New BCI toolkits help Retailer, Brand and Buyer Members and Suppliers embed traceability into their sourcing
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has launched two new, complementary Sourcing Toolkits to strengthen traceability across cotton supply chains and help suppliers and retailers, brands, and buyers prepare for sourcing Physical BCI Cotton – also known as Traceable BCI Cotton.
The toolkits bring together practical guidance, shared language and a structured approach to help organisations align internally, assess readiness, engage supply chain partners and move from planning to implementation.
Paula Lum Young Bautil, Supply Chain Operations Director at the Better Cotton Initiative, said:
“Traceability is changing how cotton is sourced. What was once viewed primarily as a compliance exercise is now becoming a strategic business capability that can strengthen supply chain resilience, support regulatory readiness, and increase transparency across the value chain. These new toolkits are designed to help members and suppliers navigate this transition through a shared, practical and collaborative approach.”
Photo credit: BCI/Baran Vardar. Location: İzmir, Türkiye, 2024. Description: Cotton at ginning facility.
From planning to implementation
Sourcing Physical BCI Cotton requires preparation, internal alignment and close collaboration between supply chain partners and customers. The new toolkits are designed to help organisations understand their current readiness, identify practical next steps and strengthen the systems and relationships needed to source Physical BCI Cotton with confidence.
Key topics covered include:
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What traceability means for your business
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Securing leadership buy-in and internal alignment
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Assessing supplier readiness and capabilities
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Engaging suppliers and customers
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Establishing appropriate systems, optimising processes, and piloting and scaling sourcing programmes
Suppliers are essential partners
A central theme of both toolkits is the importance of strong supplier-to-supplier and supplier-to-customer relationships. Successfully embedding traceability across the supply chain depends on clear roles, realistic timelines, and open dialogue. The toolkits encourage organisations to work with partners early, build shared understanding and take a phased approach to implementation. It is not an overnight change.
The toolkits aim to help organisations build stronger foundations for sourcing Physical BCI Cotton to enable scalable programmes and manage transition.
Continuing support through sourcing workshops
To help organisations get the most from these new resources, BCI will host a series of Sourcing Workshops in the coming months. The workshops will provide opportunities to explore key topics in more detail, learn from peers, and discuss common implementation challenges. The workshops were piloted successfully early this summer, with more than 100 companies, and preparations are underway to scale them.
Further details on the workshops will be shared in due course.
Access the toolkits
The sourcing toolkits are both available as a complete document, or as individual modules covering specific topics. The modular version can support your supply chain conversations. To access them, use the links below.
Toolkit for Retailers, Brands and Buyers
Toolkit for Suppliers
We have also prepared Q&As for Members and Suppliers to learn more – click here to find out more.
BCI sees these toolkits as living documents so we welcome your feedback for future updates. If you have comments, suggestions or questions about the toolkits, please share them with us here:
