Last month, Cotton Incorporated gathered more than 255 industry leaders from 124 companies—including more than 41 top global brands—for the “Cotton Connexions: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity” summit in Hong Kong.
The event was designed to bring together the global supply chain to discover innovative ideas, recognize industry contributions, and address the challenges and opportunities shaping cotton’s future amid regulatory evolution and shifting market dynamics. Attendees also got the chance to network and generate business orders during the summit.
“Through the Cotton ConneXions event, Cotton Incorporated serves as a convener of global decision-makers, especially within the dynamic Asian region,” said William Kimbrell, president and CEO of Cotton Incorporated. “We recognize that meaningful progress in the supply chain happens through collaboration. Events like this allow us to bridge innovation and opportunity, while reinforcing our commitment to advancing cotton’s role in a more sustainable, transparent, and high-performing textile future.”
After opening remarks from Kimbrell and Marvin Arthur Beyer, Jr., chairman of the board of Cotton Incorporated, attendees enjoyed sessions such as a global market outlook from Mark Messura, senior vice president of global supply chain marketing at the organization. Messura highlighted the economic trade shifts impacting cotton’s role in the supply chain.
“Cotton ConneXions is where ideas become action,” Messura said. “Whether those ideas come from Cotton Incorporated or our many industry partners, we are proud to serve as a source of inspiration and practical ideas for helping manufacturers, brands, and retailers improve and expand their cotton business.”
Additional sessions included a look at global compliance impacts from Heidi van Hul, founder of FabriCreation, and a look at cotton trends for fall and winter 2026/2027, which include a growing consumer preference for durable, long-lasting fashion. Conference speakers also addressed next-generation dyeing and finishing technologies, strategies for reducing the environmental impact of textile production, and cotton’s role in a low-carbon, plastic-free future.
During the event, Cotton Incorporated showcased the newly updated CottonWorks website, featuring new information and resources for the industry. The organization also presented its Supply Chain Partner Awards during the summit, honoring Bonny Kwan and U.S. cotton producer Lacy Cotter Vardeman; World Knitting Textiles Co., Ltd.; Hermin Textile Co., Ltd.; Anita’s Textiles Ltd. and 361 Degrees International Limited for their outstanding contributions to the global cotton value chain.
