Better Cotton Launches 2023-24 Annual Report: Impact, Expansion And Farmer Resilience

GENEVA, Switzerland — September 24, 2024 — Better Cotton, a global cotton sustainability initiative, has today published its 2023-24 Annual Report, highlighting its global impact, program expansion, and the resilience of cotton-growing communities.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s field-level impact from the 2022-23 cotton season, alongside insights into its membership growth, financial developments and key project updates and innovations from 2023-24.

With a strong commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices, Better Cotton remains at the forefront of efforts to foster a more equitable and sustainable cotton across the industry.

Alan McClay, CEO at Better Cotton, commented: “Better Cotton is at an exciting juncture, and if there is one key takeaway from 2023, it is the need for us to come together and build on the momentum we’ve created. The proven solutions we’ve developed have taken us far, but continued commitment and investment in cotton farming communities are essential to accelerate the wider impact our world needs.”

Key highlights

  • In the 2022-23 cotton season, 5.47 million metric tons of Better Cotton were produced, representing 22 percent of global volumes (25.03 million metric tons). This spanned 22 countries around the world in collaboration with close to 60 Program Partners1.
  • In the 2022-23 cotton season, out of 2.43 million farmers who received training, more than 2.13 million received a license to sell their cotton as “Better Cotton.”
  • In 2023, Better Cotton welcomed 311 new members, including 37 Retailers and Brands and 264 Suppliers and Manufacturers.

Volume of Better Cotton Grown (2022-23 Season Data)

In Brazil, the largest producer of Better Cotton, the volume of licensed Better Cotton grew from 1.97 million metric tons in the 2021-22 season to more than 2.64 million metric tons in the 2022-23 season.

In India, yields also increased from around 863,000 metric tons in the 2021-22 season to more than 917,000 metric tons in the 2022-23 season.

In contrast, Pakistan’s cotton farmers were hit hard by devastating floods which led to a significant drop in the volumes of Better Cotton produced from 817,000 metric tons in the 2021-22 season to 305,000 the following year.

Production in Africa also decreased from around 630,000 metric tons to 442,000. This was primarily due to a Jassid pest infestation in Mali that affected up to 50 percent of the country’s cotton crop.

Elsewhere, the 2022-23 cotton season was one of continued growth for several countries including the United States, Australia, Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Greece.

Better Cotton Licensed Farmers Around the World (2022-23 Season Data)

The most notable growth in licensed farmer numbers during the 2022-23 season came across Africa, where the total aligned with Better Cotton and its Strategic Partner2, Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) improved from 570,000 in the 2021-22 season to more than 610,000 in the 2022-23 season.

In Pakistan, the number of Better Cotton licensed farmers fell from 510,000 to just over 351,000, again due to the effects of the floods. Modest gains were seen in Turkey, Egypt, Greece and the United States.

Membership and Operational Highlights

Despite a challenging business landscape, member sourcing was almost on par with 2022 sourcing results: 343 retailers and brands sourced 2.5 million metric tons of Better Cotton in 2023.

Throughout 2023, Better Cotton made a number of key announcements, including the launch of Better Cotton Traceability in November. The new solution enables members to trace Better Cotton back to its country of origin.

In 2023, Better Cotton expanded its global reach with new programs in Spain and Côte d’Ivoire, the latter in partnering with the Professional Association of Cotton Companies of Côte d’Ivoire to support 200,000 farmers over five years.

In addition, the India Impact Report, published in September, revealed significant progress, including a 53 percent reduction in pesticide use and a 15.6 percent decrease in overall costs on Better Cotton farms, showcasing the ongoing positive impact of its initiatives across eight cotton seasons.

Outlook to 2023-24

In response to the changing legislative landscape, Better Cotton has been working with members, peer sustainability standards schemes and other relevant stakeholders to evolve our standard requirements and Claims Framework. In 2025, we will publish our Claims Framework v.4.0 to address these new realities.

As part of this, complemented by a robust approach to assurance, we are developing a new label which will enable brands sourcing Physical Better Cotton to market products to consumers as containing Better Cotton for the very first time.

We are also working on evolving our assurance program to an accredited certification scheme, where all licensing decisions will be carried out by independent, third parties moving forward.

This shift will enable legal compliance and further strengthen the credibility of our assurance activities and the Better Cotton label.

1 Programme Partners work with farming communities at field level to ensure they are producing cotton that meets the Better Cotton Standard.

2 Better Cotton Strategic Partners operate sustainability standards which are recognized as equivalent to the Better Cotton Standard System, enabling licenced farmers to sell their cotton as ‘Better Cotton’.

