Better Cotton Independent Assessment

Building trust in cotton sourcing and consumption through third-party verification

The Better Cotton Independent Assessment is a mandatory verification process for Better Cotton Retailer and Brand (RB) Members. It ensures the accuracy, reliability, and compliance of cotton consumption data with Better Cotton’s membership requirements. This assessment confirms that a member’s cotton consumption measurement follows Better Cotton’s methodology, maintaining data integrity and supporting supply chain transparency.

Anthesis acts as an approved Independent Assessor for Better Cotton, helping apparel and textile businesses meet Better Cotton’s verification requirements while reinforcing transparency and accountability across global supply chains.

Independent assessment services

Anthesis’ role as a Better Cotton independent assessor

As sustainability standards evolve, credible verification is key. Better Cotton’s Independent Assessment process ensures that RB Members can confidently demonstrate the integrity of their cotton sourcing and consumption data.

As an approved Independent Assessor, Anthesis helps RB Members meet Better Cotton requirements, and leverage assessment insights for strategic value.

All Better Cotton Retailer and Brand Members (except those classified as Very Small and not making sourcing claims) must complete an Independent Assessment every three years.

This conformity assessment verifies that an RB Member’s annual cotton fibre consumption measurement, submitted by 15 January each year, meets the methodology set out in Better Cotton’s Measuring Cotton Consumption: Requirements and Guidance.

Anthesis delivers these assessments with complete independence and methodological rigour, reviewing:

Data systems, cleaning, and standardisation methods
Conversion factors and assumptions used in calculations
Internal controls and documentation processes

Our assessments result in a Conformity Assessment Report and Outcome Declaration, concluding whether the submission achieves a Successful Outcome or requires corrective actions.

Where non-conformities are identified, RB Members have up to one year to work through a resolution plan and achieve a Successful Outcome, in line with Better Cotton’s requirements.

While Independent Assessments are a membership requirement, they also represent an opportunity to strengthen governance and data reliability.

A successful assessment:

Enables verified sourcing claims under the Better Cotton Claims Framework 4.0
Supports credible sustainability reporting and reduces the risk of greenwashing
Improves fibre-sourcing strategy with better data quality for target-setting and forecasting
Builds stakeholder trust through transparent, evidence-based communication

Anthesis combines deep apparel-sector expertise with auditing and data-assurance experience, ensuring that assessments are conducted consistently, transparently, and in line with Better Cotton’s framework.

Better Cotton defines Independent Assessment as a key tool for consistency and credibility across the cotton sector.

Through our role as Independent Assessors, Anthesis helps brands and retailers demonstrate credible sourcing, strengthen supply chain transparency, and contribute to continuous improvement across the industry.