Networkevent ‘The Future of Circular Textile in Europe’
Side event Flanders Flooring Days
West Flemish companies were given the opportunity to network with international buyers and to look ahead to the future of sustainable floor coverings.
The networking event 'The Future of Circular Textile in Europe' brought together about 70 participants from the international floor covering industry on Thursday 25 May 2023 at the Circular Materials Center in Kortrijk.
In this research and training center for the textile and plastics sector in West Flanders, companies were given the opportunity to establish contacts with international purchasers in the field of floor coverings and (interior) textiles.
During lunch, experts took a closer look at the strategic EU policy vision for circular textiles. The focus was on the future of the textile industry in Europe. General Director of Euratex Dirk Vantyghem explained the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles, emphasizing the new and far-reaching regulations that are coming. He emphasized that Europe needs to find the right balance between sustainable innovation that originates from the industry itself, on the one hand, and imposed by strict EU regulations, on the other.
With inspiring testimonials, Centexbel, Beaulieu International Group and Unilin already showed the possibilities of sustainable floor coverings.
This networking event took place on the occasion of the second edition of the Flanders Flooring Days, the leading fair in floor coverings. During this four-day event, 10 leading West Flemish companies from the carpet and flooring industry invite the world for a unique look behind the scenes. Within a radius of barely 25 kilometers, visitors discover the production process, the innovations and the future plans of some world authorities from this industry in our region.
The partnership of West Flanders Gateway to Europe, organised the network event 'The Future of Circular Textile in Europe' together with Fedustria, Centexbel and Kortrijk Xpo.
Watch the after movie here.
Programme:
Introduction: West Flanders, Gateway to Europe, a partnership for entrepreneurship with an international perspective - Lieven Tack, general manager of POM West Flanders.
Keynote: the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles and its impact on global supply chains - Dirk Vantyghem, Director General Euratex.
Company testimonials about circular and sustainable floor coverings within research and industry:
-Ine De Vilder, Research Scientist Centexbel
-Femke Faelens, Sustainability Manager Beaulieu International Group
-Sebastien Combey, Global Technical Services Manager Unilin
-Closing word: Karla Basselier, CEO Fedustria
Network lunch + guided tour @ Circular Materials Center.
Enjoyed the event? Download here the powerpoints of the speakers.
Want to know more? Please contact Stefaan Verhamme, Cluster Manager at stefaan.verhamme@pomwvl.be.
