Monforts Montex With Baldwin Texcoat™ G4 Digital Spray Unit Available For Trials At Montforts’ Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany. — February 6, 2025 — It has been successfully integrated into one of the two full-size Montex stenter lines at the ATC and is now available for full customer trials, especially for making full use of the latest advanced sustainable finishing chemistries supplied by Archroma.

BW Converting’s TexCoat G4 enables softeners, antimicrobials, durable water repellents, flame retardants and many other water-based chemicals to be precisely applied to textile surfaces, and in combination with industry-leading Montex stenters can reduce water, chemistry and energy consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional pad application processes.

Pictured at the Monforts ATC (left to right) are Archoma’s Global Market Segment Synthetics Expert Mark Dohman and Technical Segment Manager for Coating Dirk Grafen, Monforts Technologist Saskia Kuhlen, Rick Stanford, Michael Schuhmann and Hans Gerhard Wroblowski.

Monforts is providing vital support to dyeing and finishing manufacturers in their development projects, successfully boosting the quality and performance of many new finished products while at the same time maximising productivity and resource utilisation

“Our ATC houses two full Montex stenter finishing lines engineered to accommodate an extremely diverse range of processes, in addition to a Thermex range for the continuous dyeing of denim and other woven fabrics, a full color kitchen and a number of lab-scale systems for smaller batch trials,” says Monforts Head of Sales for South-East Asia Hans Wroblowski. “It enables our customers to test their own textiles and technical fabrics under fully confidential, real production conditions and using the results from these trials we are also able to make recommendations for improving many fabric finishes.

“The new TexCoat installation will make an important contribution to what we can achieve and we are excited to be working together with Archroma and Baldwin to bring further transformative change to the dyeing and finishing space.”

“This partnership is already creating a buzz in the industry and we have several textile manufacturers lining up to take advantage of running production trials at the ATC,” adds Rick Stanford, vice-president of global business development for textiles at BW Converting. “Together we are in a position as never before to accelerate the pace of transformative change in the dyeing and finishing space that will result in significantly lower energy, chemicals and water consumption with increased productivity and higher quality.”

“With the extension of our long-standing partnership with Baldwin – now including the processing expertise and knowhow of Monforts – the development of new concepts for chemical functionalisation and coloration will be taken a step further,” says Michael Schuhmann, Global Market Segment Manager for Technical Textiles at Archroma Textile Effects. “Additionally, we can now demonstrate potential savings and performance levels under actual industrial conditions, providing mill partners with clear proof of efficiency without disrupting their production.”

Posted: February 6, 2025

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Nonwovenn Targets 60 Percent Growth In Global Oral Pouch Delivery Sector

Nonwovenn PouchTech

SOMERSET, England — February 4, 2024 — Nonwoven fabric-tech company Nonwovenn has announced ambitious plans targeting substantial revenue growth in the oral pouch delivery market, estimated to be worth $5.5 billion globally, with an annual growth rate of 30 percent.

The businesses’ PouchTech division has already seen its market share of fabric supply in this sector grow substantially, and is looking to further expand its reach over the next three years. The ambitious target follows an extensive £13 million business transformation program which has included significant self-funded capex investment in manufacturing, plant and equipment, an end-to-end operational efficiency program and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability, to enable the servicing of growing order volumes.

Over the last 20 years Nonwovenn has built a world-wide reputation for supplying the finest technical fabrics used in the manufacture of oral pouch products, with the aim of producing the best rapid flavor transfer and oral experience for adult consumers.

Five years ago, the business took a strategic decision to refocus the supply of fabrics for tobacco related products, now focusing on modern oral nicotine pouches supporting smoking cessation and pouches used in the delivery of other stimulants such as caffeine, as well as agents like CBD and nutritional supplements.

Dr Adrian Bisson, head of PouchTech at Nonwovenn, said: “This transformative focus on modern oral pouch technology reflects our commitment to sustainability, harm reduction and meeting the evolving needs of adult consumers. By focusing on rapid flavor release, oral comfort and the highest standards of quality assurance, Nonwovenn is ensuring our products meet the highest standards and deliver superior customer experiences.”

“To ensure our products are safe and of high quality, the materials are independently certified for food contact approval through a world-renowned testing institution. We actually set the standard for modern oral pouches, with many product manufacturers now insisting pouch fabric suppliers meet that same standard and certification.

