Last week, Cotton Australia facilitated a presentation by Better Cotton's Director of Traceability, Jacky Broomhead, to members of the Australian Cotton Shippers Association about traceable Better Cotton.

Jacky discussed the transition from the mass balance model to a fully traceable Better Cotton system. The system they are implementing follows a "fibre forwards" approach, tracking cotton from the farm or gin through to the retailer. Retailers will be the only ones required to pay a fee for this traceability. Currently, the system offers traceability at the country level, with plans to expand to region and farm levels in the future.

Jacky said that traceable Better Cotton became available in several countries last year, including the US, where demand has been particularly strong. Over 2,700 suppliers have started the onboarding process, with 1,500 already completing it. Nearly 50 retailers have signed up for the program, with many European retailers now mandating traceability for all cotton products.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said, “This is a great step forward for Australian growers. Many brands and retailers know and respect the high standards of myBMP, so being able to offer it as Better Cotton should create interest.”