As key players in apparel and textiles, and in direct contact with consumers, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Retailer and Brand Members play a vital role in creating demand for more sustainable cotton. Our more than 350 Retailer and Brand Members are based in 34 countries, and together, they are part of a global movement catalysing change with a shared goal of improving cotton production. In 2023, they sourced 2.5 million tonnes of BCI Cotton.
BCI Cotton often forms a major part of a retailer or brand’s portfolio of more sustainable cotton. Being part of BCI enables retailers and brands to invest in strengthening farmers’ capacity to adopt more sustainable practices, improving lives and livelihoods.
What it means to be a Retailer and Brand Member
Becoming a member is a central part of developing a more sustainable material sourcing strategy, enabling retailers and brands to make strides on credible, responsible sourcing programmes and meet ambitious sustainability targets. In addition to supporting a flourishing global market for more sustainable cotton by sourcing BCI Cotton, Retailer and Brand Members’ fees support the implementation of BCI Programmes, which offer field-level advice and training on more sustainable practices for farmers.
Members also have the opportunity to influence BCI’s future direction by running for a seat on the BCI Council. They play a critical role in raising awareness of the benefits of more sustainable cotton among consumers and sharing the BCI story.
Benefits of membership
Make sustainability progress – Make significant progress on your sustainable materials journey, moving towards sourcing 100% more sustainable cotton, with our support.
Get involved – Take decisive steps towards a more sustainable future for mainstream global cotton production.
Access stable supply – Benefit from a secure supply of BCI Cotton with more than 10,000 suppliers and manufacturers participating globally.
Engage suppliers – Engage your suppliers to adopt the BCI programme, providing tailored training for suppliers, with our support.
Make a difference – Invest in supporting farmer capacity building and improving farming community livelihoods.
Have your say – Be part of the BCI Council and/or General Assembly, contributing to the direction of BCI and the future of more sustainable cotton. Retailer and Brand Members hold three seats on the BCI Council.
Share your story – Gain unique access to the BCI Cotton label, the Mass Balance On-Product Mark and communications materials to share your Better Cotton story with consumers (eligibility criteria apply).
Further your learning – Benefit from access to members-only webinars, events and training opportunities.
A credible standard – BCI is an ISEAL Code Compliant member. ISEAL Code Compliant designates members who have successfully undergone independent evaluations against the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice in standards-setting, assurance and impact. More information on ISEAL Code Compliant Requirements can be found here.
Who can join as a Retailer and Brand Member
- Apparel and home goods companies, selling cotton-based goods directly to consumers.
- Travel and leisure companies, using cotton-based goods as part of the services they provide.
How to become a member
To apply for BCI membership, simply complete an application form for your category. Download the application form, or email your request to: [email protected].
Application process:
1.Send us your application form with the requested supporting information, including your annual cotton lint consumption and company registration documents. Learn more about how to calculate your annual cotton lint consumption here.
2. We receive and acknowledge receipt of your application form and check that it is complete.
3. We carry out due diligence research, to ensure there are no outstanding issues that can create reputational risk for BCI.
4. We collate and analyse the results, and provide the BCI Executive Group with a recommendation for approval.
5. The BCI Executive Group reviews the application and provides a final approval decision.
6. We send you an invoice for fees, and you are listed on the Member Only section of our website for BCI Members, under New Members’ Consultation.
7. On payment of your membership invoice you become a member-in-consultation for 12 weeks during which time you have full access to all membership benefits.
8. If no issues arise during member consultation, you are a member of BCI; we will communicate with you in case any issues are raised during consultation.
9. If your membership consultation results in membership being revoked, all fees paid to BCI will be refunded.
Please note that the entire process can take 6 weeks from receipt of a completed application form, not including the 12-week consultation period.
Want to learn more about Retailer and Brand Membership?
Join one of our introductory webinars hosted each month, Why Should Your Organisation Become a Better Cotton Member? Introduction for Retailers and Brands. Click here to browse events.
Interested in becoming a member? Apply below, or get in touch with our team at [email protected].