What is the Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC)?
Better Cotton (formerly the Better Cotton Initiative - BCI) is the world's largest cotton sustainability program, recognized globally for supporting environmentally friendly farming practices and improving farmer livelihoods. The Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard is the essential framework that records the transparent journey of sustainably grown cotton from the field through ginners, spinners, and fabric manufacturers, all the way to the final retail brand. This standard enables brands to meet their sustainability targets while building a robust data infrastructure behind their cotton content claims.
Key Technical Criteria of Better Cotton CoC
The updated BCI Chain of Custody Standard accommodates varying supply chain capabilities and brands' transparency demands by offering two primary traceability models. The technical structure can be summarized as follows:
Mass Balance:
This is a volume-tracking model where physical Better Cotton is allowed to be substituted or mixed with conventional cotton within the production facility.
However, the system enforces strict mathematical accounting. The volume of Better Cotton purchased is balanced against the volume sold using digital credits known as BCCUs (Better Cotton Claim Units). A facility cannot sell more BCCUs than it has sourced.
Physical Traceability:
Developed to meet modern demands for absolute transparency, this model allows the physical cotton in the final product to be traced back to its origin (country level).
Physical traceability is implemented either through Segregation, where Better Cotton is kept entirely separate from conventional cotton throughout processing, or through Controlled Blending, where mixing is done under strict, trackable guidelines.
Better Cotton Platform (BCP):
The entire ecosystem is managed digitally. Every actor in the supply chain is required to accurately and promptly record their transactions, BCCU transfers, and physical traceability data into the central digital database known as the Better Cotton Platform (BCP).
Why Choose ETKO for BCI CoC Verification?
To prove to global brands that you fully comply with Better Cotton requirements, you need third-party verification. ETKO’s highly experienced auditors meticulously assess your facility to ensure the correct implementation of Mass Balance or Physical Traceability procedures. Having your inventory management, invoicing processes, and BCP records validated by ETKO’s expertise enhances your brand's prestige in the international market and secures the credibility of your sustainability claims.