[pageLogInLogOut]

#Raw Materials

The ICAC releases its 2021 Annual Report

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has released its 2021 Annual Report covering the 2020-21 fiscal year. It is the third edition since the project was initiated for the first time when Executive Director Kai Hughes joined the ICAC in late 2017.

Executive Summary

The 2021 ICAC Annual Report:

  • Provides transparency and accountability, especially in financial areas, and highlights projects, goals and initiatives for the coming year
  • Profiles the ICAC’s Committees, Delegates, Coordinating Agencies and Standing Committee Officers
  • Introduces multiple new editorial elements including the ICAC Value Proposition; Advantages of Hosting a Plenary Meeting; 'Meet the Secretariat' and more
  • Includes the Final Statement from the just-completed, fully virtual 79thPlenary Meeting 


‘We want to ensure that the ICAC is both transparent and accountable for its efforts over the prior 12 months’, Mr. Hughes said. ‘We have a vision for what we want to accomplish over the next few years, but a vision alone isn't enough. This Annual Report provides information to our members about the ICAC’s past performance and future goals and it also reports back on our Strategic Plan — the document that all members of the Secretariat use to guide their efforts over the coming three years’.




The ICAC Annual Report contains a wealth of information, including:

  • A variety of metrics that will serve as a baseline for future performance, including Actual vs Budgeted performance, how money was spent and progress made on social media platforms;
  • Columns from the heads of ICAC Committees that detail their efforts from the past year and offer their vision for the future;
  • The 2020-22 ICAC Communications Plan, which guides both internal and external initiatives and communications,
  • A variety of new editorial elements — the ICAC Value Proposition, Advantages to Hosting a Plenary Meeting, and two 'Meet the Secretariat' entries for the brand-new positions added in 2021, Head of Textiles and Data Scientist.
  • The Final Statement from the 79th Plenary Meeting, which was fully virtual and held from 6-9 December 2021.

A PDF has been posted and you can view it here:

https://www.icac.org/Content/CFCDocument/Pdf3702fe01_bc2f_4055_883a_b200120ac780/2021%20Annual%20Report%20FINAL%20website.pdf


More News from International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

#Europe

ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is proud to announce that it has been included as a member of the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. The Commission developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to assess and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organizations.

#Natural Fibers

ICAC to collaborate with Uzbekistan and Bizpando on regenerative agriculture

The Government of Uzbekistan has allocated 55,000 hectares of land to implement a regenerative agriculture program for cotton as part of a collaborative project with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Bizpando, a company with a a blockchain-based internet platform designed to ensure supply chain compliance.

#Natural Fibers

Bangladesh becomes World's largest importer in 2024/25 after China cuts imports by 65% to 1.1 million tonnes

As we prepare to turn the calendar on 2025, world cotton lint production currently is estimated to be about 25.4 million tonnes — roughly the same as the last season — surpassing the world cotton lint consumption by 392,000 tonnes.

#Natural Fibers

ICAC announces postponement of the 83rd Plenary Meeting in Tanzania

Due to unforeseen circumstances arising from the recent developments in Tanzania, the ICAC has announced that its upcoming 83rd Plenary Meeting has been postponed. Scheduled for Nov. 17-20 in Mwanza, the delay was recommended by Tanzania, and the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.

More News on Raw Materials

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative marks certification anniversary with progress update and accreditation

One year since becoming a certification scheme, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has announced that more than 3,000 supply chain actors have been certified. At farm level, more than 30% of farms and producer units supplying BCI Cotton have received a positive audit outcome.

#Raw Materials

Cotton Incorporated appoints Bev Sylvester as Chief Marketing Officer

Cotton Incorporated announces the appointment of Bev Sylvester as chief marketing officer. In this newly created role, Sylvester will oversee Cotton Incorporated’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, consumer engagement and global outreach to increase demand for cotton and strengthen its relevance in the marketplace.

#Sustainability

OEKO-TEX® chooses TextileGenesis to advance digital traceability for organic cotton

OEKO-TEX® today announced a full collaboration with TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, to digitally trace and authenticate organic cotton, strengthening fraud prevention across the supply chain. This announcement follows a successful pilot and brings together OEKO-TEX®’s certification expertise and closed testing system with TextileGenesis’ digital traceability platform to deliver a secure, end-to-end solution for managing certified organic cotton flows.

Latest News

#Functional Fabrics

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

#Sustainability

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

#Composites

Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp expands bio-materials presence at JEC World 2026

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp is pleased to announce its participation at JEC World 2026, featuring a significantly expanded presence and an enhanced offering for the global composites industry.

TOP