the supply chain and empower consumers for the EU green transition directive to protect consumers from misleading marketing claims and greenwashing:
- Certification audits for brands: Starting April 2025, brands will be eligible to undergo certification audits.
- Certification audits for suppliers and manufacturers: Audits will be available from February 2025 to September 2025.
This transition to certification marks a significant step forward in ensuring supply chain accountability and reinforcing Better Cotton’s commitment to a transparent and sustainable cotton production.
Certification Timeline
Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification
The Chain of Custody certification provides supply chain traceability to maintain the integrity of the Better Cotton claim throughout the entire process, from farm to final product, fostering transparency and confidence among consumers and retailers.
Since October 1, 2023, the new Better Cotton CoC Standard has been in effect, allowing for the tracking of physical Better Cotton throughout global supply chains. This updated standard introduces physical models, such as segregation and controlled blending, alongside BC’s existing mass balance system.
The Chain of Custody program applies to the following supply chain actors: ginners, spinning mills, fabric mills, manufacturers, traders, brands, retailers which are Better Cotton members or not, but are buying or selling physical Better Cotton.
Connecting Supply & Demand: Chain of Custody
bettercotton.org
Maintaining Impartiality and Credibility: Third-Party Certification
bettercotton.org
Our Certification Process
1. Application Submission
The first step to is to fill out our Client Information Form (CIF), to best evaluate your requirements.
2. Commercial Proposal
Then we provide you with a quotation.
3. Contract Signing and Payment
4. Assessment Scheduling
Two weeks prior to the assessment, Intertek will schedule a site audit with the BC client, ensuring the involvement of BC's compliance desk in the process.
5. Assessment and Assessment Follow-Up (if applicable)
Assessment will be done onsite/remotely. In cases where non-conformity is found, a follow-up assessment may be conducted.
6. Report Completion
Auditor completes report and technical review (0-9 days post-assessment)
7. Assessment Results
Assessment reports will be uploaded by Intertek auditor to Better Cotton’s SharePoint site, within 10 days post-assessment.
8. Provide Assessment Results and Certificate of Standard Conformance
The auditor will share the results to BC Client within 4 weeks of the last day of the assessment. If the results are favorable, a Certificate of Standard Conformance will be shared to the client within 3 days.
Measuring Cotton Consumption: Independent Assessment
Beyond verification and traceability, the measurement of cotton consumption involves a conformity assessment, ensuring the reliability and consistency of Retailer and Brand's cotton fiber consumption measurement in alignment with the Better Cotton methodology.
The Independent Assessment requirements have been in effect since January 2024. Retailer and Brand Members (RB Members) are responsible for selecting an Assessor and covering any associated costs.
The RB members are required to select an Independent Assessor from Better Cotton’s Approved Assessors list; internal auditing teams or organizations not included in the list cannot complete the assessment.
An Independent Assessment is required every three years, with the deadline determined by the date the first Outcome Declaration was issued. Members required to complete the Independent Assessment must check their next due date in the BC members portal, myBetterCotton.
This Independent Assessment is also an eligibility criteria for maintaining access to advanced claims and On Product Claim (OPM).
All membership size categories are required to submit the cotton consumption measurement by the annual deadline of 15 January.
Measuring Cotton Consumption
bettercotton.org
Better Cotton Independent Assessment
vimeo.com
Our Assessment Process
1. Application Submission
The first step to is to fill out our Client Information Form (CIF), to best evaluate your requirements.
2. Commercial Proposal
Then we provide you with a quotation.
3. Contract Signing and Payment
4. Assessment Scheduling
The assessment will be scheduled once the contract is signed.
5. Assessment and Assessment Follow-Up (if applicable)
Assessment will be done onsite/remotely. Necessary changes to the self-assessment template filled by Retailer/Brand member for Cotton consumption will be made.
6. Completion of Outcome Declaration & Conformity Assessment
Auditor completes conformity assessment template (2 weeks post-assessment)
7. Assessment Results
Assessment template will be shared by auditor to the client (2 weeks post-assessment)
8. Submit Assessment
Retailer/Brand Member submits independent assessment template to BC.
Why choose Intertek for Better Cotton CoC Verification and Independent Assessment?
- 3rd Party Assurance: an independent partner to provide 3rd party verification against the Better Cotton Chain of Custody standard and assessment of Measuring Cotton Consumption guidelines and methodology
- Network of global experts in the textile processing industry: environmental, social, and chemical management audits
- Local experts in the countries where your suppliers are located, delivering consistently with precision, pace and passion on a global and local level
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Partnering with us ensures access to a global network, paired with a strong local presence, providing tailored solutions that meet your specific requirements.
Our commitment to your success is evident in our approach, offering customized, effective, and efficient pathways to Better Cotton verification and independent assessment. By collaborating with us, you're joining forces with a team dedicated to championing all stakeholders throughout the cotton supply chain to achieve the highest standards of production and sourcing of ethical, traceable, and sustainable cotton. Together, we can make a substantial impact in promoting sustainable practices in the cotton industry.
About Better Cotton
Better Cotton is a leading global non-profit organization, renowned as the world's largest cotton sustainability program. Its mission is to support cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment. The organization has successfully trained over 2.5 million farmers in 25 countries, guiding them towards adopting more sustainable farming practices.
A quarter of the world's cotton is now grown under the Better Cotton Standard. This is a truly joint effort, encompassing organisations all the way from farms to fashion and textile brands, driving the cotton sector towards sustainability.
