Category: Sustainability

Are you a student or a recent graduate with a passion for fashion and a flair for the future? We invite you to unleash your creativity with the world's most loved fiber: cotton.

Most cotton benchmarks decreased over the past month.

Mixed signals surfaced for the U.S. economy over the past month. After a surprisingly strong GDP figure (+4.9% in the third quarter) came a weaker number for job growth (+150,000 in October, which was about half the value of +297,000 posted for September). The slowdown in hiring last month was affected by the strike by autoworkers. The strike appears to be near a conclusion, and it might be a distortive factor for employment numbers again whenever strikers return to work.

The CottonWorks virtual showroom has seen some exciting new updates to its trend section - which now features a collection dedicated to cutting-edge garments and fabrics in the world of denim.

Successful Digital Product Creation (DPC) adoption requires an understanding of industry standards and effective workflows.

Cotton benchmarks were flat or lower over the past month.

In comments released in late September, Federal Reserve officials suggested that interest rates will remain higher for a longer period of time.

Cotton benchmarks moved higher and then lower over the past month. Current values for most prices are near those posted one month ago.

Job gains have decelerated in recent months. However, the U.S. economy has held up better than was generally feared when inflation was surging and interest rates started climbing sharply higher.

Cotton Incorporated introduces RESTech COTTON™ technology, a performance sheeting solution.

Members of the Cotton Incorporated team recently returned from ITMA 2023, an influential textile and garment technology exhibition. Held once every four years, ITMA is where key industry decision-makers gather to showcase the latest textile and garment processing technologies, machinery, and materials.

The NY/ICE December contract pushed through resistance near 82 cents/lb around the middle of July. With the USDAS’s reduction to its U.S. production forecast, December prices climbed to levels near 90 cents/lb.

Now is the time to explore the CottonWorks™ Virtual Showroom and discover the future of cotton through an innovative digital experience. Download free, digital fabric files to bring garment ideas and designs to life, and stay ahead of the “fashion game” by regularly visiting our platform for the latest trends and technologies in the world of cotton.

Since it was established in 1973, Cotton Incorporated’s Seal of Cotton trademark has grown into an iconic household brand. And with 50 years of marketing support from Cotton Incorporated, it’s no wonder that 8 in 10 consumers recognize the trademark and trust it to identify natural, reliable, and hypoallergenic products.

Over the past month, the NY/ICE December contract continued to trade sideways within the range between 77 and 85 cents/lb that has contained values since late November 2022. There was a test of the lower end of that range (closing prices dropped to 77.9 cents/lb on June 26th, which was the lowest level since December 2022)

A range of measures can be used to track inflation. The Federal Reserve most closely follows an inflation rate called the personal consumption expenditure price index (PCE index). PCE index data are published with a longer lag than CPI numbers (the CPI and the PCE index are published by separate government agencies), but the latest readings indicate that inflation continues to fall.

The outlook for the U.S. economy remains clouded by uncertainty. Arguments suggesting a slowdown find support from persistent inflation and the steepest increases in interest rates in a generation. Arguments suggesting continued growth find support from a strong labor market and a resilient consumer.

After three years of drought, significant rainfall finally arrived in West Texas. In certain areas, precipitation was heavy enough to cause flooding. While flooding may have a detrimental impact on some farm operations, the arrival of rain has already caused projections for abandonment to decrease.

Listen in as Cotton Incorporated’s Senior Economist Jon Devine discusses forecasts for planted acreage in the U.S. and around the world and analyzes the production outlook for 2023/24.

There has been renewed concern about 2022/23 production recently. The current focus of attention is India, where arrivals at gins are significantly behind the pace from one year ago. There has been speculation that Indian growers may be withholding volume in hopes of securing better prices, but the breadth of the gap has given root to worry that the Indian crop may end up being smaller than currently forecast.

After a meeting in early May, Federal Reserve officials decided to make its tenth increase in interest rates since March of last year. The speed and magnitude of the change in interest rates presented a series of challenges to business practices. Financing costs have risen sharply across all industries, and a focus on cost-cutting has already led to layoffs at several large corporations.

For cotton, a steep correction in demand has been underway for several months. As concerns about the trajectory of economic growth mounted toward the second half of 2022, order volumes collapsed. However, consumer spending did not drop as was feared. Although uncertainty remains for the future, inflation-adjusted U.S. consumer spending has held at levels 25% higher than in 2019.

Uncertainty surrounding the trajectory of U.S. economic growth persists. The labor market continues to add jobs, and wages continue to rise at rates higher than those experienced in the decade following the financial crisis. Inflation also remains higher than the rates experienced in the decade following the financial crisis. As a result, the Federal Reserve has continued to boost interest rates (the Federal Funds rate was increased another 0.25 points in late March).

