#Raw Materials

2021-04-22

Comfort and confidence take many forms & cotton is the common thread in new campaign

Celebrating comfort, confidence, and relatability, Cotton Incorporated unveils a new campaign pairing humor with a musical throwback to remind us how cotton fits into our everyday lives.

The Fabric of Our Lives™ jingle continues to resonate

“One thing we learned from the past year is people seek comfort from familiarity and gain confidence from our favorite clothing whether it’s a soft cotton sweatshirt, power blazer or longtime favorite t-shirt and denim jeans,” says Kim S. Kitchings, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “This campaign captures those emotions through relatable situations and brings a smile in a time when we’re really ready to wear one.”

The campaign features testimonials showcasing the benefits of cotton through the clothes we wear. Audiences meet ‘Rita’ who feels powerful and comfortable in her cotton jumpsuit to take on the dating world. And ‘Jamie’ who feels emboldened to tackle her day and lead her team with confidence — in part because her blazer keeps her cool due to cotton’s natural ability to breathe. The scenarios pair with piano accompaniment and comedic commentary by celebrity singer and television host Carnie Wilson who chimes in with a familiar tune.

“The Fabric of Our Lives is one of those jingles that just stays with you. I can’t remember the first time I heard it. I think it’s always been a part of the American soundtrack,” reflects Carnie Wilson. “The Fabric of Our Lives is a jingle everyone seems to know even if you can’t pinpoint the first time you heard it. It’s fun to think I’m continuing it for my kids and their generation.”

Cotton Incorporated ads have a long tradition to connect our physical comfort of the fabric to our emotional comfort. The original jingle debuted in 1989 to introduce cotton as an integral part of the American experience. The campaign will air on broadcast, streaming and digital outlets beginning on April 12 and will be supported throughout the year on the organization’s social media channels.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

ALLIED expands down traceability with lot-level carbon footprint data

ALLIED Feather + Down has expanded its TrackMyDown traceability platform to include validated cradle-to-gate carbon footprint data linked to individual down lots. The initiative is designed to provide brands and consumers with more detailed environmental information on the materials used in finished products and could also support future data requirements associated with Digital Product Passports.

ICAC’s 84th Plenary Meeting to be held March 24-26, 2027, in Alexandria, Egypt

Registration will soon be open for the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s 84th Plenary Meeting, to be held March 24-26, 2027, in Alexandria, Egypt. The local Organizing Committee in Egypt has chosen “Building a Resilient and Competitive Future for Cotton and Textiles” as the theme for the event, which will be held at the Rixos Montaza Alexandria Resort.

EFI and Agfa’s DPS Business to combine andform a global, full-service industrial inkjet company

Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (“EFI”), a leading industrial inkjet business and portfolio company of Siris, and Agfa-Gevaert (“Agfa”) today announced a definitive agreement to combine Agfa’s Digital Printing Solutions business (“Agfa DPS”) with EFI. An affiliate of Siris will hold a 60% interest and Agfa will hold a 40% interest in the jointly held company, which will bring together the operating capabilities of EFI and Agfa DPS under a governance structure whereby Siris and Agfa will act as equal partners.

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.