The St. Lawrence River and its estuary drain approximately 25 per cent of the world’s fresh water and more than 45 million people live nearby. By travelling along the river, microplastic contamination can eventually reach the Atlantic Ocean. This situation is worrisome as it helps predict future loads of microplastics in marine waters.

The US Cotton Trust Protocol (Trust Protocol) is continuing its programme expansion for its fifth consecutive year for both enrolled growers and planted acres.

Lenzing’s CELLFIL project, backed by a $7.5 million EU grant, aims to boost sustainable lyocell filament production and replace synthetic fibers with eco-friendly alternatives.

Biotechnology company Applied DNA Sciences has signed a five-year licensing and commercial-based agreement with apparel-textile manufacturer and sourcing firm Indus Group for CertainT's first large-scale deployment as a cotton traceability platform.

As climate change leads to more frequent and severe droughts in many cotton-growing regions, developing varieties that can thrive with less water is crucial, and new research offers hope for developing more resilient varieties of cotton that can maintain high yields even under water-stressed conditions.

Global cotton production is expected to reach 29 million tons by 2033, a 17 percent increase from the 2021-23 period. India will contribute the most to this rise, accounting for 38 percent, with the US and Brazil also playing significant roles. According to an OECD-FAO report, average global yields are projected to increase by 11 percent, and the area under cotton cultivation is expected to grow by 6 percent.

A new study has found that synthetic apparel is by far the largest source of plastic waste. The synthetic value chain accounted for 18 million tonnes of waste in 2019, making up 89% of all plastic waste from the global apparel industry that year.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has partnered with the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) on a project that would focus on small and marginal farmers and workers to address their vulnerabilities and ensure better institutional support mechanisms for the cotton growing community.

A new project is being launched in Pakistan which will convert banana waste into textile fibres as well as produce synthetic gas that will benefit rural communities in the country.

African trade ministers have urged the US to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for at least 16 years to ensure stability and predictability in US-Africa trade, while proposing a three-year review cycle and simpler rules of origin.

The first round of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement between Turkey and the GCC has begun in Ankara, focusing on goods, services, investment, and trade barriers.

The recent curfew and internet blackout in Bangladesh have cost the economy over $10 billion, heavily impacting the garment industry and highlighting the urgent need to restore connectivity and expedite port operations.