The initiative takes part in three plenary sessions on fibre quality, global market dynamics and supply chain transparency
At a time when the textile industry is intensifying its pursuit of more transparent and responsible supply chains, Cotton Brazil is taking part in the 38th Bremen International Cotton Conference, in Germany, from March 25 to 27, highlighting its role in advancing global sustainability and traceability agendas.
Considered one of the most relevant global forums in the sector, the event brings together experts and leaders from across the cotton value chain to discuss the future of the industry. In this context, Cotton Brazil’s participation reinforces the country’s position as one of the world’s leading players, combining technological advances with transparency throughout its supply chain.
As part of the programme, Cotton Brazil will participate in three strategic sessions, covering topics ranging from fibre quality and testing to global market dynamics and the growing demand for transparency in the textile value chain.
“Brazilian cotton has evolved to meet a new global standard, one that demands not only quality and productivity, but also transparency, traceability, and strong socio-environmental commitments. Our presence at the Bremen Conference reflects this ongoing effort to build trust and strengthen connections across the global textile value chain.” said Gustavo Piccoli, president of Abrapa, the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association.
The relevance of Brazil’s participation is also recognized by the event organizers. “Brazil is one of the most important players in the cotton industry and has become even more significant in recent years. The country’s participation is definitely an asset to the event,” highlights the Conference Director, Axel Drieling. He also notes that Brazil stands out for its highly technological cotton production, excellence in fibre quality testing, and pioneering initiatives in traceability.
Cotton Quality and Testing
In the session “Cotton Quality and Testing”, the focus is on fibre quality and evaluation methods. The panel features experts such as Mourad Krifa of Kent State University, and Müge Ekizoğlu, from the Izmir Commodity Exchange, as well as Brazil’s Deninson Lima, Quality Manager at Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), who presents advances in HVI instruments used in the country.
Lima highlights the importance of evaluating measurement uncertainty in HVI instruments for laboratory standardisation and its positive impact on Brazilian cotton in terms of quality and market positioning.
“As a requirement of ISO 17025, this process is very important because it provides an overall view of the system and helps identify areas for improvement. This enables the standardisation of procedures across laboratories, not only in Brazil but worldwide.”
Economics – Beyond the Bale: the market story
In “Economics – Beyond the Bale: the market story”, discussions focus on the sector’s economic landscape. The session brings together speakers such as Marcelo Duarte, Director of International Relations at Abrapa, along with representatives from organizations such as Cotton Incorporated and Cotlook, who analyse recent trends in global production, trade and consumption.
“Understanding the cotton market today requires looking beyond production volumes. It is about connecting supply, demand, trade flows, and increasingly, the expectations for transparency and sustainability that are reshaping global consumption patterns,” said Marcelo Duarte, Director of International Relations at Abrapa.
Traceable Cotton. Transparent Chain
Finally, the session “Traceable Cotton. Transparent Chain” addresses traceability and transparency across the supply chain. Highlights include a presentation by Haroldo Cunha, of AGOPA and former president of Abrapa, on the SouABR programme, alongside international experts such as Terry Townsend, Katharina Schaus and Pramod Sonune, who discuss challenges and advances in building more transparent supply chains.
“Brazil has been a pioneer in cotton traceability, and this leadership has enabled the development of the SouABR program, which allows a garment code to be traced all the way back to its origin at the farm level. This means connecting every stage of the supply chain with transparency and reliability, meeting the growing global demand for trusted and verifiable information,” said Haroldo Cunha.
Cotton Brazil’s participation in the Bremen International Cotton Conference is carried out by the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), in partnership with the National Association of Cotton Exporters (ANEA) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency). The programme is a Silver Sponsor of the event.
COTTON BRAZIL AT THE BREMEN CONFERENCE
Parliament House, Bremen, Germany
March 25
Cotton Quality and Testing
Time: 13:30 – 15:30 (GMT+1)
Speakers: Mourad Krifa (Kent State University), Müge Ekizoğlu (Izmir Commodity Exchange), Deninson Lima (Abrapa)
Focus: fibre quality and testing methods
Economics – Beyond the Bale: the market story
Time: 16:00 – 18:00 (GMT+1)
Speakers: Marcelo Duarte (Abrapa), Jon Devine (Cotton Incorporated), Graham Soley (Meadow Grove Research), Ruby McGrath (Cotlook)
Focus: global market trends and cotton trade dynamics
March 26
Traceable Cotton. Transparent Chain
Time: 11:00 – 13:00 (GMT+1)
Speakers: Haroldo Cunha (AGOPA), Terry Townsend (Cotton Analytics), Katharina Schaus (Organic Textile Partner), Pramod Sonune (CottonConnect)
Focus: supply chain traceability and transparency
For further information, visit the official event website.