Brazilian Cotton Growers Association launches a batch-based traceability system and the Knowledge Hub, a platform that guides how to use Brazilian cotton

For the first time, Brazil is formally taking part in ITMA Asia + CITME, one of the world’s largest textile machinery events, held from 28 to 31 October in Singapore. During the exhibition, the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa) will launch two innovations: lot-based traceability and the Knowledge Hub, a digital platform of best practices for processing Brazilian cotton.

Organised by the International Textile Machinery Association (ITMA) and the China International Textile Machinery Exhibition (CITME), ITMA Asia + CITME brings together companies, manufacturers and institutions from across the global textile industry – an ideal stage for Brazil to showcase the latest advances in its cotton sector. The country is currently the world’s third-largest cotton producer and the largest exporter. In the 2024/25 season, Brazil harvested 4.11 million tonnes, exporting 2.83 million tonnes to more than 70 countries, with Asia accounting for 95.95% of total shipments.

“Traceability has always been one of our main assets. We identified that allowing data searches by batches, not only by bales, would be a valuable differential. That’s why we developed this system, which we are now launching at ITMA,” said Fernando Rati, Manager of Cotton Brazil, Abrapa’s international promotion programme.

The new Lot Search System enables the analysis of an entire batch of cotton, grouping multiple bales into a single query. The result is a comprehensive dossier containing information on the producer, ginning plant, classification laboratory, full HVI analysis, and socio-environmental certifications (ABR, BCI and the Brazilian government).

The Knowledge Hub compiles information, technical reports and educational content on Brazilian cotton. “With reliable data and technical guidance, the platform helps textile manufacturers achieve higher operational performance when using Brazilian lint,” Rati explained.

Over the four days of the event, Abrapa will host technical presentations on the traceability, quality and performance of Brazilian cotton. Topics include crop and export outlooks, spinning challenges and solutions, and dyeing performance.

The Brazilian ambassador to Singapore, Luciano Mazza de Andrade, has confirmed his participation in the ITMA Asia + CITME alongside the Brazilian delegation, coordinated by Abrapa and composed of cotton producers and exporters.