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Results that inspire Better Cotton Initiative New ways spread from farmer to farmer Meet some of the project farmers From cotton fields to the IKEA range Improving child rights in cotton growing areas

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Cotton

We’ve set out to create lasting change in cotton production

Cotton is one of the most important raw materials for IKEA. However, cotton production comes at a high cost to people and the environment.

We have a responsibility to work towards better growing methods. That’s why we work closely with WWF and local organisations in India and Pakistan and why we spearheaded the Better Cotton Initiative. We’ve helped farmers reduce their use of water by an average of 50%, while increasing their profit margins. So far, there are 80,000 farmers on board.

We also want to create real and lasting changes for children in the communities where cotton is grown. We work in close cooperation with Save the Children and UNICEF to give at least 10 million children better access to quality schooling.

Better cotton across the IKEA range

It’s a long and winding road from the cotton fields in India and Pakistan to textile products in the IKEA store. 25% of the cotton we use is now grown in a better way. We’re proud of that, but we know it’s not enough. Our goal is to replace all the cotton we use – all of it – with Better Cotton. Better for the planet and for the communities where cotton is grown.

New ways spread from farmer to farmer

The IKEA and WWF cotton projects are based on hands-on training in the field. Farmers see and experience the benefits of changing the way they grow cotton, and successful farmers act as inspiration to others.

Results that inspire

Thousands of cotton farmers have joined IKEA and WWF cotton projects in India and Pakistan. They have proved that cotton can be grown in a better way – and with better profits.

Meet some of the project farmers

Better ways of cotton farming are spreading from farmer to farmer across several states in India and Pakistan. Meet three Indian farmers in various stages of their journey towards better cotton cultivation.

Better Cotton Initiative

IKEA is one of the founding members of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). This global multi-stakeholder organisation aims to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future. BCI is also developing globally accepted criteria for “Better Cotton”. Leading participants are international companies and NGOs.

Improving child rights in cotton growing areas

The IKEA Foundation funds UNICEF and Save the Children programmes in cotton growing areas of India and Pakistan. The aim is to to create child-friendly communities by getting children into school and helping them to stay in school and get a quality education. These programmes will reach some 10 million children.

Education, not work, for children
Read more at ikeafoundation.org

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