CEMATEX Launches Green Forum At ITMA Asia
In response to intensifying global regulations and the growing push for circular economy practices, CEMATEX (European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) will launch the ITMA Sustainability Forum: Accelerating the Green Transition on 30 October 2025 at Singapore Expo.
The half-day forum, held alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, is tailored to support textile and garment manufacturers particularly from South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East, in navigating the European Union’s evolving sustainability regulations. It will also spotlight access to green financing as a catalyst for sustainable transformation.
Bringing together EU policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders, the forum is designed to foster cross-border dialogue, share regulatory insights, and explore collaborative pathways toward circular production.
“Sustainability has become a global priority,” said Alex Zucchi, President, CEMATEX. “The textile industry must act swiftly to modernise production in line with regulatory demands and growing consumer expectations. This forum provides a much-needed platform for manufacturers to better understand the EU’s legislative landscape and the financing tools available for sustainable growth.”
A key highlight of the forum will be a keynote address by Kristin Schreiber, Director, DG GROW, European Commission, who will present a comprehensive overview of the EU’s sustainability roadmap and the regulatory framework driving the shift to circular textile production.
“South and Southeast Asia are vital players in the global textile value chain,” noted Schreiber. “Many producers in these regions export to the European market, and their ability to align with upcoming requirements will be critical to a successful and inclusive transition. I look forward to exchanging perspectives at this forum on how we can collaborate globally to build a more sustainable and resilient textile industry.”
The forum aligns with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, which mandates that by 2030, all textiles placed on the EU market must be durable, recyclable, largely made from recycled fibres, and free from hazardous substances. Global manufacturers must act now to meet these expectations and maintain market access.
Forum Programme Highlights
Panel 1: Shaping Sustainability – Responding to EU Policy Changes
Moderator: Nicole van der Elst Desai, Founder, VDE Consultancy
Speaker: Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO, ReHubs
Panel 2: Profit Meets Purpose – Financing Sustainability
Moderator: Brandon Courban, Senior Advisor (Climate), Openspace Ventures
Speakers:
Dr Rene Van Berkel, Senior Circular Economy Expert, Switch Asia, EU Policy Support Component
Iris Ng, Head, Emerging Business & Global Commercial Banking, OCBC Bank
Michael Rattinger, Senior Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank
The Singapore Fashion Council, the official association for the textile and fashion industry in Singapore, is the programme partner for the forum, which is being organised by ITMA Services.
