#EU Textile Strategy

2025-10-08

CEMATEX strengthens EU representation and advocacy for the European textile machinery industry

CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, has reinforced its role as the voice of the EU textile machinery industry by enhancing its presence and engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders.

According to Mr Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX, the organisation is now officially registered in the EU Transparency Register. He said “With this registration, the association is in a leading position to represent the European textile machinery industry in dialogue with EU legislators and to actively contribute to consultations on upcoming legislative initiatives”.

As part of this engagement, CEMATEX has participated in the EU Sustainable Textiles Transition Pathway, pledging its support for the transition to a more sustainable European textile ecosystem. It has also joined the EU Textiles Ecosystem platform, ensuring stronger connections and visibility within the wider EU textiles community.

As the legislation landscape evolves in support of the upcoming EU textile strategy, CEMATEX is actively monitoring key EU legislative initiatives. Among them are the Eco-Design Regulation (Textile Delegated Act), Waste Framework Directive implementation across EU member states, Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (for apparel), and market surveillance and customs reform, including the proposal for a central market surveillance agency.

Trade advocacy and global engagement

Another important area of CEMATEX’s involvement is trade advocacy. It continues to actively represent its members’ interests in global trade issues. Currently, it is focused on two key areas: the Indian Omnibus Technical Regulation and EU market surveillance.

The Indian Omnibus Technical Regulation foresees compulsory certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards for weaving and embroidery machines and their components. CEMATEX has submitted a position paper to the Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and it is actively lobbying for postponement of the regulation. It has participated in the MHI Subcommittee on Textile Machinery and Machine Tools, seeking further clarifications and details.

On the European front, it has coordinated with other EU industry associations, namely CECIMO, Orgalim and Committee of European Construction Equipment (CECE) to press the European Commission to oppose compulsory certification for CE-marked machinery. It has called on the European Commission to classify this measure as a Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT) at the World Trade Organization plenary meeting in June 2025, demanding its removal.

At the same time, CEMATEX is actively lobbying the European Commission to secure tariff-free access for EU textile machinery exports to the Indian market.

Market surveillance

On market surveillance, CEMATEX has advocated strengthened enforcement against non-compliant imports. Towards this end, it has developed and circulated a position paper to all 27 EU Member State Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) and launched a plan to support MSAs and customs authorities with documentation identifying likely sources of non-compliance in imported textile machinery.

A Machine Safety Committee comprising experts from CEMATEX member companies is being established. The committee will collect evidence of recurring non-compliance. In addition, it is developing brochures for MSAs and customs officers to support their inspections. It has also prepared awareness initiatives targeting customer associations and trade unions regarding the risks associated with non-compliant imports.

Looking ahead

Through these initiatives, CEMATEX is reinforcing its leadership role in representing the European textile machinery industry. “By engaging in EU decision-making and defending industry interests in global trade, CEMATEX is committed to ensuring a competitive, sustainable, and innovative future for the European textile machinery industry”, Mr Zucchi explained.

ITMA 2027: Exhibitors can now apply for ITMA 2027 stand space

Stand space application is now open for ITMA 2027. The 7-day exhibition will be held at Messegelaende Hannover, Germany from 16 to 22 September 2027. Featuring the theme Co-creating the Future of Textiles, the exhibition is expected to bring together global leaders and innovators to shape the industry’s future.

Textile Exchange Conference 2025 kicks off next week in Lisbon

From October 13 to 17, 2025, the Textile Exchange Conference will take place at the Lisbon Congress Centre, bringing together brands, supply-chain partners, innovators, farmers, NGOs, academics, and more for a week of collaborative learning and exchange. Under the theme “Shifting Landscapes”, this year’s agenda highlights the urgent need for the textile industry to adapt rapidly to changing environmental, political, and economic conditions, while linking adaptation to broader systems transformation.

Germany pushes ahead with Producer Responsibility for Textiles

Germany is taking a leading role in shaping extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles – a regulatory concept that is gaining traction across the European Union. EPR requires companies that manufacture or sell products such as clothing, home textiles, and shoes to take financial and operational responsibility for the end-of-life management of these goods.

2024 is a turning point for the European textiles and clothing industry

From 6 to 9 June 2024, European citizens will vote for a new European Parliament and, based on the results, a new European Commission will be formed. In view of this important election, EURATEX publishes a Manifesto, presenting 15 requests which will help to ensure a competitive European textiles and clothing industry.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.