On 28 April 2026, the European Commission, through the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform, brought together stakeholders from across the textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) ecosystem for an online thematic webinar, moderated by Melina Sachtleben Dahmann (ITA Institute for Textile Technology, RWTH Aachen University). The session gathered a broad audience of industry representatives, policymakers and support organisations to explore how value chains can strengthen their resilience in times of disruption. The webinar provided a structured programme of keynote insights and practical examples, offering participants a comprehensive overview of current challenges and emerging strategies across the ecosystem.

The session opened with welcome remarks and an introduction to the objectives of the webinar, followed by contributions from representatives of the European Commission. These initial interventions set the scene by outlining the current pressures on TCLF value chains, including increasing global competition, rising costs, supply chain disruptions and sustainability requirements.

A keynote intervention by Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of EURATEX and Ambassador of the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform, further explored the structural challenges affecting the sector. His contribution emphasised the importance of coordinated European action, strategic adaptation and continued innovation to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

A central part of the webinar focused on best practice examples from across different segments of the TCLF ecosystem.
Mario Jorge Machado, CEO of Adalberto Textile Solutions and President of EURATEX, shared insights from the textile manufacturing sector, focusing on how innovation, technological development and strategic adaptation can strengthen resilience across textile value chains.

Andreia Barbosa from Humana People to People, Ambassador of the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform, presented perspectives from the clothing reuse and collection sector. Her contribution explored circular approaches, reuse systems and the importance of collaboration in supporting more resilient and sustainable textile ecosystems.

Representing the leather sector, Giacomo Zorzi, Executive Regional Office Veneto District at UNIC – Concerie Italiane, addressed current challenges related to PFAS management within leather value chains. His contribution highlighted the increasing environmental requirements affecting production processes, including strict standards related to water management and chemical use, as well as the growing importance of sustainable process innovation and responsible resource management across the sector.

Throughout the session, participants engaged with the speakers through dedicated Q&A discussions, reflecting strong interest from stakeholders across the ecosystem and enabling further exchange on practical challenges and solutions.

The programme was complemented by insights into international cooperation and support mechanisms available to companies operating in the TCLF sector. Gilles Trouveroy from the South East Asia IP SME Helpdesk introduced services supporting European SMEs in international markets, highlighting opportunities to strengthen competitiveness through knowledge sharing, capacity building and strategic partnerships beyond Europe.
 

The webinar concluded with closing remarks by Melina Sachtleben Dahmann, moderator of the session, who highlighted the key insights shared by the speakers and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the TCLF ecosystem.

The discussions underscored that strengthening resilience in TCLF value chains requires a combination of innovation, policy support and active industry engagement. In this context, the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform continues to play a key role in facilitating exchange and connecting stakeholders across the sector. 

Participants were invited to continue the exchange within the relevant community workspaces of the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform. Become a member of the Competitive and innovative supply chains workspace to follow up discussions, additional insights and responses to open Q&A questions from the webinar. Stakeholders are encouraged to join the conversation and contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping a more resilient, sustainable and competitive European textiles ecosystem.