THE EUROPEAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY TACKLES AT AITEX THE CHALLENGES OF ECO-DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY AT THE 19TH ETP TEXTILE CONGRESS
AITEX HAS HOSTED THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN PLATFORM TEXTILE ETP
This year, the event have had a special focus on eco-design, with a particular focus on clothing and other consumer goods, highlighting the importance of incorporating sustainable practices from design to the end of the product life cycle. In addition, technical and smart textiles have been explored, assessing their environmental impact and exploring how they can contribute to a circular economy in the textile industry.
The day have also included the annual General Assembly of the European Textile Technology Platform (Textile ETP), which have brought together the main players in the sector to share advances, discuss trends and set common goals. This combination of activities have allowed attendees to gain a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the transition to a more sustainable and technologically advanced textile sector.
From 12 to 14 May, AITEX hosted the 19th Annual Congress of the European Textile and Clothing Technology Platform (Textile ETP), a key event for the future of the sector that has consolidated Alcoy as the nerve centre of textile innovation and sustainability in Europe. More than 250 professionals, researchers and institutional representatives met at AITEX to discuss the regulatory, environmental and technological challenges that will mark the future of European textiles.
During the congress, presentations, round tables and technical sessions were held around the main themes of this year’s congress: sustainability and eco-design and their impact on the textile industry. The new regulatory requirements in terms of durability, reparability, recyclability and traceability were addressed, as well as the urgency of adapting processes and business models to this new framework.
“The success of this congress demonstrates the need for spaces that foster dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange between key players in the European textile industry.”
There was also a debate on circular economy, textile recycling and digitalisation, with real cases of companies that already apply reuse, redesign or textile rental strategies, and presentations of technological solutions based on artificial intelligence and digital traceability. AITEX has taken advantage of this congress to present its latest capabilities in applied research, with special emphasis on its new laboratory facilities and its projects in eco-design, recycling and circular management.
The holding of the congress at AITEX has served not only as a platform for the analysis of the challenges of the sector, but also as a meeting point between research, industry and administration. The success of participation and the high technical level of the interventions have highlighted the need to continue promoting cooperation spaces on a European scale, where shared knowledge and innovation are the driving forces of transformation.
“This meeting highlights the role played by AITEX in the promotion of a more competitive, sustainable and innovative textile industry.”
ECODESIGN &
SUSTAINABILITY
THE FUTURE
OF TEXTILE
AITEX, associate member of Textile ETP
Textile ETP bring together the most resourceful innovators from the textile research and industry sides from all across the EU. Through its broad membership base, the Textile ETP aims to represent the research and innovation interests of the entire manufacturing value chain from fibres to final textile-based products as well as directly allied industries.
The European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing offers several membership options for companies, researchers, and other textile professionals.
ORGANIZERS
