R. Furter, H. Ghorashi & A. Schleth, Uster Technologies AG

Abstract: Cotton is produced in over 50 countries worldwide, averaging 20-24 million metric tons per year. Most of the cotton produced is being traded and exported as a commodity in an international market. The quality of cotton, however, is highly variable, making it difficult to determine its commercial value or price. Cotton classification provides objective assessment of cotton quality and it is the basis for determining the cotton price. Though manual cotton classification is still commonly used in establishing the cotton price, instrument cotton classification is rapidly spreading in the cotton industry. International Organization such as the Task Force on Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing (CSITC) operated under the authority of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) are actively promoting instruments to replace manual cotton classification worldwide. The USTER-HVI has been the key instrument in the successful implementation of every existing instrument classing project, and will continue to be in the future.
Key words: cotton classification; cotton standards; manual cotton classification; instrument cotton classification; USTER-HVI.