J.Crew Announces All Cashmere Sweaters To Be Produced Using Good Cashmere Standard® Certified Cashmere; A First-Of-Its-Kind Commitment Among U.S. Retailers

NEW YORK CITY — February 17, 2021 — J.Crew today announced that 100-percent of all cashmere sweaters and non-apparel pieces from the newly launched Spring 2021 collection and onwards, will be produced using The Good Cashmere Standard® (GCS) certified cashmere, a first-of-its-kind commitment among U.S. retailers.

GCS was developed by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), a non-profit organization aiming to improve the welfare of cashmere goats, the lives of farmers and farming communities, and the environment in which they live. Through its partnership with GCS, J.Crew is not only able to guarantee a sustainable cashmere supply chain but can also provide full traceability for certified cashmere pieces.

J.Crew also announced it is extending its partnership with the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) to empower women herders in Mongolia to improve their economic and social standing. The SFA promotes the sustainable production of cashmere, minimizes environmental impact, ensures high animal welfare, and safeguards herder livelihoods.

As part of its multi-year program with J.Crew, the SFA will support nearly 1,000 female herders (and their households) in Mongolia and will focus on the following areas:

  • Education: Female herders will be trained on how to better negotiate trades and contracts, handle cash, make decisions and secure higher economic returns for their cooperative.
  • Financial Incentives: Incentives will be provided to herding cooperatives that include females as their members and have a least one woman in their decision-making structure, and to those that develop social safety nets and offer collective support for vulnerable female-led families.
  • Fibre Sorting Program: Increased economic return for female cooperative members will be achieved through a fibre sorting program, which will create the opportunity for the herders to sell higher quality fibre at a premium price.

Posted February 17, 2021

Source: J.Crew

Brooklyn Bedding Breaks Ground On New Manufacturing Facility And Corporate Headquarters

PHOENIX — February 17, 2021 — U.S.-based mattress manufacturer and retailer Brooklyn Bedding officially launched plans to expand its footprint in its home state, breaking ground today on a new state-of-the art manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in Glendale, Ariz. The 648,165-square-foot building will be located on 42.8 acres at the crossroads of West Bethany Home and 52nd Avenue. At present, the company employs more than 250 employees in the Phoenix valley. With the completion of the new build slated for December of 2021, owner John Merwin hopes to add up to 150 employees over the next two years.

Family owned since 1995, Brooklyn Bedding originated with Rob Merwin delivering mattresses direct to customers’ homes in a refurbished Wonder Bread truck. Subsequently joined by his brother John, the Merwins then evolved their business by learning every aspect of mattress engineering — accumulating raw materials and equipment as they could afford them to build their own brand and passing on the savings to customers through a direct-to-consumer retail model. Recognizing the limits of brick-and-mortar in Phoenix, they sought a way to expand nationally. In 2008, John pioneered the bed-in-a-box concept in the United States, selling his first roll-packed mattress on Amazon. By 2015, Brooklyn Bedding had developed and constructed a 150,000-square-foot, full-scale factory in partnership with Brydant Real Estate. Less than four years later, with the hypergrowth of the brand in both retail and wholesale channels, Brooklyn Bedding had reached maximum capacity and acquired a secondary warehouse.

“Brooklyn Bedding has come a long way from the early days of selling overstock mattresses to now be in a position to triple mattress production,” said John Merwin, owner and CEO of Brooklyn Bedding. “Over the years, I’ve been asked to define our journey as an American-made brand. No one grows up thinking, ‘I want to build mattresses for a living.’ I read all the books. I went to all the seminars. Every expert said you’re supposed to find your passion and pursue it. While I was trying to figure out what I should be doing with my life, I was building stuff and doing what I loved. I finally woke up to the fact that that’s success. I try not to lose sight of the fact that I’m building mattresses for people who are waking up to their own potential every day, who are working and dreaming too.”

The new manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters will merge the capacity of both the company’s current factory and warehouse. The plan entails an investment of more than $72 million to make Brooklyn Bedding nearly100 percent vertically integrated. The company again tapped long-time partner Brydant Real Estate to spearhead the project. The latter brought together two locally operated companies, the development team of Alston Construction and the architectural team of Ware Malcomb, for the design-build phase.

