INTERNATIONAL
The Tonrose Group, one of Europe’s longest established trade linen companies, is introducing the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) mark to its products to underline its continued commitment to the global organisation.
It’s the first time a member who supplies end products to businesses in the service industry has introduced BCI-specific on-product marking and the company is hoping it will help influence other UK and international trade linen brands to also join BCI.
BCI was established in 2009 to address the most pressing sustainability issues in global cotton cultivation, with an equal focus on environmental, social and economic impact. It aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity. By 2020, BCI’s goal is to reach 5million farmers worldwide and account for 30% of global cotton production. BCI works with a diverse range of stakeholders across the cotton supply chain, including leading retail brands such as H&M, Ikea, Levis Strauss & Co., Marks & Spencer and Nike.
The Tonrose Group was the first UK trade linen company to become a member of the Better Cotton Initiative and, as a leading provider to the hospitality sector, it is driving the sector’s agenda on Better Cotton and ethical luxury.
The Group owns a growing portfolio of brands, including Tonrose (hotel and leisure linen supply), Tradelinens (luxury linen division), Tielle Love Luxury (retail), and Sirona (specialist spa trade business).
As part of its pledge to the BCI, Tradelinens is working with the organisation to engage its global network of suppliers across countries such as India, China, Turkey and Pakistan to increase the flow of Better Cotton throughout the supply chain. “Supporting BCI is very important to us. Cotton is the lifeblood of our business so we feel a strong responsibility to ensure we are working closely with our supply partners to ensure that 10% of our cotton procurement becomes Better Cotton by the end of 2017,” said Terry Sheldon, chairman of The Tonrose Group. “This is the first time that we will have carried the BCI mark on our products and, hopefully, as more mills around the world get involved, we can make this a feature across our entire linen range.”
