Better Cotton Initiative

Comprehensive FAQs on Certification & Sourcing Physical BCI Cotton
2025-11-26 11:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join us for an informative and interactive webinar where we’ll walk you through the most frequently asked questions related to supplier certification, BCI Platform accounts, membership upgrades, and more.
Key Topics to be covered:

Membership vs Non-Member Supplier Accounts
Upgrading Non-Member BCI Platform Account to Membership
Certifying Additional Units within the same group of company
Addressing Common Questions and Issues Related to Fees
Understanding Various Supplier Account Types

Why Should Your Organisation Become a Better Cotton Initiative Member? An Introduction to Membership Benefits and How to Manage Your BCP Account (Mandarin)
2025-11-26 15:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join our online session designed for new members and non-members to get started with the Better Cotton Initiative.
What you’ll learn:
• An introduction to the Better Cotton Initiative
• How to manage your BCP account
• Membership benefits and how to upgrade
Who should attend:
New supplier/manufacturer members and BCP non-members.
Goal:
To help you understand the basics, use the BCP platform effectively, and explore how membership can benefit your business.

Supplier Training Programme: Sourcing with Physical & the BCP – Turkish
2025-11-27 09:00 - 09:45 (Europe/Zurich) | Online
The Supplier Training Programme (STP) is tailored to support suppliers and manufacturers participating in the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) by providing a comprehensive understanding of Physical system, and usage of the BCI Platform.

Traceability Training for Retailer & Brand Members – English
2025-12-04 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Traceability Training for Better Cotton Retailer & Brand Members
Join this session to learn more about Better Cotton Traceability, what benefits it offers to our Retailer and Brand Members, and what steps can they take to start sourcing Traceable (also known as Physical) Better Cotton.
This is a regular training focused on content relevant for Retailer and Brand Members.

Why Should Your Organisation Become a Better Cotton Member? Introduction for Retailers and Brands – English
2025-12-09 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join us for an insightful webinar on the advantages of becoming a Retailer and Brand Member of Better Cotton. Discover how your business can support sustainable cotton production while meeting your sourcing goals.

In this session, we’ll provide an overview of Better Cotton’s farm-level standard, sourcing models, and how sourcing Better Cotton contributes to our mission and helps you meet your sustainable sourcing targets. You’ll also gain practical guidance on the membership application process, measuring your cotton consumption, and fulfilling membership requirements.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your organisation can drive positive change in the cotton industry.

Onboarding Webinar for Retailer and Brand Members – English
2025-12-11 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) offers a monthly training session for Retailer and Brand Members.
Who should attend?

New Retailer and Brand Members as the training is mandatory for their BCI Membership onboarding
Existing Retailer and Brand Members interested in refreshing their knowledge or training new team members

Please invite all individuals within your organisation who are involved with sourcing as BCI Cotton or communicating about BCI. This will usually include your Buying, Sourcing, CSR and Marketing teams.

Cotton & Climate: building resilient supply chains with biochar
2025-12-11 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Online
Join our upcoming webinar exploring BCI’s Carbon Project Portfolio, with a special focus on our collaboration with Planboo on biochar — a powerful, science-backed solution that enhances soil health, removes carbon, and improves climate adaptation outcomes for smallholder farmers.
In the session, you will learn about:

All of our current carbon initiatives, including partnerships with Indigo Ag (SOC and reduction project in the U.S.), Unlock (VCI-validated emission data in India), and Planboo (biochar pilot certified under Carbon Standard International).

What biochar is, how it’s made, and why it’s central to carbon-negative cotton; improving soil health, yields, and long-term carbon storage while supporting rural livelihoods.

Planboo & BCI’s Pilot in India through a closer look at our biochar pilot: implementation plans, learning questions, and how we’re ensuring transparency and equitable benefits for smallholder farmers.

How biochar supports your Scope 3 reductions/ insetting/ meeting FLAG targets

Supplier Training Programme: Membership & Chain of Custody – Turkish
2025-12-16 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Online
The Supplier Training Program (STP) is tailored to support companies on the membership application process and fulfilling membership requirements. Also we will be providing information regarding key requirements and common non-conformities of the Chain of Custody Standard v1.0

Claims Training
2025-12-16 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Online
This claims training session is mandatory for Retailer and Brand Members who wish to make claims and communicate about Better Cotton.

