Textile ETP at the iTechStyle Summit 2025 in Porto
Once again this May, Textile ETP, represented by our Secretary General Lutz Walter and Project Manager Judith Bosch, attended the iTechStyle Summit 2025, hosted on 26-28 May in Porto, Portugal, by our member CITEVE. The summit, a key event in the European textile innovation calendar, brought together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore the latest developments shaping the future of textiles.
On the opening day, Lutz Walter took part in the first panel discussion on industrial and technology megatrends, covering critical topics such as sustainability, the bioeconomy, digitalisation, regulatory shifts, consumer behaviour, and new business models. His presentation, titled “European Textiles: a Basket of Challenges or a Bouquet of Opportunities?”, stressed that the uncertainty, volatility and rate of change is unprecedented, but the technologies to transform the operations of this industry, has never been greater either.
Across two days, sessions highlighted the crucial role of AI, automation, and advanced materials in driving efficiency and sustainability. From AI-powered design and quality control to cutting-edge biobased and high-performance textiles, the summit underscored that innovation today is as much about strategy and collaboration as it is about technology.
Other key themes included the need for agile, on-demand production, smarter data systems for traceability and compliance, and the growing importance of eco-design as a bridge between creativity, regulation, and environmental responsibility.
As always, Textile ETP is proud to contribute to and learn from this vibrant European innovation ecosystem. We thank the entire CITEVE team, including our Vice-President Braz Costa, for another outstanding edition of the iTechStyle Summit, and we look forward to returning in 2026!
