On May 15, 2025, more than 255 industry leaders from 124 companies, including over 41 global brands and sourcing companies, gathered in Hong Kong for Cotton ConneXions – Where Innovation Meets Opportunity, an event hosted by Cotton Incorporated to unite stakeholders across the cotton supply chain and explore the fiber’s future in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Held at The Mira Hotel, the event positions Cotton Incorporated as a key convenor of global decision-makers bringing together manufacturers, brands, and retailers to drive collaborative progress across the industry. Opening remarks from President and CEO William Kimbrell and Chairman of the Board Marvin Arthur Beyer, Jr. set the tone for a day focused on innovation and shared opportunity. Mark Messura, Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain Marketing, followed with a global market update highlighting the shifting forces impacting cotton’s role in global trade and sourcing.
“Through the Cotton ConneXions event, Cotton Incorporated serves as a convenor of global decision-makers, especially within the dynamic Asian region,” said William Kimbrell, President and CEO of Cotton Incorporated. “We recognize that meaningful progress in the supply chain happens through collaboration. Events like this allow us to bridge innovation and opportunity while reinforcing our commitment to advancing cotton’s role in a more sustainable, transparent, and high-performing textile future.”
An insightful presentation by Heidi van den Hul, founder of fabriCreation, focused on global compliance impacts. Presentations included a look at Fall/Winter 2026/2027 cotton trends, highlighting preferences among consumers for durable, long-lasting fashion. Next generation dyeing and finishing technologies, strategies for reducing the environmental impact of textile production, and cotton’s role in a plastic-free future were addressed by conference speakers.
“Cotton ConneXions is where ideas become action,” said Mark Messura, Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain Marketing. “At Cotton Incorporated, we are proud to serve as a source of inspiration and practical ideas by bringing the right people together to collaborate, drive innovation, and accelerate the development of cotton-rich products that move the global supply chain forward.”
The prestigious Supply Chain Partner Awards were presented by Bonny Kwan and U.S. cotton producer Lacy Cotter Vardeman, honoring World Knitting Textiles Co., Ltd., Hermin Textile Co., Ltd., Anita’s Textiles Ltd., and 361 Degrees International Limited for their outstanding contributions to the global cotton value chain.
Cotton ConneXions reinforced the value of collaboration and global connection in shaping the future of cotton, from field to fashion and beyond. The event brought together the global cotton supply chain to discover innovations, recognize industry contributions, generate business opportunities, and address the challenges and opportunities emerging from shifting regulations and market dynamics. By encouraging new ideas and cross-industry networking, the event highlighted cotton’s importance in today’s evolving textile landscape.
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