Supplier Training Programme: Sourcing with Mass Balance & the Better Cotton Platform – Turkish
2025-12-17 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Online
The Supplier Training Program (STP) is tailored to support suppliers and manufacturers participating in Better Cotton by providing a comprehensive understanding of Mass Balance system, and usage of Better Cotton Platform.

Supplier Training Programme: Sourcing with Physical & the BCP – Turkish
2025-12-18 09:00 - 09:45 (Europe/Zurich) | Online
The Supplier Training Programme (STP) is tailored to support suppliers and manufacturers participating in the Better Cotton Initiative by providing a comprehensive understanding of Physical system, and usage of Better Cotton Initiative Platform.

Introduction to the Better Cotton Initiative for Suppliers and Manufacturers
2025-12-22 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Monthly Webinar Series, specifically designed for suppliers like you who have shown interest in registering with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) or the Better Cotton Platform (BCP). This webinar will provide you with valuable insights and guidance on becoming a part of our sustainable cotton initiative.

Claims Training January 2026
2026-01-13 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
This claims training session is mandatory for Retailer and Brand Members who wish to make claims and communicate about the Better Cotton Initiative.

Supplier Training Programme: Certification and Sourcing Physical Better Cotton – Mandarin
2026-01-14 08:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Zurich)
The Supplier Training Programme (STP) session will cover:

Analysis of BCI’s Scale and Procurement Value
Introduction of Mass Balance & Physical BCI Cotton procurement
Introduction to the Upgraded BCP Account
Prerequisites for certification
Key requirements and common non-conformities of the Chain of Custody Standard

Introduction to Certification & Sourcing Physical BCI Cotton
2026-01-14 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-02-25 10:30 - 11:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join us for a focused and engaging webinar that will walk you through BCI’s sourcing options, steps to be certified, practical guidance on the Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard v1.0. and more.
Key Topics to be covered:

Sourcing BCI Cotton via Mass Balance and Traceability
Certification requirements under CoC Standard v1.0
Timeline and next steps to continue or start sourcing Physical BCI Cotton
Most common non-conformities and how to avoid them
Multi-site certification options and B2B label for Supplier/Manufacturer Members
Q&A Session

Programme Partner Meeting 2026 (Sessions 1-2)
2026-01-21 - 2026-01-22 | Online
We are pleased to invite you to the Better Cotton Initiative’s Programme Partner Meeting 2026. This virtual gathering will take place over two weeks, with two three-hour sessions each week for a total of four sessions. Additionally, we will host the Large Farm Symposium on Day 2 of the Partner Meeting.
We aim to continue providing space for networking and interactions, offering a solution-oriented event for all front-line implementers of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Standard System. Programme Partners will have the opportunity to learn and interact around BCI’s latest field and standard developments, strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration across the partner network, including an opportunity to showcase and share their best practices. The Large Farm community will share best practices and exchange ways to overcome shared challenges in adopting sustainable farming methods aligned with BCI standards and mission.
This event is open to all BCI Programme and Strategic Partners. If you would like to join us, please send us an email at events@bettercotton.org.
To read the agenda, please click here.
Programme Partner Meeting languages: English, Turkish, Hindi, French, Urdu, Uzbek, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese.
Dates & Times
Session 1: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Session 2 and Large Farm Symposium: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Session 3: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Session 4: Thursday, 12 February 2026

Countries
Programme Partner Meeting Sessions (Local)
Large Farm Symposium Time (Local)

Brazil

12:00-14:00

UK, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali
07:00-10:00
15:00-17:00

Benin, Spain, Switzerland
08:00-11:00
16 :00-18 :00

Mozambique, Egypt, Israel and Greece
09:00-12:00
17:00-19:00

Türkiye
10:00-13:00
18:00-20:00

Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
12:00-15:00
20:00-22:00

India
12:30-15:30
20:30-22:30

China
15:00-18:00

Australia (AEDT)
18:00-21:00

United States (EST)