Nonwovenn chairman, David Lamb added: “We are working towards positioning ourselves as the market leader in this rapidly growing sector. We are not just advancing modern oral alternatives; we are building a pathway to a broader range of products that help reflect our commitment to sustainability, health and harm reduction.

Posted February 4, 2025

Source: Nonwovenn

Yorkshire Textile Manufacturer Wins National Flooring Innovation Award

Charlie Taylor, Marketing and Export Sales manager at Think Group

BRADFORD, England — January 22, 2025 — Think Group, a Yorkshire-based textile manufacturer, celebrates its success in achieving a National Flooring Innovation award in the ‘Underlay + Accessories’ category.

The awards recognize businesses, products and services that are new, exciting and innovative in the United Kingdom flooring industry. Since its launch, the awards scheme has gained respect among industry professionals and is associated with highly rated products, services and technologies.

Think Group’s latest flooring development, the SpringBond® Eco-Step 8mm, was a key factor in their innovation award win. Eco-Step was launched at the Harrogate Flooring show in September 2024 where it was awarded “Best sustainability product” for the flooring industry across all categories.

This new variation of its flagship product aims to disrupt the mass market for PU underlays with a chemical-free, fully recyclable product that outperforms traditional PU in durability and comfort. Already getting huge traction in the House Builder sector, It is expected to be nationally specified by several top 10 housebuilders within its first 12 months.

The firm’s flagship SpringBond® underlay, made using 85 percent recycled content, including plastic bottles, has helped divert more than 60 million bottles from the world’s oceans.

Charlie Taylor, Marketing and Export Sales manager at Think Group said: “We’re proud to be starting 2025 winning such a highly regarded award, which reflects our commitment to forward-thinking approaches. Our SpringBond® Eco-Step 8mm is an example of how we’re not only driven to develop products that perform outstandingly but that are good for the planet.”

Think Group has also earned a SMETA 4-pillar accreditation, a recognition awarded to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to responsible and ethical practices in labor standards, health and safety, environmental stewardship, and business ethics. Additionally, the organization’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) provides third-party validation of its product’s environmental performance, one of very few underlays that has achieved this.

The National Flooring Innovation Awards’ overall gold winners will be announced in May.

Posted February 4, 2025

Source: Think Group

S&S Activewear Strengthens Canadian Division With Key Leadership Appointments

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — February 4, 2025 — S&S Activewear, a technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, is reinforcing its commitment to Canada with significant investments in its Canadian division. As part of this initiative, the company is pleased to announce a new commercial structure and key leadership appointments, effective February 1, 2025.

To drive continued growth and enhance customer support, Craig Ryan has been appointed vice president of commercial Canada. In this newly developed role, Ryan will lead the Canadian market’s strategic direction, overseeing all sales operations and working closely with dedicated functional leaders. With a deep understanding of the Canadian apparel distribution industry, Ryan has served as vice president of sales at alphabroder since 2013 and played an integral role in the recent integration with S&S Activewear.

Additionally, Steven Clune has been named national director of sales for Canada, reporting directly to Ryan. In this role, Clune will strengthen sales efforts nationwide, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the S&S product portfolio. With extensive industry expertise, he is well-positioned to support the sales team and enhance the customer experience for the region’s thousands of decorators, retail brands, merchandisers and more.

“This is an exciting time for S&S Activewear in Canada,” Ryan said. “With this new structure, we are reinforcing our focus on the Canadian market and strengthening our ability to serve customers with the best products, service and support.”

In October 2024, S&S Activewear announced its acquisition of alphabroder and has since been integrating the two companies to deliver enhanced benefits for customers—including offering the same or increased credit limits, more product choices and deeper inventory as a direct result of the combination.

“These investments in Canada are a great example of the benefits we’re already seeing from the S&S acquisition of alphabroder — and we expect to see similar advantages for our U.S. customers as well,” said Toby Whitmoyer, chief commercial officer at S&S Activewear. “By combining the strengths of both organizations, we’re enhancing our leadership structure, expanding our capabilities and driving greater value for our customers in this key market.”

