Better Cotton Launches Africa Project Amidst Audit Criticism
Better Cotton, a global initiative promoting sustainable cotton production, has launched a project in West and Central Africa. This comes amidst criticism from environmental watchdog Earthsight, which has questioned the integrity of Better Cotton's audits and traceability measures.
Better Cotton's latest project aims to support sustainable and regenerative cotton farming in Mali and Côte d'Ivoire. However, Earthsight has slammed Better Cotton's audit process, deeming it 'flawed' and 'worthless' for failing to address the complexities of the issues at hand.
In response to Earthsight's allegations, Better Cotton released details from an independent audit of certified cotton farms in Brazil. The audit found no connection between Earthsight's accusations and the certified farms, and no breaches of Better Cotton's standards. Better Cotton also noted that deforestation fines predated its involvement with the farms and refrained from commenting on pending litigation.
Better Cotton has plans to trace cotton to gins by 2025 to enhance traceability. However, Earthsight argues that this measure is inadequate and does not address the root issues. In April, Earthsight traced cotton from Brazil's Cerrado region to products of major retailers like H&M and Inditex, alleging environmental violations and land grabbing.
Better Cotton's project in West and Central Africa signals its commitment to sustainable cotton production. However, Earthsight's criticisms highlight the need for more robust auditing processes and traceability measures. The relationship between Better Cotton-certified cotton, major brands, and environmental violations in Brazil remains a contentious issue, with Better Cotton maintaining that its certified farms are not involved.
