#Natural Fibers

2025-11-17

Cotton industry leaders invited

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen launches registration and unveils key topics

Participants can now register online for the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, which will be held on 25-27 March 2026 at the Haus der Bürgerschaft parliament building on market square. All visitors can look forward to a high-calibre conference programme, numerous additional meetings and a valuable exchange of knowledge and information. The comprehensive range of topics covering the entire value chain will provide practical expertise, address current developments, answer key industry questions, and provide new impetus for the future.

High-profile speakers will report on the current world market situation, trade flows, and production and processing statistics. Regulatory conditions, on textile recycling or the circular economy for instance, have a significant impact on the cotton industry and will therefore also feature on the agenda. Hot topics will include new developments and innovations relating to our core topics of production, quality assessment and cotton processing. Other focal points will include the circular economy and cotton recycling.

Highlight: Modern agriculture on focus

A special highlight will be a keynote speech on modern agriculture. There will also be further fascinating presentations exploring the topic of cotton breeding and cultivation, as well as new potential and opportunities for increased efficiency in processing. Not least because of increasing competition from synthetic fibres on the market. Appropriately, there will also be an exclusive session together with the Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI)* on the subject of ‘Regulations in the EU and worldwide’, which will look at the latest political situation, for example under the Green Deal. There will also be further parallel sessions expanding on the conference topics, along with an exhibition of selected posters.

The International Cotton Conference Bremen is a renowned platform for the international cotton industry and will once again be held at the Haus der Bürgerschaft, Bremen’s parliament building on market square. The building’s light-flooded ballroom is considered one of the most beautiful public spaces in the city. The glass façade symbolises transparency and therefore fits in perfectly with the International Cotton Conference. Elke Hortmeyer, from the Bremen Cotton Exchange and an expert from the organising team: “We are also looking to embody and promote transparency with our conference: through open discussion, comprehensible facts and clear messages. This also applies online. Anyone who is unable to come to Bremen in person will be able to follow the sessions live on the internet.” Axel Drieling, from co-organiser the Fibre Institute Bremen adds: “In 2026, participants can once again look forward to a wide range of topics presented by leading experts. Anyone wishing to stay up to date on the latest developments in cotton should not miss the International Cotton Conference Bremen.”

With additional events and meetings throughout Cotton Week, the International Cotton Conference combines in-depth expertise with direct practical relevance. It is aimed at scientists from the respective fields, cotton traders, textile producers, textile machine manufacturers, the textile processing industry, textile retailers and NGOs involved in textiles. Anyone wishing to find out about the latest scientific status quo first hand and be sure that what is being said makes sense should come to Bremen! If you already know that you would like to attend, register straight away and secure your early bird discount.

For the preliminary conference programme, other meetings and registration form, visit our website at www.cotton-conference-bremen.de

151st General Assembly of the Bremen Cotton Exchange

Economic change and personnel decisions were the dominant themes on the agenda of the Annual General Assembly of the Bremen Cotton Exchange on 26 June 2025. During the meeting, the new Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the raw material association, which is now almost 153 years old, were elected. Fritz. A. Grobien will take over as President.

Biochar, Jeevamrit and Bokashi: How traditional composting methods promote more productive, climate-friendly cotton farming

In cotton cultivation, soil quality and the associated fertility and health of the soil play a key role. For this reason, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) in Washington has carried out an ambitious research project on this topic in collaboration with various international partner organisations – with promising results.

Rieter adjusts group structure in preparation for Barmag integration

The planned acquisition of the “Barmag” Division of OC Oerlikon will create the leading system provider worldwide for natural and man-made fibers. Rieter is confident it will receive all regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Rieter Group is therefore adjusting its Group structure as of January 1, 2026, to take this acquisition into account and to be able to provide an even more agile response to market challenges.

Navis TubeTex announces U.S. partnership with Icomatex

Navis TubeTex, a global leader in advanced dyeing and finishing machinery solutions, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Icomatex (www.icomatex.com), a respected European manufacturer of high-quality stenters and textile finishing equipment. Under this agreement, Navis TubeTex will exclusively represent the Icomatex stenter line in the United States.

ADVANSA launches ADVA®tex: A new step toward textile-to-textile recycling

ADVANSA has introduced ADVA®tex, a new filling fibre made entirely from recycled pre-consumer textile waste, positioning the material as a significant step forward in textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling. The fibre is designed for use in duvets, pillows, mattresses, and furniture applications and is available in three versions.

KARL MAYER celebrates 35 years of EL pattern drive

KARL MAYER is celebrating an anniversary this year: on 30 November 1990, the first warp knitting machine with electronic guide bar control, the KS 4 EL, was delivered – another milestone for patterning. As early as 1980, the SU gearbox with the MRS42SU had initiated the transition from mechanical chains to digital data.