#Raw Materials

2021-07-08

Record organic cotton production in 2019/20, shows Textile Exchange report

Textile Exchange’s 2021 Organic Cotton Market Report, released today, shows that 2019/20 was a record-setting year, with the largest volume of organic cotton fiber harvested globally to-date. In total, 229,280 farmers grew 249,153 tonnes of organic cotton fiber on 588,425 hectares of certified organic land in 21 countries. This represents a four percent growth in fiber volume and is the fourth year in a row that organic cotton production has increased. Organic cotton accounted for almost one percent of the global cotton harvest that season.

2019/20 was a record-setting year for organic cotton, with the largest volume of organic fiber harvested globally to-date, and growth is set to skyrocket in 2020/21.

Ranked by production, the top seven organic cotton-producing countries, which together account for 95 percent of global production, were India (50%), China (12%), Kyrgyzstan (12%), Turkey (10%), Tanzania (5%), Tajikistan (4%), and the U.S. (3%). Two new countries – Uzbekistan and Myanmar – joined the line-up of organic cotton producers in 2019/20, and at least another three countries are expected to join in the next few years. The biggest contributors to the global growth seen in 2019/20 were Tanzania and Kyrgyzstan, followed by Uganda, the U.S., Pakistan, India, and Turkey.

“The demand for organic cotton has been growing steadily, particularly the last four years,” says La Rhea Pepper, Textile Exchange Founder and CEO. “All signs point to increasing demand for organic cotton as brands expand their use of the fiber in their product lines in response to concerns over the textile industry’s impact on the environment and consumer demands for sustainable choices.”

India once again had the most land in conversion to organic, followed most closely by Turkey, Tajikistan, and Tanzania. At least 50,552 hectares of cotton land were in conversion to organic cotton in 2019/20. This is equivalent to eight percent of the total certified production area.

Organic cotton production is set to skyrocket in 2020/21, with an estimated 48% growth, stemming predominantly from India and Turkey. In India, this growth is largely a result of increased demand causing organic cotton prices to increase. This, in turn, makes it a more attractive option for farmers and is leading existing producers to dedicate a larger share of their certified organic land to growing cotton versus other crops. In Turkey, increased demand is also the main driver, but the growth is more a result of new producers starting up organic cotton production.

“Textile Exchange urges all brands to ‘plan for planting,’ including supporting the conversion years to ensure that organic will be available to meet their future needs,” says Textile Exchange Fiber Strategist, Rui Fontoura.

Besides revealing detailed production data at global, regional, and country levels, the report also covers current trends and priorities for the organic cotton sector, including discussions on current demand, regenerative agriculture, seed innovation, Covid-19, and the price vs. value paradigm. Impact is also a key feature, in line with Textile Exchange’s 2030 Climate+ goal, with spotlights on the key impact areas of climate, biodiversity, soil, and water.

The report is peppered with insightful quotes from the twenty-one “industry insiders” who were interviewed for the report as part of Textile Exchange’s Insider Series, highlighting how producers and companies are making a difference in textile sustainability.

Textile Exchange continues to gather information on the uptake of organic cotton as well as production, and appreciates the cooperation of all producers, brands, retailers, and other stakeholders in sharing usage and production information via our surveys. In addition, brands, retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers are invited to track their progress with organic cotton (and other preferred fiber and materials) by participating in the annual Material Change Index (MCI) survey (open through September; email: CFMB@TextileExchange.org). New this year are questions regarding product sales figures and forecasted demand through 2025 – information vital to understanding the market.

We also urge active participation in upcoming webinars on the topic as well as this fall’s Organic Cotton Round Table (OCRT) Summit, held in conjunction with our 2021 Textile Sustainability Conference in Dublin, Ireland, November 15-19. Join the OCRT to engage with others in the organic cotton community and stay up to date on the latest news and events on the OCRT Hub.

https://form.jotform.com/202475600045345

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

Reju secures €135 Million in Dutch NIKI Funding for industrial-scale textile-to-textile regeneration hub at Chemelot Industrial Park, the Netherlands

Reju™, the progressive textile-to-textile regeneration company, has been awarded €135 million in funding under the Netherlands’ Nationale Investeringsregeling Klimaatprojecten Industrie (NIKI) program. The funding will support Reju’s planned industrial-scale Regeneration Hub at Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard-Geleen, covering both the investment phase and ongoing operations, and represents a critical milestone on the path toward final investment decision.