Preparations for the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting For Your Information
Preparations for the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting are progressing well, and an interactive agenda is being prepared. A robust Inaugural Session is planned for Monday September 7, including recognition of the ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year, the Report of the Chair of the Standing Committee, a report from the Private Sector Advisory Panel, and the Keynote Speech by Berrye Worsham, Cotton Incorporated, on the topic of Positioning Cotton As a Solution to 21st Century Problems.
Cottons Share of World Textile Fiber Use to Decline in 2008 and 2009 Feature
World textile fiber consumption more than tripled over the last 5 decades. However, while cotton consumption increased one-and-a-half times during that period to reach 26.4 million tons in 2007, other fibers (wool, chemical and non-chemical synthetic fibers) increased eight times to reach 45.7 million tons. Consequently, the market share of cotton decreased from an average of 62.4% in the 1960s to 39.8% in the 2000s. Over the last three decades, the market share of cotton at retail only increased in advanced economies, and declined in developing economies and Central and Eastern Europe and the former USSR. By Alejandro Plastina, ICAC. Presented at the IFCP Session on Cotton Promotion: A Call to Action, 67th ICAC Plenary Meetings, November 19, 2008.
International Year of Natural Fibers (IYNF) Feature
Producers and processors of natural fibres face the challenge of developing and maintaining markets in which they can compete effectively with synthetics. In some cases, this has involved defining and promoting market niches. In others, where their natural advantages allow them to compete effectively with synthetics, basic research and development is needed to facilitate the use of natural fibres in new applications. The main goal of the International Year of Natural Fibres is to raise the profile of these fibres and to emphasise their value to consumers while helping to sustain the incomes of the farmers.
Putting Sustainability into Action For Your Information
The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City will hold its 3rd Annual Sustainable Business & Design conference on April 2, 2009, entitled: Putting Sustainability into Action. Included in the program will be a panel discussion entitled "Cotton Sustainability in the Textile Complex". The panel is in support of the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF). The discussion will address factors that are considered good practices toward gaining credibility with the consumer, communicating and implementing sustainability at the retail level, and progress achieved in the cotton processing sectors, including agriculture.
2009 International Year of Natural Fibers Feature
Every actor in the natural fibers value added chain (farmers, processors, manufacturers, traders, retailers and consumers) is expected to benefit from the International Year of Natural Fibers, particularly farmers and natural fibers exporting countries. The FAO believes that there will be environmental and health benefits in consuming as well as producing countries stemming from increased awareness and increased use of natural fibers. By Brian Moir and Alejandro Plastina. Originally published in Cotton: Review of the World Situation, International Cotton Advisory Committee, Volume 61 - Number 6, July-August 2008.
Welcome to our Site
Welcome to the Journal of the International Forum for Cotton Promotion's ninth Cotton Promotion Bulletin. Take a few minutes to browse the site through this map in order to familiarize yourself with it.
Cottons Share of World Textile Fiber Use to Decline in 2008 and 2009
World textile fiber consumption more than tripled over the last 5 decades. However, while cotton consumption increased one-and-a-half times during that period to reach 26.4 million tons in 2007, other fibers (wool, chemical and non-chemical synthetic fibers) increased eight times to reach 45.7 million tons. Consequently, the market share of cotton decreased from an average of 62.4% in the 1960s to 39.8% in the 2000s. Over the last three decades, the market share of cotton at retail only increased in advanced economies, and declined in developing economies and Central and Eastern Europe and the former USSR. By Alejandro Plastina, ICAC. Presented at the IFCP Session on Cotton Promotion: A Call to Action, 67th ICAC Plenary Meetings, November 19, 2008.
International Year of Natural Fibers (IYNF)
Producers and processors of natural fibres face the challenge of developing and maintaining markets in which they can compete effectively with synthetics. In some cases, this has involved defining and promoting market niches. In others, where their natural advantages allow them to compete effectively with synthetics, basic research and development is needed to facilitate the use of natural fibres in new applications. The main goal of the International Year of Natural Fibres is to raise the profile of these fibres and to emphasise their value to consumers while helping to sustain the incomes of the farmers.
