#Raw Materials

2023-09-21

DNFI: Advancing the use of natural fibres

At a time when the increase of synthetic fibres has risen dramatically, the Discover Natural Fibers Initiative (DNFI) plays a key role in advancing the use of natural fibres.

Natural, renewable and vital to the livelihoods of many workers around the world, natural fibres have intrinsic properties – mechanical strength, low weight and low cost – that make them particularly attractive to many industries.

Part of DNFI’s mission is to encourage innovation at all levels, to help the natural fibre community deliver these the benefits.

As part of its commitment, DNFI has launched its latest natural fibre update, with forecasts by USDA, Cotton Outlook, IWTO, and data for fibres like jute and abaca. Read on to learn more about DNFI and its work, and to find highlights from the new report.

[P class="klein":DNFI: Advancing the Use of Natural Fibers

DNFI, is a global initiative that unites stakeholders from around the world with a shared goal: to increase the awareness, availability, and sustainability of natural fibres. Founded in 2010, DNFI represents 15 of the world’s major plant fibres and animal fibres. These range from cotton to specialty fibres such as cashmere or coir. Find DNFI’s latest news, and information about its annual award, at dnfi.org/.

The DNFI Commitment

DNFI’s commitment to promoting natural fibres aligns with the urgent need for sustainable practices in today’s world. Natural fibres are biodegradable and renewable. Plus, the use of natural fibres supports rural communities and small-scale farmers, helping to reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods. Together, the international natural fibers community produces over 33 million tons of fibres per annum, with a value of US$60B.

DNFI’s annual award promotes the development of new products/components and applications using natural fibres as well as new processes for manufacturing of environmental friendly products.

Key Highlights from the Report

The World Natural Fibre Update for September 2023 covers production statistics from natural fibres industries all over the world. These are a few highlights. For more, download the full report from DNFI’s website, link below.

Cotton Production Forecast: According to the USDA, world cotton production is expected to decrease by 3.5% in the 2023/24 season, amounting to 24.8 million tonnes. This follows a record-high yield in the previous season.

Cotton Futures: The nearby cotton futures contract on the Intercontinental Exchange experienced a 3% increase by the end of August, suggesting a potential for additional increases in cotton prices.

Insight into Wool: The Eastern Market Indicator, which tracks prices for fine wool in Australia, saw a 7% decline in August. The British Fleece Wool Price Indicator of broad wool prices (used in carpeting, blankets and other broad-yarn applications) was $1.52 per kilogram at the end of August, up from $1.36 in July.

Freightos Baltic Global Container Index: The Freightos Baltic Global Container Index for backhaul traffic from US West Coast ports to China (FBX02), including surcharges, experienced a decline. This movement in shipping costs can have implications for international trade and logistics.

Panama Canal Congestion: A severe drought is leading authorities to restrict the number of crossings and bar ships with heavy loads from using the Panama Canal. This congestion may disrupt global shipping routes, raising concerns in the maritime industry.

Download the full report at

https://dnfi.org/dnfi-world-natural-fibre-update-september-2023

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Christian Wichert appointed Chief Executive Officer to lead next phase of growth

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader in advanced biomaterials made from silk proteins, today announces the appointment of Christian Wichert as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 June. The appointment marks a pivotal moment in AMSilk’s journey, as the Company advances from development through scale-up to commercialization.

Dr N Vigneshwaran is named 2026 ICAC Researcher of the Year

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr N Vigneshwaran, Principal Scientist and Head of the Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division at the ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, India, as the ICAC Researcher of the Year 2026.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.