An inexpensive, full traceability system, which will prove the authenticity of organic and other niche cottons, could be in place by the end of the year as work continues on a project spearheaded by ICA Bremen, the international centre for cotton testing, research and quality training.

Kai Hughes, ICA Bremen Manager Director said: “More and more consumers want to be sure that the cotton product they have bought complies with their environmental and social expectations. Several ‘cotton identity programmes’, such as organic and niche cottons, try to assure the public of this via labelling, but the textile value added chain is very complex so this previously could not be accurately done.”