Better Cotton
Global Standard for Sustainable Cotton Production.

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, founded in 2005 by visionary organizations such as WWF, Adidas and IKEA. USB Certification provides Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) verification services.

Better Cotton — USB Certification

CoC Verification

Authorized Certification Body

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability program, reaching 2.2 million farmers in 22 countries with its farmer-centered approach and addressing social, environmental and economic sustainability holistically.

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

What is Better Cotton?
Mission and Impact

Better Cotton is one of the world’s leading sustainability initiatives that aims to both protect the environment and help the cotton ecosystem thrive. Founded in 2005 by visionary organizations including WWF, Adidas and IKEA, Better Cotton promotes sustainable cotton production through a farmer-centered approach. It has become the largest cotton sustainability program globally with more than 2,500 members, including farmers, manufacturers and brand owners.

Better Cotton focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, improving their working conditions and promoting environmental awareness. With the support of 70 partners at the field level, the initiative has reached 2.2 million farmers in 22 countries. Its holistic approach addresses social, environmental and economic aspects, leading to better yields, reduced pesticide use and resilience to climate change; the Better Cotton Standard System underpins these efforts.

USB Certification

Our Better Cotton Service Scope

USB Certification offers Chain of Custody (CoC) verification and cotton consumption measurement services under the Better Cotton initiative. For more information, please visit bettercotton.org

Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC)

  • Better Cotton traceability verification throughout the supply chain
  • Audit within the scope of Mass Balance and Physical Segregation models
  • Assessment of compliance with Chain of Custody Standard v1.1

Cotton Consumption Measurements

  • Cotton consumption measurement reports for the Better Cotton Claim
  • Verification of mass balance calculations
  • Licensed cotton volume reports at supplier level
SERVICE AREAS

Better Cotton’s Work Areas and Programs

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

With the Better Cotton Standard System, it supports sustainable agricultural principles such as reduced pesticide use, water conservation and soil fertility.

Chain of Custody (CoC)

Conducts verification and audit services within the scope of the Chain of Custody Standard, which ensures traceability of Better Cotton throughout the supply chain.

Cotton Consumption Measurement

It performs cotton consumption measurements along the supply chain of Better Cotton licensed products and verifies mass balance reports.

Water and Environmental Management

It offers educational programs that bring the principles of protecting water resources, improving soil quality and respecting natural habitats to the field.

Farmer Training and Capacity Building

Coordinates training, advisory and technical assistance programs reaching 2.2 million farmers in 22 countries with 70 field partners.

Climate Resilience and Good Livelihood

Scaling up social impact through climate resilient cotton production and programs to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

QUALITY INFORMATION

Better Cotton’s Global Recognition and Partnerships

ISEAL Alliance Membership

Better Cotton is a full member of the ISEAL Alliance. ISEAL requirements ensure that sustainability standards are credible, effective and transparent.

Brand and Retail Partnerships

Through partnerships with global brands and retailers such as Adidas, IKEA, H&M, Levi’s and others, sustainable cotton reaches the world market.

2,500+ Members and 22 Countries

With more than 2,500 members, including farmers, producers and brand owners, and a field presence in 22 countries, it creates impact on a global scale.

Shape the Future Together with Sustainable Cotton

USB Certification provides credible proof of your brand’s sustainability claims with Better Cotton Chain of Custody verification and cotton consumption measurement services.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the traceability of licensed Better Cotton throughout the supply chain, from the producer to the end product. Cotton traders, spinners, weavers, finishers and brand owners are all subject to CoC auditing.

USB Certification offers Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) verification and cotton consumption measurements. It verifies traceability at every link in the supply chain and supports brand owners in providing credible Better Cotton claims.

Better Cotton promotes the reduction of synthetic inputs and sustainable practices, but like organic cotton, does not completely ban the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It aims to improve conventional cotton production within a broader framework of social, environmental and economic sustainability.

You can find detailed information about Better Cotton initiative, memberships, standards and programs at bettercotton.org. You can request an offer for USB Certification Better Cotton services via the contact form.