Suppliers and manufacturers play a critical role in ensuring the flow of BCI Cotton volumes through the supply chain to the global market, providing an all-important link between supply and demand. Our more than 2,200 Supplier and Manufacturer Members are based in 65 countries, and the membership category comprises many different types of organisations involved in buying, selling and processing BCI Cotton. In 2023, Spinner Members sourced an incredible 3.2 million tonnes of BCI Cotton, ensuring there was ample supply available on the global market.
What it means to be a Supplier and Manufacturer Member
By sourcing BCI Cotton, Supplier and Manufacturer Members ensure that the demand for BCI Cotton reaches Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Farmers and their communities, while also enabling BCI Retailer and Brand Members to achieve and advance their targets to source more sustainable materials. Members are both committed to BCI and improving the resilience of the cotton supply chain. Some of our members play a direct role in training farmers, with 17 Supplier and Manufacturer Members in six countries also acting as BCI Programme Partners, delivering advice and training in the field.
We provide training to suppliers and manufacturers on how to source BCI Cotton using the BCI Chain of Custody and the BCI Platform – our online platform that tracks volumes of cotton sourced as BCI Cotton through the supply chain. Members also participate in BCI’s General Assembly and Council, helping to influence the future of BCI.
Benefits of Membership
Meet customer demand for sustainability – Join the largest sustainable cotton programme worldwide and help meet your and your customers’ growing sustainability targets, as demand for more sustainable cotton rises.
Grow your business – Tap into new markets and build business relationships with retailers and brands increasingly interested in sustainability. We help you gain visibility with our Retailer and Brand Members and offer valuable networking opportunities.
Support cotton farmers – Impact cotton farmers’ productivity and livelihoods directly by sourcing BCI Cotton.
Have your say in the future of cotton – Join the BCI Council and contribute directly to our future direction. Supplier and Manufacturer Members hold three seats on the BCI Council.
Further your learning – Learn through BCI’s Supplier Training Programme and gain access to member-only content.
Communicate your membership – Promote your BCI membership using our logo and make selected claims on your marketing and promotional materials using the BCI Claims Framework.
Important: Beyond the gin, BCI Cotton can operate using either a Mass Balance or Physical Chain of Custody Model. In the case of Mass Balance, BCI Cotton can be mixed with conventional cotton in the supply chain, and as a Supplier and Manufacturer Member, you will be responsible for allocating BCI Claim Units to cotton-containing orders. Suppliers and Manufacturers can only sell Physical BCI Cotton or BCI Cotton products when they have been produced following one of the Physical Chain of Custody Models.
Who can join as a Supplier and Manufacturer Member
- Intermediaries in the cotton supply chain such as spinners, integrated spinners, non-lint traders, fabric mills, vertically integrated mills, end product manufacturers and sourcing agents.
- Cotton traders dealing in raw cotton.
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 income.
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 3-6 weeks from receipt of a completed application form, not including the 12-week consultation period.
Interested in becoming a member? Apply below, or get in touch with our team at [email protected].