10:00-12:00

Large Farm Symposium 2026
2026-01-22 | Online
We are pleased to invite you to the Better Cotton Initiative’s Large Farm Symposium 2026. This virtual gathering will take place on 22 January 2026 as part of our Programme Partner Meeting, which is being held over four days in January and February.
The Large Farm community will share best practices and exchange ways to overcome shared challenges in adopting sustainable farming methods aligned with BCI standards and mission.
This event is open to all BCI Programme and Strategic Partners. If you would like to join us, please send us an email at events@bettercotton.org.
To read the agenda, please click here.
Large Farm Symposium languages: English, Turkish, Urdu, Uzbek, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Countries
Large Farm Symposium Time (Local)

Brazil
12:00-14:00

UK, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali
15:00-17:00

Benin, Spain, Switzerland
16 :00-18 :00

Mozambique, Egypt, Israel and Greece
17:00-19:00

Türkiye
18:00-20:00

Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
20:00-22:00

India
20:30-22:30

United States (EST)
10:00-12:00

Getting Started with the Better Cotton Initiative: A Guide for New Members & BCP Suppliers
2026-01-22 11:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join us for an introductory session designed specifically for new Better Cotton Initiative members and non-member BCP suppliers. This webinar will guide you through the essentials of working with BCI, including:

Understanding BCI
Resources available to you
Next steps after joining

This is your opportunity to learn how to make the most of your relationship with BCI and ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
Who should attend?

New BCI Members
Non-member BCP Suppliers

Why should your organisation become a Retailer and Brand BCI Member?
2026-01-27 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join us for an insightful webinar on the advantages of becoming a Retailer and Brand Member of Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). Discover how your business can support sustainable cotton production while meeting your sourcing goals.
In this session, we’ll provide an overview of BCI’s farm-level standard, sourcing models, and how sourcing BCI Cotton contributes to our mission and helps you meet your sustainable sourcing targets. You’ll also gain practical guidance on the membership application process, measuring your cotton consumption, and fulfilling membership requirements.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your organisation can drive positive change in the cotton industry.

Comprehensive FAQs on Certification & Sourcing Physical BCI Cotton
2026-01-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-11 10:30 - 11:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join us for an informative and interactive webinar where we’ll walk you through the most frequently asked questions related to supplier certification, BCI Platform (BCP) accounts, membership upgrades, and more.
Key Topics to be covered:

Membership vs Non-Member Supplier Accounts
Upgrading Non-Member BCP Account to Membership
Certifying Additional Units within the same group of company
B2B Labelling & eligibility
Addressing Common Questions and Issues Related to Fees
Understanding Various Supplier Account Types

BCI Onboarding Webinar for Retailer and Brand Members
2026-01-29 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Better Cotton Initiative offers a monthly training session for Retailer and Brand Members.
Who should attend?
New Retailer and Brand Members – the training is mandatory for their BCI Membership onboarding
Existing Retailer and Brand Members interested in refreshing their knowledge or training new team members
Please invite all individuals within your organisation who are involved with sourcing BCI Cotton or communicating about Better Cotton Initiative. This will usually include your Buying, Sourcing, CSR and Marketing teams

Side session: ‘Invisible No More: Elevating India’s Cotton Growers’ Voices in Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence’ at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector
2026-02-09 13:30 - 15:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Online
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) will co-host a dynamic side session at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector.
Cotton is the world’s second most produced fibre, yet millions of smallholder farmers remain invisible at the deepest tiers of the textile supply chain. This 90-minute session will explore how human rights and environmental due diligence can be effectively implemented at farm level in India’s cotton sector, focusing on meaningful stakeholder engagement and the environmental and social dimensions of cotton as a natural fibre.
As mandatory due diligence face increasing challenges, empowering farming communities to access their rights and secure decent working conditions has never been more critical. Drawing on practical models from BCI’s and OCA’s work in India, participants will gain actionable insights into extending due diligence to farm level. Expect concrete examples of collaborative approaches that build farmer capacity, foster shared accountability, and strengthen sustainability across supply chains.
This session will include interpretation in Hindi and Telugu.
Date: 9 February 2026
Time: 13:30 – 15:00 CET
Location: Virtual Zoom Webinar
Open to policymakers, brands, sustainability practitioners and civil society, the session will offer a platform to explore practical approaches that promote fairer, more transparent, and more human-centred cotton supply chains.

