#Sustainability

2024-03-21

Romania provides untapped opportunities for Europe’s bio-based sector and green growth

The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), Europe’s leading industry association putting circularity, innovation and sustainability at the heart of the European bioeconomy, has published an updated version of its Country Report on Romania, “Mapping Romania’s bio-based potential”.

The European bioeconomy represented between 10.9-16% of EU GDP in 2019 (EU JRC report 2023). The bio-based industries contributed 814 billion euros to the EU’s economy in 2019 (The European Bioeconomy in Figures 2008-2019).

BIC’s updated Country Report on Romania builds on the first edition released in 2018. It maps out the potential for bio-based growth in the country, highlighting untapped and under-exploited bio-based resources. The report helps to identify new opportunities for the primary sectors, the food and beverage sector, the blue bioeconomy, bio-based chemicals, etc. to valorise side streams and waste that today have low or no value.

Further developing Europe’s bio-based industries in Romania presents opportunities for domestic and foreign investment at a time when green growth is high on the EU agenda. In addition, the EU continues efforts to increase the participation in innovation and research of the EU-13 Widening Countries, which includes Romania.

BIC is a partner in expanding industrial bio-based activities across Europe. To this end, we are focusing on assisting countries that want to benefit more from their enormous potential for a bioeconomy given their availability of sustainable feedstock and presence of innovation centres. Romania’s strong industries in the primary and chemical sectors, combined with its well-organised innovation support infrastructure will make it possible to accelerate bio-based industrial activities and the bioeconomy in the country and the region in the short term.

“We hope that as this report is disseminated, it will promote the bioeconomy and its potential in Romania; that it will motivate all stakeholders – industry, policymakers and academia – to exploit the opportunities for investment and greening the economy. Romania has a strong agricultural sector, which can be the basis for an innovative and sustainable bio-based industry in the country, creating jobs and growth,” said BIC Executive Director Dirk Carrez.

Detailled information and the latest reports for download are available at: www.biconsortium.eu

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.