Both organic cotton and BCI cotton are better alternatives to conventional cotton — but they’re not the same.
If your brand is looking to be more sustainable, understanding the differences in certification, farming, and pricing is key.
At HEM APPAREL, we work with both GOTS-certified organic and BCI-certified cotton, depending on your sustainability goals and budget.
🌱 What Is Organic Cotton?
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Grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs
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Certified by organizations like GOTS or OCS
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Focuses on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity
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Often traced from farm to finished garment
✅ Most recognized eco-label in the global textile industry
🚜 What Is BCI Cotton?
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BCI = Better Cotton Initiative
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Not 100% organic, but produced with improved farming practices
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Focuses on reducing water usage, limiting harmful chemicals, and improving farmer welfare
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Easier to scale and more accessible in price
⚠️ BCI cotton is not physically traceable — it works via a mass balance system (like carbon credits)
🧵 Comparison Table
| Feature | Organic Cotton | BCI Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide-Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ Partial reduction |
| GMO-Free | ✅ 100% Free | ❌ May include GMOs |
| Certification | GOTS / OCS | BCI |
| Traceability | ✅ High | ❌ Mass balance only |
| Price | $$$ (higher) | $$ (moderate) |
| Availability | Lower | High |
| Best For | Premium eco brands | Brands improving step by step |
🧠 HEM APPAREL’s Tip:
If your brand markets itself as sustainable and premium, organic cotton is the safer choice.
If you're in transition or building an affordable conscious line, BCI is a great step forward.
We help you source and develop using either option — from yarn to finished garment.
HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam
