At the Australian Natural Fibres Forum were, from left, AWI chair George Millington, Cotton Australia chair Liz Stott, and CEO Adam Kay and AWI CEO Bryan Fry. Photo: AWI

AUSTRALIA’S world-leading cotton and wool industries joined forces to host the inaugural Australian Natural Fibres Forum in Sydney on Wednesday.

The event attracted almost 250 representatives from leading global and Australian brands including Fast Retailing, Adidas, Victoria Beckham, RMWilliams, Sportscraft, MJ Bale, Alemais, Cotton On, and Rodd & Gunn.

Co-hosted by Cotton Australia and Australian Wool Innovation’s research, development and marketing arm Woolmark, the forum brought together growers, researchers, supply-chain partners and industry leaders to strengthen the future of natural fibres.

The event kicked off Cotton Australia’s biannual Camp Cotton program, which immersed brand representatives in Australian cotton production, providing insights into modern farming.

The forum focused on the shared opportunities and challenges facing natural fibres in a rapidly evolving global textile market.

It highlighted the importance of cotton and wool as complementary industries that underpin regional economies, support thousands of rural jobs, and contribute to Australia’s reputation for producing high-quality, responsibly grown natural fibres.

Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay said the forum created a platform for open discussion across the value chain – from farm to fashion – exploring how Australia can strengthen its position as a trusted global supplier of natural fibres.

“Cotton and wool are not competitors but can work together to highlight the huge advantages of natural fibres for consumers,” Mr Kay said.

“The world is becoming increasingly aware of the limitations, problems and potential health impacts of oil-based synthetic fibres.

“Natural fibres are the answer to many of these issues, and that provides great opportunities for cotton and wool.

“The impacts of microplastics from synthetic fibres are becoming very evident.”

Cross-industry collaboration

A key theme throughout the forum was the importance of collaboration to ensure natural fibres remain competitive, trusted and valued in global markets.

The event reinforced that a united natural fibres voice is critical as the textile sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by sustainability expectations, technology and changing consumer behaviour.

Sessions throughout the day examined opportunities to better connect Australian growers with global brands and retailers seeking high-quality, responsibly produced fibres.

Discussions highlighted:

• Why fibre choice matters more than ever
• The importance of traceability and transparency
• On- and off-farm innovation across cotton and wool
• A cross-fibre discussion amplifying growers’ voices to brand customers

Speakers emphasised that collaboration across the supply chain is essential to ensure the value created on farm is recognised and retained throughout the fibre journey.

AWI CEO Bryan Fry said the forum provided the opportunity to dispel myths associated with these home-grown fibres and their industries.

“Australian agriculture is already operating in a world that demands more transparency, more evidence and more accountability,” Mr Fry said.

“That is especially relevant to natural fibres, where markets increasingly want to understand not just what a product is, but how and where it was produced.

“Australia is well placed to contribute to that global conversation with our strong agricultural capability.

“Leadership in this domain is about demonstrating progress, backed by science and standards over time.”

AWI and Cotton Australia committed to continuing the conversation and identifying practical opportunities to grow demand, strengthen market access and support the long-term future of Australia’s natural fibre industries.

Source: AWI

EDITOR’s NOTE: AWI is a not-for-profit organisation that conducts R&D and marketing along the global supply chain on behalf of 80,000 woolgrowers, and it is funded in part by their levies.

WoolProducers Australia did not take part in the forum, and the reason for this is explained in an article published on Sheep Central.