Programme Partner Meeting 2026 (Sessions 3-4)
2026-02-11 - 2026-02-12 | Online
We are pleased to invite you to the Better Cotton Initiative’s Programme Partner Meeting 2026. This virtual gathering will take place over two weeks, with two three-hour sessions each week for a total of four sessions.
We aim to continue providing space for networking and interactions, offering a solution-oriented event for all front-line implementers of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Standard System. Programme Partners will have the opportunity to learn and interact around BCI’s latest field and standard developments, strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration across the partner network, including an opportunity to showcase and share their best practices.
This event is open to all BCI Programme and Strategic Partners. If you would like to join us, please send us an email at events@bettercotton.org.
Programme Partner Meeting languages: English, Turkish, Hindi, French, Urdu, Uzbek, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese.
Dates & Times

Session 1: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Session 2 and Large Farm Symposium: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Session 3: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Session 4: Thursday, 12 February 2026

Countries
Programme Partner Meeting Sessions (Local)

UK, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali
07:00-10:00

Benin, Spain, Switzerland
08:00-11:00

Mozambique, Egypt, Israel and Greece
09:00-12:00

Türkiye
10:00-13:00

Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
12:00-15:00

India
12:30-15:30

China
15:00-18:00

Australia (AEDT)
18:00-21:00

Supplier Training Programme: Sourcing with Mass Balance - Portuguese
2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:45 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Essa sessão de treinamento interativo destina-se a fornecedores e fabricantes da BCI que desejam se abastecer pelo balanço de massa.
A agenda dessa sessão incluirá:
– Sobre a BCI
– Por que se abastecer pelo Balanço de Massa
– Orientação sobre a implementação do Padrão de Cadeia de Custódia
– Como Se abastecer bom o Balanço de Massa na Plataforma BCP
Recomendamos que você estenda o convite para esse treinamento a todos os colegas que trabalharão com a plataforma Better Cotton ou implementarão o padrão da cadeia de custódia.
Acesse o ambiente da reunião (ZOOM) pelo menos 15 minutos antes para instalar o software e ambientar-se com o sistema online da reunião.
Para perguntas sobre associação: Membership@bettercotton.org
Para dúvidas referente à plataforma BCP: Helpdesk@bettercotton.org
Atenciosamente,
Time BCI.

Training on BCI Cotton Platform for Physical & Mass Balance CoC Model
2026-02-11 10:30 - 11:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Join us for an informative webinar designed to help you navigate the BCP, document cotton volumes sourced as Mass Balance or Physical (Traceable) BCI Cotton, and manage your supply chain efficiently.
Key Topics to be covered:

Enhanced BCI Platform features
Managing Physical & Mass balance transactions from same BCP account
Acknowledging & entering Transactions
Common queries related to BCP
Q&A Session

Traceability Training for Retailer and Brand Members
2026-02-12 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
Traceability Training for Better Cotton Initiative Retailer & Brand Members
Join this session to learn more about BCI Traceability, what benefits it offers to our Retailer and Brand Members, and what steps they can take to start sourcing Traceable (also known as Physical) BCI Cotton.
This is a regular training focused on content relevant for Retailer and Brand Members.

Claims Training February 2026
2026-02-17 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Online

Supplier Training Programme: Certification and Sourcing Physical BCI Cotton – Mandarin
2026-03-13 02:30 - 04:30 (Europe/Berlin) | Online
This webinar will cover:

Analysis of Better Cotton Initiative scale and procurement value
Introduction of Mass Balance & Physical BCI Cotton procurement
Introduction to the upgraded BCP Account
Prerequisites for certification
Key requirements and common non-conformities of the Chain of Custody Standard V1.0