Listen in as Cotton Incorporated’s Senior Economist Jon Devine discusses forecasts for planted acreage in the U.S. and around the world and analyzes the production outlook for 2023/24.

In this Q&A session, we spoke with Dr. Gaylon Morgan, the director of Agricultural Research at Cotton Incorporated with 22 years of experience in applied cotton research, to learn more about the benefits of soil health practices for cotton production, how they can be implemented and how they impact brands and retailers. 

The persistently strong labor market continues to defy the expected effects of the Federal Reserve’s increases in interest rates. The economy added a high number of jobs again last month, and the unemployment rate remains at a historically low level. With unemployment low, employers face more competition for qualified candidates, and that can put upward pressure on wages.

The trajectory of the global economy looms large. The latest data releases indicate inflation has yet to be cured, which may mean interest rates will have to climb higher. Meanwhile, labor markets have proven resilient, consumers still have savings from the stimulus, and COVID has faded as a pressing threat. Geopolitical developments are unknowable but may prove influential.

These days, more and more of our actions and activities are transitioning to digital and electronic methods—and the worlds of fashion and textile design are no exception. The use of digital fabrics can lead to greater efficiencies for the fashion industry by reducing designers’ reliance on physical samples, accelerating design timelines, and providing more opportunities to experiment with new ideas in less time.

With a dwindling tampon supply trending in the news over the past year, rumors of a cotton shortage took hold. It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the global supply chain across many product categories. However, when it comes to tampons, cotton use and availability are not to blame. Here are the facts.

There are several potential signals that a turnaround in business conditions could be emerging. In its latest round of updates, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lifted projections for global economic growth in 2023 and 2024. While growth is still expected to be sluggish, the reversal in the direction of the updates may be notable.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released an updated set of global estimates for economic growth in late January. The headline for the report was “Inflation Peaking Amid Low Growth”, suggesting that while a major challenge for the global economy may be fading, another remains.

The unemployment rate remains safely below four percent and is low by historical standards. Although it has not been able to surpass inflation, wage growth has been steady near five percent, beyond anything registered in the decade between the financial crisis and the onset of COVID. Nonetheless, inflation has been increasing faster than wages since the first quarter of 2021, implying that consumer spending power has been falling despite higher income.

Given widespread reports of a slowdown in mill demand, the decrease to USDA consumption this month could have been anticipated. China is central to global cotton demand, and the continued inversion of traditional relationships between Chinese prices and other benchmarks may signal that a global recovery in demand is not yet underway.

The U.S. labor market continues to add jobs and support wage growth. This may give the Federal Reserve more room to continue to aggressively increase interest rates to tame inflation. For this reason, financial markets turned lower after the positive job report.

The recent volatility in NY/ICE futures has been attributed to various factors, including short covering in the futures market and import interest from China. The steep increases in early November can also be interpreted as a sensitivity to potential increases in demand for U.S. exports.

The U.S. economy was estimated to have added 261,000 jobs last month. This was the lowest addition since December 2020, but job growth has nonetheless remained resilient to interest rate increases.

Who has time to worry about wrinkled clothing? If you’re looking for the perfect, easy-care Chino pant, look no further. Onward Reserve has launched its men’s City Chinos featuring PUREPRESS™ technology.

About 100 buyers, designers, and sustainability officers with major fashion brands and retailers joined sustainability luminaries and experts in soil health, supply chain, circularity, and cotton agriculture at the 2022 Cotton Sustainability Summit. 

Carbon is a perennially hot topic in the cotton industry. It has a unique role in the carbon equation, as cotton plants naturally—and very efficiently—sequester carbon in the soil and in the fiber itself.

A major development in the global economy has been a steep increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. As U.S. interest rates increased relative to those in other markets over the past several months, it made investment in dollar-denominated assets more attractive and the resulting influx of money caused the dollar to strengthen.

Price decreases over the past month indicate that demand-related concerns have been winning the contest between the competing storylines involving a weaker downstream outlook and lower production expectations in a couple key cotton-growing countries.

October 7 is World Cotton Day, a global celebration of the world’s most important natural fiber. The U.S. cotton industry is leading the way for sustainability research, climate-smart collaboration, and industry innovation that benefits the environment, farmers, and consumers alike.

Staying on top of fashion trends is a must for designers, manufacturers, and retailers alike. Yet, predicting the future of fashion is a tricky business that requires the perfect blend of research and expertise. Even for a tried-and-true fabric staple like denim, trends in how the fabric is made, worn, and styled have evolved and will continue to change over time.

Carhartt has launched the perfect everyday leggings featuring TOUGH COTTON™ technology. Made with 95% cotton, they’re a perfect blend of tough and comfortable and are available in toddler and girls' sizing.

Cotton Incorporated and Adobe collaborated to demonstrate and showcase a new material workflow using Adobe Substance 3D applications, designed to unify digital and physical materials.

