EU Launches ‘Textiles Of The Future’ Partnership For Innovation
Amidst the EU Research and Innovation Days, the European Commission has unveiled nine new European co-funded and co-programmed partnerships, notably including “Textiles of the Future” (*). These partnerships are set to be pivotal in the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027, championing the green and digital transition while fostering a more resilient, competitive, inclusive, and democratic Europe.
EURATEX has been steadfastly advancing towards such a partnership in recent years. Recognizing that investing in innovation is paramount to effectively implementing the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, we enthusiastically embrace the Commission’s decision as a timely measure to support our 200,000 EU textile companies in maintaining their competitive edge.
Director General Dirk Vantyghem remarked, “Innovation serves as the conduit between sustainability and competitiveness. Thus, this Horizon Europe Partnership is an indispensable tool that will empower our companies to emerge as global leaders in sustainable textile products.”
The Textiles of the Future Partnership will be jointly overseen by the European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (ETP). Leveraging extensive expertise in textiles research and a sprawling innovation network, ETP is poised to materialize this partnership.
ETP Secretary General Lutz Walter emphasized, “Textile research has long been ingrained within the EU’s Research and Innovation Framework Programmes. However, this dedicated Partnership brings a strategic focus that is pivotal and timely in steering our industry toward success in its green and digital transformation, bolstering Europe’s global leadership in textile research, technology development, and higher education. ETP eagerly anticipates engaging with all stakeholders across the European textile innovation ecosystem to realize the full potential of this partnership.”
