#Raw Materials

2022-07-28

Better Cotton expands Civil Society Membership and welcomes new members in first half of 2022

Better Cotton’s membership network spans the entire cotton sector and beyond, and we work with organisations all the way from farm to fashion. In the first half of 2022, we were delighted to welcome 192 new members from 31 countries to Better Cotton. New members include 44 retailers and brands, 146 suppliers and manufacturers and two civil society organisations.

The latest civil society organisations to join Better Cotton are the Development Agency for Poor and Tribal Awakening (DAPTA), and the Centre for Advanced Research and Development (CARD), both based in India.

"At DAPTA, we provide cotton farmers with technical support and encourage them to use more sustainable farming practices to support not only healthy farmers, but also healthy farming families and environments. Our objective is to enhance farmers’ income and increase the resilience of farming families, which aligns closely with the Better Cotton mission. We look forward to partnering with Better Cotton and working together to improve conditions for cotton farmers in India."

- DAPTA

"We are pleased to become members of Better Cotton as we strive to meet our ambitious goals in supporting cotton farmers and farming communities. In the coming years, we seek to showcase models for better soil, water and pest management, as well as engage farming communities in planning for long-term water sustainability. We also want to achieve a steady and sustainable increase in farmers’ incomes through a package of better practices that are beneficial for farmers and the environment. Through our efforts, we hope to open a window to the international cotton market for smallholder farmers."

- CARD

Joining Better Cotton offers civil society organisations the opportunity to play a decisive role in securing a more sustainable future for global cotton production. Many of our Civil Society Members are also Programme Partners, working directly with farmers and farming communities to build their capacity to adopt more sustainable practices. Together, we work to scale innovations to help transform farming systems and the sector for good.

"Collaboration and joined up action are key to driving change at scale. At Better Cotton, we welcome any civil society organisation serving the common good and with an interest in the cotton sector to join our initiative and contribute to our journey towards sustainable cotton."

- Paula Lum Young Bautil, Director – Membership & Supply Chain, Better Cotton

Other new members who joined Better Cotton in the first half of 2022 include Officeworks, Silentnight, JCPenney, Oliver Bonas, and Macy’s Merchandising Group.

Visit our membership page to learn more about Better Cotton membership, or get in touch with us at membership@bettercotton.org.

https://bettercotton.org/membership/

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

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.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

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.

Mimaki ‘Powers Possibilities’ with a market-diverse application and printer line-up at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, is bringing its “Print Different - Powering Possibilities” theme to life at FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 (Fira de Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026), demonstrating how digital printing technology can turn ideas into high-value applications and new business opportunities.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.