Why cotton fibres could be key in the global arms race
Why cotton fibres could be key in the global arms race newspress_en Sat, 08/15/2026 - 05:56 Business & Economy Long a mainstay of the textile industry, cotton is associated more with towels and bedsheets than with war and armaments, but as the 21st century grows ever tenser, the humble yet thirsty cotton plant is increasingly important to the world of warfare. The reason is its short fibres…
Cotton fibres, typically associated with everyday items like towels and bedsheets, are gaining prominence in the realm of global warfare. This is due to their short fibres, known as cotton linters, which are a vital source of high-purity cellulose used to manufacture nitrocellulose. This substance is a key ingredient in many smokeless propellants used in ammunition, including artillery shells.
The unique properties of cotton linters, such as their high cellulose content (up to 98%), make them an ideal raw material for cellulose derivatives used in defence production. However, the global supply chain for nitrocellulose, a byproduct of cotton linters, is facing potential bottlenecks. This is primarily due to the strain on supplies since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has exposed the limits of global capacity for nitrocellulose production.
Many NATO members, especially those in Europe, are struggling to secure the cotton linters needed for nitrocellulose production. This is particularly concerning as Europe heavily relies on Chinese cotton linters, which account for about 70% of Europe's linter requirements. In the event of trade restrictions or escalating geopolitical tensions with China, Europe may face significant challenges in maintaining its ammunition production levels.
Brief written by urgent.news from Al Majalla English's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
