Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

Product Certification

About Us

GCL International is based in the United Kingdom and provides international accredited certification across 5 continents. We are accredited by a range of internationally recognised accreditation bodies, including United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS) and Food Safety System Certification (FSSC), Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) and others.

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The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

At GCL International Ltd, we’re proud to be part of The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a pioneering sustainability program dedicated to the betterment of the cotton industry. Our mission is clear: to support cotton communities while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Measuring Cotton Consumption:

Membership in the BCI involves retailers and brand members (RB members) contributing annual membership fees based on their cotton fiber consumption. These fees directly support farmers adhering to BCI standards. To ensure transparency, RB members must accurately report their cotton consumption, covering various categories such as conventionally grown cotton, Beer Cotton, and recycled sources.

Better Cotton Chain of Custody Monitoring and Independent Assessment:

Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) verification is a third-party verification process conducted by accredited certification bodies to ensure compliance with the Better Cotton Initiative’s (BCI) Chain of Custody requirements.

What Are the BCI Requirements?

  • Measuring Cotton Consumption:

Cotton is a vital renewable resource, and protecting its production is paramount. To this end, independent assessment of RB members’ cotton fiber consumption is now mandatory. Members must meticulously calculate and submit their consumption data, encompassing all components of their products, from badges to packaging.

  • Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard sets the requirements for the organizations in the cotton supply chain that are buying or selling Traceable Better Cotton, or cotton-containing products.

Why Choose GCL International Ltd?

With our extensive experience in sustainability, supply chain management, and verification, we offer robust verification and assessment for BCI. Our global network of experts ensures accurate assessments and steadfast environmental compliance.

Who Can Benefit?

Our services cater to textile retailers and brand members and entire supply chain including ginners, spinning mills, fabric mills, manufacturers, traders, who are producing, buying or selling Better Cotton committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.

Key Benefits of Partnering with Us:

  1. Ensure consistent and reliable cotton consumption calculations.
  2. Demonstrate credibility and commitment through independent verification/certification.
  3. Establish a solid foundation for BCI.
  4. Showcase continuous improvement in your supply chain.
  5. Meet BCI requirements for Better Cotton claims.
  6. Minimize the environmental impact of cotton production.
  7. Enhance livelihoods in cotton-producing communities

The Assessment Process:

Application- Agreement-Document Review-Onsite Assessment-Corrective Action in case on Non-Conformity-Certification/ Verification Decision- Issuance of Certificate (COC) /outcome declaration (for measuring cotton consumption)

For any other queries or to know more about how to apply for Better Cotton Standards, contact us at info@gcl-intl.com

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