[pageLogInLogOut]

#Raw Materials

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.

© 2023 IWTO
© 2023 IWTO


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



More News from TEXDATA International

#Recycling / Circular Economy

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

#Europe

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

More News on Raw Materials

#Raw Materials

ICAC projects slight decline in production, relative stability for consumption

Global cotton production is projected to decline by 4% in the 2026/27 season to 24.8 million tonnes, while consumption is expected to remain relatively steady at 25.0 million tonnes, according to the March 2026 edition of Cotton This Month.

#Raw Materials

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

#Raw Materials

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

#Raw Materials

Aid by Trade Foundation reaches new milestones in supply chain transparency

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is reaching new milestones as it leads the way towards greater physical traceability for Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) cotton. With around 700 suppliers and producers in a total of 25 countries, the Aid by Trade Foundation has reached a new record number of partners who can trace CmiA cotton from the product back to its origin. This is more than double the previous year’s figure.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

Knowledge that drives progress: Techtextil and Texprocess forums strengthen the global textile industry with a future-oriented programme

From AI-supported production optimisation and digital manufacturing solutions to circular technologies and bio-based high-performance materials: the Techtextil and Texprocess forums provide answers to the key challenges of the global textile industry with a curated content programme. As hubs for innovation and knowledge, they enhance competitiveness and offer orientation in changing markets. From 21 to 24 April 2026, Frankfurt is once again the global meeting point for thought leaders from industry, research and business.

#Techtextil 2026

Enhanced protection without added weight: Innovative technology for flame-retardant textiles doubles reaction time and ensures high wearing comfort

Flame-retardant textiles have long faced the same dilemma: the higher the level of protection, the greater the compromise in comfort, weight and breathability. This is especially important for workwear and protective clothing worn for long hours, where comfort is crucial to wearer acceptance and satisfaction. At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Swiss company Textilcolor AG will unveil pyroshell™, an innovative flame-retardant technology designed to tackle this challenge. Protection is provided by a graphite-based functional layer integrated into the textile structure, which doubles the reaction time before burns occur while significantly enhancing comfort. The material does not release any toxic fumes and offers textile manufacturers entirely new opportunities to design and produce protective and functional garments. It is also durable enough to withstand up to 50 industrial washes.

#Composites

JEC WORLD 2026 opens: Paris becomes the World Capital of composites

JEC World 2026 opens tomorrow, March 10, at Paris Nord Villepinte, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem for three days of exhibitions, conferences, technical sessions, strategic industry gatherings, and business meetings. As the “festival of composites”, JEC World is also a destination for a broad spectrum of other professional visitors, eager to discover how these advanced materials can offer sustainable solutions to their industries.

#Spinning

Barmag presents the next generation of POY production – energy-efficient and partial-automated

With POY 2.0, Barmag is introducing a completely redesigned spinning concept that takes the production of partially oriented yarn (POY) to a new level in terms of technology and economy. The solution, which was presented to a selected audience of experts for the first time at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, was met with great enthusiasm: several yarn producers worldwide immediately expressed their interest in a pilot plant.

TOP