The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is set to unveil its new Transparency Standard in early 2025, enhancing the traceability and reliability of sustainable cotton certified under Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). This initiative aims to strengthen global confidence in sustainable cotton across the textile supply chain.

Building on its 2018 tracking system, the new standard introduces independent audits and digital transaction documents (DTDs) to ensure rigorous compliance. "This sets a new benchmark for reliability and traceability," said GerlindBaz, senior project manager at AbTF. Independent auditors will conduct risk-based audits, verify production data, and review documents like delivery notes, providing greater transparency.

Tobias Wollermann, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at the Otto Group, highlighted the significance of this step: “The new standard enhances safety and reliability, supporting due diligence in global supply chains.”

Key features include risk-based audits, mandatory self-assessments, and on-site onboarding audits for spinning mills. The introduction of DTDs enables seamless tracing of CmiA and RCS cotton throughout the supply chain. Any missing data in the process renders the DTD invalid, reinforcing the integrity of the system.

Tina Stridde, Managing Director of AbTF, emphasized the growing demand for traceable raw materials: “The new transparency standard addresses mounting political and social pressures, empowering textile companies and brands to verify product origins and sustainability.”

This landmark initiative reaffirms CmiA and RCS as globally trusted certifications, ensuring that sustainable cotton is reliably tracked from field to finished product.