#Raw Materials

2020-10-08

COTTON USA celebrates World Cotton Day with virtual events focused on a greener world

In celebration of the second-annual World Cotton Day on October 7, COTTON USA™ put the natural fiber centerstage at a three-and-a-half-hour virtual event based in Latin America. The Word Cotton Day celebration featured experts from across the globe who covered some of the most pressing topics in the cotton industry, with a specific focus on sustainability. CCI is also putting a special focus on U.S. cotton by teaming up with 12 Latin American COTTON USA™ licensees for a “dress to take care of the world” campaign.

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) co-established the global day in 2019 alongside four other organizations – the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Trade Centre (ITC), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – as a formal recognition of the countless benefits that cotton brings to communities worldwide. The day serves as a platform designed to unite countless organizations, advocacy groups, investors and beneficiaries in order to educate fellow peers and consumers alike on cotton’s current and future role in society.

“We’re looking forward to having a prominent role in celebrating cotton on this day in parallel with the many other organizations participating in it,” said Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive Director Bruce Atherley. “We know this natural fiber plays a crucial role around the globe, which is why COTTON USA is focusing our event on ‘a greener world’ within the supply chain. When looking at the future of this valuable resource, we must look at sustainability first and foremost. We hope to educate attendees on issues, innovations and more surrounding this subject.”

COTTON USA’s Latin American-based celebration will consist of both pre-recorded and live presentations where world experts will present innovative and sustainable initiatives designed to solve numerous global challenges faced by textile, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Specific topics covered in the event include:

Sustainability & Innovation

Microfiber Pollution

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

The Circular Economy

All those celebrating the day are encouraged to share their appreciation for cotton through photos and videos of cotton-based products on social media via the #WorldCottonDay hashtag. Any support goes a long way in increasing cotton’s visibility and showcasing its many benefits to consumers.

In addition to the event, 12 Latin American COTTON USA™ licensees will tell their many brand stories through a uniting “dress to take care of the world” campaign. Also focused on sustainability, each licensee’s content will be shared on social media throughout the day. All content will be posted on Cotton Latino’s social channels as well for anyone interested in following along.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

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Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

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In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

“We clearly see that reliability, flexibility, service and total cost of ownership are becoming increasingly important again.”

The nonwovens industry continues to face a challenging market environment. Nevertheless, AUTEFA Solutions reports successful projects, new line sales and growing demand for energy-efficient and flexible solutions. In this interview, André Imhof of AUTEFA Solutions talks about competitiveness against Chinese suppliers, new service and recycling concepts, the growing importance of application development and the opportunities created by countercyclical investments.

“Needle punching technology is more universal and sustainable than ever!”

Needle punching technology was long regarded as a rather traditional and comparatively slow technology within the nonwovens industry. In this interview, Johann Philipp Dilo explains why needle punching is more relevant than ever today – ranging from energy efficiency and resource conservation to hygiene applications, new machine concepts and design-oriented nonwoven solutions.

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

PET spunbond from China – EDANA welcomes imposition of provisional anti-dumping measures

On 13 May 2026, after eight months of investigation, the European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of 45.6-50.0% on imports of PET spunbond from China. EDANA welcomes this expression of the Commission’s clear determination to protect EU industries from the unfair trade practices of Chinese producers.