Posted: September 24, 2024

Source: Better Cotton

Basecamp Research And P&G Partner To Design High-Performance Enzymes With AI

LONDON — September 24, 2024 — Basecamp Research, a mapper of genetic biodiversity for AI-based protein design, today announced a partnership with Procter & Gamble (P&G) to accelerate the development of high-performance cleaning enzymes for cold water conditions.

The partnership focuses on learning from organisms adapted to cold environments to design novel enzymes with improved cold wash performance using AI. Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms and many carry out vital functions in the most extreme environments.  Enzymes play a crucial role in everything from food to therapeutics and in this partnership, Basecamp Research will zero in on enzymes that dissolve stains on clothing and surfaces.

Basecamp Research’s work ranges from therapeutics to sustainable technologies. It has created the first foundational biological dataset purpose-built for AI, collected through access and benefit-sharing partnerships with biodiversity-rich countries across the globe. The unprecedented pace and scale of its growing knowledge of new genomic information empowers its AI platform to create advanced proteins designed to carry out specific functions across a range of conditions, from the cold temperatures of glaciers to the extreme heat of geysers.

Basecamp Research recently made headlines for creating ZymCTRL, an AI model that makes enzyme design programmable.

By leveraging this unique understanding of the genetic biodiversity of millions of organisms in cold environments, Basecamp Research will use its AI platform to design novel enzymes. The aim is to increase effectiveness at lower wash temperatures to reduce the need for hot water — which is better for the environment and heating bills.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Basecamp Research on this initiative, working together to develop new solutions by combining their unique view of nature and AI capability with our extensive innovation mastery to deliver a superior consumer experience” said Dr Philip Souter OBE, senior director, Laundry Research and Development at P&G.

Dr. Oliver Vince, co-founder of Basecamp Research, said: “We’ll leverage our unparalleled view of the tree of life and our breakthrough AI platform that makes protein design programmable. We’re excited to partner with leaders in this field and demonstrate a fundamentally different approach.”

Posted: September 24, 2024

Source: Basecamp Research

ANDRITZ Tearing Line Producing Recycled Fibers For Mattresses Starts Up At Sealy Australia

GRAZ, Austria — September 24, 2024 — International technology group ANDRITZ supplied and recently commissioned a tearing line at Sealy Australia’s mattress manufacturing plant in Brisbane. Versatile technology enables Sealy to recycle post-consumer and post-industrial textile waste in one line.

ANDRITZ reXline tearing for textile recycling at Sealy Australia’s mattress plant in Brisbane. Image: ANDRITZ

Sealy is an Australia-based manufacturer of high-quality mattresses, producing 1,000 mattresses per day at its Brisbane plant. To replace some of the virgin fiber feedstock with more sustainable recycled fibers, the company installed an ANDRITZ tearing line at the plant.

The ANDRITZ reXline tearing can process up to 1,200 kg/h of cotton denim waste and up to 800 kg/h of quilt waste. The six-cylinder Exel module allows flexible switching between the two types of material. The combination of the reXline and the ANDRITZ airfelt line, which has been in operation at the Brisbane plant since 2008, enables Sealy to process large amounts of waste into new mattresses ready for sale around the world.

Sealy Australia and ANDRITZ teams in front of the 6-cylinder EXEL module. Image: ANDRITZ

“With our new line, we are taking a significant step towards circularity by making new mattresses from textile waste that would otherwise be burnt or landfilled,” said Shaun Guest, Fiber Plant Factory manager of Sealy Australia, adding, “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the ANDRITZ textile recycling experts again. They are the right partner to support us in our ambitious projects.”

Posted: September 24, 2024

Source: International technology group ANDRITZ

Regel™ Fiber Now Available With Traceability Feature

BANGKOK — September 24, 2024 — Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. (TAF) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with FibreTrace®, to offer complete verification and transparency of Regel™ fiber. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in TAF’s commitment to sustainability and accountability within the textile industry.

TAF has implemented FibreTrace technology to enable comprehensive traceability in Regel fiber across the value chain. This innovative solution embeds a luminescent pigment ID at raw fiber, allowing you to trace from fiber, through to yarn, fabric, garment and beyond. The unique pigment underpins the digital passport by physically tracking the raw fiber, documenting the product’s journey, authenticity and supply chain.

By integrating FibreTrace technology, TAF ensures that every stage of the production process is transparent and verifiable. This capability not only supports the growing demand for sustainable and ethically sourced materials but also builds consumer trust by guaranteeing the authenticity of TAF’s products.

