CottonConnect Launches First Ever Responsible Business for Gin Code of Conduct
Sustainable cotton expert, CottonConnect, has published the first-ever Responsible Business for Gins Code of Conduct designed to raise the standards in the crucial process of ginning in the cotton supply chain. Based on extensive long-term work in the sector, implementing the new Code will help Gins assess processes and raise standards to align with best practices in the sector.
The Code is the result of six years of partnership with over 100 gins in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, working together to assess and address potential issues and develop a framework for improvement.
Ginning is a simple but critical mechanical process that links the textile supply chain between the farmer and the spinner. It is the process of separating the cotton boll from the seed and stalk using specialist machinery. Their significance in cotton’s value chain is frequently overlooked by brands and policy-makers, and their underperformance undermines the success of the wider sector. Though seasonal, tens of thousands of people work in gins, and it is often overlooked when creating ethical supply chains.
CottonConnect has been working for six years with its ginning partners on health and safety (HSSE) practices and improvement programmes, raising awareness among gin owners, supervisors, and workers about good practices and environmentally sustainable operations. As a result, CottonConnect has developed the Responsible Business for Gins Code of Conduct in consultation with multiple industry stakeholders and independent verification bodies.
Implementing the Code supports gins’ adoption of the best standards and policies relevant to the sector, including providing a hygienic working environment and promoting statutory rights for gin workers. Compliance also helps to close the awareness gap regarding industry standards amongst the gin owners, supervisors and workers. Our goal is also to support retailers to have more transparent and ethical supply chains. Improving standards at gins is part of that. A fully sustainable supply chain must include the ginning stage. It will also help brands comply with new regulations governing claims about green credentials. Implementation of the new Code, and compliance with its framework, will be independently verified.
The new Code follows the successful implementation of CottonConnect’s codes of conduct for sustainable cotton farmers, regenerative cotton farmers, and sustainable linen farmers.
Download the Responsible Business for Gins Code of Conduct
Download the Responsible Business for Gins Code of Conduct Factsheet
