Uzbekistan cotton goes green with BCI certification

Uzbekistan's cotton industry is undergoing a transformation towards sustainability. The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has certified several cotton clusters, marking a significant step. This move follows the end of a boycott by the Cotton Campaign, leading to renewed interest from international clothing brands.

Uzbekistan's strength lies in its comprehensive cotton production cycle, allowing for complete traceability, a key BCI requirement. Training provided by GIZ and BCI has equipped farmers and businesses in these clusters for success.

By year-end, three clusters are expected to earn official eco-cotton producer status, with plans to eventually include the entire nation. BCI's mission is to ensure both environmental well-being and the prosperity of cotton-growing communities.

Globally, BCI works with over 2 million farmers in 25 countries, producing a significant portion of the world's cotton. Major brands like H&M and Nike rely on BCI-certified cotton, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable textiles.