Posted: February 4, 2025

Source: S&S Activewear

NCTO Applauds President Trump’s Pause On Penalty Tariffs For Mexico And Canada; Provides A Tariff Blueprint For Aggressively Confronting China And Bolstering U.S. Manufacturing

WASHINGTON — February 3, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued the following statement today from President and CEO Kim Glas regarding President Donald Trump’s announcement on social media that the U.S. is putting a one-month pause on tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, critical export markets for the U.S. textile industry.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We are grateful that President Trump has reached an agreement with both Mexico and Canada to pause the planned 25 percent penalty tariffs on their imports for one month while all parties continue to negotiate a deal to address his administration’s serious concerns. We fully support the President’s efforts to resolve issues related to migration and fentanyl poisoning as quickly as possible so that we can ensure a normalized trading relationship with Mexico and Canada.

“Mexico is the U.S. textile industry’s largest export market for American fibers, yarns and fabrics, while Canada ranks as the third largest market for these U.S. textiles. These countries serve as partners in the vital North American textile and apparel coproduction chain, helping to support 500,000 U.S. textile jobs nationwide.

“All three countries are signatories to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is by far the largest export region for U.S. textiles, representing $12.5 billion in combined U.S. exports — 53 percent of our total annual exports. This North American coproduction chain competes directly with China and Asia.

“As such we are very encouraged that President Trump has put a pause on tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. We realize this is not a permanent deal with either country, but we are encouraging all parties to reach one as expeditiously as possible.

“While we welcome President Trump’s plan to impose a 10 percent penalty tariff on imports from China outlined in his executive order on Saturday to mitigate China’s massive predatory and often illegal trade practices, we encourage higher penalty tariffs on China that are aggressively targeted to finished apparel and textiles.

“China’s unethical and illegal trade practices, including the egregious use of forced labor, have severely damaged the domestic textile industry for decades, costing hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs.

“We encourage President Trump to aggressively confront China’s predatory trade practices to ensure a strong American manufacturing base by taking the following concrete steps:

  • Raise duties on China significantly higher than the proposed 10 percent on finished apparel and textiles, the goods that China predominantly ships to the U.S. market. Under no circumstances should penalty tariffs on China be lower than any applied to our North American trading partners.
  • Eliminate the de minimis tariff waiver exception for all countries, including Mexico and Canada. This dangerous loophole allows importers to avoid paying duties on billions of dollars of imported products and facilitates illegal and deadly products such as fentanyl and goods made by forced labor. Even with a resolution to any disputes with Mexico and Canada, it is critical to move forward with an elimination of de minimis for all countries and maintain this critical provision.
  • Intensify customs enforcement to stop illegal undervaluation, misclassification of imports and transshipment of apparel and textile goods through our free trade agreement regions, all of which are designed to avoid duties.
  • Maximize customs penalties for repeat trade violators and provide public transparency of repeat trade violators and blacklists.
  • Punish countries who are violating our trade laws serving as a backdoor for illegal, subsidized Chinese inputs and finished products into the U.S. marketplace.

“This is a tariff blueprint not only for textiles but for all U.S. manufacturing. It values the North American coproduction chain that is responsible for millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs and billions in two-way trade. Moreover, it targets the true culprit in the international trade arena — China — which has utilized state sponsored subsidies, dumping and other illegal pricing schemes, and unethical labor and environmental practices to destroy global competitors and cause massive manufacturing investment and employment to concentrate in China.

“By ensuring stability in our hemisphere, this plan will also help to mitigate the serious problem of illegal migration into the United States.

“In addition to dealing with the massive trade imbalances President Trump is seeking to rectify, this plan will raise billions in additional revenue for the U.S. Treasury. In the textile sector alone, the U.S. Treasury collected $16.3 billion in duties during fiscal year 2023. That figure could easily be doubled or possibly tripled due to the fact that:

  • A higher penalty tariff on China would raise billions in additional revenue as China is the single largest exporter of textiles and apparel to our market representing over 26% of total U.S. textile and apparel imports by value in 2023.
  • China currently avoids billions in U.S. duties as the largest single source of de minimis shipments to the United States that currently pay no normal or Section 301 duties.
  • Improved enforcement would substantially bolster tariff collections as China is a notorious perpetrator of illegal tariff avoidance schemes such as dumping, product undervaluation and transshipment through duty free regions.

“Decisions related to this tariff plan are critical to the U.S. textile industry, which has lost 26 plants in the last 18 months. Further, if these concepts are applied to all manufacturing sectors, tariff revenue would grow exponentially.

“We look forward to working with President Trump and his administration on these critical issues in order to bring jobs back to the U.S. and build a stronger, more vibrant domestic supply chain in our sector and across all of domestic manufacturing as a whole.”

