Updated: Dec 2020
Cotton made in Africa, an initiative of the Aid by Trade Foundation, is one of the world’s leading standards for sustainably produced cotton. Their goal is to help people help themselves, via trade, in order to improve the living and working conditions of smallholder farmers in Africa and to protect the environment.
The organization works with a wide-ranging network in cotton-growing countries, including numerous partners throughout the textile value chain as well as both governmental and non-governmental organisations, to ensure the implementation of the standard and the proper processing of certified raw materials throughout the world.
Their work is built on the three pillars of sustainability - People, Planet and Prosperity. Cotton made in Africa supports smallholder farmers and is committed to protecting soil, water, biodiversity by facilitating access to high-quality equipment that actively improves productivity and fibre quality.
Read more: Cotton Made in Africa
Measuring performance against the sustainability criteria for cotton production processes
Development of standards associated criteria and audit system for sustainable cotton farming
Auditing and verification of environmentally friendly cotton production in small holder farms
Training for cotton cultivation methods that contribute to protecting species diversity
Sustainable cotton growth consultation with research institutes