Cematex, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, has announced the launch of the ITMA Sustainability Forum: Accelerating the Green Transition. Taking place on 30 October at Singapore Expo, the half-day event is intended to help textile and garment manufacturers—particularly from South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East—adapt to the European Union’s fast-evolving sustainability regulations.
The forum will be held alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, and aims to promote cross-border dialogue between EU policymakers, financial institutions and industry leaders. It will also spotlight access to green financing to support the sector’s shift to more sustainable practices.
“Sustainability has become a global priority,” said Alex Zucchi, President of 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 keynote address will be given by Kristin Schreiber, director at the European Commission DG GROW, who will outline the EU’s sustainability roadmap. She commented: “South and Southeast Asia are vital players in the global textile value chain. Their ability to align with upcoming requirements will be critical to a successful and inclusive transition.”
The forum’s programme includes sessions such as Shaping Sustainability: Responding to EU Policy Changes and Profit Meets Purpose: Financing Sustainability, featuring speakers from ReHubs, Switch Asia, OCBC Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. Moderators include Nicole van der Elst Desai of VDE Consultancy and Brandon Courban of Openspace Ventures.