#Associations

2024-12-19

Promoting sustainability, digitalisation and resilience

The EU project ADDTEX has reached an important milestone with the two publications White Book and E-Book. Both publications contain comprehensive guidelines, findings and policy recommendations to support the sustainable, digital and resilient transition of the textile industry. The focus is on technical textiles, whose innovations are considered key to the competitiveness and resilience of the European industry.

The ADDTEX project brings together partners from a total of twelve European countries. The IVGT, Frankfurt is a partner for Germany and represents the interests of its members and the entire technical textiles sector. The aim of the project is to sustainably promote close co-operation between industry, science, politics and civil society. This innovative approach, known as the ‘quadruple helix model’, is intended to help prepare the industry for the challenges of a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment (VUCA), which have been exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘By focusing on green technologies, digitalisation and continuous training, we are making the technical textiles industry fit for the future,’ says Stefan Schmidt, IVGT project manager. ‘We want to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of this important sector.’

Industry clusters such as the IVGT play a crucial role by strengthening networks between companies, educational institutions and governments. They promote the exchange of knowledge, support the introduction of new technologies and help to drive forward circular economy projects. Picture: IVGT

Workshops as a basis for policy recommendations

Between September and October 2024, the ADDTEX partners organised interactive workshops in Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain. These served as a platform for a broad dialogue between industry, science and politics, in which innovative approaches and concrete strategies for action were developed. The participants focussed on topics such as sustainable practices, digital transformation and promoting resilience in the textile industry.

The future is digital! The IVGT offers a range of programmes to make you fit for the digital transformation. Image: IVGT

Key competences for change

A central aspect of the White Book is the emphasis on education and training to promote the dual transition - green and digital. The most important skills required of employees to shape a sustainable future for the industry are expertise in renewable energy, recycling, environmentally friendly materials and sustainable production (green transition), skills in data analysis, cyber security, IT and the ability to use AI-supported technologies (digital transition), as well as adaptability, innovation, risk management and cross-functional collaboration (promoting resilience). Ten aspects emerged as the most important political recommendations for action (see chart). These include, in particular, the promotion of sustainable practices in companies, investment in digital infrastructure along the textile value chain, support for collaborative research projects and industry-specific training funds to impart the essential skills mentioned.

Further information www.addtex.eu; www.addtex.eu/resources/

To promote both the double transition and the resilience of the industry, policy should incentivise sustainable practices and investment in green technologies. The developed recommendations for action as a graphic. Picture: ADDTEX

Eco-design as the foundation of circular textiles

Based on the results of an extensive European analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is currently developing three practice-based training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. This was preceded by a comprehensive company survey and a joint analysis conducted by the project partners under the leadership of IVGT. The results show that the greatest challenges lie not so much in a lack of technology as in skills gaps.

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.

New momentum for British textile machinery in India

The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is looking to India ITME 2026 as a major opportunity to strengthen industrial partnerships and mutually expand exports, following the introduction of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and the formation of the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition (UKITMC).

European and Canadian textile associations call for stronger transatlantic cooperation

Ahead of the EU–Canada Summit in Montréal on 29–30 October 2026, EURATEX, the Canadian Textile Industry Association (CTIA) and the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) have issued a joint statement calling for closer industrial cooperation, improved implementation of the CETA trade agreement and stronger partnerships in innovation, sustainability and advanced textile technologies.

Brückner showcases sustainable technologies for the future of textile finishing at ITMA ASIA 2026

With rising energy costs, increasing environmental requirements, and growing competitive pressure, textile manufacturers worldwide are facing the challenge of making their production processes both more sustainable and more cost-effective. As one of the world's leading specialists in textile finishing machinery, Brückner will present innovative solutions and advanced production technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai. These technologies can play a key role in significantly reducing both energy consumption and emissions.

Stäubli to introduce new S3292 dobby for high-speed weaving at ITME India 2026

Stäubli will introduce its new S3292 dobby at ITME India 2026, taking place from December 4 to 9 at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Designed for high-speed air-jet weaving, the new machine will be among the highlights of the company's presentation, which also includes warp preparation systems, cam motions, Jacquard technologies and digital services.

DITF develops bio-based binding fibers for wood-fiber insulation materials

As part of the CelluWoodFlex project, the German Institutes of Textile- and Fiber-Research in Denkendorf (DITF) are developing bio-based cellulose ester fibers as alternative binding fibers for flexible wood fiber insulation materials. In addition to the spinning process and the production of suitable staple fibers, the institute is also investigating how wood and cellulose fibers can be separated and recycled at the end of their useful life.

Reju expands textile-to-textile recycling network with six international fabric manufacturers

Reju, a textile-to-textile regeneration company, is expanding its industrial network through collaborations with six fabric manufacturers in Europe and the Americas. The initiative aims to accelerate the integration of regenerated polyester into textile manufacturing and support the development of finished fabrics for commercial applications.