‘Cotton Made in Africa’ is recognized by two sustainability standards

The Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) programme run by the Aid by Trade Foundation has now been officially recognized by the German Green Button (administrated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) standard as a ‘sustainable natural fibre,’ and has also been confirmed as an accredited source of raw materials by Cradle to Cradle Certified.

This recognition means that over 90 companies are currently able to meet meta-label requirements by using cotton from Cotton made in Africa; without a recognized certification seal, products cannot bear the Green Button label.

To enable consumers to better navigate the market, Green Button’s meta-label approach recognizes only independent, exacting, and relevant certification programmes in the textile sector.

The Green Button ensures the entire company is audited to ascertain whether it acts responsibly. Offering individual products for the show is not enough.

It also lays down the criteria and conditions for the Green Button, and independent auditors check compliance and ensure that standards are met.

The standards organization Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute has also recognized the requirements of the CmiA standard.

Cradle to Cradle Certified is the global standard for products that are safe, circular, and responsibly made. As a result, companies can use Cotton made in Africa cotton produced through the Hard Identity Preserved (HIP) system to meet the Bronze-level requirements in the Material Health category of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard Version 4.0.

By using CmiA cotton produced through the HIP system in their products, companies can also meet the Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold-level requirements in three categories: Product Circularity, Water & Soil Stewardship, and Social Fairness. Mass Balance material may be used to achieve the Gold-level in the two categories of Product Circularity and Water & Soil Stewardship as well.

Thanks to these developments, CmiA says it can now offer companies the raw materials they need for their garments and textiles to fulfill the requirements of two additional exacting sustainability standards.