#Raw Materials

2020-02-05

Genetic engineering, robot technology, seed breeding, cotton cultivation, ginning

35th International Cotton Conference Bremen from 25 to 27 March 2020

Overview of the Status of Genetic Engineering

Application of Robot Technology

Pure Farming: Seed Breeding, Cultivation, Ginning

Bremen, the 3rd of February: the cottonseed as the raw material, the cultivation of cotton and its ginning are essential levers for increasing yields as well as quality, particularly against the backdrop of ecological, social and economic sustainability. Genetic engineering is controversially discussed in Europe. The top innovation in the agricultural sector is not to be omitted: robot technology on the field. You can find these topics at the upcoming International Cotton Conference from 25th to 27th March in the historic Town Hall of the Hanseatic city Bremen.

Development of Yields of Transgenic Seeds in Long Term Survey

David Albers, Product Development Manager for Bayer Crop Science in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, will inform about the results of a US long-term study on the use of cottonseed varieties from the Deltapine product line. As part of a comparative study based on data collections from 1980 to 2019, that is a period of almost 40 years, the realised results for yields and fibre quality from the use of the Bayer Crop Science products are introduced. The study compares the results from the eighties, that is just before the introduction of transgenic seeds, with those from the decades using continuously developed transgenic seeds. Let’s wait for the result.

Robot Technology Determines Modern Agriculture

Professor J. Alex Thomasson is professorial chair for cotton production technology, ginning and mechanisation at the Texas A&M University. In his speech “Robot Technology for the Cotton Harvest” he will introduce examples of applications with which the cotton harvest can significantly be improved using robots for higher productivity. For example, harvest robots can execute numerous harvesting processes within the growing season in which exclusively the mature, opened cotton bolls are accessed. This reduces crop losses and ensures better fibre quality by avoiding weathering of the plants. In addition to the use for harvesting, several posters will also show further applications, like weeding, during the conference. Economic as well as ecological advantages?

Avoiding Plastic Contaminations in Cotton

The detection and removal of plastic during the ginning process are essential points in Greg Holt´s presentation. He is research leader of the cotton production and cotton processing research unit at the US Department of Agriculture in Lubbock, Texas. During the mechanical harvesting, cotton is more and more often wrapped in round modules made of plastic and then placed in the field. Examinations by the USDA have shown that this packing method is one of the main sources of pollution of fibres with plastic particles, which are hard to detect. They cause deficiencies in dyeing yarns and fabrics and thus lead to complaints in fabric appearance. The methods for solving these problems and their results will be introduced in the speech.

Focus on India´s Cotton Production

With his speech, Akhil Kakkirala directs the sights at aspects of cotton production in India. He is a partner at the Kaveri Business Group based in Hyderabad, South India, one of the leading ginning companies in the country. The Kaveri companies gin cotton from different regions in India and sell to spinning mills in the country. Compared to worldwide cultivation methods, Akhil Kakkirala introduces India´s cultivation methods. Using analysis findings, he will show why the yields are comparatively low. He will address ginning quality and problems of contamination and give reasons for quality variations. Does the blockchain help here?

Gaylon Morgan, director of agricultural and environmental research with Cotton Incorporated, Carry, North Carolina, USA, is a proven expert for the advancement of cotton growing methods and will lead the conference session “Breeding, Production, Ginning”. The almost two hour session takes place on Thursday, 26th March.

Bremen Cotton Exchange: Fritz A. Grobien re-elected as President

The members of the Bremen Cotton Exchange have re-elected Fritz A. Grobien as President during the association’s 152nd General Assembly on June 18, 2026. The election confirms the organization’s commitment to maintaining its role as a leading international platform for the cotton and fiber industry amid a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

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.

AMSilk and Ajinomoto Foods Europe expand partnership to enable industrial-scale production of silk proteins

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader leader in biotech produced silk materials, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), marking a key step in scaling the industrial production of its silk proteins. Building on the collaboration first established in 2023, the two companies have now entered into a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement, enabling the transition from industrial validation to dedicated, large-scale production.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.