The 19th Textile ETP Annual Conference took place in Alcoy, Spain, gathering over 260 professionals from across the textile value chain. Co-organised with AITEX, Spain's leading textile research centre, the event focused on navigating new EU regulations, advancing innovation, and accelerating sustainability. The conference opened with a guided tour of AITEX labs and local company Jover Textile, showcasing industrial innovation rooted in heritage.

On 13 May, Marina Crnoja-Cosic officially launched the "Textiles of the Future" EU partnership (€60M Horizon Europe), emphasizing strategic collaboration beyond compliance. Key discussions revolved around the upcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the role of the Digital Product Passport (DPP). Speakers from the European Commission, EURATEX, and AITEX outlined timelines, implementation challenges, and support strategies for SMEs.

Parallel sessions addressed circular design in both fashion and technical textiles, including the T-REX project and innovations in PPE development. Business cases stressed that circularity must align with market demand. The closing session of Day 1 focused on decarbonisation, highlighting the need for lifecycle thinking and smarter energy use.

On the final day, speakers explored sustainable chemistry, PFAS restrictions, and bio-based dye alternatives. Breakout sessions examined the implementation of DPP and Safe & Sustainable by Design (SSbD) methodologies. Projects like CIRPASS-2, BIOSUSTEX, and IRISS illustrated how digital tools and material innovation can drive transformation.

The conference closed with a call for stronger regional innovation ecosystems and policy alignment. Europe's textile future depends on collaboration between researchers, companies, and policymakers committed to sustainable and circular change.

This conference gave us the opportunity to expand our professional network and reflect on the urgent need to rethink how we design and produce textiles responsibly.
We're returning with fresh ideas and renewed energy to support change in the industry.

#AIdesignTEX #sustainability
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor REA can be held responsible for them

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