Premier Textiles, one of Europe's leading importers of fabrics, yarns and finished fabrics, has joined the Better Cotton Platform (BCP) as a supplier.
The BCP is an online system that works alongside the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a global effort to make cotton production more sustainable by reducing environmental stress and improving the livelihoods of cotton farmers.
More than 13,000 ginners, traders, spinners, fabric mills, garment and end product manufacturers, sourcing agents and retailers use the BCP.
Greater Manchester-based Premier Textiles stocks over 5 million linear metres of fabric at any given time having been founded in 1981.
The independent family owned group, which employs more than 40 people across its group of businesses, has more than 50,000 sq ft of modern warehousing space in Stockport, Bury and North America.
Group Managing Director Ashok Kallumpram said joining BCP as a supplier reinforces Premier’s commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing and minimising the impact on the planet.
“We work with mills that share our passion for sustainability and adhering to rigorous standards, including in chemical management, material sustainability, water and waste management and renewable energy efficiency,” said Ashok.
“We support the BCI and the move towards buying all BCI Cotton. By joining the BCP we can trade on the platform which further strengthens our firm commitment to sustainability.”
Premier’s group of businesses includes Premier Digital Textiles, Premex Solutions and Bancroft Soft Furnishings.
Non-profit organisation BCI trains cotton farmers worldwide on more sustainable farming practices.
This includes efficient water use, care for natural habitats, reduced use of harmful chemicals and respectful rights of workers.
Cotton sourced from Better Cotton farms then gets mixed with conventional cotton throughout production via a chain of custody system called mass balance. Products sourced via the system of mass balance therefore may not contain Better Cotton.
