The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) recently concluded its 82nd Plenary Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, held from September 30 to October 3, 2024. The meeting gathered 460 participants, including representatives from 15 member governments, nine international organizations, and seven non-member countries. Key topics discussed included global partnerships for innovation in the cotton and textile value chains, with a focus on strengthening collaborative relationships throughout the cotton textile sector.

The ICAC highlighted various accomplishments and future initiatives in its Executive Director’s Report, including progress on agricultural development projects, sustainability efforts, and policy engagement. The committee also emphasized the importance of value addition in cotton-producing countries, urging them to shift from raw cotton exports to developing robust textile value chains. This transition could significantly boost economic potential and job creation.

A significant session focused on gene editing in cotton farming, showcasing how advanced technologies like CRISPR and RNA interference could address climate challenges and improve cotton farming’s resilience. The Plenary also examined global cotton market trends, noting a decrease in cotton production alongside rising consumption, which could lead to a buildup in cotton stocks if demand weakens.

Other discussions included the role of cotton in mitigating climate change through regenerative farming practices and the need for increased transparency and traceability in the cotton supply chain. The ICAC also emphasized the importance of empowering women in cotton farming and enhancing data collection for greater industry trust. The next Plenary Meeting will be hosted in Tanzania in November 2025.

ICAC expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its role as the host country, acknowledging its contributions to the event's success.

Inaugurating the Textile Pavilion under the Special Handloom & Handicraft Exhibition cum Sale at India International Trade Fair (IITF), Giriraj Singh, Union Textile Minister, emphasised on the importance of carbon fibers in the textile industry and the government’s focus on amplification of technical textiles.

There are 12 verticals or sectors in technical textiles, Singh added. He emphasised on the Government’s efforts to improve the textile value chain for better income opportunities for the weavers and their families. Further, he said, India has the largest handloom community in the world focused around sustainability and energy efficiency. The world is moving towards usage of sustainable products and handloom industry produces zero-carbon footprint and does not consume any energy and it is also a zero-water footprint sector.

Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles, emphasised on the need to strengthen handloom and handicrafts to boost production and to increase their earnings to engage communities. He also emphasised on the importance to preserve India’s rich craft heritage while adapting to modern market needs.

During the 112th episode of Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narender Modi appreciated that the work of handloom artisans is spread across every corner of the country and the way handloom products have made their place in the hearts of people is very successful, tremendous. He also urged to upload photos with local products on social media with the hashtag ‘#MyProductMyPride’.

Government of India has launched the various schemes for Handloom and Handicrafts sector for branding of high-quality products with zero defects and zero effect on the environment to encourage and to give a distinct identity to the products, apart from highlighting the uniqueness of the products. It also serves a guarantee for the buyer that the product being purchased is genuinely handcrafted. All the exhibitors at the exhibition were encouraged to display their exquisite products and thus improve the market for their products and earnings of the handloom and handicrafts community.

A ‘Special Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition cum Sale’ was launched as an initiative of the office of Development Commissioner for Handlooms and Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India through National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) Ltd. to provide direct access to the handloom weavers and artisans to market their products to consumers. The exhibition enabled an interface between the weavers and consumers.

Billy R Gardner has been honored with the prestigious Harold C Chapin Award by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) for his exceptional contributions to the Piedmont Section and the AATCC Foundation. Gardner, a member since 1973, has held key positions, including Chair and Treasurer of the Piedmont Section. He also played a pivotal role in moderating and organizing several Yarn Dyeing symposia. Currently, he serves as Chair of the Charles H Stone and Piedmont Section Scholarship Committee.

Gardner’s dedication to the textile industry is evident through his longstanding advocacy for student education. As Chair of the scholarship committees, he has been instrumental in conducting scholarship interviews, both in-person and online. He strives to make textile education accessible, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent passionate students from pursuing careers in the industry.

Gardner’s professional journey includes earning a BS in Chemistry and Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University in 1973. He worked in various roles, including as a lab manager and in sales, before founding BRGardner Enterprise Inc. in 2021.

Gardner received the Chapin Scroll during the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit Awards Luncheon on October 8, 2024, in Savannah, GA.

Kering has announced leadership changes effective January 2, 2025. Cedric Charbit will become CEO of Saint Laurent, while Gianfranco Gianangeli takes over as CEO of Balenciaga. Both will report to Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development.

Charbit, who joined Kering in 2012 as Saint Laurent’s Product Strategy Director, has led Balenciaga as CEO since 2016. He will now succeed Bellettini at Saint Laurent, focusing on driving growth by leveraging the brand's heritage and unique identity.

Gianangeli, currently Chief Commercial Officer of Saint Laurent, brings extensive luxury industry experience, including roles at MaisonMargiela and other renowned fashion houses. As Balenciaga’s new CEO, he aims to expand the brand’s global presence and strengthen its position.

Francesca Bellettini expressed confidence in the appointments, praising Charbit’s understanding of Saint Laurent and Gianangeli’s expertise in luxury leadership. She emphasized their ability to guide the iconic brands toward future success.

François-Henri Pinault, Kering Chairman and CEO, highlighted the organization’s strengthened leadership. Bellettini will focus on developing all Kering’s Fashion, Leather Goods, and Jewelry Houses, while Jean-Marc Duplaix will ensure operational alignment across the group as Deputy CEO and COO.

These appointments are part of Kering’s strategy to address industry challenges and drive long-term growth.