“Our relationship with Brooklyn Bedding was founded on John Merwin’s passion to be the best, coupled with his uncompromising integrity,” said Scott Backes, president of Brydant Real Estate. “At the end of the day, that’s a vision we not only appreciate, but also live by. As a real estate consultant and developer, I get excited about working closely with a partner who is truly a pioneer. We’ve created extraordinary synergy and value over the years because we both know what it takes to build from the ground up.”

Pending completion of the new construction, Brooklyn Bedding will continue operations at its manufacturing facility at 4455 West Camelback Road and its warehouse at 4524 North 44th Avenue in Phoenix.

“We are incredibly pleased to not only welcome Brooklyn Bedding to Glendale, but also thank them for choosing Glendale for their headquarters and manufacturing,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers. “With this significant investment, Brooklyn Bedding brings new life and spurs revitalization in Glendale’s Grand Avenue Industrial District with new employment opportunities for residents. Glendale looks forward to growing with Brooklyn Bedding as they continue to lead in their industry.”

Posted February 17, 2021

Source: Brooklyn Bedding

FreeFAS™ Means PFAS-Free: Fire Service Innovation From TenCate Protective Fabrics

UNION CITY, Ga. — February 17, 2021 — To answer the evolving needs of the Emergency Response community, TenCate Protective Fabrics is bringing to market a new finish completely free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFAS) chemicals. This is in response to a growing movement in the fire service industry to completely transition away from products containing PFAS-based chemistry.

This new, ground-breaking innovation is called, FreeFAS™.

The TenCate Protective Fabrics team is working with supply chain and garment manufacturing partners to bring all NFPA 1971 outer shells finished with FreeFAS to market with phased commercial availability starting in Spring 2021.

“The safety and well-being of our end-users has always been the driving force behind our innovations. TenCate Protective Fabrics is paying close attention to the recent movement around PFAS-free finishes as we anticipate what comes next in the field of protective materials.”

Currently, all TenCate Protective Fabrics outer shells achieve Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certification to ensure next-to-skin safety compliance. The fabric manufacturer is committed to achieving this same, independent, third-party certification on all future outer shells made with FreeFAS as well, to help ensure end-user well-being.

FreeFAS will initially be offered alongside TCPF’s legacy Super Shelltite™ finish, and will replace legacy finishes as market demands for traditional solutions subside.

About TenCate Protective Fabrics: As the leading global producer of protective fabrics, TenCate Protective Fabrics enables millions of people worldwide to be great at what they do. Servicemen and women in industrial, fire, healthcare, military and police rely on our fabrics for safety, comfort and confidence. Supporting a world of evolving needs, our innovations lead the way in user-centered design, technology and sustainability.

Posted February 17, 2021

Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics

Lainiere Health™ & Wellness Named Official Antimicrobial Fabric Partner Of The International Luxury Hotel Association

NEW YORK CITY — February 17, 2021 — The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA), the luxury hospitality industry’s leading trade organization, announced today that it has named Lainiere Health™ & Wellness its official antimicrobial fabric partner. A division of premier apparel textile supplier Chargeurs*PCC Fashion Technologies, Lainiere Health & Wellness offers a full complement of antimicrobial fabric solutions for the hospitality industry. This line of Lainiere Performance Silver products includes masks and gloves for guests and staff, laundry and valet bags, and food and beverage uniform items such as chef’s coats, aprons, pants and toques, all made with antimicrobial fabrics.

“At Chargeurs, we’re committed to driving innovation in antimicrobial textiles and fabrics and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with ILHA as we bring our Lainiere Performance Silver solutions to the hospitality industry,” said Thomas Becker, senior director of Innovation and Design at Chargeurs. “With both hotel guests and staffs focused on health and safety, fabrics that offer antimicrobial benefits are a key tool that hoteliers can use to improve on-site hygiene and provide the peace of mind travelers are looking for.”

Lainiere Performance Silver harnesses the power of natural silver to fight microbes on soft surfaces, essentially making them self-cleaning. Positively charged ions are embedded in fibers used to produce antimicrobial fabrics that offer long-lasting protection against microbes such as bacteria, mold and fungus, which can cause odor, stains and fabric degradation.