Posted: February 3, 2025

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Optimism Feeds Innovation For British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)  Members

MANCHESTER, England — February 3, 2025 — The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is hitting the ground running in 2025, having expanded membership to its highest level in many decades, reflecting a continuing push into many other fields beyond commodity textiles.

Bringing BTMA membership up to a total of 49 companies this year are Lancashire-based firms B&M Longworth and E+R Group.

B&M Longworth DEECOM fibre reclamation unit.

DEECOM

With a long history in the manufacture and supply of specialized cleaning and waste-reduction technologies for the polymer and coating industries, Longworth is the developer of the DEECOM system for the recycling of both fibers and polymers.

DEECOM technology exploits pressurized steam in a process called pressolysis to successfully separate and reclaim fibers and polymers from composite parts for reuse, enabling true circularity for materials without the needs for solvents, chemicals, burning or mechanical grinding.

The technology is being commercialized for the composites industry in a partnership between Longworth and fellow BTMA member Cygnet Texkimp and a first  DEECOM reclamation unit has recently been installed at the Henry Royce Institute in Manchester. Royce is bringing together nine leading institutes in a pioneering R&D program to fully investigate and commercialize new applications for reclaimed fibers.

Longworth and its partners in the Emphasizing Project receiving the JEC World 2024 Innovation Award.

Innovation Awards

Longworth and its partners in the Emphasizing Project, funded by Innovate UK, have already received the JEC World 2024 Innovation Award in the Circularity and Recycling category for the reclamation of materials from end of life wind blades, re-sizing and remanufacture into mass production car parts.

This resized material is based on DEECOM-recovered glass fibres that are treated with various chemistries to retain performance properties.

In the very latest news, at the end of January 2025, Longworth also claimed this year’s Make UK National Award in the Energy and Sustainability category for its pioneering DEECOM work.

E+R’s latest Genesis Air coater is used for development in sectors such as battery technologies, fuel cells and medical products.

Roll-to-roll automation

E+R Group is a leading manufacturer of roll-to-roll production machinery including advanced printing, coating, forming and vacuum deposition systems for end-use applications as diverse as carbon fiber prepregs, medical textiles, hydrophobic protective apparel and PEM fuel cells.

The group is also active in groundbreaking projects such as the Faraday Battery Challenge involving a consortium working to develop  solid-state battery technology for automotive applications. These contrast with lithium-ion and other batteries which contain liquid or polymer gel electrolytes and could prove crucial in the UK’s quest to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, through electrifying transport and devices.

The group’s low carbon machines are characterized by their robust design and ability to offer numerous substrate options and their design is aided by scientists at its in-house technology center, who often work on game-changing projects with outside companies or universities.

The group is currently, for example, a member of the Faraday Battery Challenge consortium which is working to develop solid-state battery technology. Unlike lithium-ion and other batteries, solid-state batteries do not contain liquid or polymer gel electrolytes and could prove crucial in the UK’s quest to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through electrifying transport and devices.

Other companies joining the BTMA ranks recently include Airbond, the developer of pneumatic yarn splicing enabling resource efficiency in the processing of expensive fibers like carbon and aramids, and Cambridge-headquartered Alchemie, which has been attracting a lot of attention with its advanced digital dyeing and finishing systems.

Spirit of collaboration

BTMA CEO Jason Kent

“It’s very encouraging that many of our members are now actively involved in the fields of advanced and smart new materials — primarily high performance fibers, technical textiles and composites — for high value industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, automotive and the medical sector,” said BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “An important factor underpinning this success is the collaboration between industry and the many universities and institutes in the UK which has never been as strong as it is right now.

“On January 9th the Henry Royce Institute announced its National Materials Innovation Strategy in the House of Commons, aimed at further boosting an integrated approach to materials science that can address critical national challenges, boost economic growth and secure the UK’s position as a global leader in innovation.

“UK decision makers are now looking to support machinery innovation and development where it is intrinsic to realizing the vision of the government-backed strategy and the BTMA is playing an active role in representing the textile machinery sector within various expert working groups.

“This is feeding a new optimistic spirit, which in turn feeds innovation. I’m already aware of a number of very exciting new technologies that our members will be introducing in 2025, in the build-up to ITMA Asia in Singapore this October. The first of these will be announced very shortly.”

