Cotton

By developing reusable and washable antimicrobial wipes, scientists at the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are aiming to find sustainable alternatives to reduce environmental waste from the disposal of single-use antimicrobial wipes.

In a bid to help increase yields and market access for smallholder farmers, promote decent work, reduce inequality, and drive women’s empowerment in cotton production, Better Cotton has come up with four new ‘Impact Targets’.

After a year-long revision process, the Global Organic Textile Standard has released a brand new GOTS Version 7.0. The new version will be fully effective as of 1 March 2024.

The IOAS has suspended the accreditation of Control Union (CU) India from testing and sampling of Indian organic textile products on charges of irregularities.

In a bid to reposition itself in a changing global environment, the Australian cotton industry is rallying together to chart out a strategic roadmap that would align the industry to the increasingly aware customer needs.

The Organic Cotton Accelerator has reported a 235% increase in the number of Indian farmers participating in its Farm Programme. The number has increased from 22,146 last season to 74,229 this time.

Australia's book-end approach across its cotton supply chain that combines actions by producers and retailers is perhaps the best way to rid the global cotton supply chain of exploitation.

The much-awaited Cotton Data Book 2022 just released by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) incorporates a lot more information than the last edition. 

New cotton lines created by a multi-parent breeding approach has resulted in opportunities for natural genes to interact and develop the unexpected trait of flame retardancy. This means that when exposed to an open flame, the fabric from the new cotton lines self-extinguish whereas regular cotton fabric burns entirely in seconds. 

Israeli archaeologists have discovered the earliest evidence of cotton in the ancient Near East during excavations at Tel Tsaf, a 7,000-year-old town in the Jordan Valley, the Times of Israel has reported.