“There’s great pent-up demand for travel globally and the luxury hospitality industry is committed to providing guests and staff with the highest level of confidence ahead of the resurgence in travel we expect to see over the coming months,” said Barak Hirschowitz, President of ILHA. “Our ILHA hotel partners are doing everything possible to improve safety and hygiene for guests and staff. Having access to the innovative line of antimicrobial fabric products from Lainiere Health & Wellness will help ensure these luxury hotels can provide enhanced safety while not compromising on any aspect of the guest experience.”

For the hospitality industry, Lainiere Performance Silver offers a range of high-quality antimicrobial products, each of which can be customized with a brand’s or hotel property’s colors and logo. These include washable, reusable face masks and clear window masks for front desk representatives and waitstaffs. For food and beverage operations, Lainiere Performance Silver offers solutions for both back of house and front of house, including chefwear and server gloves for waitstaff. Laundry and valet solutions include antimicrobial laundry bags for use by housekeeping staffs as well as antimicrobial garment and shoe bags that guests can take to reuse when they check out.

For hotel guests, the Lainiere Performance Silver line includes a portable Protective Travel Kit with a mask, gloves and antimicrobial wipes that can be offered as a gift at check-in or through a hotel’s gift shop. Hoteliers can also offer guests antimicrobial fashion masks that are hand-made in Italy with luxury fabrics. For kids aged four and older, there are washable masks made with environmentally friendly recycled fibers and sustainable cotton, with 96 stick-on decals that can be used to personalize their face coverings. For fitness centers, the Lainiere Performance Silver range includes antimicrobial and anti-odor gloves that are reusable, washable and fast-drying.

Silver has been safely used as an antimicrobial agent for millennia. Lainiere Performance Silver from Lainiere Health & Wellness is certified safe, with EPA and BPR registrations and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 accreditation.

Posted February 17, 2021

Source: International Luxury Hotel Association

Bluesign Releases Product Stewardship Guideline 3.0

ST.GALLEN, Switzerland — February 17, 2021 — Version 3.0 of the bluesign® Product Stewardship Guideline is exclusively available to bluesign SYSTEM PARTNERS. It is a practical guide for chemical companies that are willing to implement state of the art procedures and improve their product safety. The Guideline complements the bluesign CRITERIA for chemical suppliers.

Product Stewardship means taking responsibility for making products safe for people and the planet, from design to disposal. It also enables those who manufacture, design, consume or sell products to be responsible for reducing impacts on the environment, economy, public health, and safety.1

While the term and concept originated in the 1980s and the first formal programs were established in the chemical industry around the same time, the environmental situation we are facing in the 2020s makes the concept more important than ever.

The chemical industry has been consolidating its Product Stewardship initiatives under the Responsible Care® initiative since 1984.2

For bluesign, Product Stewardship has always been an essential concept to allow production of more sustainable chemical products and hence reduce the impact of the textile industry on people, resources, and the environment. The complex requirements (e.g. of legislation, consumers and brands) regarding product safety can only be managed with well-conceived Product Stewardship. The Product Stewardship capabilities of chemical suppliers have always been subject to thorough examination during chemical supplier assessments by bluesign auditors, and they are also an important basis for the evaluation of chemical products during the bluesign chemical assessment.

“Adequate Product Stewardship at chemical suppliers is a prerequisite for the integrity of the bluesign system. With the new version of the Guideline, we make our requirements transparent and respond to a need on the global market for practical guidance for setting up a functioning system.” (Dr. Makeba Kampara, bluesign Head of Technical Service Asia)

Since 2010, bluesign has been supporting the improvement of Product Stewardship practices at chemical suppliers with its Product Stewardship Guideline. If necessary, bluesign experts support clients in the rollout and improvement of stewardship procedures and capabilities in the course of bluesign Product Stewardship Services (PSS).

Version 3.0 of the bluesign Product Stewardship Guideline was released in November 2020 and is exclusively available to bluesign SYSTEM PARTNERS. It is a practical guide for chemical companies that are willing to implement state-of-the-art procedures and improve their product safety. The Guideline complements the bluesign CRITERIA for chemical suppliers.

