#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.

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.