“We are excited to incorporate FibreTrace into our production process, allowing us to provide our customers with unparalleled visibility into our supply chain. By adopting FibreTrace technology, we are not only enhancing the traceability of Regel but also setting a new standard for the industry. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to lead the market in sustainability, quality, and consumer trust,” said Tuhin Kulshreshtha, vice president – Business Development, TAF.

FibreTrace technology is the original and most reliable solution for fiber traceability, embedding a traceable pigment into any fiber. This innovation allows us to track and share the story of each product, offering valuable insights into its origins and journey through the supply chain. In today’s market, where consumers increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility and ethical production, this transparency is essential.

Posted: September 24, 2024

Source: Thai Acrylic Fibre Co., Ltd. (TAF)

Printing Technology Trade Fair drupa 2028 Dates Announced: May 9-17, 2028

CHICAGO — September 24, 2024 — drupa will continue its four-year cycle and will be held again in May 2028 in Düsseldorf, Germany, for the first time as a nine-day event. As a leading global platform for printing technology, the trade fair is adjusting to the changing needs and expectations of exhibitors and visitors and reflecting the continuous transformation of the industry.

The printing and packaging industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation that requires industry events to evolve as well. This also applies to drupa, which once again demonstrated its importance and relevance as a leading global trade fair in 2024 and provided pioneering inspiration. The industry can already look forward to the next edition of this printing technology event to be held from May 9-17, 2028 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

“drupa 2024 was more international than ever and the positive atmosphere throughout the halls reflected our industry’s determination to drive profound change in order to make the printing and packaging industry more sustainable through automation, artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships. And these are exactly the kind of important goals that will continue to require a reliable platform such as drupa in future. What was also apparent, however, was that, as a B2B trade fair with a very high proportion of decision-makers from all over the world, the length of stays at drupa has become shorter. That’s why we want to facilitate trade fair visits with maximum efficiency,” explained Wolfram N. Diener, chairman and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf.

At this year’s drupa, 76 percent of the visitors were from top and middle management. “We believe that this adjustment is also confirmed by the experience we have gathered at our leading global trade fairs in the fields of machinery, plants and equipment, interpack and K, that address comparable customer profiles and do very well with a similar duration.” The unique presentation of cutting-edge technology and machinery in operation remains the USP of drupa. The new nine-day duration of drupa will continue to allow exhibitors to effectively present and stage wide-ranging product portfolios, machinery and workflows as well as an impressive stage program.

Dr. Andreas Pleßke, chairman of the drupa committee and CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, emphasized the trade fair’s importance and supports the new duration: “For Koenig & Bauer, drupa offers an unbeatable marketing format, as this year’s event has once again impressively demonstrated. We expressly welcome the new trade fair duration starting in 2028, as it will meet changing industry requirements without limiting the international scope of the trade fair. This is also demonstrated by the fact that visitors from 173 countries attended drupa, emphasizing the global appeal of the event. No other format generates such a high level of interest from the industry.”

“We comprehensively and carefully analyzed the recommendations of our drupa committee, the results of exhibitor and visitor surveys and feedback from partners and associations”, said Sabine Geldermann, director of drupa. “Shortening the trade fair’s duration is a direct response to the industry’s desire for a more focused, efficient event that continues to provide international participants with a unique opportunity to discover groundbreaking innovations and technology.”

The conceptual direction, new key visual and future claim of drupa 2028 will be presented to the industry in 2025.

Selected results of the exhibitor and visitor surveys and key figures, data and facts from drupa 2024 are published in the Post Show Report and at www.drupa.com.

Other important dates in Messe Düsseldorf’s global printing trade fair portfolio include Pack Print Philippines in October 2024, Printpack Alger in February 2025 and PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION in Düsseldorf in May 2025.

Posted: September 24, 2024

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America

Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA): Announcing The 2024 International Achievement Awards Winners

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — September 24, 2024 — Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 International Achievement Awards (IAA). These winners represent the best in specialty fabrics and technical textiles from around the world and showcase the innovation and excellence driving this dynamic industry.

Fabric Structures winner GuildWorks “Glow Plaza”.

IAA shines a spotlight on the extraordinary versatility of specialty fabrics, which are integral to thousands of products and applications across diverse sectors in the ever-expanding $130 billion global textiles market.

This year’s awards drew over 202 entries across 46 categories, with winners handpicked for their complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness, and function. The judging panel included industry experts, editors, architects, educators, and design professionals.

IAA, sponsored by ATA, continues to champion innovation in the specialty fabrics and technical textiles marketplace. As a not-for-profit trade association representing more than 1,300 member companies worldwide, ATA is committed to advancing the industry’s growth and global influence.

Below are just a few of the Award of Excellence winners!

