ETP Textile

The European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (Textile ETP) is the largest European open expert network dedicated to advancing research and innovation within the textile and clothing industry. Our primary activities encompass networking, learning, and facilitating access to European Union funding opportunities. As a Strategic Connector, Textile ETP serves as the foremost networking organization for textile research and innovation in Europe. Through our online platform, networking events, and webinars, textile innovation experts from across Europe can connect, build relationships, and initiate collaborations for mutual benefit. Our Annual Public Conference presents the main results of the preceding year's work, introduces new projects and initiatives, and provides a platform for our members to share strategic developments and outcomes of EU projects while engaging with EU policymakers. From our Annual Public Conference to the Annual General Assembly, through company and lab visits, thematic workshops, and webinars, our networking activities cover a wide range of research, technology, industry, and policy subjects tailored to the needs and interests expressed by our members. Since 2023, we have been coordinating dynamic Innovation Hubs, which have evolved into broader, more collaborative spaces for innovation and diverse activities. These hubs bring together textile companies, research organizations, brands, and retailers in a thriving ecosystem to discover, network, and collaborate on the latest topics shaping the future of the textile industry. As an Intelligence and Funding Access Provider, Textile ETP offers its members timely and focused access to information on new textile research and technology developments across Europe, as well as EU funding opportunities. Our members-only brokerage system facilitates access to EU funding by supporting our members in forming strong project consortia for successful funding applications. Since 2024, Textile ETP has been coordinating the new European co-funded and co-programmed partnership "Textiles of the Future." In 2024, during the EU Research and Innovation Days, the European Commission announced the "Textiles of the Future" partnership, which is central to the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027. This partnership addresses the green and digital transition, aiming for a more resilient, competitive, inclusive, and democratic Europe. As a Think Tank and Advocate, Textile ETP has been nominated to co-manage this partnership and to develop the Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda, guiding the dedicated calls for proposals under Cluster 4 of the Horizon Europe program between 2025 and 2027. Collectively with our members, Textile ETP has been developing strategic roadmaps and thematic opinion and position papers. Together with our full members, we engage with European research, innovation, and higher education policymakers to inform them about textile innovation potential and research needs, ensuring these are reflected in EU policies and funding programs targeting the textile sector. The Textile Project Proposal Information Exchange System (TEPPIES) is our members-only brokerage system designed to help our research and industry members form strong European consortia to successfully apply for funding opportunities provided by the EU research and innovation framework program. Textile ETP monitors textile-related calls for proposals and tenders from EU programs (e.g., Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund) and informs its members about these opportunities. Through a system of non-confidential expressions of interest (EoI), members signal their interest to lead a project proposal in response to specific thematic calls for proposals published by the European Commission. All EoIs are collected by Textile ETP and distributed to all members. At a brokerage event, well in advance of the EU submission deadline, all project promoters have the chance to pitch their project ideas and find expertise and partners they may still be missing in their consortium. No screening or pre-evaluation of these project ideas takes place, nor does Textile ETP intervene in the partnership building, project proposal preparation, and submission process. All Textile ETP members can request a letter of support signed by the Textile ETP secretariat, guaranteeing free access to all communication and dissemination channels of the organization in case the project is accepted for funding and implemented. Textile ETP on Tour is an exclusive initiative for Textile ETP members that brings participants closer to the heart of innovation in the textile sector. Over two days, participants visit leading research organizations, universities, and pioneering companies within a specific region. These visits offer a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insights into groundbreaking technologies, advanced research projects, and innovative practices shaping the industry. Whether you're looking to gain knowledge, build valuable connections, or explore potential collaborations with hosting organizations and visited companies, Textile ETP on Tour is designed to inspire and foster partnerships. Gathering EU-funded member projects focusing on textile sustainability, ECOSYSTEX, the European Community of Practice for a Sustainable Textile Ecosystem, was formally launched in early 2023 with a mission to accelerate collaboration in the textile sustainability and circularity field. As a joint initiative of the European Commission's Research Executive Agency (REA), the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), and the Circular-Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking, and facilitated by Textile ETP, this network of textile circularity projects aims to create a long-term community of practice, ensuring collaboration across project consortia and lasting beyond the individual projects' durations. ECOSYSTEX aims to become the central European knowledge hub and go-to resource for the latest research work and technology state-of-the-art information on all matters related to textile sustainability and circularity.