BLÅKLÄDER REACHES (ALMOST) 100%
BETTER COTTON
The global Better Cotton Initiative, BCI, ensures that the most vulnerable workers within the textile value chain experience an improved livelihood and a safer working environment. Furthermore, cotton sourced under the BCI guidelines emphasizes reduced water usage, carbon dioxide emissions, and chemicals. Therefore, Blåkläder has gradually expanded its use of BCI-sourced cotton and is now proud to announce an achievement of nearly 100 percent sourcing through the Better Cotton mass balance system.
Blåkläder is continually working to decrease its global footprint. More than 36 percent of the fibres used in Blåkläder’s workwear and protective gear is cotton, and the significance of this material makes it an obvious place to look for improvements. As a result, Blåkläder has continually increased the use of cotton sourced in line with the Better Cotton Initiative, and even though the company joined BCI as late as in 2017, almost 100 percent of its cotton already now comes from BCI.
- Organic cultivation would be the most desirable choice in terms of cotton production, but since the transition to organic cotton farming is very expensive, it is currently impossible for the majority of the world's less privileged farmers to convert. Instead, BCI is an improvement that can enable a small step for each cotton grower. And since cotton sourced under BCI does not compromise the durability and longevity of the cotton, like for instance some kinds of recycled cotton, we have chosen to increase our share of BCI-sourced cotton, as close to 100 percent as we can get. This is a significant milestone altogether since Blåkläder is producing millions of cotton-based pieces of workwear every year, says Ann Carlsson, Sustainability Manager, Blåkläder AB.
By joining an initiative that, among others, contribute to reforming how cotton fibres are cultivated, cotton can become a more environmentally sound and socially responsible raw material. Whenever Blåkläder sources cotton, its support of BCI means that the cultivation of the cotton uses less water, carbon dioxide and chemicals.
- Through our involvement in BCI and our dedicated effort towards more sustainable cotton sourcing, we aim to be part of a movement within the textile industry that encourages a broader adoption of sustainable practices. This will ensure that our products reflect our commitment to more ethical sourcing and production Ann Carlsson comments.
Blåkläder supporting BCI also paves the way for further education of the farmers in how to grow cotton in a more sustainable manner. And because the changes needed to comply with BCI are limited for every farmer (everybody can basically join), the amount of BCI-farmed cotton is increasing year after year. Last year alone, 22 percent of the global cotton production was sold as Better Cotton. The global effect is therefore quite significant. And at the same time, farmers are exposed to fewer chemicals, get better working conditions, help reduce the environmental impact of the cotton cultivation, and last but not least, get a fair pay for their products.
