{"id":5472,"date":"2021-01-12T09:16:52","date_gmt":"2021-01-12T09:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eu.mydrap.com\/blog\/we-partner-with-the-initiative-bci\/"},"modified":"2022-10-06T12:24:43","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T12:24:43","slug":"we-partner-with-the-initiative-bci","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eu.mydrap.com\/en\/blog\/we-partner-with-the-initiative-bci\/","title":{"rendered":"We partner with the initiative BCI"},"content":{"rendered":"

The initiative BCI <\/b>came from an initiative led by WWF which involved several organisations from the sector<\/span>.<\/span> It is the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world, involving everything from farms to major fashion and textile brands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the <\/span>values<\/b> we share with this project are those related to sustainable development goals (SDG), the eradication of child labour and the promotion of fair trade. In fact, one of the SDGs is to reduce inequalities between producers and carry out production in ways that are in harmony with nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sustainable products, the goals of the BCI<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our main product,<\/span> cotton napkins<\/span><\/a>, are made of 100% cotton, and for this reason, it is very important for us to partner with initiatives such as the BCI in 2021. This material, so highly valued on the market and among consumers, <\/span>provides employment for more than 300 million farmers<\/b> spread over more than 80 countries. Furthermore, it accounts for over 40% of all the garments that are manufactured worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, as a brand that uses cotton in its products, we have a huge commitment to the environment, and <\/span>we want to ensure our <\/span>products support more sustainable production practices<\/b>. The cotton crop is exposed to such unpredictable phenomena as pests and water shortages, and the use of pesticides and irrigation in the manufacture of cotton garments is quite widespread. For this reason, it is essential for our business to contribute as much as possible to the conservation of the environment, and we believe that supporting initiatives such as the BCI is an extremely worthwhile way of making a contribution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Producer support <\/span><\/h3>\n

BCI Farmers experience profit increases for a variety of reasons, most commonly due to increased yields and\/or optimised use of inputs (such as irrigation water, pesticides or synthetic fertiliser<\/span>. As part of this initiative, we teach and promote greener methods of cultivation that have already been adopted by more than two million growers around the world. This aid chain is made up of industry players such as suppliers, retailers, producers, and even consumers. Some big brands such as H&M, IKEA and Adidas <\/span>have supported the project,<\/b> sourcing cotton for their products through BCI<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

To achieve this level of awareness, the BCI coordinates a programme aimed at developing capacity hand in hand with experienced partners and farmers. All are certified by those responsible for the initiative and aim to help farmers to adopt best practice in order to<\/span> grow cotton that is better for farmers, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector\u2019s future<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n

Improvement in farmers\u2019 living conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is one of the values shared with the UN goals previously mentioned <\/span>(SDG)<\/b>. The BCI works with experts to clarify <\/span>what actually constitutes forced labour and decent work <\/b>when it comes to setting standards for growing the best cotton. The result of this is the creation and distribution of a decalogue with recommendations to improve the system for identifying, preventing, mitigating, and repairing the risks of forced or precarious labour.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fight against child labour<\/span><\/h3>\n

BCI considers the ILO<\/a> to be the international authority on labour matters. The ILO has developed a system of international labour standards, which primarily take the form of Conventions. In 1998, the ILO issued its Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, which identified eight of these Conventions as \u2018fundamental\u2019.  These Conventions cover the four \u2018core labour standards:<\/span><\/p>\n