Posted: February 3, 2025

Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

Verlo Mattress® Introduces Revolutionary In-Home Comfort Adjustment Guarantee

MILWAUKEE — February 3, 2025 — Verlo Mattress® is setting a new standard in the mattress industry by offering a unique service no other brand provides — an In-Home Comfort Adjustment Service. This means customers can now have their mattresses adjusted from the convenience of their homes, eliminating the need for mattress replacement to match evolving sleep preferences.

“At Verlo, we believe in creating sleep solutions that grow with our customers,” said Dirk Stallmann, President of Verlo Mattress. “Our In-Home Adjustment Service is unmatched in the industry. We want to ensure everyone experiences lasting comfort without unnecessary hassle or stress typically associated with purchasing a mattress.”

Verlo Mattress will perform its exclusive comfort adjustment service even if there’s technically nothing wrong with the mattress.

If a mattress feels too firm or too soft within the first six months to a year, depending on the model purchased, Verlo can provide a complimentary In-Home Comfort Adjustment Service. This means the customer can have the comfort of their mattress adjusted from the convenience of their home — all in the same day.

“Our in-home adjustment service is just another example of how we go above and beyond — something you won’t find with other mattress companies,” added Stallmann. “We know buying a mattress is a big decision, so we’re here to take the risk out of it and make sure it’s absolutely right for you.”

Verlo mattresses are crafted with premium American-made materials, ensuring durability and exceptional comfort. Thanks to Verlo’s innovative Zipper Cover Technology offered at participating stores, in-home adjustments can now be made quickly and effortlessly.

In addition to the In-Home Comfort Adjustment Service, Verlo Mattress offers fully customizable mattresses that can fit any space — even unconventional ones like RVs and boats, where standard sizes do not apply. Verlo mattresses can also be customized to fit specific sleep needs, including split comfort levels ideal for couples. Whether it’s the plush feel of luxury memory foam or the support of hybrid designs, Verlo’s vCollections provide a wide selection of options to meet diverse demands at factory-direct prices.

Posted: February 3, 2025

Source: Verlo Mattress

Carnegie Introduces Siltech Plus, The First Biobased High-Performance Coated Upholstery

NEW YORK CITY — February 3, 2025 — Carnegie, a provider of sustainable textiles and acoustical management solutions for the commercial industry, proudly announces Carnegie Siltech Plus, a part of the An Ode to Textiles collection. Siltech Plus is the first high-performance coated upholstery fabric on the market that’s available in a bio-based version.

Siltech Plus features bio-based polyurethane-coated upholsteries made with corn starch. Combining sustainability with superior performance and cleanability, Siltech Plus prioritizes extreme durability, hydrolysis, bleach cleanability, stain resistance, and comes with a 10-year warranty. Backed with 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester, this collection includes:

  • Bouquet Print: A fresh take on botanical patterns with gestural strokes and illustrative movement, available in six colorways.
  • Elysees Print: A stylish plaid design in five vibrant colorways.
  • Halles: A tailored leather look available in 17 earthy tones.
  • Marais: A versatile solid featuring a subtle woven texture offered in a versatile palette of 17 neutrals and hues.
  • Thimble Print: A timeless design inspired by delicate embroidery, available across five printed colorways.

“Siltech Plus takes inspiration from the timeless charm of vintage design, combining soft textures with a soothing color palette,” said Mary Holt, chief design strategist at Carnegie. “With its biobased composition, Siltech Plus offers a sustainable alternative that significantly lowers the carbon footprint compared to  vinyl (PVC) upholstery.”

All products in the Ode to Textiles collection are 100 percent PVC-free, PFAS-free, and free of harmful chemicals, with comprehensive Health Product Declarations (HPDs) available. The collection reflects Carnegie’s mission to lead the industry in authentic, responsible innovation, from biobased materials to post-consumer recycled content. For more information, visit carnegiefabrics.com.

Posted: February 3, 2025

Source: Carnegie Fabrics

Cotopaxi Announces Key Leadership Changes To Accelerate Global Brand Growth, Innovation, And Purpose-Driven Impact

SALT LAKE CITY — February 3, 2025 — Cotopaxi, a “Gear for Good,” B-Corp adventure lifestyle brand, is proud to announce the appointment of two key leadership positions: Craig Rowley as chief marketing officer (CMO) and Sara Westbrook as senior vice president of Product & Merchandising.

