The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has been recognised for its contribution to the cotton sector’s sustainability and traceability progress at the annual International Conference on Advanced Textile Structural Composites and Geosynthetics (ATSCG), held between 28 February and 1 March.
BCI picked up the Excellence Award for Traceability and Sustainable Supply Chains, presented by the Minister of Textiles of India, Shri Giriraj Singh, for its leadership in mainstreaming sustainable cotton production, convening global stakeholders, and boosting supply chain transparency.
Jyoti Narain Kapoor, Director of the Better Cotton Initiative’s India programme, said: “It is a huge honour for this award to be bestowed upon us. India was among the first countries that BCI invested in, launching a programme back in 2011. Since then, we have grown to engage more than 777,000 farmers which is testament to these communities’ appetite for change. We will continue to invest, innovate, and drive forward the sustainability agenda across India.”
This year’s ATSCG awards, organised by the Technological Institute of Textile and Science (TIT&S), and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles’ National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), brought together more than 320 global participants to explore and celebrate innovation in textiles.
Ashok Malhotra, Mission Director at the NTTM, said: “Traceability and sustainability are rapidly becoming defining pillars of the global textile industry. BCI’s work in building transparent and responsible cotton supply chains are critical for strengthening trust, accountability, and sustainability across the sector.”
He added: “Integrating digital traceability systems and responsible sourcing practices will also play an important role in enhancing transparency, market access, and long-term competitiveness.”
The Better Cotton Initiative continues to champion innovation both within the farming communities it supports, and the global fashion and textile supply chains that use certified Physical BCI Cotton.
Physical BCI Cotton, traced from BCI Cotton-producing countries around the world, is cotton grown to the organisation’s field-level standard then traced throughout supply chains to retailers and brands, creating visibility of its journey from farm to fashion.
Bijoya Kumar Behera, Director at the Technological Institute of Textile and Science, said: “For more than eight decades, TIT&S has been shaping the future of the textile industry by nurturing leaders who drive innovation across every segment of the textile value chain. It is encouraging to see organisations like the Better Cotton Initiative advancing these very principles through their work from farm to fashion.
“BCI’s commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and greater transparency in global supply chains aligns closely with the vision of TIT&S to prepare future textile professionals who can champion sustainability and strengthen traceability across the textile value chain.”
