Australian fashion, textile bigwigs learn about cotton

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.

 

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.#

The event incorporated a tour of Auscott's Narrabri farm and gin, where attendees saw cotton harvesting and processing in action, followed by presentations by world-leading cotton scientists at the Australian Cotton Research Institute (ACRI).

 

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.#

The day attracted some of the biggest names in fashion, including representatives from Jeanswest, Target Australia, H&M, IKEA, Hanes Brands Australasia, CottonON, Camilla and Marc, Country Road Group, Specialty Fashion Group (representing Rivers, Katies and more), CB Clothing, ABCH, the Australian Fashion Chamber, Baptist World Aid and Save the Children.

 

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.#

"The tour connected both ends of the cotton supply chain allowing brand owners, retailers and designers to meet and learn from the farmers who grow some of the world's highest quality, sustainable natural fibres," said Cotton Australia CEO, Adam Kay.

 

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.#

Attendees were able to stand in a cotton field to feel and touch the fibre for themselves, ride in a cotton harvester, talk directly to growers and industry, see cotton being ginned and hear from our excellent research scientists. The response from the enthusiastic participants was phenomenal - they came away with a much better knowledge of how our cotton is grown, harvested, processed, classed and shipped, and our industry's commitment to sustainable production with full traceability, Kay said.

 

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.#

"Importantly, they also understand that Australia is at the cutting edge of our social responsibilities in the workforce area, as well as how research and development underpins the improvements of the industry over three decades," he said.

 

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.#

According to Kay, some tour participants were surprised to learn of the industry's sustainability achievements, such as a reduction in insecticide use of more than 90 per cent over the past 15 years, and a water efficiency increase of more than 40 per cent since 2003. "Global interest in sustainable, responsible cotton production continues to build, and so events like this play a vital role in informing important stakeholders about how our industry operates, and why they can place their trust in our growers and industry." 

 

Leading figures from the Australian fashion and textile sector learnt first-hand about the raw materials that go into cotton garments and homewares in a tour of Narrabri's cotton industry which comprised visits to a farm, gin and research station. The event was organised by Cotton Australia with support from leading grower, ginner and marketer, Auscott.#

 "Cotton Australia works hard to bring the story of Australian cotton to the world, and as more and more consumers demand environmentally sustainable and ethically produced fibres, Australia's cotton industry is well placed to meet that demand," he said. (SV)