CEMATEX (the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) is launching the first ITMA Sustainability Forum on October 30, 2025 at Singapore Expo, which will be take place alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025. “ITMA Sustainability Forum: Accelerating the Green Transition” to be held in response to mounting global regulations and the push for a circular economy will bring together EU policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to facilitate cross-border dialogue and knowledge exchange and a European Commission keynote speaker also be there.
The forum will be opened only to ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 exhibitors and visitors and they can register on the website of the exhibition.
The half-day forum is designed to help textile and garment manufacturers, particularly from South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East, navigate the European Union’s evolving sustainability regulations, and access to green financing opportunities to support their transition.
Under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, by 2030, all textiles placed on the EU market must be durable, recyclable, largely made from recycled fibres and free from hazardous substances. Manufacturers worldwide seeking to continue trading with Europe must act now to meet these requirements and remain competitive.
ITMA Sustainability Forum will allow manufacturers to better understand the EU’s legislative landscape
Alex Zucchi, President, CEMATEX underlined that sustainability has become a global priority, saying: “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 the keynote presentation by Kristin Schreiber, Director, European Commission DG GROW. She will provide a comprehensive overview of the EU’s sustainability roadmap and upcoming regulations driving the shift towards circular textile production.
Schreiber emphasized that South and Southeast Asia are vital players in the global textile value chain. “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” she said.
Programme highlights are as follows:
Shaping Sustainability: Responding to EU Policy Changes
Moderator: Ms Nicole van der Elst Desai, Founder, VDE Consultancy
Speaker: Mr Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO, ReHubs
Profit Meets Purpose: Financing Sustainability
Moderator: Mr Brandon Courban, Senior Advisor (Climate), Openspace Ventures
Speakers:
Dr Rene Van Berkel, Senior Circular Economy Expert, Switch Asia, EU Policy Support Component
Ms Iris Ng, Head, Emerging Business & Global Commercial Banking, OCBC Bank
Mr Michael Rattinger, Senior Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Singapore Fashion Council, the official association for the textile and fashion industry in Singapore, is the programme partner of the forum organised by ITMA Services.
