Textile ETP on Tour visits Ghent and Brussels, showing applied research and circular innovation
To provide our members with first-hand insights into cutting-edge research, technologies, and sustainable innovations, we launched ‘Textile ETP on Tour’, an exclusive members-only initiative designed to showcase pioneering developments in textile science and technology. For the sixth edition on 24 September 2026, we visited Ghent and Brussels, in Belgium, a country with a long textile history, to see how applied research and entrepreneurial innovation are helping build a more circular textile industry.
The day began at Centexbel, the Belgian research and knowledge centre for textiles and plastics, which acts as a bridge between industry, research and regulation. Participants were introduced to Centexbel's applied research on textiles, polymers and composites, as well as its wide range of testing and certification services, covering mechanical, chemical, fire, microbiological and sustainability testing. Centexbel also explained how they support companies with innovation, product development and participation in European projects. A guided tour of the laboratories then offered participants a close look at the facilities and expertise that underpin Centexbel’s work. The morning ended with a speed networking session, where participants engaged in several five-minute conversations to help make new connections.
In the afternoon, the group travelled to Brussels to visit Resortecs, a technology startup founded in 2017 that develops industrial-scale recycling and circularity solutions for the fashion, workwear, bedding, and automotive industries. Participants saw the process behind their thermal disassembly system, which automatically separates garment components thanks to smart stitching threads built into the garment from the start. The demonstration showed that repair, reuse, remanufacturing and high-quality material recovery become easier when disassembly is designed in from the beginning rather than worked out later. For brands, manufacturers and recyclers facing growing end-of-life responsibilities, it also showed that practical solutions are already available today.
We warmly thank Centexbel and Resortecs for opening their doors and sharing their expertise, and all participants for joining us in Belgium.
Photos of the event are available here.
The day in Borås was organised as concluding day to the ECOSYSTEX Conference 2026, and welcomed both Textile ETP and ECOSYSTEX members. More Textile ETP on Tour events will follow, and we look forward to seeing you at the next one. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to join Textile ETP and become part of the European community shaping the future of the textile industry.
