#Natural Fibers

2026-01-28

© 2026 Bremer Baumwollbörse

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Raw cotton from different areas of production varies considerably in terms of fibre properties, thus directly influencing how well cotton can be spun into yarn and how textiles behave in further processing. Innovative testing methods enable assessing each bale reliably and reproducibly according to defined quality parameters. The aim is to make cotton qualities comparable, as this is a key prerequisite for global trade, pricing and reliable supply chains. Quality and quality testing are the historical focus of the Bremen conference.

Real comparability on focus

Various methods for testing cotton include High Volume Instrument Testing (such as Uster HVI) as a common method for instrumental cotton classification for price determination and bale composition; Uster AFIS for testing the length, fineness, neps, etc. of individual fibres and the Mesdan Contest as a thermomechanical method for determining the tendency of cotton to stick together.

Mourad Krifa from Kent State University (USA) has been conducting research in the characterisation of cotton fibres for decades, focusing on length distribution. In his presentation he will introduce reliable statistical and software-based tools that help cotton growers, biotechnologists and processors to better analyse and utilise fibre distributions.

Dr Müge Ekizoğlu, İzmir Commodity Exchange (ICE), is going to present the certified storage and classification system for Turkish cotton based on instrumental classification using High Volume Instruments. As one of the leading cotton-growing and producing countries, objective quality assessment for export and international standards is crucial for the Türkiye.

Deninson Lima, ABRAPA Brazil, will present the results of a study on the measurement uncertainties determined for HVI devices used in Brazil. Based on the GUM standard, significant sources of uncertainty such as instrument design, environmental conditions, sample preparation and operator influence were analysed. The study quantified repeatability, reproducibility and possible distortions and emphasises the importance of regular calibrations, quality controls and systematic uncertainty budgeting.

Gabriele Salvinelli, Mesdan, Italy, will present the Contest S series testing equipment. These super automated systems measure the stickiness of raw cotton, which can mess up spinning machines and may lead to higher maintenance effort as well as lower quality. Since standardised environmental conditions are often not fully complied with in practice, the study examines the extended humidity range in which reliable measurement results are possible and provides users with practical recommendations.

A Powerful Opening: Global thought leaders launch the International Cotton Conference Bremen

The International Cotton Conference Bremen will open on 25 March 2026 in the Parliament building of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen with a keynote session of exceptional calibre. Distinguished international experts will set the stage for the conference by offering incisive perspectives on the most pressing challenges and the defining trends shaping the future of the global cotton trade. Their insights will span a broad spectrum — from geopolitically driven disruptions affecting global supply chains to the opportunities emerging from innovation-led agriculture capable of supporting a growing world population. Together, these opening keynotes will frame the dialogue of the conference, highlighting both the complexity of today’s market environment and the pathways toward a resilient and forward-looking cotton sector.

Beyond Cotton: Natural Fibres in the Spotlight at the Bremen Cotton Conference - Branded by DNFI

Climate targets, fragile supply chains, and rising regulatory requirements are fundamentally changing the perspective of the textile industry - the focus is increasingly shifting toward the base material. Not only cotton, but natural fibres are gaining significant importance: they stand out not only because of their outstanding functional properties, but also because they make a valuable contribution to the bioeconomy and responsible product development.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

International Women’s Day: Cotton made in Africa strengthens equality for women through targeted investments

On the occasion of International Women’s Day—which will be observed on 8 March under the motto “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”—the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), which is responsible for Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA), underlines its long-standing and ongoing commitment to the equality of women in African cotton production areas.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

New Gravimax MMX-R X-ray sensor platform opens up new application fields

The demands placed on quality control in web-based production processes are increasing: materials are becoming more complex, basis weights are varying more widely, and at the same time, pressure is growing to make processes more efficient and transparent. Precise measurement data across the entire web width has therefore become a key factor in ensuring stable production processes. With its new Gravimax MMX-R sensor platform, Mahlo introduces a radiometric measurement solution designed to set new standards in determining basis weight and material composition. The platform combines advanced X-ray technology with newly developed signal processing, enabling measurement tasks that previously often required multiple sensor technologies.

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.