“As the first link in the textile supply chain, it is our responsibility to provide sustainable and safe products. The new Product Stewardship Guideline helps us to redefine and improve internal structures, processes and standards in order to comply with the ambitious requirements. The expertise and advice of bluesign are highly beneficial on our way towards a sustainable business and a transparent industry.” (Dr. Holger Bender, CTO Pulcra Chemicals Group)

1 https://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/product-stewardship.aspx

2 https://icca-chem.org/focus/responsible-care/

Posted February 17, 2021

Source: bluesign technologies ag

National Cotton Council 2021 State Unit Officers Named

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — February 10, 2021 — National Cotton Council state unit officers for 2021 were elected at the industry-wide organization’s 2021 virtual annual meeting.

Chairmen, vice-chairmen and secretaries, respectively, of the state units are:  ALABAMA – Nick McMichen, producer, Centre; Ernest Osuna, ginner, Hazel Green; and Jeff Thompson, cooperative, Prattville; ARIZONA – Dan Thelander, producer, Maricopa; Bill Brackett, ginner, and K.C. Gingg, producer, both of Buckeye; ARKANSAS – Nathan Reed, producer, Marianna; Neill Sloan, warehouser, Portland; and Matt Hyneman, producer, Jonesboro; CALIFORNIA – Bryan Bone, producer, and Joseph Cain, warehouser, both of Bakersfield; Charles Meyer, III, producer, Stratford; FLORIDA – B.E. “Sonny” Davis, Jr., ginner, Cottondale; Nick Marshall, producer, Baker; and Buster Kimble, ginner, Marianna; GEORGIA – Chad Mathis, producer, Arlington; Jimmy Webb, cooperative, Leary; and Duane Bargeron, ginner, Sylvania; KANSAS –Thomas Lahey, producer, Moscow; Stuart Briggeman, producer, Pratt; and Gary Feist, ginner, Anthony; LOUISIANA – Jason Condrey, producer, Lake Providence; Heath Herring, producer, St. Joseph; and Russell Ratcliff, III, producer, St. Joseph; MISSISSIPPI – David Cochran, Jr., ginner, Greenville; Henry N. Reichle, Jr., cooperative, and Dwayne Coward, warehouser, both of Greenwood; MISSOURI/ILLINOIS –Riley James, ginner, New Madrid, Mo.; Chris Porter, producer, Essex, Mo.; and Stephen Harris, ginner, Senath, Mo.; NEW MEXICO – Alberto Pando, ginner, Mesquite; Dean Calvani, producer, Carlsbad; and Alisa Ogden, producer, Loving; NORTH CAROLINA – Brad Warren, producer, Faison; Rob Fleming, Jr., producer, Zebulon; and Tommy Flythe, Jr., producer, Seaboard; OKLAHOMA – Jantz Bain, ginner, and Mark Nichols, producer, both of Altus; and Jeannie Hileman, ginner, Hobart; SOUTH CAROLINA – Drake Perrow, ginner, Cameron; Thomas McMeekin, merchant, Spartanburg; and William Bowen, Jr., manufacturer, Inman; TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY – Bradley Williams, ginner, Burlison, Tenn.; John Lindamood, producer, Tiptonville, Tenn.; and Mark Korn, producer, Dyersburg, Tenn.; TEXAS – Barry Street, ginner, Kress; David Wyatt, ginner, Woodsboro; and Elmer Braden, Jr., producer, Coyanosa; VIRGINIA – Steele Byrum, producer, Zuni; Clay Lowe, producer, Wakefield; and Bruce Alphin, ginner, Windsor.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: National Cotton Council

National Cotton Council Names 2021 Directors

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — February 10, 2020 — The National Cotton Council directors for 2021 were announced at the NCC’s virtual 2021 annual meeting.

