Held on December 12, 2024, in Coimbatore, India, Cotton Day 2024 emphasised on a collaboration between US Cotton and the Indian textile industry to help drive the global cotton value chain forward.
Organised by Cotton Council International (CCI), the event highlighted the rapid growth of the US Cotton Trust Protocol program. William Bettendorf, Director, Cotton USA Supply Chain for South Asia, stated, the Trust Protocol’s exponential growth not only strengthens supply chains but also unlock new opportunities for Indian mills and brands.
Focusing on the role of Supima cotton in the global textile market, Marc Lewkowitz, President & CEO, Supima, stated, paired with the innovative AQRe™ Project platform, the premium quality of Supima cotton helps Indian manufacturers meet international demands with precision, responsibility, and authenticity. The partnership between these two entities reflects a shared vision for a sustainable and innovative future for the textile industry, affirms Lewkowitz.
The event also addressed the impact of import duty removal on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton. This policy change has not only made high-quality US Pima fiber more accessible to Indian mills but also enhanced India’s global competitiveness significantly, it added
Highlighting the importance of strengthening US-India collaboration to foster sustainable practices and meet evolving global market demands, Peush Narang, Representative, Cotton Council International, advocated for removing of the import duty on US Upland Cotton to provide Indian spinning mills greater access to high-quality fiber, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.
The event also introduced the Mill Performance Index, a live dashboard for tracking and optimising mill productivity, demonstrated how data-driven tools can revolutionise operations.
Additionally, it showcased advancements in traceability solutions, including contributions from the US Cotton Industry, Textile Genesis, and Oritain, highlighting how technology can enhance transparency and build consumer trust.
Delving into the emerging trends impacting the fashion industry, industry experts at the event offered insights into the key factors shaping the future of fashion retail in India. They focused on the importance of innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration in maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic market.