2009 International Year of Natural Fibers
Every actor in the natural fibers value added chain (farmers, processors, manufacturers, traders, retailers and consumers) is expected to benefit from the International Year of Natural Fibers, particularly farmers and natural fibers exporting countries. The FAO believes that there will be environmental and health benefits in consuming as well as producing countries stemming from increased awareness and increased use of natural fibers. By Brian Moir and Alejandro Plastina. Originally published in Cotton: Review of the World Situation, International Cotton Advisory Committee, Volume 61 - Number 6, July-August 2008.
Keeping Cotton in High Demand
The consumer still has a choice, between cotton and many other fibers, and the industry and its supporting organizations must keep working to help them make the good choice of cotton. A key factor in any promotion is positioning your product so it can be identified by consumers. The product's key features need to be well-known. Even though cotton is the preferred fiber worldwide, increased promotion and education will only help products sell more quickly and at greater volumes and values. By Anna Mullins. Originally published in the August 2008 issue of Cotton International magazine.
How to Display Cotton Products
At the Cotton Promotion Workshop last May, Cotton Incorporated shared with the IFCP community different types of in-store display techniques to help consumers choose cotton at the point-of purchase. View these easy to load images that are appropriate for department stores, specialty retailers, even popular consumer shopping malls.
Benefits of Cotton
We always make reference to the benefits of cotton, but have you ever seen a list? Researched by Cotton Council International, with information gathered from Cotton Australia and Cotton Incorporated, we're building that list. Read the benefits that others have posted, and don't forget to add your own at the bottom.
10 Quick and Easy Ways to Promote Cotton on a Limited Budget
By Richard W. Silvia. While major consumer and trade advertising is an important part of getting the cotton message out to the general public, it requires a major commitment of time, energy and a big budget. There are many less expensive opportunities to promote the benefits of cotton fiber and cotton products. The key to great promotions is to maximize your dollar commitment by tying in trade partners and getting as much publicity as possible for your efforts. Try these sure-fire approaches the next time you want to promote cotton to the industry or to your target consumer audience.
More: Richard W. Silvia's bio
A Recipe for Cooperative Advertising
Developing a co-op advertising program with your key customers is an excellent way to promote cotton to the retailer, and to your ultimate customer, the consumer.
10 Ways to Publicize Your Cotton Promotion Efforts
By Anne Martin. The purpose of public relations is to create an image for you and your cotton promotion efforts. Used effectively, PR can raise awareness, create excitement, give you an edge over alternative products, and put cotton in the forefront of the minds of your target audience.
More: Anne Martin's bio
Preparations for the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting
Preparations for the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting are progressing well, and an interactive agenda is being prepared. A robust Inaugural Session is planned for Monday September 7, including recognition of the ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year, the Report of the Chair of the Standing Committee, a report from the Private Sector Advisory Panel, and the Keynote Speech by Berrye Worsham, Cotton Incorporated, on the topic of Positioning Cotton As a Solution to 21st Century Problems.
Putting Sustainability into Action
The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City will hold its 3rd Annual Sustainable Business & Design conference on April 2, 2009, entitled: Putting Sustainability into Action. Included in the program will be a panel discussion entitled "Cotton Sustainability in the Textile Complex". The panel is in support of the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF). The discussion will address factors that are considered good practices toward gaining credibility with the consumer, communicating and implementing sustainability at the retail level, and progress achieved in the cotton processing sectors, including agriculture.
Can Green Retailers Make Green?
Biodegradable coffee cups. Reusable grocery bags. Organic cotton. Socially conscious products are seemingly everywhere. But "going green" almost invariably means increased costs for companies, resulting in higher prices for consumers. In uneasy economic times, are we willing to pay a premium to feel good? By Lauren Sherman. Originally published on Forbes.com.
Court Says Hess Natur-Textilien Ads in Violation of Fair Competition Code
With judgement of 29 January 2008 the district court Giessen confirmed a prohibitory injunction that had been ordered already a year ago against the mail order company Hess Natur-Textilien, Butzbach, Germany. Thus the enterprise is not allowed to promote its so called bio products to the debit of conventional cotton.
The International Year Of Natural Fibres 2009
2009 has been proclaimed the International Year of Natural Fibres. The Year is to be coordinated by FAO, under the guidance of an international steering committee, and FAO is seeking funding for its activities. But most of the activities will be initiated, planned and funded by individual organizations around the world. Organizations with an interest in natural fibres are urged to develop their own plans for 2009.