[pageLogInLogOut]

#Raw Materials

World Cotton Research Conference has been delayed until October 2022

When the seventh World Cotton Research Conference (WCRC-7) was cancelled last year after it became clear it wouldn't be possible to hold an in-person event during a pandemic, it was a great disappointment to the research community. Unfortunately, lingering uncertainty regarding COVID has forced the organisers to once again delay the event, which is held every four years.

The 2021 World Cotton Research Conference (WCRC):

  • Was scheduled to be held 3-7 October in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
  • Has been delayed by a year for a second time due to ongoing pandemic uncertainty
  • Will now be held next year on the same dates and in the same location


'We waited as long as we could before making this decision, especially after the disappointment over last year's postponement', said Dr Keshav Kranthi, Chief Scientist of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). 'But with uncertainty about vaccines and possible new variants, we came to the conclusion that delaying the event again in 2021 was our best choice'.

As a result, the WCRC has been rescheduled for 2022 in the same place and at the same time as the 2021 conference was supposed to be held: 3-7 October in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. 


The organisers announced that they will reconvene to evaluate the situation in March or April of next year. It was agreed that it was important to keep the event as an in-person event as this was where the maximum benefit could be gained from cotton researchers interacting with their peers.

Because the 2021 WCRC Proceedings — a massive tome packed with a variety of in-depth research papers — has already been completed, it will be released in June 2021 as Volume 1 and a new set of Proceedings – Volume 2 — will be created for the 2022 WCRC. An announcement will be made when Volume 1 of the Proceedings are available.


More News from International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

#Natural Fibers

"Review" examines the outlooks for seven major cotton producers

The newest issue of Cotton: Review of the World Situation provides an in-depth look at how seven important cotton-producing countries are responding to changing markets, rising production costs, climate pressures, evolving technologies, and growing demands for quality and sustainability.

#Natural Fibers

Global cotton trade poised for recovery as India and China drive import demand

The July 2026 issue of Cotton This Month highlights a changing global cotton market, with consumption and trade expected to strengthen despite a modest decline in production during the 2026/27 season. The next issue of Cotton This Month will be released on August 1, 2026.

#Natural Fibers

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.

#Raw Materials

CSITC adds ABRAPA as a round trial sample provider

Beginning with the Q2 2026 Round Trials, the ICAC's Committee on the Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing of Cotton has expanded its sample provision framework by adding the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA) as an official sample provider.

More News on Raw Materials

#Natural Fibers

Better Cotton Initiative multistakeholder event in US unpacks regenerative agriculture potential

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), in collaboration with Texas-based partner, Quarterway Cotton Growers, will expand upon its annual US field event to relay the vast potential of regenerative agriculture through an immersive experience of tours and demonstrations.

#Sustainability

The first widely accessible Life Cycle Assessment study for cashmere production published by Textile Exchange.

Crucial new data to better understand, measure, and address the impacts of cashmere production has been made available to the fashion, textile, and apparel industry through a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) published by Textile Exchange.

#Raw Materials

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.

#Natural Fibers

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.

Latest News

#Spinning

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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Groz-Beckert at Igatex 2026

From October 15 to 18, 2026, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations and solutions across the product areas of Knitting, Weaving, Sewing and Spinning at Igatex in Pakistan (Hall 1, Booth A-1-08).

#Sustainability

bluesign appoints Hanane Taidi as CEO to lead next phase of global impact

bluesign, which partners with the textile industry to reduce adverse impact across the value chain, appoints Hanane Taidi as Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment as the company builds on its leadership amid rapid industry change.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

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.

TOP