Growth Opportunities For Cotton Gins
March 27, 2009 Cotton gins can always use a step up on the competition. In a global cotton market, however, it can be difficult to know much about a gin’s competitors, who could be next door — or across the world. Samuel Jackson’s Neil Turner summarizes the issue: “As we continue to adapt to a global cotton market, the need for understanding differences between gins has never been greater, and the opportunities for those who take advantage of it have never been better.” Ross Rutherford of Lummus Corporation agrees, stating “The gin is a major area where quality can be compromised, yet it is also the site where the true fiber quality properties can be preserved as much as possible.”
Certified Gins
That’s where the Certified Cotton Gin Program comes in, says Turner, “by allowing participating gins to signal mills worldwide that they are committed to the good ginning practices advocated by the program.” The program offers a “Primary Certification;” to qualify, gins must adhere to the program’s requirements, taking such basic precautions against fiber damaging practices as not using a lint reclaimer and having high-temperature limits on heaters in place.
For gins exercising strategies beyond Primary Certification, additional ratings in up to five separate categories are offered. A list of certified gins can be found online. Reviewing a gin’s rating, and thereby its compliance with optimal processing practices, can be an excellent way for buyers to evaluate which bales to buy. A good cotton gin benefits the farmer, as well, as Rutherford summarizes: “When properly equipped and operated, [the gin] can maximize the value of the cotton for both the farmer and the end user, the textile mill.”
Gin Benefits
Opportunities abound for the gins, as well. For one, the good ginning principles advocated by the program will produce better bales. Also, says Turner, “The gins benefit from efficiency gains, including lower energy costs and faster production. The cotton owners enjoy higher turnouts and better grades, because the gin avoids certain damaging practices.” Additionally, the breakdown of the ratings into different categories gives gins the freedom to focus on their — or their buyers’ — priorities. By choosing to be rated in higher certifications, gins can further set themselves apart from the pack.
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