#Raw Materials

2019-07-04

Elastic cotton clothing made of 100% cotton

For many years now, polyester and cotton blends have been used to make clothing. In addition, elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is used as it emphasises the fit and provides comfort. This could change in the future, as the US research firm Cotton Incorporated, Cary, North Carolina, has now presented the market with 100% cotton elastic clothing fabrics.

The newly developed product is being marketed under the Natural StretchTM brand without the use of elastane. According to information provided by the supplier, the fabric offers the elasticity and comfort that consumers are used to from wearing long-standing products.

It is known in the industry that normal cotton fabrics already have a given elasticity of three to six percent. The material developed by Cotton Incorporated creates the increased stretch effect through a special mechanical manufacturing process. The material offers highly comfortable stretch properties in combination with the naturalness and softness of cotton. The material does not lose its elasticity when worn. The fabrics can be processed into shirts and blouses, as well as denim jeans, other trousers and skirts. According to Cotton Incorporated, there are currently licensees for the manufacture and sale of Natural StretchTM fabrics in Peru, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia.

However, an additional innovation could provide a boost for change: The Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CISRO), Canberra, Australia, is currently working on growing cotton seed or cotton plants whose fibres provide many of the attributes of manmade fibres such as elasticity, crease resistance, and water resistance, without restricting the natural properties of cotton.

Whether these innovations will prevail depends on the readiness of the clothing industry to deal with them and undoubtedly on changes in the fashion attitudes of consumers. Based on its observations, the Bremen Cotton Exchange assumes that issues related to sustainable production will play an increasingly important role in clothing purchasing in the future. Compared to manmade fibres such as polyester, cotton has the advantage that it is natural, renewable and biodegradable.

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.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

Barmag and Neumag showcase innovations across all manmade fiber processes

For the first time, Barmag is presenting itself alongside its new parent company, Rieter: At this year’s ITM in Istanbul, both companies will be represented from June 9 to 13 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Hall 7, Booth 702B. As a technology leader in the field of chemical fiber equipment, Barmag will showcase its entire portfolio of systems for filament yarn, staple fiber, and nonwoven production, as well as solutions for the networked factory.

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.