The Modern Cotton Story

Listen to a special episode of our podcast series entitled “Authors and Editors Talk About Textiles and Sustainability,” with Virginia Postrel, author of the recently published book “The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World,” an important new history of textiles.

From its earliest development in ancient times, through to the industrial revolution, on to today, Virginia takes us on a journey of adventure where we learn about how the ubiquity of textiles holds great significance in how society developed.

As she explains, technology played an important role in the use of textiles in various forms around the world as it helped makers over the years to overcome practical problems, as well as cultural impediments. Moreover, the improved use of dyes, high-speed yarn spinning, and creative knitting and weaving helped to create the industry we know today.

And it’s through technology that better sustainable production techniques have and will be developed to address the environmental impact of textile production.

Our discussion with Virginia was illuminating and underscores the importance of her book as an essential read for all members of today's textile supply chain — from farmers to apparel brands.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Listen to the first installment of our new podcast series entitled “Talking Textiles,” with Mark Ix, Director of North American Marketing for Advance Denim, as we discuss many of the challenges facing the global textile industry — such as coping with higher raw material and transportation costs, and supply chain bottlenecks.

In an informative discussion, Mark discusses the competitive challenges faced in the textile industry today posed by changes in the consumer market, the impact of the pandemic on the industry in general, as well as the importance of sustainability for textile producers globally. This is a terrific program with one of the leading textile experts in the world.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Listen to the first installment of our new podcast series entitled “A New Harvest: The Market for Cotton,” with Jarral Neeper, President of Trucott LLC, as we discuss many of the challenges facing U.S. cotton growers as a new harvest gains momentum. Our lively program discusses the competitive challenges faced by cotton from synthetic fibers, as well as the impact of global market conditions, and the outlook for cotton as a quality product for apparel brands and retailers. This is a fascinating program with one of the leading cotton analysts in the world.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

As a change of pace, join Jennifer Crumpler for our latest podcast with consultant and columunist, Robert Antoshak, as we discuss how the textile and apparel industry has changed over the years, it’s current problems with supply chain bottlenecks, the impact of the pandemic on consumers and businesses alike, as well as how sustainability has become so much important for companies through the textile supply chain — literally from field to shelf.

This is a fun conversation between our regular co-hosts of “the Modern Cotton Story.” A great listen for anyone working in the fiber, textile and apparel supply chain.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF.

Join us for our latest podcast with Sourcing Journal’s Senior Editor, Arthur Friedman, as we discuss how the apparel industry has changed in the wake of supply chain bottlenecks, Covid-19, and its use of technology to sell products to consumers. Our discussion also covers topics such as the post-Covid challenges facing the apparel industry, how the industry will contend with new competitive forces in the marketplace, and the ever-growing importance of sustainability.

This is a fascinating discussion with a well-known and knowledgeable textile and apparel journalist from one of the top apparel publications in the world. A great listen for anyone working in the fiber, textile and apparel supply chain.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Join our special edition podcast with BASF agronomists, Will Groover and Luke Etheredge, as we discuss why cotton matters as a way of life for farmers and what makes cotton a superior fiber for today's consumers. We also hear about the current cotton crop in the U.S., how harvesting has begun in parts of the country, the prospects for this year's crop, and the role weather has played in shaping the overall harvest. A great conversation about everything cotton!

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Join our discussion with Devin Steele, publisher of the popular U.S. online and email newsletter news service, eTextileCommunications.com, as we discuss the challenges facing the U.S. textile industry, the outlook for the future, the importance of sustainability, and the impact the global pandemic has had on the industry. If you’re into U.S. textiles and Made-in-USA, Grown-in-USA, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Join our discussion with Jim Steadman, Senior Editor of the leading cotton magazine, Cotton Grower, as we examine topics important to cotton farmers, the challenges facing today’s cotton industry, the importance of sustainable cotton for brands and retailers, the impact of Covid, and the how various industry-wide sustainable cotton initiatives help to strengthen cotton’s competitive position in the market for textile fibers.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Join our discussion with Maxine Bédat as we discuss her new book, “Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment,” and also discuss the role of her organization, The New Standard Institute.

In her book, Ms. Bédat follows the global path of a pair jeans from the cotton fields of Texas, to the textile manufacturing centers of Asia, to cut-and-sew operations in Sri Lanka, distribution back to U.S. stores for sale to consumers, to the after-life of garments once they are disposed of and end up in burning trash heaps in countries like Ghana. “Unraveled” is essential reading for anyone in the textile supply chain, from farmers to retailers, as well as consumers worried about the environmental and social impact today’s globalized textile/garment industry.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Join our discussion with Laura Husband, Managing Editor of the leading textile and apparel journal, just-style.com, as we explore topics including her new role as managing editor, the challenges facing today’s global textile and apparel industries, and importance of sustainable cotton for brands and retailers today. Also, have a listen as Laura interviews Jennifer Crumpler about the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program.

Hosted by Jennifer Crumpler, Fiber Development Manager and Manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program from BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.