The Joint Cotton Industry Bale Packaging Committee (JCIBPC) exists to protect U.S. cotton bales from contamination. After years of testing, they approved three new materials for industry-wide use in 1998. The JCIBPC also approved five materials for experimental test programs in 1998. The performances of these materials are reported.

The publication, "A Guide for Cotton Bale Standards," was developed and distributed by the JCIBPC in 1998. The fundamental characteristics of a Grade A, a Grade B and an Other bale are described.