These key hires come at a pivotal moment as Cotopaxi seeks to empower people to see the world and make it better, elevate its brand direction, expand across its channels — wholesale, retail, e-commerce, corporate and international — and introduce inclusive, authentic, and innovative products designed to inspire outdoor adventure while advancing its foundational mission to fight poverty both in the United States and abroad.

Craig Rowley

As Cotopaxi continues to evolve as a market leader in outdoor gear, Rowley will be responsible for steering the company’s marketing strategy with a sharp focus on elevating the brand’s presence across all consumer touchpoints. Rowley brings a wealth of experience driving innovative omni-channel marketing strategies that have driven outsized retail and e-commerce growth for brands like Nike, Mountain Hardwear, Shutterfly, Toyota, and one of Cotopaxi’s key wholesale partners, REI.

“I’m excited to work alongside our talented Cotopaxi team to continue to build our vibrant community of brand enthusiasts,” Rowley said. “Cotopaxi has always been about redefining what it means to be an outdoor brand. We are doubling down on that strategy as Cotopaxi continues to lead with bold, innovative gear and apparel to fuel adventures near and far.”

In parallel, Westbrook will lead the company’s product strategy, guiding the development of innovative, unique outdoor gear and apparel that reflects the brand’s purpose and its customers’ evolving needs. Drawing on years of experience with top-tier brands such as Marine Layer and J.Crew, Westbrook will ensure that Cotopaxi continues to deliver exceptional products that balance design, durability, and sustainability.

Sara Westbrook

“Thoughtful product curation and innovation is at the heart of what we do,” said Sara. “Our team is focused on creating products that enable and welcome people to the outdoor experience while minimizing environmental impact. I’m excited to work with the team to deliver products that solve problems for our customers, evoke joy and optimism, and champion the values we stand for.”

In addition, Cotopaxi founder Stephan Jacob, who held the COO/chief technology officer role for the past 10 years is transitioning into a chief global/business development officer role. In that capacity, he will oversee the brand’s rapid growth in Canada, Europe, Asia, and LATAM as well as corporate and marketplace channels.

“These have been our founding principles since day 0 and I am beyond grateful that Sara and Craig have joined our team. Their tremendous expertise and hands-on leadership will allow us to expand Cotopaxi’s reach and impact globally during this next decade of brand building,” said Stephan.

Lindsay Shumlas

“Product excellence and brand integrity go hand in hand,” said Lindsay Shumlas, CEO of Cotopaxi. “With Craig and Sara on board and Stephan in a global growth role, we are poised to not only expand our product offerings but also deepen the positive impact we have on the environment and the communities we serve. Their leadership will be instrumental in amplifying our mission and creating lasting change in the outdoor industry here in the US and abroad.”

Under their leadership, Cotopaxi will continue to prioritize environmental sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and a commitment to giving back. The Cotopaxi Foundation plays a crucial role in funding initiatives that center around global poverty alleviation efforts, across human rights, education, clean water, and livelihoods in the developing and developed worlds.

Posted: February 3, 2025

Source: Cotopaxi

Better Cotton Completes Certification Transition, Enhances Supply Chain Oversight

Photo — Better Cotton/Baran Vardar.

GENEVA — February 3, 2025 — Better Cotton has today completed its transition to become a certification scheme. This strategic move underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of sustainability and transparency in the cotton industry.

By outsourcing all farm-level certification decisions to independent third parties, Better Cotton provides additional rigor to its already robust model, further boosting impartiality and independence.

Tom Owen, head of Certification at Better Cotton, said: “For more than a decade, Better Cotton has led one of the sector’s most robust and credible voluntary standard systems. The transition to a certification scheme and standardizing third-party verification will not only strengthen our current approach, but also enable us to continue driving meaningful industry-wide change.”

Alongside third-party audits Better Cotton will continue second-party monitoring of its global network of farmer-focused organizations. This dual approach will help identify areas of non-conformity, ensure ongoing visibility of its operating environment and inform capacity-strengthening efforts to drive continuous improvement.

In addition, all supplier and manufacturer members wishing to source Physical Better Cotton will be in scope for certification against the Better Cotton Chain of Custody Standard. This will improve supply chain traceability and boost demand for sustainably produced cotton while aligning with evolving regulatory expectations.

Later this year, retailers and brands that wish to use Physical Better Cotton will also be eligible to use a new product label that speaks to their commitment to Better Cotton’s mission.

Posted: February 3, 2025

Source: Better Cotton

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