Textile ETP on Tour visits Lombardy, a premier European hub for technical textiles
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 fourth edition on 23-24 March 2026, we visited the Lombardy region, in Italy, a premier European hub for technical textiles, blending 150 years of industrial tradition with advanced research in materials and sustainability.
The first day opened at Centrocot headquarters in Busto Arsizio, where Mauro Sampellegrini from Confindustria Moda provided an overview of Italy's textile and fashion industry landscape, including insights into the EU Agile Regulation and the broader innovation ecosystem of the Lombardy territory. Centrocot CEO Grazia Cerini then introduced Centrocot's mission, its extensive network of connections and partners, and its role as one of Italy's leading textile testing and certification bodies.
Members were treated to a full tour of Centrocot's laboratories, covering the full breadth of the centre's capabilities: fibre composition analysis, chemical and dyeing labs, finishing process testing (including oil and water repellency), PPE certification and garment breakability testing, footwear testing, and fire and heat resistance testing. The visit continued at the Centrocot MultiLab, where a series of innovations developed through collaborative research projects were showcased, illustrating the centre's commitment to applied textile science.
The afternoon brought a panel discussion on defence and protection technologies, featuring Mauro Sampellegrini (Confindustria Moda), Claudio Brugnoni (Centrocot), Mattia Muracchioli (STAM Srl), and Emanuele Merlo (Lombardy Aerospace Cluster), moderated by Judith Bosch (Textile ETP). The session sparked lively exchanges with the audience on the role of advanced textiles in safety and defence applications. The day concluded with a speed dating session, giving participants the opportunity to connect one-on-one and explore potential collaborations across Europe.
The second day was dedicated to company visits, offering members an inside look at two historic Lombardy-based manufacturers. The morning began at SAATI, a global leader with over 90 years of history, headquartered in Appiano Gentile. Paolo Canonico and Giacomo Michele Zaina guided participants through two production plants, covering SAATI's wide-ranging activities in filtration, technical and metal-woven fabrics, and more. The visit concluded with a dedicated presentation by Monica Principi on SAATI's protection fabrics, technologies engineered to save lives across military, law enforcement, and civil applications worldwide.
In the afternoon, members visited GRASSI 1925, a family-run company approaching its 101st year and a leading Italian specialist in high-performance technical workwear, protective clothing, and uniforms for public administration, military, and corporate clients. Simone Grassi and Giulio Grassi walked participants through their product portfolio and fully verticalised production chain, before a tour of the onsite production line brought the manufacturing process to life.
A special thank you to Centocot and Confindustria Moda for supporting us in making this initiative a reality!
Photos of the event are available here.
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.
