Inditex questions Better Cotton Certification after sustainability concerns in Brazil

Fast fashion giant Inditex, parent company of Zara, is embroiled in a controversy with Better Cotton, a leading sustainability certifier, over alleged greenwashing in its supply chain. The move comes after a damning report by NGO Earthsight accused some Better Cotton certified cotton producers in Brazil of engaging in harmful practices like land grabbing and deforestation.

In a letter, Inditex criticized Better Cotton for a "lack of transparency" and delays in their internal investigation.  "We rely on certifications like Better Cotton to ensure our garments are produced according to ethical and sustainable standards," said an Inditex spokesperson. "The allegations raised by Earthsight, coupled with Better Cotton's sluggish response, are extremely concerning."

Better Cotton, headquartered in Geneva, has remained tight-lipped on the issue, refusing to comment on recent inquiries. However, they maintain that an audit of the implicated farms in Brazil has been completed.  "We take all allegations of non-compliance seriously," a Better Cotton representative stated. "We have conducted a full audit and are currently reviewing Earthsight's report before releasing the results."

Better Cotton is a major player in the sustainable cotton certification landscape, working with fashion brands and NGOs to promote environmentally friendly farming practices and improve working conditions in the cotton industry. This incident, however, casts a shadow over their credibility and highlights the difficulties fashion brands face in ensuring a truly ethical and sustainable supply chain.

The pressure on fashion brands to prioritize sustainability has never been greater. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from the companies they support. Inditex questioning a major certifier like Better Cotton is a significant development, say sustainability experts. It shows that relying solely on certifications might not be enough. Brands need to conduct their own due diligence and hold certifiers accountable for upholding their standards.