Elected to the NCC Board during segment caucuses were:
Producers – Rusty Darby, Chester, S.C.; Jason Condrey, Lake Providence, La.; Doyle Schniers, San Angelo, Texas; Dan Thelander, Maricopa, Ariz.; and Mark McKean, Riverdale, Calif.
 Ginners – Drake Perrow, Cameron, S.C.; Curtis Stewart, Spade, Texas; George LaCour, Morganza, La.; Gene Seal, Pima, Ariz.; and Gary Feist, Anthony, Kan.
Warehousers – Donald Robinson, Garner, N.C.; Joe Tillman, Cordova, Tenn.; Eric Wanjura, Lubbock, Texas; Coalter Paxton, Ill., Wilson, N.C.; and Robert Swize, Corpus Christi, Texas.
Merchants – Raymond Faus, Plano, Texas; Bobby Walton, Memphis, Tenn.; and Joe Nicosia, William Barksdale, and Jeff Johnson, all of Cordova, Tenn.
Cottonseed – Fred Serven, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Paul Scruggs, Overland Park, Kan.; Sammy Wright, Tifton, Ga.; Austin Rose, Altus, Okla.; and Jerrod Drinnon, Lubbock, Texas.
Cooperatives – Keith Lucas, Lubbock, Texas; Henry N. Reichle Jr., Greenwood, Miss.; Paul Bush, Glendale, Ariz.; Wayne Boseman, Garner, N.C.; and Reid Nichols, Altus, Okla.
Manufacturers – Anderson Warlick and James Martin, both of Gastonia, N.C.; Mike Quinn, Sanford, N.C.; William Bowen, Jr., Inman, S.C.; and Marc Doyon, Salisbury, N.C.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: National Cotton Council

Bindatex Expands Nonwoven Slitting, Sheeting Capacity And Maintains Quickest Delivery Times In The Industry

BOLTON, England — February 11, 2021 — Bindatex, the United Kingdom-based provider of specialist process and cutting services, is increasing its capacity for slitting nonwovens while maintaining the quickest turn-around times in the industry. It can put inquiries into production within two days, if required, which typically takes weeks.

As specialists in cutting, Bindatex can easily achieve the very low slitting widths that can be required by the nonwovens industry (20mm easily and lower on request) and at very large diameters.

The company also provides a solution to the common problem within the industry of uneven tension in winding the roll and enables material salvage.

The expansion in capacity comes after the successful completion of projects for several UK PPE manufacturers and other companies in medical technology such as filter disks for ventilators, and across other nonwovens applications ranging from cosmetics to civil engineering.

Bindatex can supply in high production volumes or low development amounts for prototyping.

Chris Lever, managing director of Bindatex, said: “Our extensive experience in the aerospace industry means we apply attention to detail and quality processes in all areas of our work. And when slitting to low widths with quick turn-around times for the nonwovens industry, this is especially important.

“Over the past couple of years, we have invested heavily in highly specialised machinery which enables us to offer a wide range of cutting solutions with very short lead-times.

Formed in 2004, Bindatex is experienced in slitting and sheeting a variety of hard to cut materials and also has extensive experience in cutting nonwovens into discs shapes for filter applications. The company is ISO9001 approved and, unlike many other converting companies, does not impose a minimum order.

At the end of 2020, Bindatex secured a grant from Innovate UK from the Sustainable Innovation Fund to support a critical six-month R&D project to further develop and upscale their operations.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Bindatex

NCC Survey Suggests U.S. Producers To Plant 11.5 Million Acres Of Cotton In 2021

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — February 11, 2021 —  U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 11.5 million cotton acres this spring, down 5.2 percent from 2020 (based on USDA’s February 2021 estimate), according to the National Cotton Council’s 40th Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey (see table below).

Upland cotton intentions are 11.3 million acres, down 4.9 percent from 2020, while extra-long staple (ELS) intentions of 161,000 acres represent a 20.7 percent decline. The detailed survey results were announced during the 2021 National Cotton Council Annual Meeting Virtual Live-Stream Event.

Dr. Jody Campiche, the NCC’s vice president, Economics & Policy Analysis, said, “Planted acreage is just one of the factors that will determine supplies of cotton and cottonseed. Ultimately, weather and agronomic conditions are among the factors that play a significant role in determining crop size.”

She said that with abandonment assumed at 18.1 percent for the United States, Cotton Belt harvested area totals 9.4 million acres. Using an average U.S. yield per harvested acre of 855 pounds generates a cotton crop of 16.7 million bales, with 16.3 million upland bales and 431,000 ELS bales.

