This year, the Cotton Day 2024 Bangladesh event focused on the benefits of using high-quality, sustainable US Cotton in thriving textile industry of Bangladesh. The event was hosted by Cotton USA™ on December 10 in Dhaka. It was organised by Cotton Council International (CCI) and emphasised on navigating the evolving global fashion supply chain through robust partnerships between US cotton growers and Bangladeshi textile mills.
Highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with US cotton, Showkat Aziz Russell, President, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), appreciated its superior quality and sustainability while also acknowledging logistical hurdles, particularly long lead times.
BTMA aims to address these hurdles by investing in warehouse facilities to streamline inventory management and ensure prompt deliveries. The association aims to increase the usage of US cotton and foster a meaningful partnership with the US business community, states Russell.
Emphasising on the importance of innovation and strategic partnership for overcoming the demand and oversupply challenges, William Bettendorf, Regional Director-SAG, CCI, introduced the data and benchmarking tool, Cotton USA Mill Performance Index®, a powerful resource that compares mill performance across five key cost drivers. The index demonstrates how sourcing US cotton can improve productivity and yield, offering mills a competitive advantage.
Deliberating on the future of global cotton production, Frederick Barrier, Vice President –Sales, Staple Cotton Cooperative, emphasised on factors like seed technology, water availability, and sustainable practices. Bangladesh remains committed to importing 275,000 cotton bales in 2024-25 from the US, affirms John King, Senior Vice President.
Maria Bille, Director-EU Policy emphasised on the growing importance of transparency and fair practices in the fashion industry. She emphasised on the importance of using sustainable cotton to align mills with evolving requirements.
Addressing the rising demand for sustainability and ethical practices, Zoe Lindsey, Vice President – Sales, noted, 76 per cent of consumers prioritise these values, avoiding brands that neglect social and environmental responsibility.
Hosted by Ali Arsalan, CCI representative, the event attracted over 250 stakeholders, including spinning industry leaders, brands, technology providers, and cotton specialists. It served as a platform to highlight how US cotton's premium quality and sustainability can empower Bangladesh’s textile industry to thrive in an increasingly regulated and competitive global market.
