[pageLogInLogOut]

#Raw Materials

Question time: Organic cotton – Robust demand

In the wake of increased sustainability efforts in the textile and clothing industry, brands and retailers are increasingly focusing on the procurement of organic cotton. The organic cotton market is currently very dynamic. The Bremen Cotton Report editorial team spoke to Maximilian Daebel, Vice President of Bremen cotton merchants Otto Stadtlander, about the current supply and demand situation.

Interview with Maximilian Daebel, Vice President of Bremen cotton merchants Otto Stadtlander.

Where is the current noticeable increase in demand for organic cotton coming from?

For some time now we have noticed the effects of various initiatives aimed at increasing the use of sustainably produced cotton. In Germany, it is worth mentioning the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, while in an international context we are feeling the very strong influence of the 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge (initiated by the Textile Exchange).

Most of the internationally relevant brands and retailers are not only meeting the minimum requirements of these initiatives to use sustainable cotton but are also going one step further and committing themselves to the use of organic cotton.

With the collapse of many supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible for them to plan and commercialise sustainable supply chains from scratch. We have seen this above all in the price development from Q3/20 until now.

What is the current price for an average or most popular quality of organic cotton and how has the price developed?

The prices for organic cotton currently range between 1.65 – 1.70 USD/lb for Indian organic cotton and 1.85 – 1.90 USD/lb for Turkish organic cotton (CIF Far Eastern Ports – October shipment).

The premium for Indian organic cotton compared to conventional cotton has increased twentyfold, from three percent 12 months ago to approximately 60 percent, while the premium for Turkish organic cotton has tripled from 20 percent to 65 percent. This is largely due to the demand.

We should also not forget the rise in the price of conventional cotton. Compared to the beginning of the second quarter of 2020, the prices for conventionally grown cotton have also more than doubled.

Do higher prices mean that farmers get more money?

Compared to the previous year, most farmers are receiving a higher price for their cotton. However, this comes down to the timing of the “price-fixing” between the farmer and the ginner. It is therefore possible that not all farmers have been able to participate in the positive price development. However, we are already striding towards planting for the 2022/23 crop and if the price level holds up, many farmers will be able to take into account and realise the very positive price development for organic cotton.

With the increasing demand for organic cotton, will there ever be “economies of scale” that dampen the price?

The current price structure, in particular the premium, not only compensates for lower yields compared to the cultivation of conventional cotton, but also enables farmers to make a higher profit. This promotes the cultivation of organic cotton tremendously. We continue to see demand as very robust. Only a fraction is currently being satisfied and existing obligations on the part of brands and retailers are consistently enforced.

To what extent there will be economies of scale remains to be seen. Organic cotton cultivation is currently limited to just one percent of global cotton production, so there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Instead of relying on economies of scale, brands and retailers should not see the existing obligations to use sustainably produced cotton as a disadvantage, but as an opportunity. With forecasted purchase quantities and streamlined supply chains, you can reduce the volatility in prices and plan economically for the long term.


 


How is it possible to increase organic cotton production?

 

Maximilian Daebel, Vice President of Bremen cotton merchants Otto Stadtlander.© 2021 Bremer Baumwollbörse
Maximilian Daebel, Vice President of Bremen cotton merchants Otto Stadtlander.© 2021 Bremer Baumwollbörse

Since organic cotton has a lower yield compared to conventional cotton, it is important to support farmers in the transition period (in-conversion). Ideally, this is done with purchase commitments for organic-in-conversion cotton.

There can only be organic growth in organic cotton cultivation if all actors realise the potential and act together: away from decentralised and opportunistic supply chains towards an organised, plannable, and scalable hand-in-hand supply chain.

Some time ago there were reports of fake certificates for organic cotton. Have these problems been solved?

It can be assumed that the problem with forged or duplicate certificates has been brought under control, but scepticism is still appropriate in the supply chain. The multiplication of the premium for organic cotton creates incentives to bypass control mechanisms and bring wrongly declared cotton into circulation.

Fortunately, this problem has been taken up by the organic standards and certifying bodies and the control mechanisms are continuously being refined.

We know the farmers and ginners in our supply chains personally and with regular audits we can recognise irregularities before they take hold and react accordingly together with the certifying bodies. In addition, we subject all the organic cotton we buy to GMO analyses in independent European laboratories.

What developments are there to increase transparency in the organic cotton supply chain?

There are some interesting and promising approaches. One example is the marking of the cotton fibres in the gin. Here, a unique fluorescent “fingerprint” is added to the fibres which remains traceable right through to the end product.

It is then of secondary importance whether the results of the intermediate tests along the supply chain are stored in simple databases or using a blockchain.

Thank you for the interview!

The interviews in the column “Question Time“ embody the opinion of the respective interview partner and do not represent the position of the Bremen Cotton Exchange as neutral, independent institution.






More News from Bremer Baumwollbörse

#Natural Fibers

Bremen Cotton Exchange: Fritz A. Grobien re-elected as President

The members of the Bremen Cotton Exchange have re-elected Fritz A. Grobien as President during the association’s 152nd General Assembly on June 18, 2026. The election confirms the organization’s commitment to maintaining its role as a leading international platform for the cotton and fiber industry amid a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

#Raw Materials

Fiber traceability - A vehicle to ensure sustainability or injustice?

The Bremen Cotton Exchange is making a new paper available for download. In this paper, analyst Veronica Bates Kassatly and statistician Terry Townsend examine the justifications behind this approach and assess the consequences for textile and apparel sustainability claims and global legislation.

#Raw Materials

A Powerful Opening: Global thought leaders launch the International Cotton Conference Bremen

The International Cotton Conference Bremen will open on 25 March 2026 in the Parliament building of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen with a keynote session of exceptional calibre. Distinguished international experts will set the stage for the conference by offering incisive perspectives on the most pressing challenges and the defining trends shaping the future of the global cotton trade. Their insights will span a broad spectrum — from geopolitically driven disruptions affecting global supply chains to the opportunities emerging from innovation-led agriculture capable of supporting a growing world population. Together, these opening keynotes will frame the dialogue of the conference, highlighting both the complexity of today’s market environment and the pathways toward a resilient and forward-looking cotton sector.

#Natural Fibers

Beyond Cotton: Natural Fibres in the Spotlight at the Bremen Cotton Conference - Branded by DNFI

Climate targets, fragile supply chains, and rising regulatory requirements are fundamentally changing the perspective of the textile industry - the focus is increasingly shifting toward the base material. Not only cotton, but natural fibres are gaining significant importance: they stand out not only because of their outstanding functional properties, but also because they make a valuable contribution to the bioeconomy and responsible product development.

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.

#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.

#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.

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