#Associations

2021-03-25

Which skills companies need from their workforce

EURATEX, CEC and COTANCE run a survey between February and March 2021 among TCLF (Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear) companies to understand what are their skills’ needs, which are the most common challenges to up/reskill their workforce and how they can keep competitive in such a globalised world.

Over 150 companies replied to the survey out of which 53 represented Textile and Clothing sectors.

The majority of respondents finds that skills related to process and production are still lacking, and they will still be important in the years to come. 2 out of 3 respondents already up/reskill their workforce for digital skills, and 35% provide up/reskilling activities for green skills.

How could the EU help companies in up/reskilling the workforce Respondents prioritise financial support (as the most effective mechanism to increase employees’ training), collaboration – both on the level of industry stakeholders as well as collaboration with education providers and policy makers – and support in providing better offer and exchange of knowledge as key actions that are critical to ensure appropriate approach towards the up/reskilling initiatives in the industries.

Respondents as one of the main challenges that restrained them from using external/public resources for up/reskilling pointed out the lack of knowledge and information about the offer, lack of programmes for the industry and challenging list of conditions that often left them unable to use this kind of supporting measures.

Key findings from the survey:

• In terms of currect skills needs of companies, process and production skills were selected by 79% of respondents, followed closely by Digital skills needs (61%) and Green skills (35%);

• 70% of respondents implement currently up/reskilling activities to meet process and production skills needs, and 88% foresee them as important or very important in the next 5 years;

• 61 % of respondents implement currently up/reskilling activities to meet?digital skills needs, and 86% foresee them as important?or very important in the next 5 years;

• 40% of respondents implement currently up/reskilling activities to meet?green skills needs, and 65% foresee them as important or very important in the next 5 years;

• Each year, less than 24% of workers take part in up/reskilling activities, according to of 77% respondents;

• Time-related constraints, as well as financial costs, are the key obstacles to conduct training, implement mentoring and apprenticeship programmes. 42% highlighted also Lack of adequate courses, facilities, or teachers as a problem for general training activities, while for both mentoring and apprenticeship Lack of internal human resources to supervise is an issue;

• 56% of respondents admit to using a mix of financial sources coming from company and external funding schemes (in the form of financial incentives, collaboration with education providers, and contribution to Social Security systems or tax reliefs for training activities / R&D);

• The EC measures for the re/upskilling activities – the key action selected by the respondents is focused on Building strong skills partnerships among all relevant stakeholders (83% respondents selected important or very important).

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

EDANA warns of consequences of misclassification of PET spunbond imports

EDANA would like to remind its members and industry stakeholders of the legal requirement to comply with the EU rules on customs classification when importing nonwovens from third countries outside the EU. In this regard, it was recently discovered that there appears to be a high level of customs misclassification occurring in our industry. This could have dangerous and costly consequences for importers.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.