The global cotton sustainability organisation Better Cotton Initiative has received the Excellence Award for Traceability & Sustainable Supply Chain at the International Conference on Advanced Textile Structural Composites & Geosynthetics (ATSCG) 2026 held in Bhiwani, India from 28 February to 1 March 2026. The recognition highlights the organisation’s role in improving transparency and responsible sourcing across the global cotton value chain.
The conference brought together researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss innovation and sustainability in textiles. The event was jointly organised by The Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Technical Textiles Mission.
The award recognised the organisation’s efforts to strengthen sustainability and transparency in cotton supply chains through the development of a globally aligned cotton traceability system. The initiative aims to improve responsible sourcing practices, enhance accountability among supply-chain actors and help companies meet international sustainability and traceability expectations.
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Traceability has become a key priority in the textile sector as brands, regulators and consumers demand greater visibility into the origins of raw materials. As part of its strategy, Better Cotton introduced its traceability platform in 2023, enabling cotton to be tracked through supply chains and traced back to its country of origin.
The organisation’s traceability programme has expanded rapidly. Industry data shows that more than half of Better Cotton volumes entering global textile supply chains are now traceable, with over 23,000 metric tonnes of cotton tracked from gins to retailers and brands.
In India, adoption of the traceability system continues to grow among ginners, spinners, mills, traders and manufacturers, reflecting increasing industry commitment to credible and transparent sourcing practices.
According to B. K. Behera, director of the Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences and chair of ATSCG 2026, the organisation’s focus on responsible sourcing and supply-chain transparency aligns closely with the institute’s vision of preparing textile professionals capable of advancing sustainability and traceability across the global textile value chain.
The recognition highlights the growing importance of digital traceability systems in the cotton sector as companies work to meet stricter sustainability standards and regulatory requirements across global apparel supply chains.
