Archroma, Cotton Incorporated to advance circular economy in textiles

Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals focusing on sustainable solutions, and Cotton Incorporated, the research and promotion company for cotton, have extended their collaboration for another eight years. This partnership aims to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable circular economy in the textile industry.

The collaboration between Archroma and Cotton Incorporated began in 2016, initiated by Cotton Incorporated’s interest in developing a dyestuff from the byproducts of cotton production. With the U.S. being a significant cotton producer, generating not only sustainable cotton fiber but also various byproducts like burs, stems, and leaves, there was potential to utilize these byproducts for dye production.

Drawing on Archroma’s expertise in sulfur dye innovation and its patented EarthColors® technology, the research team successfully created DIRESUL® Earth-Cotton using cotton byproducts from the U.S. supply chain. This dye offers an alternative to oil-based dyes, enabling brands to produce textile products in warm natural shades while utilizing cotton for both fabric and dye production.

Mary Ankeny, Vice President of Product Development and Implementation Operations for Cotton Incorporated, expressed the commitment to advancing circularity in cotton usage and praised the collaboration with Archroma for driving innovation.

Umberto De Vita, Market Segment Director for Denim at Archroma Textile Effects, emphasized the importance of sustainability-driven innovation and hailed Cotton Incorporated as a reliable partner in leading the textile industry toward a more sustainable future.