Cotton Incorporated is honored to collaborate with industry leaders to focus on increasing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices, as part of the USDA Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities pilot projects.

The decline in Chinese prices relative to those from the rest of the world may affect trade in the new crop year. China is normally the world’s largest importer of both cotton fiber and yarn. However, significantly lower domestic prices encourage consumption of domestically grown fiber and should discourage imports.

In recent comments, the Federal Reserve reiterated that it is willing to continue to increase interest rates until the threat of inflation has definitively eased. The latest comments from the Fed’s chairman made in late August, were followed by losses in several markets, including cotton.

In the U.S., consumer spending on clothing has been flat for the past year. However, it has been holding at levels that are 25% higher than they were in 2019. If U.S. consumers pull back on clothing purchases, it may hit the market just as retailers have caught up with consumer demand after the onset of the shipping crisis.

The U.S. economy was estimated to have added 528,000 jobs in July. With last month’s job growth, the count of U.S. workers fully recovered from the 22.0 million jobs lost with the onset of COVID.

Crypton, a leader in performance and upholstery fabrics, has launched a collection of cotton-rich performance fabrics for residential, luxury hospitality, and workplace interior applications. The fabrics are made with at least 50% recycled cotton and feature Crypton's innovative stain and odor-resistant technology.

Cotton may be a plant, but there’s no limit to what it can do. Cotton Incorporated works to harness the full potential of this natural, biodegradable fiber through continuous research and development. The result: innovation from farm to finished product.

The breadth of losses throughout the commodity sector suggests a sea change in investor sentiment for the entire category. The effects of inflation, the withdrawal of stimulus, rising interest rates, and concerns about a possible recession could all be reasons explaining a reversal of speculative bets, and all could be contributors to the losses.

Financial markets continued to be volatile over the past month. Following drops in stocks and cryptocurrencies, commodity prices became the latest broadly defined sector to suffer steep losses. Cotton futures were among the commodities that experienced sharp declines.

What would it take to reduce plastic waste and replace it with natural materials that have a better sustainability profile? That’s one of the questions researchers at Cotton Incorporated asked themselves before delving into a multi-year project looking at cotton’s potential within 3D printing and injection molding.

The U.S. cotton industry is seeking continual improvement in sustainable cotton production, striving to more efficiently use our natural resources—water, land, carbon, and energy. The sustainable journey for cotton incorporates a variety of approaches and practices, including regenerative agriculture practices.

Global financial markets continued to be volatile over the past month. Volatility likely stems from uncertainty regarding how the global economy will manage the transition from a heavily stimulated recovery into one grappling with inflation, supply shortages, and tightening monetary policies.

The war in Europe has contributed to the rise in input costs and reduced the availability of crops like wheat and corn. These crops can compete with cotton for acreage and may lend some support to cotton prices.

The Federal Reserve implemented a half percentage point increase in interest rates on May 5. Fed officials also signaled that further half-point increases are possible at each of the five remaining meetings this calendar year.

Most benchmark prices increased over the past month. Chinese prices decreased.

Sustainability is in the spotlight each April, but it’s front and center for the U.S. cotton industry year-round. If you missed our Earth Day features celebrating the science and art of cotton sustainability, we’ve got your full recap here.

This Earth Day, we’re recognizing the journey that’s involved when investing in a sustainable future. For cotton, that means appreciating the innately sustainable aspects of the renewable fiber while advocating for continuous improvements at the farm, manufacturing, and consumer levels.

Most benchmark prices increased over the past month. Open interest is shifting out of the May NY/ICE futures contract and into July.

Before Russia invaded Ukraine, inflation was already a creeping global concern. The outbreak of war in Europe caused extreme volatility in commodity markets, most notably those tied to energy and food markets.

Most benchmark prices decreased over the past month. The most actively traded May 2021 NY/ICE futures contract decreased from 124 to 118 cents/lb. over the past month.

With the invasion of Ukraine, the world suddenly became a different place. Along with the pandemic, shipping constraints, and inflation, the war represents yet another source of uncertainty and volatility.

Cotton Incorporated has collaborated with Studio 317 to showcase a new garment collection that features unique constructions and exciting technologies you can only find with cotton. These new pieces highlight cotton’s innovation by incorporating our own FABRICAST™ developments.

All benchmark prices increased over the past month. The Nearby March NY/ICE futures contract increased from 115 to 127 cents/lb.

Many financial markets experienced volatility in recent weeks. The list of contributing causes is not short. It includes record COVID cases brought by the Omicron variant, high inflation, concerns about central bank actions to tame inflation, and geopolitical developments.

Are you heading to Denver next week? Is your team looking for new inspiration for your cotton products? Do you want to learn more about cotton’s sustainability? Connect with us next week at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show to see the latest cotton technologies, sustainability research, and fabric developments.

