The integrity and qualities of Australian cotton set global benchmarks for customers.

Sustainability of raw material production and processing practices have become important attributes by which consumers assess the value and integrity of products. For the cotton industry this has meant that there are greater demands for transparency regarding the social, environmental and economic impacts of cotton production as well as increasing consumer desires to purchase products which are traceable and proven to be sustainably produced. Non-government, government and industry organisations have responded by developing a range of programs that focus on ensuring the integrity of products being promoted to consumers. Australian cotton will be increasingly asked to demonstrate its production qualities and this is an opportunity for increased promotion as well as public scrutiny of the industry’s performance. This theme works towards demonstrating the qualities of Australian cotton by developing full transparency and traceability of Australian cotton along the supply chain.

We will achieve this by:

  • Improving Australian fibre quality testing standards and procedures and the capacity to measure and manage contamination.
  • Supporting the development and implementation of post farm gate BMPs.
  • Developing and implementing a standardised reporting system for Australian cotton product quality and traceability.
  • Benchmarking Australian cotton against key international programs for product stewardship and sustainability.

Measures of success:

Customers have confidence in the integrity of Australian cotton

  • Australia has the best ranking for non-contamination in The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) survey.
  • Customers recognise and use Australia’s BMP standards as their guarantee of quality assurance.
  • Australia uses standardised reporting systems for product quality and traceability for farmers, industry and customers.
  • Australia can respond to customer needs for reporting sustainability indicators.


The Assured cotton theme is managed by CRDC’s R&D Program Manager, Allan Williams. For more information, contact us.