#Raw Materials

2018-07-18

Registration now open for ICAC’s 77th Plenary Meeting in Côte d’Ivoire

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has opened registration for its 77th Plenary Meeting, scheduled for 2-6 December, 2018, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The conference will be held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire under the theme, ‘Cotton Challenges: Smart and Sustainable Solutions’.

The ICAC’s 77th Plenary Meeting:

Will be held in Abidjan, capital of Côte d'Ivoire, 2-6 December, 2018, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire
Has ‘Cotton Challenges: Smart and Sustainable Solutions’ as its theme
s expected to draw more than 500 senior government officials, researchers and private-sector professionals from the world’s top cotton-producing and cotton-consuming countries
Is intended to help governments formulate policy that benefits the hundreds of millions of people around the world who depend on cotton for their livelihood
Attendees can register at https://www.eiseverywhere.com/icac.org

Registration Now Open for ICAC’s 77th Plenary Meeting in Cote D’Ivoire

As the only intergovernmental body for the cotton industry, the Plenary Meeting is expected to draw more than 500 senior government officials, researchers and private-sector professionals from all sectors of the global cotton and textile value chains.

Expert speakers will share their insights on the industry’s greatest challenges and opportunities, including:

The use of drones and robotics;
Pesticide resistance;
The impact of climate change;
New developments in biotechnology; and
Refuting the cotton myths and misinformation perpetrated in the media.

‘Plenary Meetings are unique because they are specifically designed to help governments gain a better understanding of — and to debate — the most pressing issues facing the cotton industry’, said ICAC Executive Director Kai Hughes. ‘They use that information to develop global initiatives, harmonise procedures and agree on global strategies. The cotton value chain provides an income for millions of families across the globe, and no one is in a better position to improve those people’s lives than their governments’.

The 77th Plenary Meeting will also mark the debut of ICAC’s new app for attendees, which can be downloaded to an iPhone or Android smartphone, or accessed via the Internet. Users will be able to create their own customised programme, view information about sessions and speakers, instantly exchange contact information with other attendees, and more — all at the tap of a button.

To register for ICAC’s 77th Plenary Meeting and download the attendee app, please visit:

https://www.eiseverywhere.com/icac.org

Organic cotton at the crossroads: Ideology, evidence, and the road ahead

Organic cotton occupies one of the most contentious spaces in global agriculture. While praised by brands and consumers for its environmental ideals, it also faces persistent questions about yield stability, certification integrity, and scalability. The current edition of The ICAC Recorder cuts through the ideology to deliver a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of both sides of the debate.

AMSilk and Ajinomoto Foods Europe expand partnership to enable industrial-scale production of silk proteins

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader leader in biotech produced silk materials, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), marking a key step in scaling the industrial production of its silk proteins. Building on the collaboration first established in 2023, the two companies have now entered into a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement, enabling the transition from industrial validation to dedicated, large-scale production.

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.