#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

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.

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.

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.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.