Better Cotton Initiative

Iseal code compliant member

Better Cotton Initiative

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future. BCI aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity. BCI works across the cotton supply chain to promote measurable and continuing improvements.

Find out more about BCI at - https://bettercotton.org/

ISEAL Code Compliant designates members who have successfully undergone independent evaluations against the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice in Standards-Setting, Assurance and Impacts.

The ISEAL Code

The launch of the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems (‘the ISEAL Code’) is anticipated in early Q1 2024. ISEAL Code Compliant members will be working through a transition period to align their systems to the ISEAL Code and will be anticipated to undergo independent evaluations in 2025. Information about the effective date, the transition period and process for ISEAL Code Compliant members will be made available on the ISEAL Code of Good Practice revision and integration page.

Independent Evaluation to the ISEAL Standards-Setting Code

Independent evaluation in progress 

Independent Evaluation to the ISEAL Assurance Code
Previous assessment

As a result of this independent evaluation, BCI have made the following improvements to their assurance system:

  • Updated the Better Cotton Assurance Manual to clarify the independence of the external oversight body. 

  • Updated the Conflict of Interest Policy to better define management practices to respond to risks to impartiality deriving from a potential conflict of interest of auditors.

  • Updated information in relation to their assurance scheme, e.g. description of how stakeholders can provide input to the assurance process and benchmarking information.

Independent Evaluation to the ISEAL Impacts Code

Independent evaluation in progress 

System Overview

ISEAL Code Compliant members provide publicly available reports that give a comprehensive and accessible overview of a member's system.

ISEAL System Overview Better Cotton Initiative 2022