Awnings and Canopies

  • Project Title: Port Miami
    • Winner: Dunn Lightweight Architecture

Advanced Textiles

  • Project Title: Privee: A Wearable for Real-Time Bladder Monitoring
    • Winner: University of California, Davis

Fabric Environments

  • Project Title: Sea Change: Darkness and Light in the Gulf of Maine
    • Winner: Transformit

Fabric Structures

  • Project Title: Glow Plaza
    • Winner: GuildWorks

Geosynthetic Projects

  • Project Title: Yerba Buena
    • Winner: Solmax

Marine

  • Project Title: Grandbanks Transformation
    • Winner: Kustom Canvas and Vinyl

Tent

  • Project Title: Ledongli Sports Center
    • Winner: Röder Architecture

Posted: September 24, 2024

Source: Advanced Textiles Association (ATA)

American Textile Co. (ATC) Honored As Record Growth Continues

DUQUESNE, Pa. — September 19, 2024 — Pittsburgh-based bedding manufacturer American Textile Co. (ATC) was honored to accept the Home Excellence Leadership Award, presented by the Home Fashions Product Association (HFPA) at their annual scholarship gala in New York City on September 18. The award recognizes the company’s vision and culture of innovation, and was accepted by CEO and President Lance Ruttenberg, as well as Executive Vice President Blake Ruttenberg on behalf of the firm’s more than 1,000 global employees.

In presenting the award, the HFPA cited ATC’s extraordinary track record of bringing successful new innovations to the bedding market. It’s groundbreaking AllerEase® Brand allergen barrier fabrics have brought relief to tens of millions of allergy sufferers since its introduction over 20 years ago and continues earning consumer trust with its exclusive and patented innovations. Over that same time, the company has become one of the largest manufacturers of polyester filled bed pillows in the United States, posting record growth in recent years.

Commenting on the award, Blake Ruttenberg said: “We are deeply grateful to the HFPA for recognizing the contributions of our associates around the world. Their commitment to the success of our customers and dedication to delivering innovation that addresses real consumer needs is what makes our success possible.”

CEO Lance Ruttenberg continued: “In 2025, we will celebrate 100 years in business, yet it feels each day like we are just getting started. We are making record capital investments this year and next that will continue driving gains in efficiency, quality, and service levels to our customers. In addition, we are adding talent across our team from Operations to Merchandising. Talented people have been critical to our growth, and we will continue to push the accelerator as retailers embrace eCommerce, shipping efficiency, and sustainability across their business.”

ATC announced significant investments in their manufacturing infrastructure at the Home Textiles Market this week in New York City, including robotics and AI-enabled systems that speed production and deliver extraordinary consistency in product quality. In addition, the company is adding significant capacity in 2025 to handle increasing demand.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: American Textile Co.

NIKE Board Of Directors Announces Long-Time Nike Veteran Elliott Hill To Return As President And Chief Executive Officer John Donahoe To Retire From Nike

BEAVERTON, Ore.  — September 19, 2024 — The Board of Directors of NIKE Inc. announced today that Elliott Hill will become president and CEO of NIKE Inc., effective October 14, 2024. Hill will also become a director of the NIKE Inc. Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee.

Incoming NIKE Inc. President & CEO Elliott Hill

“I am excited to welcome Elliott back to NIKE. Given our needs for the future, the past performance of the business, and after conducting a thoughtful succession process, the Board concluded it was clear Elliott’s global expertise, leadership style, and deep understanding of our industry and partners, paired with his passion for sport, our brands, products, consumers, athletes, and employees, make him the right person to lead Nike’s next stage of growth,” said Mark Parker, executive chairman of NIKE, Inc. “Personally, I have worked with Elliott for more than 30 years and I look forward to supporting him and his senior management team as they seize the opportunities ahead.”

The board and John Donahoe have decided he will retire from his role as president and CEO and from the NIKE Inc. Board of Directors effective October 13. He will remain as an advisor to the company to ensure a smooth transition through January 31, 2025.

“I would like to thank John for his contributions to Nike as President and CEO, and as a board member. I would particularly like to recognize the role he played in leading the company during the COVID pandemic and his unwavering support for the investments Nike has made in our communities around the world,” Parker added.

“NIKE has always been a core part of who I am, and I’m ready to help lead it to an even brighter future. For 32 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the best in the industry, helping to shape our company into the magical place it is today,” Hill said. “I’m eager to reconnect with the many employees and trusted partners I’ve worked with over the years, and just as excited to build new, impactful relationships that will move us ahead. Together with our talented teams, I look forward to delivering bold, innovative products, that set us apart in the marketplace and captivate consumers for years to come.”

