[pageLogInLogOut]

#Raw Materials

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/



More News from Global Standard (GOTS)

#Sustainability

GOTS releases Version 8.1 with clarifications and editorial updates

Global Standard has released Version 8.1 of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), following the publication of Version 8.0 in March 2026.

#Sustainability

Global Standards establishes new non-profit foundation to strengthen governance

Global Standards gGmbH, the nonprofit organisation behind the globally recognised Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), announced a new governance structure designed to support its long-term mission and reinforce organisational autonomy of its Voluntary Sustainability Standards and programmes.

#Sustainability

Number of GOTS-certified facilities grow 15% globally as demand for credible sustainability standards continues to strengthen

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification continued to grow in 2025, with nearly 18,000 certified facilities worldwide, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly evolving regulatory requirements across global textile supply chains.

#Natural Fibers

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

More News on Raw Materials

#Raw Materials

Redesigned World Cotton Day website offers tools, ideas and inspiration

With World Cotton Day just one month away, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has launched a completely redesigned www.WorldCottonDay.com, creating a new global home for everyone who wants to learn about, celebrate, and support cotton.

#Raw Materials

ICAC’s 84th Plenary Meeting to be held March 24-26, 2027, in Alexandria, Egypt

Registration will soon be open for the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s 84th Plenary Meeting, to be held March 24-26, 2027, in Alexandria, Egypt. The local Organizing Committee in Egypt has chosen “Building a Resilient and Competitive Future for Cotton and Textiles” as the theme for the event, which will be held at the Rixos Montaza Alexandria Resort.

#Raw Materials

Cotton Brazil Dialogues 2026 concludes with 50 international participants immersed in Brazilian cotton production

The Cotton Brazil Dialogues concludes its 2026 edition after a series of technical visits to farms, cotton gins and reference centers, as well as workshops focused on Brazilian cotton production. A total of 50 participants from 14 countries took part in the field trips. The initiative is led by the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

#Raw Materials

Global cotton production projected to outpace consumption, but risks remain

Global cotton production is projected to reach 26.2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, marginally outpacing estimated consumption of 25.9 million tonnes. However, early-season production risks — including weather volatility and pest pressures — could narrow that buffer as the crop progresses, according to the September 2026 issue of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Latest News

#Nonwovens

25 years in the room: EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ returns to Cascais to shape a changing industry

The market does not wait, and it does not grant easy answers. Across the absorbent hygiene, personal care, and wipes sectors, business is undergoing a period of intense, necessary adjustment. New European rules on packaging, single-use items, product safety, and end-of-life are forcing companies to drop old assumptions about materials and performance. At the same time, producers must keep their goods safe, reliable, and affordable for the babies and aging adults, who rely on them every day.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Recover™ names Enes Adak and Fehmi Yüksel as Co-CEOs to accelerate its next growth phase

Recover™, a leading materials science company and global producer of consistent high-quality, recycled cotton fibers and circular material solutions at scale, today announced the appointment of Enes Adak and Fehmi Yüksel as Co-Chief Executive Officers. This leadership transition marks an important step in Recover’s evolution as the company enters its next stage of development.

#Research & Development

ADD-ITC 2026 highlights strong industry participation

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) 2026 will place a strong focus on the exchange between textile research and industry when it takes place on November 26–27, 2026, at the International Congress Center Dresden. According to the preliminary conference program, more than two-thirds of all presentations will be contributed by companies or jointly presented by industry and research institutions.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Arc'teryx introduces System 0™, a new framework for the future of product design and circularity

Arc'teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, today introduced System 0™, a new framework that reimagines how products can be designed, manufactured, used, repaired, and ultimately regenerated. System 0 represents the next evolution for sustainability in the outdoor industry, as it embeds circular thinking across an entire product lifecycle while maintaining the uncompromising performance standards that define the Arc’teryx brand.

TOP