#Raw Materials

2024-09-26

GOTS and OCA call on textile industry to support farmers transitioning to organic cotton

As the global demand for sustainable textiles continues to rise, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) have joined forces to urge industry leaders, businesses and stakeholders to take decisive action in supporting farmers transitioning to organic cotton. GOTS and OCA, as part the #BehindTheSeams, campaign are highlighting the critical need to bolster the supply of organic fibres by supporting growers during the challenging transition from conventional to organic farming, in addition to educating consumers about choosing “organic in-conversion” cotton textiles.

The #BehindTheSeams 2024 campaign, running throughout September, provides unique insights into the people and practices behind sustainable textiles, showcasing the environmental and social benefits of organic-certified fibres.

Bridging the gap: supporting farmers during the in-conversion period

The solution to a growing demand for organic cotton lies in empowering more farmers to grow organic fibres. Switching from conventional to organic farming requires a vital stage known as the “in-conversion” period that can last three years, during which farmers face challenges such as fluctuating crop conditions and market uncertainties. The industry must provide support in this process.

To assist these farmers, OCA provides critical resources such as capacity-building, premium payments and market linkages. During the 2023-2024 cotton season, OCA worked with over 35,000 in-conversion farmers in India and Pakistan as part of a broader programme that supports over 80,000 farmers. This impact has been made possible through the commitments of 16 brands and retailers participating in OCA’s Farm Programme.

A win-win partnership for brands and farmers

Transitioning to organic farming requires significant knowledge and resources, and it`s an experience that no farmer should face alone. Brands that commit to purchasing in-conversion cotton invest in the additional support and inputs farmers require, resulting in certified crops with significant environmental and economic benefits. More brands need to join OCA`s Farm Programme, which addresses existing challenges in organic cotton farming by providing farmers with tools, expertise and market commitments from buyers, ensuring higher earnings and a secure supply of organic fibres.

Join the movement for organic cotton

The #BehindTheSeams campaign calls on brands, retailers and stakeholders across the textile industry to act now by supporting farmers during this critical in-conversion phase. By joining OCA’s Farm Programme, companies can make a tangible impact on the future of organic cotton, securing not only a sustainable supply of organic fibres but also contributing to global sustainability goals. Learn more here about who needs to be certified, the importance of organic fibres in sustainability and the in-conversion process.

https://www.behindtheseams.eco/who-needs-to-be-certified/

Global Standards announce launch of a new textile processing standard

The 14th September 2026 marks the public launch of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS), a new standard for the processing of textiles made from fibres certified to third-party standards recognised by GRTS and covering a broad range of plant, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres.

Global cotton consumption to exceed production in 2026/27 as Asian demand remains resilient

Global cotton consumption is projected to exceed production in the 2026/27 season as output declines across several major producing countries while demand remains relatively stable, according to the November edition of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

ICAC announces 84th Plenary Meeting in Egypt with focus on cotton industry resilience

Registration is now open for the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s 84th Plenary Meeting, which will take place from 24 to 26 March 2027 in Alexandria, Egypt. The conference will address climate resilience, technological developments, sustainability and competitiveness across the global cotton and textile value chain.

New Cotton Review examines competitiveness, market risk, and opportunities

From moving record volumes of Brazilian cotton to market, to managing price volatility, unlocking Ethiopia’s production potential, and strengthening African textile trade, the latest edition of Cotton: Review of the World Situation examines some of the most consequential opportunities and challenges facing the global cotton industry.

Kraig Labs ships first commercial spider silk yarn

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company”, “Kraig Labs”, or “Kraig’s”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced the shipment of its first commercial order of recombinant spider silk yarn. The custom-engineered yarn was produced to fulfill a purchase commitment from a globally recognized performance sports brand and is slated for development into a first-of-its-kind performance textile.

Stäubli to introduce new S3292 dobby for high-speed weaving at ITME India 2026

Stäubli will introduce its new S3292 dobby at ITME India 2026, taking place from December 4 to 9 at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Designed for high-speed air-jet weaving, the new machine will be among the highlights of the company's presentation, which also includes warp preparation systems, cam motions, Jacquard technologies and digital services.

DITF develops bio-based binding fibers for wood-fiber insulation materials

As part of the CelluWoodFlex project, the German Institutes of Textile- and Fiber-Research in Denkendorf (DITF) are developing bio-based cellulose ester fibers as alternative binding fibers for flexible wood fiber insulation materials. In addition to the spinning process and the production of suitable staple fibers, the institute is also investigating how wood and cellulose fibers can be separated and recycled at the end of their useful life.

Reju expands textile-to-textile recycling network with six international fabric manufacturers

Reju, a textile-to-textile regeneration company, is expanding its industrial network through collaborations with six fabric manufacturers in Europe and the Americas. The initiative aims to accelerate the integration of regenerated polyester into textile manufacturing and support the development of finished fabrics for commercial applications.

Magnera highlights HighPleat™ filtration media technology at FiltXPO 2026

At FiltXPO 2026, held on October 28–29 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Magnera highlighted advances in air filtration media architecture, with a particular focus on its HighPleat™ platform for MERV 8–10 applications. The technology combines a lofted fiber structure with optimized pore architecture to address the challenge of balancing filtration efficiency, airflow resistance and contaminant-holding capacity.