[pageLogInLogOut]

#Raw Materials

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.
RCS farmer © 2024 CmiA
RCS farmer © 2024 CmiA


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.



More News from Cotton made in Africa (CmiA)

#Natural Fibers

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.

#Natural Fibers

Cotton made in Africa launches public consultation for standard revision

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is opening public consultation on its Cotton made in Africa standard today. Interested parties will have 60 days to provide feedback, helping shape the future of one of the world’s largest standards for sustainable cotton. The latest update to the standard, Version 5.0, focusses on increasing Cotton made in Africa’s effectiveness and adapting its criteria and indicators to external factors, which currently include biodiversity loss and a growing set of reporting requirements for companies.

#Raw Materials

EUR 2.8 million project for climate-resilient agriculture in Africa

Healthy soils, responsible water use, and biodiversity conservation are central to the efforts of the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) to make African cotton production more resilient to climate change. AbTF has opened new doors for small-scale farming families in Africa through a EUR 2.8 million project for climate-resilient cotton cultivation. Over the last three years, more than 100,000 farmers in Africa were involved in testing various soil improvement measures, with encouraging results: yields on demonstration sites increased significantly, despite the effects of climate change.

#Raw Materials

Cotton farmers in Benin benefit from organic cotton cultivation

Launched three years ago with EUR 1 million in total volume, a project called “Growing Benin’s Organic Cotton Sector” aimed to support small-scale farmers in transitioning to organic cotton cultivation in accordance with the Cotton made in Africa Organic standard, to avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, and to further develop the organic cotton sector, thereby securing the future of farming communities. The project has proved a success as participating cotton farmers are benefiting from higher incomes.

More News on Raw Materials

#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.

#Raw Materials

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

Monforts to showcase advanced coating solutions at Techtextil 2026

Over the past few years Monforts has significantly advanced its technologies for coating, with the successive introductions of the MontexCoat, coaTTex and VertiDry systems combining flexibility, precision and energy efficiency for the technical textiles market.

#Composites

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

#Digital Printing

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

#Texprocess 2026

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.

TOP