eucotton4nordics.eu

ΕUCOTTON Protocol

The EUCOTTON Protocol establishes supply chain transparency and traceability for European cotton. It ensures proximity, high standards, and trademark protection through strict requirements and innovative applications at every stage —from farm to end product— thereby boosting partner and consumer confidence.

EUCOTTON Protocol

Transparency

Transparency in the production chain is enhanced through the implementation of the EUCOTTON protocol requirements and innovative applications that ensure full traceability and monitoring from farm to end product, thus guaranteeing transparency at each link in the chain as well as partner and consumer trust.

  • Each stage of the production and distribution process is securely recorded, which enables monitoring of the origin and production practices by consumers and partners.

  • All links in the production chain, from producers, ginners and spinners, to knitters, weavers, manufacturers, brands, and retailers, can use the EUCOTTON mark on their products, provided they comply with the strict protocol criteria.

Traceability

With a view to facilitating production chain management, an online platform has been developed that serves as a database for registered participants, organizing the supply chain and monitoring information regarding the processing of products at all stages of production. The barcode on cotton bale labels provides complete information for tracing the origin of cotton, determining where and by whom it is produced, while QR codes help consumers gain instant access to key data regarding the journey of cotton.

Proximity

Production under the EUCOTTON protocol is carried out exclusively within the European Union, leveraging proximity to ensure compliance with strict European standards and deliver high quality. The protocol requires that the EU Cotton content percentage in finished textile products made purely from cotton should be 100%, while the content percentage in products made from cotton and other materials should be at least 50%.

Control and Surveillance

Every stage in the production chain undergoes a certification process and surveillance, monitored by independent bodies. Compliance with the criteria of the EUCOTTON protocol is guaranteed through licensing and laboratory controls, providing assurance that the goods are exclusively produced from European cotton.

Trade Mark Protection

EUCOTTON is protected by the EU Trade Mark Regulation (EUTMR) and registered in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This legal protection ensures and safeguards exclusive rights to the trade mark with regard to European products.