AbTF expands sustainable fiber programs

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) strengthened its work on sustainably verified natural fibers in 2025, continuing to expand its programs despite challenges across global supply chains. The foundation generated €7.8 million in revenue during the year, including €6.7 million from its four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS).

The foundation invested its income in areas including biodiversity protection, support for women, greater supply chain transparency and the development of verification systems. AbTF founder Professor Michael Otto said protecting ecosystems and creating fairer global trade are increasingly important to addressing environmental and social challenges.

The CmiA Organic programme combines organic cotton farming with social and economic support for farmers. Around 43,000 small-scale farmers in four African countries were part of the programme in 2025, representing a 32% increase compared with the previous year.

During the year, AbTF also developed its Transparency Standard. The new initiative adds independent third-party verification and greater supply chain assurance to the foundation’s existing chain-of-custody and tracking systems. The organisation said the standard is designed to help fashion brands and retailers meet growing environmental, social and governance requirements.