Measuring Cotton Consumption

Here you will find guidance and requirements on how Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Members calculate their total annual cotton fibre consumption.

You will also find guidance on how Retailer & Brand Members can arrange an Independent Assessment of their cotton fibre consumption measurements.

Annual Cotton Consumption Submission Documents

Please find below our Cotton Calculation Tool and Annual Cotton Consumption Submission Form for Retailer & Brand Members. Retailer & Brand Members are required to recalculate their total cotton fibre consumption measurement annually and submit to BCI by the annual deadline of 15 January.

Cotton Calculation Tool

An optional tool for Retailer & Brand Members to use in order to calculate their total annual cotton fibre consumption.

Annual Cotton Consumption Submission Form

Retailer & Brand Members submitting data to BCI must complete and include this Submission Form. Updated May 2025.

Cotton Consumption Calculation Resources

These resources aim to help Members understand how to use the Cotton Calculation Tool and Annual Cotton Consumption Submission Form.

PDF

11.52 MB

Measuring Cotton Consumption: Cotton Consumption Requirements and Guidance

Download

PDF

2.16 MB

Measuring Cotton Consumption: Conversion Factors and Multipliers

Download

PDF

768.92 KB

Measuring Cotton Consumption: Technical Supplement

Download

Independent Assessment Resources

BCI has introduced Independent Assessment requirements for the cotton consumption calculations that Retailer and Brand Members submit annually to BCI. Full guidance is available below.

Independent Assessments: Guidance for Retailers & Brands

This document sets out guidance for Retailer & Brand members. Updated October 2024.

Independent Assessments: FAQ for Retailers and Brands

Coming soon – please submit your questions for the FAQ to [email protected]

Independent Assessments: Guidance for Independent Assessors

Coming soon

Example Independent Assessment Outcome Declaration and Conformity Assessment Template

An example template for Independent Assessors to complete as evidence of Independent Assessment for a BCI Retailer & Brand Member.

For a tool to edit PDFs, head to this link: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/pdf-editor.html

Approved Certification Body List

Use this list to identify Certification Bodies for the service you require.

These third-party Certification Bodies are approved by BCI to conduct audits and assessments to verify compliance with BCI requirements.