Better Cotton transitions to certification scheme for greater transparency

Better Cotton has officially transitioned into a certification scheme, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and transparency in the cotton industry. This shift enhances the credibility of its standards by outsourcing farm-level certification decisions to independent third parties, ensuring greater impartiality. For over a decade, Better Cotton has operated one of the industry's most trusted voluntary standard systems. The move to certification, coupled with standardized third-party verification, will strengthen its approach and drive broader industry transformation.

Alongside third-party audits, Better Cotton will maintain second-party monitoring of farmer-focused organizations. This dual-layer system will help detect non-conformities, provide deeper insight into field operations, and support ongoing capacity-building efforts for continuous improvement.

Additionally, all suppliers and manufacturers seeking to source Physical Better Cotton must now meet certification requirements under the Better Cotton Chain of Custody Standard. This change will enhance supply chain traceability, boost demand for sustainable cotton, and align with evolving regulations.

Later this year, retailers and brands using Physical Better Cotton will gain access to a new product label, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable sourcing. This milestone marks a significant step in Better Cotton’s mission to drive responsible cotton production globally.