Debuts 30 October 2025 at Singapore Expo
In response to increasing global regulations and the accelerating shift toward a circular economy, CEMATEX (the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) is launching the ITMA Sustainability Forum: Accelerating the Green Transition on 30 October 2025 at the Singapore Expo.
This inaugural, half-day forum aims to support textile and garment manufacturers—especially those from South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East—in navigating the European Union’s evolving sustainability regulations and unlocking green financing opportunities for a successful transition.
Held alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, the forum will convene EU policymakers, financial institutions, and global industry leaders to foster cross-border dialogue and facilitate knowledge exchange.
Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX, remarked: “Sustainability is now a global imperative. The textile industry must act swiftly to modernize production processes in accordance with regulatory frameworks and rising consumer expectations. This forum offers an essential platform for manufacturers to gain insight into the EU’s legislative roadmap and explore financial tools for sustainable transformation.”
A key highlight of the forum will be the keynote address by Ms Kristin Schreiber, Director, European Commission DG GROW, who will share an in-depth overview of the EU’s sustainability vision and the regulations shaping the transition to a circular textile economy.
Ms Schreiber commented: “South and Southeast Asia are critical hubs in the global textile value chain. As many producers in these regions export to the European market, their alignment with upcoming EU regulations is crucial for an inclusive and effective transition. I look forward to exchanging insights on how we can collaborate to build a more sustainable and resilient global textile industry.”
Under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, all textiles placed on the EU market by 2030 must be durable, recyclable, primarily made from recycled fibres, and free from hazardous substances. Global manufacturers must act now to stay compliant and competitive.
Forum Programme Highlights
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
The Singapore Fashion Council, the official association for Singapore’s textile and fashion industry, is the programme partner for the forum, which is organised by ITMA Services.
