Mass balance is the quantity-based accounting system that allows CGF-certified cotton to be tracked and claimed across complex global supply chains.
Mass balance is a supply chain model that allows certified cotton to be mixed with non-certified cotton at any point in processing, as long as an equivalent quantity of certified cotton has been purchased and documented entering the supply chain.
This is the most commercially viable model for scaling sustainable cotton in the short term — it allows mills and brands to transition gradually without requiring full physical separation of certified fibre.
Over time, as certified volumes grow, we encourage and support members to transition towards physical traceability — the highest level of supply chain integrity.
The certified farmer sells their harvest. Volume and certification status are recorded digitally in the CGF system.
The gin enters a transaction certificate confirming the certified volume purchased and the lot ID.
The spinning mill — which may mix certified and non-certified cotton — claims an equivalent volume of CGF-certified yarn.
The brand claims the certified cotton volume in their sustainability reporting and on-product labelling.
Our supply chain team can help you choose the right model for your sourcing volumes and goals.