#Raw Materials

2024-06-27

Aid by Trade Foundation expands to India through Regenerative Cotton Standard

Through the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS), the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is now promoting sustainable cotton cultivation in the key cotton-producing country of India as well, expanding its scope of operations beyond Africa for the first time. The first pilot project for the sustainable cotton standard has been launched in collaboration with small-scale farmers in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

As the first regenerative cotton standard that explicitly prioritises the knowledge and interests of small-scale farmers, the Regenerative Cotton Standard is now being put into practice in India. The first cotton crops following the public announcement of RCS in autumn 2023 will be sown as part of an Indian pilot project this July. The Aid by Trade Foundation’s expansion to India, one of the world’s largest cotton producers, represents further progress towards AbTF’s objectives of providing sustainable cotton for global textile companies to purchase and of ensuring socially and environmentally sustainable production conditions in cotton-growing countries.

“We are happy to now be working in India as well and to use both our expertise in sustainable cotton cultivation and our global network for the benefit of Indian small-scale farmers. The first RCS pilot project is the result of productive collaboration between many partners who have set themselves ambitious and forward-looking goals in the field of sustainable cotton cultivation,” states the managing director of AbTF, Tina Stridde, commenting on AbTF’s geographic expansion.

RCS’s holistic approach pays off for both small-scale farmers and companies. On the one hand, it supports cotton farmers with practical and innovative approaches to building resilience against the effects of climate change; on the other, in addition to cotton of African provenance, it offers textile companies regenerative cotton from another cotton-growing region of key importance to the textile sector. Initially, 5,000 farmers in the Indian state of Maharashtra will grow cotton in accordance with RCS requirements.

To implement RCS in India, the Aid by Trade Foundation will work with its new Indian partner, Vijay Cotton & Fibre Co. LLP. Based in Mumbai, India, this family-run business has more than 75 years of experience in the cotton sector and significant expertise in the cultivation and worldwide trade of Indian cotton. “In a uniquely innovative and respectful way, the Regenerative Cotton Standard supports cotton farmers in India with applying climate-friendly agricultural practices,” states the company’s partner, Vijay Shah, adding, “The standard also has great potential to increase transparency within our supply chain so that we can trace the origin of our cotton and ensure that it is produced in accordance with environmentally and ethically verifiable standards.” To ensure transparency in the textile chain, AbTF has made RCS-verified fibres traceable by integrating its successful Hard Identity Preserved (HIP) tracking system.

In addition to India, the Regenerative Cotton Standard will also be implemented in Tanzania, where two RCS pilot projects are currently underway with two long-time AbTF partners from Tanzania: Alliance Ginneries Ltd. and Biosustain.

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

International Women’s Day: Cotton made in Africa strengthens equality for women through targeted investments

On the occasion of International Women’s Day—which will be observed on 8 March under the motto “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”—the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), which is responsible for Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA), underlines its long-standing and ongoing commitment to the equality of women in African cotton production areas.

Human Rights Day: Cotton made in Africa reinforces its commitment to ensuring respect for human rights in cotton production

The sustainable cotton standard Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) has always focussed on respect for human rights, including by prohibiting child labour and discrimination. With the new version of the CmiA standard coming into force, AbTF raises requirements for due diligence in the areas of human rights and risk management.

Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brings supply chain leaders together around cotton innovation

Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brought together more than 300 industry leaders from 140 companies across 10 countries, including more than 45 top global brands and sourcing organizations, underscoring strong global interest in cotton-rich product development, sourcing and supply chain collaboration.

Bremen Cotton Exchange: Fritz A. Grobien re-elected as President

The members of the Bremen Cotton Exchange have re-elected Fritz A. Grobien as President during the association’s 152nd General Assembly on June 18, 2026. The election confirms the organization’s commitment to maintaining its role as a leading international platform for the cotton and fiber industry amid a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Organic cotton at the crossroads: Ideology, evidence, and the road ahead

Organic cotton occupies one of the most contentious spaces in global agriculture. While praised by brands and consumers for its environmental ideals, it also faces persistent questions about yield stability, certification integrity, and scalability. The current edition of The ICAC Recorder cuts through the ideology to deliver a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of both sides of the debate.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.