Cotton Brazil launches campaign for microplastics awareness

Cotton Brazil has launched its ‘Hanging by a Thread’ movement at the ICA Trade Event Istanbul 2026, highlighting concerns about microplastics and encouraging greater consideration of natural fibres. Known locally as ‘Microplástico é o Fim da Linha’, the campaign was presented to approximately 600 industry delegates on October 14–15.

The Brazilian delegation included representatives from the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), the Brazilian Cotton Exporters Association (ANEA) and ApexBrasil. Brazilian representatives also called for greater international cooperation on sustainability, including joint initiatives with cotton-producing countries such as the United States and Australia.

The initiative primarily targets the Brazilian public and aims to support informed public policy, improve supply-chain transparency and encourage research and innovation into textile fibres. It also advocates expanding the use of natural fibres where technically appropriate. Abrapa president Gustavo Piccoli clarified that the campaign does not seek to eliminate synthetic fibres but rather to encourage discussion and more conscious choices.

Brazil’s participation at ICA 2026 comes after the country recorded cotton lint exports of 3.37 million metric tonnes in the 2025/26 marketing year, an increase of approximately 19% over the previous season. ANEA president Dawid Wajs said Brazil aims to support sustainable growth while strengthening cotton’s role in the global textile industry and encouraging wider fibre consumption.