Throughout the course of his career at Nike, Hill held senior leadership positions across Europe and North America and was responsible for helping grow the business to more than $39 billion. Before retiring in 2020, he was president – Consumer and Marketplace leading all commercial and marketing operations for Nike and Jordan Brand, including the P&L across the company’s four geographies. He retired from Nike in 2020. Hill is a graduate of Texas Christian University (TCU) and Ohio University and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for TCU.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to be part of this incredible company, and I’ll always value my time at Nike and the opportunity to lead the organization. I have great respect for Phil, Mark, Nike and its employees,” Donahoe said. “It became clear now was the time to make a leadership change, and Elliott is the right person. I look forward to seeing Nike and Elliott’s future successes.”

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: NIKE, Inc.

Asahi Kasei Launches New Grade Of LASTAN™ Flame-Retardant Nonwoven Fabric

TOKYO, NEW YORK CITY & DÜSSELDORF, Germany  — September 19, 2024 — The Japan-based technology company Asahi Kasei is introducing a new material solution for enhanced EV battery safety. A flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric, LASTAN™ is an outstanding alternative to conventional materials for thermal runaway protection. It can be utilized in top covers, busbar protection sleeves, and other applications within the EV battery pack.

New grade of LASTAN™ (Photo: Business Wire)

Although electric vehicles are becoming more common worldwide, battery safety is still a major concern for many car users. According to the latest “Asahi Kasei Automotive Consumer Survey,” 34 percent of non-EV owners in China see improved safety as a primary consideration in buying an electric vehicle. Against this background, global OEMs seek to further raise the safety of EV batteries, and the market for materials to prevent thermal runaway is expected to grow by some 15 percent annually from 2024 onward, with even further expansion of demand in the future (IDTechEX: “Fire Protection Materials for Electric Vehicle Batteries 2024–2034”).

In this context, there is increasing demand for materials in EV battery cover applications having excellent resistance against flames and particle blasts, as well as good electrical insulation properties. While mineral-based materials are generally used as protection against thermal runaway at present, such materials tend to be heavy and brittle. Being stiff, these materials are difficult to adapt to complex shapes, making processability an issue for automotive OEMs.

LASTAN is a non-mineral flame-resistant fabric made by air baking a special acrylic fiber at 200 to 300°C. It is characterized by high flame resistance and good electrical insulation, which are further improved by a special coating process that also augments abrasion resistance. This allows the material to provide effective protection against particle bombardment from venting gas. With these exceptional characteristics, LASTAN has been used for many years as an optimal material for failure prevention and safety in various industries.

Withstanding 1,300°C flames and impact of 200–500 µm particles

Even when a 1,300°C flame is applied, the temperature on the opposite side of LASTAN remains below 400°C. While a “limiting oxygen index” (LOI) value of 27 or higher is generally considered to indicate flame retardance, this material has an LOI value of 50 or higher. In UL94 flame retardance testing, LASTAN has obtained the highest rating of 5VA. No holes are formed in LASTAN even when it is exposed to a flame of 1,300°C for one minute.

In addition to its high flame resistance, LASTAN is resistant to high-pressure impact by particles of 200–500 µm. It also provides electrical insulating capacity of up to 3.5 kV at a thickness of 1 mm. LASTAN also features outstanding processability, being highly flexible while maintaining its performance characteristics in sheets as thin as 0.8 mm. This makes it easily processed with ordinary tools, contributing to a simplified manufacturing process.

Having integrated production of LASTAN currently in Japan, Asahi Kasei is considering production in the United States and other countries in the future. The company will exhibit the new LASTAN grade at the North American Battery Show October 7-10, 2024, in Detroit.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: The Asahi Kasei Group

PLASTICS Applauds Introduction Of Bipartisan Legislation To Modernize Recycling Infrastructure

WASHINGTON — September 20, 2024 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) applauds the introduction of the Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastics and Recycling Innovation Act (H.R. 9676). This legislation introduced by Representatives Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC), aims to modernize the nation’s recycling infrastructure, spur innovation and reduce plastic waste.

“This legislation is a step in the right direction, and we applaud the leadership of Rep. Larry Bucshon and Rep. Don Davis for introducing a bill that recognizes the essential role plastic material plays in our daily lives and addresses comprehensive plastics recycling,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “Modernizing the country’s recycling infrastructure and developing end markets for recycled material are critical to increasing recycling rates and ensuring that plastic waste stays in our economy and out of the environment. We look forward to working together with legislators in Washington to achieve our shared sustainability goals and ultimately get a bill to the President’s desk.”

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

 

1...167168169...2,565Page 168 of 2,565

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.