Transparent and honest cotton from seed to production

In products that pass through the hands of numerous companies before reaching the end user, there is an increased risk of fragmenting the responsibility for people and the environment. The question is, where does this responsibility lie? By looking at the bigger picture, engaging in dialogue with partners and entering into collaborations, more sustainable supply chains are created, yielding fairer linen products, friendlier processes and more innovative solutions.

Fair and friendly processes

Cotton that is produced fairly and sustainably is important not just for Blycolin, but also for the hotel guests who sleep better knowing they are resting under ‘fairer’ linens. A key aspect of a fair product and process is ‘transparency’. Through the so-called Respect Code, answers are provided to the question, ‘where does the linen come from and what is its impact?’ It is also crucial to make the entire supply chain transparent. The Product DNA allows for tracing the origin of raw materials, from the location where the cotton is produced to the location of direct suppliers. The Life Cycle Analysis then indicates the real impact of a textile product over its entire lifespan. Interested in how Blycolin’s products are made? Follow the journey of various products here. The path the cotton takes can also be traced from start to finish. The video from supplier Dibella fully maps out the journey from seed to production. Watch it here! https://youtu.be/tKCmydInW7k.

People and environment at the core

The fairer linen products and friendlier processes, which centralize people and the environment, are further ensured by a more sustainable approach adopted by micro-farmers in India. The environment is a priority here, as these farmers do not use genetically modified plants or toxic chemical pesticides. The focus on people is evident, as the cotton farmers are provided with more security through a guaranteed purchase agreement on top of a fair price. Additionally, the collaboration with partner Chetna improves the living and working conditions of small and micro-farmers. Agriculture must provide these farmers with a complete livelihood, ensuring they receive a fair price and their communities thrive, evidenced by things like bicycles and improved schooling for the youth. Lastly, all suppliers with whom Blycolin collaborates sign a Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct imposes strict conditions on the working conditions for all involved, particularly in the production process.