Mario Jorge Machado
elected chair of Euratex
Face to face with the Portuguese textile entrepreneur
Portuguese textile entrepreneur Mario Jorge Machado was elected chair of Euratex at the General Meeting held on 14 June. We asked him a few questions to find out more about the plans and goals he has set out for his mandate, especially in terms of sustainability and innovation.
Are we finally there? European lawmakers have understood the need to reduce or even eliminate environmental harm, but are consumers really ready to abandon what they are used to and make a real commitment to the health of the planet, even if that means spending more?
The European Union has made significant progress in promoting sustainability by adopting measures such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), which encourage transparency and traceability along the entire value chain. However, real change depends on the commitment of consumers, who must align their choices with their sustainability values. Although prices might be a little higher at the start, innovation in the sector is bringing costs down and making sustainable products more accessible. The future of the planet depends on this collective effort between politicians, industry and consumers.
Since the pandemic, there has been a growing desire to live in closer harmony with
nature, favouring less sophisticated and longer-lasting practices and products. Do you
think this will benefit the revival and leadership of the European textile industry?
Yes, research into longer-lasting products in line with sustainable practices is a unique opportunity for the European textile industry to reaffirm its leadership. With its tradition of quality and innovation, the sector is well placed to respond to this new dynamic. Implementing circular economy models and developing new sustainable materials are essential to consolidate this position. In addition, Euratex’s innovation support programme is a strategic tool that will enable companies to develop more advanced solutions, aligning durability, environmental responsibility and competitiveness.
What action should be taken at institutional level to counter the punishing policies of large parts of the world against European textile/clothing products?
The trade barriers faced by European industry reflect unequal practices that limit access to global markets. The European Union must defend a level playing field by negotiating trade agreements that include sustainability and social accountability criteria. It is also important to strengthen the implementation of international standards that guarantee a level of demand equivalent to that in Europe. Europe’s innovation, quality and high environmental standards must be promoted as competitive differentiators and protected in multilateral negotiations.
In a sector such as textile production, what and how much scope is there for technological and digital development?
Undoubtedly, technological development continues to be an essential driver of transformation in the textile sector. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and functional new materials are leading to the creation of more efficient, customised and sustainable products. The integration of tools such as the DPP and the use of the PEF enables businesses to identify and optimize processes along the value chain, cutting costs and boosting efficiency. These innovations ensure that the European industry remains competitive, offering high-performing and affordable products on the global market.
