Keywords
naturally colored cotton
chain joint
government institutions
partnership relationships
How to Cite
Abstract
The production chain of naturally colored cotton in Paraíba has attracted interest in the sustainable fashion market due to its ecological appeal, increasing its market value and demand. The sustainability of colored cotton production is a challenge, requiring sustainable practices in the agricultural sector and companies dealing with sustainability commitments in the supply chain. This study maps the production chain of colored cotton in Paraíba, describing the interactions between the main actors and production links. The methodology included a qualitative case study and semi-structured interviews with producers, managers, sector specialists, and academics. The chain is represented through flow diagrams that characterize processes and relationships between segments. The results structure the current production chain, highlighting the articulation between family farming, industrial spinning, garment making, and commercialization to final consumers. Institutions like Embrapa and NGOs are essential in mediating and building relational networks, linking small producers to markets. However, the collaborative network and business sustainability face challenges, such as production and commercialization. Increasing the production of colored and organic cotton, ensuring profitability, and developing new business models are fundamental challenges for the future of the chain.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Josefa Edileide Santos Ramos, Marcelo da Costa Borba, Murilo Campos Rocha Lima, Daniela Callegaro de Menezes