The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has become a member of the International Cotton Association (ICA). It now joins Supima, the Bangladesh Cotton Association, the Brazilian Association of Cotton Producers, the Spinners & Weavers Association of Korea, the Australian Cotton Shippers Association and Turkey´s IPUD, who have all signed up to ICA membership and safe trading.
As part of its strategy to promote safe trading, the ICA has an ´Affiliated Association´ membership category, specifically aimed at like-minded cotton associations to help reinforce and support contract sanctity across all areas of the cotton supply chain.
Patrick Laine, CEO, BCI, says: ´We are delighted with our official association with the ICA. BCI learned long ago that companies that respect contract sanctity are also more likely to respect their environmental and social commitments as well. Part of BCI´s mission is to assist in improving the well-being of the entire cotton industry and membership of the ICA is entirely consistent with this important objective.´
Founded in 2009, BCI exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector´s future. BCI aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity. Jordan Lea, ICA President, says: ?One of our primary goals at the ICA is to expand what is known as our ´safe trading environment´. BCI´s mission and track record speak for themselves as they and their members strive for sustainability, as well as corporate and environmental responsibility. Our organisations share similar ideals and visions for a safe and stable future for all of the cotton industry and we are very pleased to have BCI on board. We look forward to a fruitful and meaningful relationship and appreciate BCI´s help and support in promoting the ICA. They are a great addition to our membership base.´
There is no joining fee or annual subscription to become an ICA Affiliated Association – the ICA also pass on a 50 per cent discount on its membership fees to producers and mills that are registered with each new Affiliated Association.