#Associations

2019-10-02

Better together

The 2019 EURATEX convention consolidates partnership between the EU and Turkey and outlines future priorities for the textile and clothing sector

European and Turkish entrepreneurs, international experts, designers and policy makers came together today in Istanbul to discuss current and future scenarios in the textile and clothing sector. The discussion focused on the challenges of globalisation, environmental impact and digitalisation, and how such challenges can be turned into opportunities. From trade tensions to circular economy and collaboration between designers and manufacturers, the conference addressed a number of topics that are crucial for both EU and Turkish textile and clothing industries.

The event was organized by the Turkish EURATEX members – TGSD (Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association), TTSIS (Turkish Textile Employers’ Association), IHKIB (Turkish Apparel Exporters’ Association) and ITHIB (Turkish Textile & Raw Material Exporters’ Association) – alongside the 12th Istanbul Fashion Conference and gathered over 500 participants. Panels, testimonials and insightful presentations allowed participants to have an overview of the sector in Turkey, and opportunities for collaboration both locally and internationally.

“A strong partnership between the EU and Turkey is crucial for the future of both economic systems”, stated EURATEX President Alberto Paccanelli, also stressing how “a modernised Customs Union between the EU and Turkey can give a fresh boost to our relations, with mutual benefits”.

Under its new Director General Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX aims at addressing trade barriers and bureaucracy between Turkey and the EU, and at creating a favourable environment for investments in digitalisation, sustainability practices, skills and education programmes.

Europe is losing its textile industry

EURATEX has released its latest Economic Update on the performance of the European textile and apparel industry in 2025. For the third consecutive year, the sector recorded negative results across all key indicators — production, turnover and employment — confirming a continued erosion of competitiveness across Europe.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Turkmenistan: Italian textile machinery focuses on high technology and specialization

The Italian textile machinery industry flies to Ashgabat to participate with a large “Made in Italy” delegation at TURKMEN TEXTILE EXPO 2026, the major international showcase taking place from June 4 to 6, 2026. The Italian presence, coordinated by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), aims to consolidate Italy’s primary technological role in a highly strategic market with interesting prospects.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.