#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.

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 U.S. cotton study uses real-world grower data to reveal where fiber impacts occur

Cotton Incorporated has released a critically reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA) of U.S. cotton fiber production that examines how cotton’s environmental impacts are measured and where meaningful improvements can be made across the value chain. The new data, grounded in real‑world grower inputs, measures what drives U.S. cotton’s environmental footprint from field to gin.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.