All benchmark prices increased over the past month. The March NY/ICE futures fell as low as 104 cents/lb in early December.

The Omicron variant has driven COVID case counts to new records in the U.S. and elsewhere. While the new strain has proven extraordinarily contagious, it has also been less dangerous to human health.

The latest USDA report featured a small decrease in global production (-224,000 bales to 121.6 million) and a small increase to global mill-use (+170,000 bales to 124.3 million).

The U.S. economy was estimated to have added fewer jobs last month. Nonetheless, the unemployment rate posted a significant drop (-0.4 percentage points).

The latest USDA report featured increases to 2021/22 global production (+1.5 million bales to 121.8 million) and mill-use (+0.7 million bales to 124.1 million).

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates the U.S. economy grew at a 2.0% seasonally-adjusted annual rate in the third quarter (Q3 2021).

In this 3-part Supply Chain Insights series from Cotton Incorporated, read how consumers translate their concerns into action, from buying organic food to seeking out sustainable clothing made of natural fibers.

Looking for innovation and inspiration in your cotton products? Connect with us this month at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, OR, to learn about the latest cotton technologies, sustainability research, and fabric developments. 

Relative to 2019, apparel spending has been up 25% in recent months. Normal annual growth is near 3%, so there has been more growth than could have been expected without COVID.

Transform your cleansing routine. Made with 25% repurposed cotton, Burt’s Bees has launched a new range of facial wipes to lift away makeup, dirt, and oil without harsh rubbing or rinsing. Cleansing, hydrating with a refreshing scent, these 100% cotton...

Most benchmark prices surged between late September and the present. After touching values below 90 cents/lb on September 20, the December NY/ICE futures contract surged higher.

The list of challenges facing apparel sourcing professionals seems only to get longer. First, there were trade tensions and tariff increases.

Cotton Incorporated has teamed up with the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment and North Carolina State University to host a 3-day virtual conference, Environmental Tools for Improving Sustainability Decisions In Agriculture.

October 7 is World Cotton Day, a global celebration promoting cotton and all its stakeholders in production, transformation, and trade while also highlighting the many technological advances and ongoing research related to cotton and cotton products.

Consumers in the U.S. Amid the latest worldwide surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new delta variant, concern among consumers has spiked, nearing its highest level of the pandemic. The latest “Things To Know About” infographic from Cotton Incorporated...

Consumers in Mexico Amid the latest worldwide surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new delta variant, concern among consumers has spiked, nearing its highest level of the pandemic. The latest “Things To Know About” infographic from Cotton Incorporated presents...

Consumers in China Amid the latest worldwide surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new delta variant, concern among consumers has spiked, nearing its highest level of the pandemic. The latest “Things To Know About” infographic from Cotton Incorporated presents...

U.S and Chinese benchmark prices increased in early August but were flat to lower later in the month and through early September.

After two months of stronger than expected job gains, the latest figure was disappointing. In August, the fewest jobs were added since January.

Urban outdoor brand An Ko Rau 0® continues their TransDRY™ technology adoption into 2021. An Ko Rau 0® offers a range of men’s and women’s products featuring moisture-wicking technology and the TransDRY™ hangtag. Products are available at 150 stores across China and on the popular e-commerce...

Most benchmark prices increased last month. Values for the December NY/ICE futures contract held between 88 and 90 cents/lb for much of July. In early August, futures resumed their climb and have reached levels over 93 cents/lb.

In their latest update, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) indicated that the U.S. economy surpassed its pre-COVID peak of activity in the second quarter.

Although several prices slipped around the middle of June, most benchmarks are slightly higher than their levels one month ago.

Age of Consumers Percent of consumers who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age): Returning to Normal 41% feel safe resuming normal, pre-pandemic activities 91% have purchased or plan to purchase clothing to resume normal activities Consumer...

Age of Consumers Percent of consumers who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age): Returning to Normal 69% feel safe resuming normal, pre-pandemic activities 95% have purchased or plan to purchase clothing to resume normal activities Consumer...

The labor market continues to show signs of improvement, with job growth in June estimated to be the strongest in nearly a year.

Banana Republic has you covered rain or shine with their adoption of STORM COTTON™ technology in two women’s jacket styles. The Rain Jacket and Popover Rain Jacket both feature the water repellent benefits of the STORM COTTON™ finish with crisp,...

Between a pandemic-driven recession and unprecedented stimulus to spur consumer spending, the past year has been a roller coaster for the economy and consumers. Despite initial drops, clothing expenditures outperformed overall spending and continue to top shopping lists. With vaccinations...

Percentage who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age):   Consumers expect to spend more on clothing   Percent of consumers spending more on clothing since the start of the pandemic:   70% say the pandemic experience...

Indian and Pakistani prices increased over the past month, while NY/ICE futures, the A Index, and Chinese cotton prices fell and rebounded.