Page 12 - TEXtalks International June/July-2025

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ICAC projects steady global
cotton production and consumption
for 2025–26
The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has released its projections for the 2025–26 cotton
season, forecasting global cotton production to reach about 26 million tonnes and consumption around
25.7 million tonnes. This indicates a balanced market with a slight surplus in production.
Regionally, production is expected to increase in Brazil, the United States, and West Africa. However, these
gains may be offset by a small decline in China’s cotton output, which is projected at around 6.3 million
tonnes. Despite China’s record cotton yield of 2,257 kilograms per hectare in the current season, its
production is expected to decrease slightly in 2025–26.
Global cotton trade is forecast to rise by 2%, reaching approximately 9.65 million tonnes. This increase is
driven by higher stocks from the current season combined with expected mill demand. Nevertheless,
international trade agreements and tariffs could influence the trade outlook for the upcoming season. The
ICAC’s price forecast for 2025–26 ranges from 56 to 95 cents per pound, with a midpoint estimate of 73
cents. This range reflects uncertainties surrounding supply and demand factors worldwide. Overall, the
ICAC’s projections suggest a stable global cotton market for 2025–26, characterized by balanced
production and consumption, moderate trade growth, and steady price expectations.
Hohenstein releases 2024
sustainability report,
sets 2025 goals
Hohenstein has published its 2024 Sustainability Report outlining key achievements and plans for 2025. The
report highlights environmental, social, and corporate governance efforts across its global locations. On the
environmental front, Hohenstein installed a combined heat and power plant and photovoltaic system at its
German headquarters.
It also recorded its greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) globally for the first time. An
environmental team and officer were appointed to implement the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
(EMAS). Using this data, the company will set reduction targets and further improve sustainability. Socially,
an internal employee survey showed 85% satisfaction with Hohenstein as an employer. The company has
acted on many employee suggestions to improve workplace conditions. Focus remains on work-life balance
and transparent communication with staff worldwide.
CEO Dr. Stefan Droste emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility amid rising extreme
weather events. Hohenstein aims to maintain its sustainability commitment and assist clients
with evolving regulations.
June/July 2025
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G7 to jointly boost AI adoption in
public sector and support SMEs
The Group of Seven (G7) nations—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the
United States—have unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)
across both public institutions and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Announced at the G7 Industry,
Technology and Digital Ministerial meeting held in Verona and Trento, Italy, the initiative underscores the
shared goal of deploying AI in a safe, secure, and trustworthy manner.
A central feature of the initiative is the release of a joint G7 report later this year, which will assess the key
drivers, opportunities, and barriers to AI adoption by SMEs. The report will also compare existing national
strategies, identify effective practices, and suggest pathways for collaboration between governments and
businesses. By equipping SMEs with insights and guidance, the G7 aims to democratize access to AI and
ensure smaller players can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
On the public sector front, the G7 will develop a dedicated AI toolkit. Crafted in partnership with the OECD
and UNESCO, this toolkit will translate high-level ethical principles into tangible policy recommendations. The
goal is to assist public administrations in setting clear goals for AI, fostering user involvement, navigating
institutional silos, and improving data governance. The toolkit encourages gradual AI integration, minimizing
disruption while building public trust.
In addition to domestic strategies, the declaration highlights global cooperation on advancing critical digital
technologies. This includes support for innovation in quantum computing, sustainable semiconductor
manufacturing, and the protection of digital infrastructure. The G7 also reaffirmed commitment to the
Hiroshima AI Process, which promotes responsible AI development and international
code-of-conduct alignment.
Importantly, the G7 aims to extend these benefits to developing nations through partnerships that close the
digital divide, uphold labor rights, and enable equitable growth in AI-related industries. These actions reflect
a recognition that inclusive AI progress requires global engagement.
UK Science Minister Michelle Donelan praised the initiative, emphasizing AI’s transformative potential. She
noted that responsible adoption can elevate productivity, improve services, and create new economic
opportunities if implemented carefully and cooperatively.
The G7’s multi-pronged approach—combining regulation, tools, and collaboration—sets the stage for
shaping AI’s future in a way that balances innovation with inclusion and governance.
June/July 2025