The NCC questionnaire, mailed in mid-December 2020 to producers across the 17-state Cotton Belt, asked producers for the number of acres devoted to cotton and other crops in 2020 and the acres planned for the coming season. Survey responses were collected through mid-January.

Campiche noted, “History has shown that U.S. farmers respond to relative prices when making planting decisions. Relative to the average futures prices during the first quarter of 2020, prices of all commodities were trading higher. For the 2021 crop year, corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum are expected to provide more competition for cotton acres.”

Southeast respondents indicate a 4.2 percent decrease in the region’s upland area to 2.3 million acres. In Alabama, the survey responses indicate a 9.3 percent decrease in cotton acreage and increases in corn, wheat, and soybeans. In Florida, respondents indicated slightly less cotton and more corn and peanuts. In Georgia, cotton acreage is expected to decline by 8.6 percent as growers expect to plant more corn, wheat, soybeans, and peanuts. In North Carolina and South Carolina, growers expect to increase cotton acreage by 13.4 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively. Cotton acreage is expected to decline by 10.0 percent percent in Virginia while an increase in corn, soybeans, and ‘other crops’ is expected.

Mid-South growers intend to plant 1.7 million acres, a decline of 3.7 percent from the previous year. Across the region, all states except Missouri intend to decrease cotton acreage. Arkansas producers intend to plant 6.8 percent less cotton acreage and increase corn, wheat, and soybeans. Louisiana producers expect to plant 5.6 percent less cotton acreage in 2021 and plant more corn, wheat and soybeans. In Mississippi, cotton acreage is expected to decrease by 1.6 percent while corn, wheat, and soybean acreage is expected to increase. Missouri growers expect to increase cotton acres by 1.2 percent, planting more corn and less soybeans. In Tennessee, cotton acreage is expected to decline by 6.1 percent as land shifts to corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Southwest growers intend to plant 7.1 million cotton acres, a 5.5 percent decline. In Kansas, producers intend to plant 0.9 percent more cotton acres and less corn, wheat, and soybeans. In Oklahoma, growers expect to plant 5.2 percent less cotton and more wheat. Texas acreage is expected to decline by 5.7 percent while corn, wheat, and sorghum acreage is expected to increase.

Far West producers are expecting to plant 197,000 upland cotton acres, a 2.5 percent decrease from 2020. Cotton acreage is expected to decrease in Arizona and California and increase slightly in New Mexico.

ELS acreage is expected to decline by 26.7 percent in California and 10.5 percent in Texas due to concerns about water availability. A slight increase is expected in Arizona, while New Mexico acreage is expected to remain unchanged from 2020.

In recent years, U.S. cotton producers have struggled with volatile cotton prices, high production costs and weather issues. In the face of very tight margins, many producers continue to face difficult economic conditions heading into 2021.

NCC delegates were reminded the expectations are a snapshot of intentions based on market conditions at survey time with actual plantings influenced by changing market conditions and weather.

Prospective 2021 U.S. Cotton Area

   2020 Actual (Thou.)  1/  2021 Intended (Thou.)  2/ Percent Change
 
SOUTHEAST 2,368  2,268  -4.2%   
  Alabama 450 408 -9.3%  
  Florida 98 97 -1.2%  
  Georgia 1,190 1,088 -8.6%  
  North Carolina 360 408 13.4%  
  South Carolina 190 195 2.6%  
  Virginia 80 72 -10.0%  
 
MID-SOUTH 1,800  1,733  -3.7%   
  Arkansas 525 489 -6.8%  
  Louisiana 170 161 -5.6%  
  Mississippi 530 521 -1.6%  
  Missouri 295 299 1.2%  
  Tennessee 280 263 -6.1%  
 
SOUTHWEST 7,520  7,109  -5.5%   
  Kansas 195 197 0.9%  
  Oklahoma 525 498 -5.2%  
  Texas 6,800 6,415 -5.7%  
 
WEST 202  197  -2.5%   
  Arizona 125 125 -0.3%  
  California 34 28 -17.7%  
  New Mexico 43 44 3.2%  
 
TOTAL UPLAND 11,890  11,308  -4.9%   
 
TOTAL ELS 203  161  -20.7%   
  Arizona 7 8 19.8%  
  California 147 108 -26.7%  
  New Mexico 11 11 0.0%  
  Texas 38 34 -10.5%  
 
ALL COTTON 12,093  11,468  -5.2%   
         

 

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: National Cotton Council

2021 World Cotton Outlook: Recovery In World Cotton Demand As The U.S. And World Economies Rebound

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — February 11, 2021 — National Cotton Council economists point to a few key factors that will shape the U.S. cotton industry’s 2021 economic outlook.

