In positive news for cotton globally, The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has been appointed to the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board on the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology - a major framework that will guide how the environmental performance of all textile products sold in the EU is measured and communicated.
As the world’s largest textile market moves toward stronger sustainability and circularity standards, this development is significant for the future of cotton. ICAC will help ensure cotton and other natural fibres are assessed fairly and accurately, providing expert data and technical guidance to support products that are more durable, repairable, recyclable, and largely free from hazardous substances.
ICAC joins only a small group of international organisations selected to advise the Commission, alongside the FAO, UNEP, and the European Environment Agency - reinforcing cotton’s important role in the future of sustainable textiles.
February 2026