#Raw Materials

2019-09-19

Which cotton merchants and mills are sourcing the largest volumes of ‘better cotton’?

As demand for Better Cotton – cotton grown by licensed BCI Farmers in line with the Better Cotton Principles and Criteria – increases, more and more organisations throughout the cotton supply chain are joining the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and supporting increased uptake of Better Cotton*. Earlier in the year, we announced the BCI Retailer and Brand Members that sourced the largest volumes of cotton as Better Cotton in 2018. Now we are launching the Cotton Merchants and Mills Leaderboard.

The Merchants and Mills Leaderboard highlights the top 20 cotton merchants and top 50 mills, based on volumes of cotton sourced as Better Cotton. Access the 2018 Better Cotton Leaderboard.

Cotton merchants and mills are supporting the transformation of the cotton sector by joining BCI and sourcing increased volumes of Better Cotton for BCI Retailer and Brand Members – forming a critical link between Better Cotton supply and demand.

“Market demand for more sustainable cotton has dramatically increased over the years. It began with a few retailers sourcing more sustainable cotton in limited quantities for small collections. Over time, retailers have grown their collections and implemented overarching sustainable sourcing targets which has increased the volumes of more sustainable cotton sourced, including Better Cotton. We see this demand increasing further over the next 5 to 10 years.” – Osman Ustundag, Cotton Purchasing Manager at Kipa? Holding, a BCI Member since 2011.

Increased sourcing of Better Cotton generates essential funding for farmer training and support. This is in turn driving more sustainable practices in cotton production, making it better for the people who produce it and the environment it grows in.

BCI has a goal to train five million cotton farmers on more sustainable practices by 2020. Find out more in the BCI 2018 Annual Report:

http://stories.bettercotton.com/2018-AnnualReport/index.html

“With the creation of BCI in 2009, a holistic and pragmatic approach for farmers to embed sustainable farming practices was launched. Better Cotton addressed the gap that existed between retailers’ sustainable sourcing targets and market supply of more sustainably produced cotton. Using innovative models such as mass-balance during sourcing, the market now has access to a large and growing supply base to procure from.” – Amit Shah, CEO and Founding Director at Spectrum International, a BCI Member since 2013. Amit Shah also holds the position of Treasurer on the BCI Council.

Find out which merchants and mills sourced the largest volumes of cotton as Better Cotton in the 2018 Better Cotton Leaderboard.

https://bettercotton.org/better-cotton-leaderboard-2018/

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

New U.S. cotton study uses real-world grower data to reveal where fiber impacts occur

Cotton Incorporated has released a critically reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA) of U.S. cotton fiber production that examines how cotton’s environmental impacts are measured and where meaningful improvements can be made across the value chain. The new data, grounded in real‑world grower inputs, measures what drives U.S. cotton’s environmental footprint from field to gin.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.