This past year was characterized by significant uncertainty and volatility in both the global economy and the world cotton market. The most challenging issue facing the global cotton market in 2020 was the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions in the supply chains and markets for the U.S. and world cotton and textile industries during the first half of 2020. The COVID‐19 pandemic devastated textile supply chains as retail outlets shuttered their doors for months. As the collapse in cotton demand persisted throughout 2020, the negative impacts were felt across the U.S. cotton industry.

Now, in the early weeks of 2021, while the pandemic is still creating disruptions in various parts of the world, the overall economy is recovering at a much faster pace than originally expected. However, current economic projections for the U.S. and global economies should be viewed with caution given the lack of clarity regarding the potential impacts of the ongoing pandemic. The distribution of vaccines has created optimism for world economic conditions, yet some uncertainty is still present due to increased infections and new virus strains in some parts of the world along with renewed restrictions.

In her analysis of the NCC Annual Planting Intentions survey results, Campiche said the NCC projects 2021 U.S. cotton acreage to be 11.5 million acres, 5.2 percent less than 2020. The expected drop in acreage is primarily the result of strong competing crop prices. With abandonment assumed at 18.1 percent for the United States, Cotton Belt harvested area totals 9.4 million acres. Using an average 2021 U.S. yield per harvested acre of 855 pounds generates a cotton crop of 16.7 million bales, with 16.3 million upland bales and 431,000 extra-long staple bales. U.S. cottonseed production is projected to increase to 5.2 million tons in 2021.

Regarding domestic mill cotton use, the NCC is projecting a partial recovery in U.S. mill use at 2.8 million bales during the 2021 crop year. U.S. mills were severely impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020. As one of largest markets for U.S. cotton, U.S. mills continue to be critically important to the health of the cotton industry.

World trade is estimated to be higher in the 2020 marketing year as consumption recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on sales and shipments for the year-to-date, U.S. exports are projected to reach 15.8 million bales in the 2020 marketing year. As a result of a large carryover sales from the 2019 crop year and increased purchases from China, U.S. export commitments and shipments have been very strong for the 2020 crop year. As of February 4, total commitments reached 14.1 million bales while 7.8 million bales have been shipped. Current commitments are at the highest level at this point in the marketing year since the 2010 crop year.

While export competition from Brazil remains strong, the United States was able to regain market share in China in 2020 as a result of the Phase I agreement. The United States also had increased opportunities for higher export sales to other markets in the 2020 crop year due to lower production in Australia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

U.S. exports are projected to drop slightly to 15.4 million bales in the 2021 marketing year. With large stocks in other major exporting countries and a partial recovery in Australia’s production, the United States will continue to face strong export competition in 2021. When combined with U.S. mill use, total offtake exceeds expected production, and ending stocks are projected to fall to 2.6 million bales. If realized, U.S. stocks represent one of the lowest levels in the last 20 years.

Campiche said world production is estimated to increase by 1.5 million bales in 2021 to 115.6 million due to a slight increase in acreage. World mill use is projected to increase to 120.9 million bales in 2021. Ending stocks are projected to decline by 5.4 million bales in the 2021 marketing year to 90.4 million bales, resulting in a stocks-to-use ratio of 74.8 percent.

Although global stocks remain high, a tighter U.S. balance sheet, low supply chain inventories, increased purchases from China, speculative money flow, weaker U.S. dollar, higher grain and oilseed prices, and post-COVID demand expectations are contributing to bullish sentiment for cotton prices. However, additional restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, large stocks outside of China, and low man-made fiber prices could put downward pressure on cotton prices in 2021.

On the NCC’s website are additional details of the 2021 Cotton Economic Outlook.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: National Cotton Council

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