What is Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC)?
The Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) is a basic framework that links Better Cotton production (produced in accordance with the Better Cotton Principles and Criteria) with demand. This standard ensures traceability and verifiability of Better Cotton use by organizations in the supply chain.
The Better Cotton CoC Standard sets auditable requirements for organizations that buy or sell physical Better Cotton or products containing Better Cotton as Better Cotton Mass Balance orders.
Traceability
Provides transparency in the supply chain by tracing Better Cotton to the final product.
Reliability
Third-party verification ensures the accuracy of Better Cotton claims every step of the way.
Sustainability
Better Cotton aims to protect water, soil and ecosystem health by reducing the environmental impact of cotton production, thus contributing to global sustainability.
Better Cotton CoC Certification System
Sustainable Supply Chain Assurance with Better Cotton CoC Certificate!
Strengthen transparency, traceability and sustainability in your cotton supply chain with Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) certification.
Get free support from USB Certification’s team of experts and certify your supply chain in line with international standards.
Better Cotton CoC Standard
Key Principles of the Better Cotton CoC Standard
The Better Cotton Standard includes six key principles to ensure sustainability in cotton production
Certification Process
How does the certification process work?Under the Better Cotton certification approach, 100% of certification decisions are made by a third party certification body. These certification bodies must be accredited by an international organization and operate in accordance with international standards (ISO 17065).
Situation Assessment
Better Cotton Chain of Custody (CoC) due diligence is a preliminary review process to determine a business’ level of compliance with the Better Cotton CoC standard and to plan necessary improvements. This assessment involves analyzing existing systems, documentation and supply chain practices prior to applying for certification.
The Better Cotton CoC baseline assessment identifies strengths and areas for improvement in terms of traceability, mass balance management and documentation practices throughout the supply chain. This analysis enables the early identification of non-conformities that may be encountered during the certification process and the planning of corrective actions.
– Current Practices and Processes
The company’s management system, record keeping, purchasing and sales processes are reviewed according to Better Cotton CoC requirements.
– Chemical Use and Management
Assess whether Better Cotton cotton flows are accurately monitored by the mass balance system and documentation is in line with the CoC model.
– Environmental and Social Impacts
Production practices in the supply chain are analyzed for social compliance and environmental impacts.
– Supplier and Customer Relations
The accuracy of communication, data sharing and traceability records with stakeholders in the Better Cotton chain of custody are examined.
– Improvement Plan
According to the results of the assessment, the corrective and preventive actions that the company needs to take for Better Cotton CoC certification are determined.
Better Cotton Certification process
Better Cotton CoC certified companies are re-audited according to the standard requirements every three years or annual follow-up audits.
