INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PAGES
support scheme, instead of (only)
a malus-system based on regula-
tions (REACH, IED). The eco-de-
sign directive should be tailored to-
wards this goal.
3. The compulsory textile recycling –
by 2025 and even before in some
member states – is a challenge, but
at the same time an opportunity for
the industry to develop a coordi-
nated recycling strategy at Euro-
pean level. EURATEX proposes to
establish European Recycling Hubs
(ReHubs) to build an industrial-
scale capacity to collect and
upcycle 5 million tons of textile
waste in Europe. Such initiative can
only be successful if accompanied
by harmonised and coherent end-
of-waste and by-products criteria.
4. EURATEX proposes to introduce
Green Public Procurement (GPP)
criteria which reflect sustainability
costs and related needs of manu-
facturing industry. We invite the
European Commission own pro-
curement departments to lead by
example in selecting sustainable
textiles.
5. To be successful, the textiles strat-
egy must raise awareness among
consumers and foster behavioural
changestowardsmore
sustainability, in relation to the 2020
Consumer Agenda. EURATEX and
its members are ready to engage
with consumers, e.g. by launching
a communication campaign or other
awareness initiatives. We can also
set targets on sustainable products,
e.g. by 2030 at least 50% of suit-
able products on the market follow
sustainable design principles which
need to be agreed, and based on
industry accepted standard/ best
practices.Strengthen the efficiency
of the European T&C industry
European textile companies cannot
compete on price in this very
globalised sector; instead, they need
to focus on design, quality and inno-
vation, and manage their operations as
efficient as possible. The European
strategy should identify areas where
efficiency gains can be developed.
1. Digitalisation offers enormous op-
portunities for the textile industry
to become more efficient and at the
same time be more sustainable.
This applies to digitalisation within
the companies as well as digitising
the entire supply chain. EURATEX
proposes a Digital Transformation
Fund for the European T&C indus-
try, offering small scale investment
support to SMEs who wish to
digitalise their operations.
2. As the labour force in T&C is grow-
ing older, there is a need to attract
young workers and develop new
digital and green skills, also for
existing workers, to successfully
implement this double green and
digital transition. As part of the EU
Pact for Skills, EURATEX proposes
an alliance with VET providers to
develop new curricula, promote ap-
prenticeships and roll out a com-
munication campaign to attract
young talents to our industry. Addi-
tionally suitable support programs
for the upskilling and training of ex-
isting qualified employees should
be initiated.
3. Despite some success stories i.e.
through the textile ETP, the textiles
industry is under-represented in
most of the EU research and inno-
vation programmes, and success
rates in various Call for Proposals
NCM-OCTOBER 2021
57have been extremely low.
EURATEX calls for a dedicated
programme that will finance inno-
vation in textiles, specifically in
sustainable textiles and new mate-
rials.
4. Creativity is an essential compo-
nent of the European textile indus-
try, in particular, its apparel and
fashion segment. At the same time,
the shift towards sustainable and
circular products generates multiple
local initiatives. EURATEX wants to
encourage and support this start up
community - as they are the driv-
ers for change - with a dedicated
initiative.
5. The efficiency of the European tex-
tile producers has been hampered
by difficult access to certain raw
materials, and sharp price in-
creases. The EU regulators should
be mindful of the impact of their
policies, as some providers e.g. of
dye stuffs are no longer available
in Europe. The EU should insist on
open supply chains with third coun-
tries, while at the same time cre-
ate a regulatory environment in Eu-
rope where textile supplies can still
be manufactured (natural and man-
made fibres, dye stuffs, etc.). The
use of (sustainable) raw materials
from Europe should be encouraged
and access to sustainable energy
supplies at reasonable prices guar-
anteed.
Increase global market share
The textiles industry is one of the most
globally exposed sectors of the Euro-
pean economy. Annual imports are
double the size of exports (Euro 115bln
vs. Euro 53bln), while at the same time
the share of exports in the companies’
turnover is growing (20% in 2011, to-