By Flora Zhao

Ms. Karin Malmstrom, China and Northeast Asia Director for CCI

“WHAT’S NEW IN COTTON TM?” static exhibition zone

Cotton Council International (CCI) celebrated “2018 China Cotton Day” at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang Hotel today. At the “WHAT’S NEW IN COTTON™?” exhibition, six technology partners showcased new products, which combined their new technologies with COTTON USA™.Mr. Chen Wen, an internationally renowned denim design master, also made a special guest appearance at the event to celebrate the innovative journey with CCI.

Ms. Karin Malmstrom, China and Northeast Asia Director for CCI,said that “with the rise of the global economy and people’s living standards, the demand for cotton-rich and blended performance products has increased as well.” During the event, the importance of using innovative technologies and precision agriculture for cotton production to provide sustainable operations within the agriculture industry were discussed.

“We are also committed to using new technologies as a key force for driving sustainable growth, and promoting transformation and development in agriculture,” said Mr. Ted Schneider, President of CCI. Aside from being innovation-driven, Mr. Roger Gilmartin, consultant for CCI,added that U.S. cotton will continue to be the preferred quality cotton that everyone can rely on for its low fiber waste, better operating performance and economic advantages.

On the topic of worldwide cotton trends, Ms.Karin Malmstrom stated that since 2000, the global demand for man-made fibers has increased significantly. Meanwhile, demand for cotton has remained stable with smaller growth although recently has seen an upturn in demand. As such, COTTON USA™ has started to focus on realizing innovative cotton solutions through partnering with companies offering new technologies and innovations so as to inspire and attract attention to fundamental attributes of U.S. cotton.The exhibition of “WHAT’S NEW IN COTTON™?”showcased some of the new ground-breaking cotton products to CCI’s invited guests.

“We continue to maintain close relationships with our technology partners, and strive for new product innovation,” Ms. Karin Malmstrom explained. As of now, CCI and its technology partners have a number of patented technologies such as, PRONEEM® technology that has an outstanding dust-proofing effect;Solucell™ which helps produce softer, lighter weight and fast drying qualities in fabrics; Life Natural technology that has a natural antibacterial and odor-removing effect; Celliant® technology which makes people feel more comfortable after exercise; Dry Protect™that keeps clothes dry and comfortable; SigNature®T technology which provides a traceability function throughout the textile supply chain; TryCo. technology that combines comfort and elegance; and ZERO-D®,a clean, sustainable technology that features zero fuel emissions.

Group photo of guests to China Cotton Day and the fashion show models

Mr. Roger Gilmartin, consultant for CCI

Mr. Ted Schneider, President of CCI

In addition to featuring innovation and functional products, COTTON USA™ also collaborated with the fashion designers to create avant-garde designs. For this event, CCI brought together two world-renowned denim masters, Mr. Chen Wen and Mr. Adriano Goldschmied, for its Fall/Winter 18/19 denim fashion show.Through expressing different design concepts and artistic expressions of East and West, their collaboration integrated new technologies with traditional Chinese Miao embroidery in oil painting style, to bring out the passion and inspirations of denim.

Through keynote presentations, an interactive exhibition and the fashion show, this event offered a comprehensive look at the continuous explorations of COTTON USA™ in areas of innovation, creativity,technology, and fashion. Mr. Ted Schneider concluded,“The objective of COTTON USA™ is to be the supplier of choice for brands and retailers who are committed to buying sustainable and responsibly-produced cotton fiber.”