ICAC Releases 2025 Specialty Cotton Report Highlights
Spotlight on Ethical and Sustainable Cotton Programs
ICAC’s 2025 Specialty Cotton Report details LS, ELS, and identity cotton initiatives, reflecting global trends in sustainability and fair production.
The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has published the 2025 edition of its Specialty Cotton Report, a complimentary resource first launched in 2023. The report aims to spotlight emerging “identity cotton programs” worldwide, in addition to providing insights on long-staple (LS) and extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. ICAC defines “specialty cotton” as any cotton that stands out due to its unique qualities—whether LS, ELS, or part of a specific identity program.
The report begins with an editorial by Economic Affairs Officer Parkhi Vats, who emphasizes the expectations of today’s modern consumer—someone concerned with fair wages, ethical production, and environmental sustainability.
“The sector embraced climate change and sustainability more closely and saw the rise of the new value-oriented consumer who demands cotton that is climate friendly, sustainable, ensures fair prices to its producers, supports livelihoods and gender equality, and protects the environment,” Ms. Vats notes.
Following a global overview of long- and extra-long staple cotton production and the key producing countries, the report highlights notable identity cotton initiatives, including:
- Australia’s myBMP program
- Better Cotton Initiative and similar schemes
- Brazil’s ABR program
- Cotton made in Africa
- CottonConnect’s REEL initiative
- Regenerative Organic Alliance
- US Cotton Trust Protocol
The report provides insights into how these programs align with sustainable, ethical, and climate-conscious cotton production globally.
To access the 2025 ICAC Specialty Cotton Report, click [here].