The Brazilian Cotton Growers Association took part in events organized by CNA (the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation) during the Conference in Belém (Pará).

The Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa) presented a panel dedicated to natural fibres on November 12th at the “AgroBrasil” Pavillion. The Pavillion, coordinated by the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA), is part of the “AgriZone” program, a meeting point for sustainable agriculture set up by Embrapa especially for the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30), which will take place in the city of Belém, Pará.

The sector advocates for the Brazilian production model to be replicated

To present a unified sectoral position during its participation in COP30, the special envoy representing Brazilian agriculture at the Conference, former Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Roberto Rodrigues, has jointly set up, with the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), a group of research centres, institutions, specialists and agencies, known as the Brazilian Tropical Agriculture Forum.

The initiative, which also has the support of Abrapa, resulted in a paper: “Sustainable Tropical Agriculture: “Growing Solutions for Food, Energy and Climate”. This publication advocates for countries with tropical climates that concentrate the largest productive areas in the world to play a strategic role in global food and energy security.

The paper presents 8 guiding principles that will direct the sector’s positioning during COP30.

These are:

1) Political and diplomatic repositioning;

2) Adaptation and resilience as drivers;

3) Centrality of science, technology and innovation;

4) Progress on climate financial commitments for sustainable agriculture integrated with the preservation of native vegetation;

5) Funding for key sectors and critical needs;

6) Integration of food and energy security agendas;

7) Coexistence of sustainable production models in diverse contexts;

8) Bio-revolution in agriculture.

The ABR program: highlight of the scheduled program

As part of the AgriZone agenda on November 12th, dedicated to “Grains and Fibres,” Abrapa’s sustainability manager, Fábio Carneiro, leaded the panel discussion on “Cotton as a natural and competitive option in the textile mix: connecting the field to the consumer.”

During the presentation, Mr. Carneiro highlighted the sustainability work developed on cotton farms in Brazil through the Responsible Brazilian Cotton Program (ABR). The panel also provided an opportunity to discuss traceability and the importance of consuming natural fibres to reduce plastic waste and CO2 emissions.

Set up in 2012 at the initiative of the cotton farmers, ABR recognizes and promotes good social, environmental, and economic practices on cotton farms throughout the country. Audited by international certification bodies, it establishes 195 verification items that ensure compliance with labour and environmental legislation, efficient use of natural resources, and commitment to the sustainable development of the cotton sector.

Aspects such as water resource management, biodiversity conservation, regional development, soil health, integrated pest management, and action aimed at climate adaptation and mitigation will all be addressed.

According to Mr. Carneiro, these criteria place Brazil in a leading global position for socio-environmentally certified cotton. Currently, 83% of cotton farms in Brazil are ABR and Better Cotton certified. In the 2023/2024 crop season, Brazilian production accounted for more than 48% of the 5.47 million tonnes certified globally.

Man-made fibres emit 80% more greenhouse gases than natural fibres

In recent decades, the consumption of man-made fibres has surpassed that of natural fibres in the textile industry, driven mainly by the lower production cost. What appears to be an economic advantage turns into an environmental liability that is difficult to pay off. “Plastic fabrics,” such as polyester, are made from petroleum, are non-renewable, and are responsible for significant emissions of polluting gases, such as CO2, which contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

According to data from the Textile Exchange, in 2024 the manufacture of clothing using man-made fibres accounted for 161 million tonnes of greenhouse gases released into the

atmosphere, compared to 34 million tonnes coming from the manufacture of garments using natural fibres, thereby representing 80% less emissions than that produced by petroleum-based garment manufacture.

Man-made fibers like polyester contribute to 35% of primary microplastic pollution, contaminating air, water, and even the human body, according to recent studies.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these tiny particles, that are released by synthetic fabrics during washing and everyday wearing, have already been found in the air, oceans and rivers, and even in the human body, representing potential health risks such as inflammation and imbalances in the endocrine system.

According to Gustavo Piccoli, president of Abrapa, the transformation of the textile sector requires joint action by consumers, industry, and governments. “Consumers need to be aware of the implications of their choices, but this change will only be made possible through public policies that encourage sustainable production and consumption,” he says.

According to Mr. Piccoli, Abrapa’s participation at COP30 aims precisely to broaden this debate, showcasing what the sector has already been doing in the area of sustainability and reinforcing the importance of knowing the origin and type of fabric constituting the clothes we wear. “We want to show what it really means when you choose natural fibre over man-made fabric and, in doing so, draw attention to the importance of conscious consumption,” he concludes.