In a significant event for the cotton industry, over 255 leaders from 124 companies, including more than 41 global brands and sourcing organizations, gathered in Hong Kong on May 15 for the Cotton ConneXions summit. The event was organized by Cotton Incorporated and aimed to explore innovations, acknowledge industry contributions, facilitate business orders, and address challenges and opportunities in the cotton supply chain.
William Kimbrell, president & CEO of Cotton Incorporated, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing the cotton industry. “Through the Cotton ConneXions event, Cotton Incorporated serves as a convenor of global decision-makers, especially within the dynamic Asian region. We recognize that meaningful progress in the supply chain happens through collaboration,” he stated.
The summit’s agenda featured various presentations and discussions. William Kimbrell and Marvin Arthur Beyer Jr., Chairman of the Board, delivered opening remarks. Mark Messura, senior vice president of Global Supply Chain Marketing at Cotton Incorporated, provided insights into economic and trade shifts affecting cotton’s role. Heidi van den Hul from fabriCreation discussed global compliance impacts. Other topics included trends for Fall/Winter 2026/2027, new dyeing and finishing technologies, strategies to reduce environmental impact in textile production, and cotton’s potential role in a low-carbon future.
Mark Messura highlighted the practical applications of ideas generated at the event: “Cotton ConneXions is where ideas become action. 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.”
For further details about the event or photos from it, visit https://cottonworks.com/news/cotton-connexions/.
Cotton Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization funded by U.S. cotton growers and importers of Upland cotton-containing products. It aims to increase demand for cotton through research and promotion activities.
