#Recycling / Circular Economy

2022-05-19

EuRIC is part of the IFAT Supporting Program

EuRIC, the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation is organising a panel discussion entitled “The European Green Deal – A green revolution? Implications for the waste management and recycling industry” on 31 May 2022 from 11:20 to 12:05 CEST during IFAT. The panel discussion will take place at Hall A5 ‘’Forum Waste / Secondary Raw Materials Grows’’ and consist of high-level speakers from the European Commission, the German Ministry of Environment (BMU), an NGO as well as the recycling industry.

During the panel discussion, EuRIC will have a closer look at the implementation of the European Green Deal and the new Circular Economy Action Plan. This tsunami of regulatory changes brings many challenges but also opportunities for the recycling industry. From waste shipments to the revision of many other pieces of waste legislation as well as the revolution stemming from the sustainable products initiative, this panel will examine the latest developments taking place in Brussels and what it means for the waste management and recycling industry.

Draft agenda

1. Opening Remarks by Emmanuel Katrakis, EuRIC Secretary General

2. Panel Discussion

• Mattia Pellegrini, Head of Unit, From waste to resources, DG Environment, European Commission

• Andreas Jaron, German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, Head of Division WR II 1 "General, Principal and International Matters of Circular Economy, Transboundary Movement of Waste"

• Henriette Schneider, Senior Expert Circular Economy, Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V.

• Sebastian Will, Deputy Chairman, bvse

3. Closing Remarks by Murat Bayram, Director EMR

Moderation: Julia Blees, EuRIC Policy Director

If you are attending IFAT, join us on 31 May! You can find the latest information here. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Munich!

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“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.

Creating a circular economy for fashion and textiles in the UAE

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accelerates its shift towards a circular economy, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is working to co-design and deliver a national textiles circularity policy framework as part of the country’s wider Naseej initiative, a Presidential-level programme to create a circular economy for fashion and textiles.

Indorama Ventures strengthens Packaging business through strategic circular PET partnership

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, today announced a strategic partnership through Indovida, Indorama Ventures’ packaging business segment, with Suntory Holdings Limited, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Iwatani Corporation, to bring commercial-scale circular PET packaging to Thailand. The collaboration further strengthens Indorama Ventures’ downstream packaging platform while expanding its leadership in circular packaging solutions.

Managed workwear services are providing a blueprint for the circular textile economy

Managed workwear service providers are demonstrating how commercial success and circularity can go hand in hand by extending garment lifespans through repair, laundering, reuse and recycling, according to “Managed workwear services—a circular textile economy ahead of the game”, a new 14‑page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.