[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

#ITM 2026

ITM 2026: The new geography of textile production

New production hubs are emerging across North Africa and Central Asia, while Türkiye is accelerating its transformation toward higher-value, technology-driven and more sustainable textile manufacturing.

#Research & Development

“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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

“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

#Associations

“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.

More News on Raw Materials

#Raw Materials

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative partners with Avalo in AI plant breeding for climate-resilient cotton

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has partnered with agriculture solutions company Avalo, whose platform accelerates the speed at which plants with key resiliency traits may be developed.

#Raw Materials

ICAC International Seminar in Taipei to explore strategic synergies across the textile supply chain

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) — together with the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan — will bring international cotton and textile leaders together in Taipei on September 10 for the ICAC International Seminar 2026.

#Raw Materials

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

Latest News

#Europe

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

#Research & Development

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

#CINTE Techtextil China 2026

Cinte Techtextil China 2026 has opened today, bringing global innovations and resources to Shanghai

As Asia’s premier platform catering to the evolving needs in technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China has opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, gathering over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Across Halls W3 to W5, this edition will create chances for fast-growing sectors and emerging trends – such as Mobiltech, Medtech & Protech, Indutech and more. The curated zones, pavilions, and fringe programme are designed to better connect exhibitors with targeted buyers from across China, Asia-Pacific, and further afield. Meanwhile, the Association Village will gather international industry associations to foster even more global collaboration.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens with focus on AI, circularity and new sourcing regions

More than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world are gathering at Paris-Le Bourget as Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens its doors from August 31 to September 2. With around 500 textile manufacturers and a similar number of apparel and accessories suppliers, the trade fair reflects the ongoing transformation of global sourcing and the growing diversification of supply regions.

TOP