Claims Framework Review
The relevance and quality of the Better Cotton Claims Framework is periodically reviewed and the consultation process is currently underway with a view to launch V2.0 in Q2 2019. BCI recognises the need for Members to communicate about sustainability is growing and evolving, and the Framework must evolve in parallel with these growing market and consumer expectations. The Framework should provide members with accessible, yet credible, claims which allow members to report on, and take responsibility for their actions. Members should have access to claims which demonstrate the commitment they are making to BCI both in their membership, and in their sourcing of cotton as Better Cotton. As such, the review process aims to ensure the Framework is succeeding in enabling BCI Members to make commercially relevant and substantive claims that reach varied audiences. These member needs must be balanced with protecting BCI’s credibility and brand identity, managing potential risks and upholding the value of claims for the whole BCI membership community. The Framework must also continue to incentivise members to source increasing volumes of Better Cotton, in turn, supporting our mission of sector transformation.
Updates to the Claims Framework will only be made taking into account the substantial time and costs members invest in developing and delivering marketing communications materials and strategies. As such, major changes to the Claims Framework will be made in consultation with members.
Process
Overview
A consultation will take place, opening the Better Cotton Claims Framework V1.1 up to review in January 2019. The scope of the review is limited to claims available to BCI Retailer and Brand Members, although all of BCI’s stakeholders are welcome to participate in the consultation process by offering feedback on the existing Claims Framework via a questionnaire. A request for feedback has be sent to all Members. The Better Cotton Claims Framework V2.0 will be released in June 2019.
A full review of the Claims Framework will take place over the next two years (see timeline) to account for improved ability to make accurate and meaningful claims for all of BCI’s member and partner categories including civil society Members, Supplier and Manufacturer Member and Partners.
Aspects of the Claims Framework open to consultation for phase one of the 2019 review will include;
- Sourcing thresholds for access to claims
- Mass Balance and consumer understanding
- Claims allowed on-product
- Implementation of the revised Claims Framework
Consultation
If you would like to take part in the consultation please complete this questionnaire. (Live from 10.01.19 – 24.01.19).
We know that some of the topics covered in the consultation are complex. That’s why we’re offering you the option of completing the questionnaire, live, during a webinar. We will use this time to go through the questions one by one, offer any additional context you may need and answer your questions. These sessions will not be used to discuss individual feedback, but instead to enable you to complete the questionnaire with confidence in your responses.
If you’re interested in taking part in one of the live consultation sessions, please register below:
Register: Jan 15 9:00 AM CET
Register: Jan 16 12:30 PM CET
Register: Jan 17, 2019 5:00 PM CET
Steering Committee
Role of Steering Committee
BCI have appointed a Steering Committee to offer direction and due diligence to the consultative process, with the aim of enabling a successful launch of the Claims Framework V2.0 in June 2019. The role of the Committee is to oversee the review process, ensuring that best practise is followed and a suitable outcome is achieved for all BCI stakeholders. Members of the Steering Committee will also take part in the consultation. BCI aimed to balance the composition of the Steering Committee based on the applications we received, with the aim of achieving diverse representation including members with varied geographies, company/organisation size and type, audiences and gender. Below is the full list of Steering Committee members:
Retailers and Brands
| ASOS | Ruchira Joshi | Senior Ethical Trade Manager |
| John Lewis | Karen Perry | Partner & Sustainability Manager- Raw Materials |
| VF | Brad van Voorhees | Director, Global Responsible Sourcing |
| DK Group | Mona Skovly | CR- Coordinator |
| Gap Inc. | Alice Hartley | Senior Manager, Sustainable Innovation and Global Sustainability |
Council
| M&S | Phil Townsend | Sustainable Raw Materials Specialist |
Civil Society
| AFPRO | D.K. Manavalan | Executive Director |
| Solidaridad | Karin Jensma | Head of Communications |
Implementing Partners
| Arvind | Abhishek Bansal | Head of Sustainability |
| Cotton AU | Brooke Summers | Communications Manager |
Suppliers, Manufacturers and Traders
| Staplcotn | Shane Stephens | Vice President Cotton Services & Warehousing |
| Orta | Fatma Şener | Quality Systems Chief |
Standard System Expert
| Rainforest Alliance/UTZ | Guillaume de la Ruee | Innovations Manager |
Timeline
| Activity | Review Phase | Date |
| Steering Committee Application Process Open | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | 25.09.18 – 11.10.18 |
| Steering Committee Appointed | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | 01.11.18 |
| Steering Committee Meeting 1 | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | 27.11.18 |
| Consultation Open | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | 10.01.19 – 24.01.19 |
| Steering Committee Meeting 2 | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | W/C 21.02.19 |
| Steering Committee Review Proposed Claims Framework V2.0 | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | W/C 11.03.19 |
| BCI Council Review Claims Framework V2.0 | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | 30.04.19 |
| Launch Claims Framework V2.0 | Retailer and Brands – Phase 1 | W/C 03.06.19 |
| Steering Committee Application Process Open | Suppliers and Manufacturers – Phase 2 | W/C 06.05.19 |
| Appoint Steering Committee | Suppliers and Manufacturers – Phase 2 | W/C 20.05.19 |
| Meet With Steering Committee (Shanghai) | Suppliers and Manufacturers – Phase 2 | W/C 10.06.19 |
| Process for consultation to be defined | Suppliers and Manufacturers – Phase 2 | Dates TBC |
| Launch Claims Framework V2.0 for Suppliers and Manufacturers | Suppliers and Manufacturers – Phase 2 | W/C 30.09.19 |
