Over the past few decades, Brazilian cotton has been working towards growing synergy between innovation and sustainability. Thanks to technology and the dedication of hundreds of rural producers, we are proud to offer the world a natural raw material that fully respects the environment, people, and processes of constant evolution.
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Effective reduction of workers accidents due to the training actions implemented by the certification; Improvement of well-being and health of farm workers; Farm workers are also trained on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures when handling crop protection products and farm equipment.
Cotton production in Brazil relies on the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. With the growing demand from consumers who value the responsible origin of the products they purchase, Brazilian cotton has gained strength. Here’s why:
In addition to only 8% of the Brazilian fiber being cultivated using irrigation, there are projects for regional conservation of water resources - protection, preservation and recovery of riverheads, studies on silting up and contamination by chemicals – and specifics actions with the study’s results. Ex.: Project: recovery of river springs by rural producers.
Brazil's electricity matrix is based in renewable sources. In 2020, renewable energy supplied 85% of the electricity sector demand and it is expected to reach 88% by 2030. This contributes to reduce the carbon footprint of the cotton supply chain in Brazil.
Encouraging the use of biological pest and diseases control. The objective is to replace part of the chemical pesticides used. Other promoted techniques include: free-host period, biotechnology, mandatory crop calendar, biopesticides, insect traps and scouting, etc.
In Brazil, cotton is produced mostly as a second crop. This is called “double cropping system” and means that once the raining season starts (Sep-Oct) farmers plant soybeans and only after the soybean harvest (Jan-Feb), cotton is seeded. 63% of all cotton production in Brazil is grown as a second crop. In other words, more than 1 million hectares of land are being spared, reducing land use change pressure and maximizing food and fiber production per hectare.
Brazilian farmers are known for the high level of technology adoption in their farms. Smart and digital farming tools have been largely used in order to increase operational efficiency and reduce input use.
Each cotton bale produced in the country has a bale identification number that can be used to trace the bale back to the farm, farmer and cotton gin, using an online database. Abrapa has invested to bring certification and traceability with large financial investments.
Encouraging the use of soil conservationist practices. Cover cropping, no-tillage and reduced tillage are widespread practices among Brazilian cotton growers. In combination with cover crops and crop rotation, these practices improve soil health and contribute to reducing GHG emissions.
In addition to only 8% of the Brazilian fiber being cultivated using irrigation, there are projects for regional conservation of water resources - protection, preservation, and recovery of riverheads, studies on silting up and contamination by chemicals – and specific actions with the study’s results. Example: Project for recovery of river springs by rural producers.
Regularization of environmental conservation areas, in line with the Brazilian Forest code, in all farms; Depending on where a farm is located, between 20% and 80% of the native vegetation of each farm must be preserved by the farmer as well as riparian forests along rivers and streams. Farmers are also engaged in the prevention of farm and wildfires, through the implementation of on farm fire brigades.
Effective reduction of workers accidents due to the training actions implemented by the certification; Improvement of well-being and health of farm workers; Farm workers are also trained on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures when handling crop protection products and farm equipment.
82% of the national Harvest was certified 3,04M ton of lint (2023/24)
Over 90% of the crops grow with rainwater only: without artificial irrigation
Brazil is the #1 responsible cotton supplier in the world
More than 35% of all Better Cotton is Brazilian
17% higher Human Development Index (HDI) in cotton-producing municipalities
compared to the Brazilian average
Brazil leads the world in adopting soil conservation practices in certified cotton production
60%
41,600 formal direct jobs are created on certified farms
2.4x less land than the global average to produce the same amount of cotton
preservation of native fauna and flora, protection of springs and rivers, rational use of pesticides, use of clean and renewable energy, good agricultural practices, and crop rotation.
respect for workers’ health and well-being, promoting fair relationships between employers and employees, and contributing to community development.
prioritizes the economic health of businesses so that all parties, without distinction, can grow together and support the Brazilian macroeconomy.
The ABR (Algodão Brasileiro Responsável) protocol is the national standard for socio-environmental certification of cotton in Brazil, managed by Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Growers Association). The ABR guarantees sustainable origins that align with good production practices, national labor legislation, environmental laws, and rational use of inputs.
The ABR certification is an evolution of a local initiative organized by producers in 2005 in Mato Grosso, Brazil’s largest cotton-producing state. The national protocol for farms has existed since 2012 and is equivalent to Better Cotton. Recently, it has expanded to include other critical stages of production: cotton gins and retro-port terminals.
To increase sustainability standards for cotton produced in Brazil, harvest after harvest, providing guarantees to the market.
Adherence to the protocol is voluntary, with a commitment to continuous improvement. The certified unit must demonstrate that its compliance level increases with each harvest.
Under these pillars, eight evaluation criteria have been established:
The ABR is trustworthy! Audits are independent and conducted annually on-site by certification bodies accredited to ISO 17065.
Accredited certifiers in 2024: Genesis, ABNT, and Qima (ABR and ABR-UBA); Control Union (ABR-LOG).
Since 2013, the ABR protocol has been equivalent to Better Cotton. Additionally, it is recognized by the FAO and is one of the 15 certifications worldwide selected by Textile Exchange as preferred in the global market.
ABR certification data is provided via a label attached to each bale. Learn more.
Discover how the ABR (Responsible Brazilian Cotton) program has innovated sustainability processes and transformed cotton production in Brazil. Download our Cotton Map – key data and figures of Brazilian cotton in a printable file.
The ABR certification protocol brings together the most relevant aspects of Brazil’s labor and environmental legislation combined with the world’s best responsible practices. For this reason, our protocol has been in synergy with Better Cotton from the beginning, in 2013. For a producer to obtain Better Cotton licensing, they must first be ABR certified.
Brazil stands out as number one in Better Cotton supply, setting a new standard for sustainability in the cotton production chain. This reflects our commitment to responsible agricultural practices and strengthening an ethical and efficient supply chain, from cultivation to the global industry.
Source: 2022/23 Annual Better Cotton Report
In recent years, the ABR has grown beyond the farms, extending to processing units (ABR-UBA) and retro-port terminals (ABR-LOG).
This marks a step forward in transparency at different stages of the Brazilian production chain and in the continuous improvement of our sustainability efforts.
Since December 2024, Cotton Brazil has been part of the European Make the Label Count coalition, expanding its role in global sustainability guidelines and lending its voice to actions aimed at raw materials’ quality and responsible origin. Together with Anea and Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Producers Association), the Cotton Brazil membership ensures that the full weight of the Brazilian cotton sector is behind this important effort, affirming Brazil’s commitment to strengthening and defending the environmental benefits of natural fibers such as cotton at this critical juncture.
We are delighted to welcome ABRAPA and as a consequence Cotton Brazil to the Make the Label Count coalition. As a globally recognized organization committed to sustainable cotton production, their expertise and leadership will strengthen our collective voice and effort to ensure fair and credible sustainability claims for natural fibres. Beyond the socio-economic importance of raw material production for many cotton farmers, the EU’s PEF methodology must properly address the environmental impact of oil-based materials like polyester, which contribute to massive plastic waste and release microplastics into our waters and soils.
Make the Label Count’s spokesperson
