TexDistrict 2026: Talent, Innovation, and Circularity for the Textile Industry

TexDistrict 2026: Talent, Innovation, and Circularity for the Textile Industry
April 29 from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Circular Materials Center – Etienne Sabbelaan 49 – 8500 Kortrijk

In the face of digitalization, eco-design requirements, new skills, and European regulations on circularity, the textile sector is undergoing a profound transformation. To support these changes, TexDistrict 2026 will bring together talent, innovation, industry, and design through a program rich in dialogue and inspiration.

This event offers companies and stakeholders in the textile industry the opportunity to discover concrete solutions, inspiring practical examples, and new partnerships to address the sector’s challenges today.

Participants will be able to attend thematic sessions, technology demonstrations, a panel discussion with key players in the textile industry, and presentations on design and innovative materials.

Simultaneous translation from Dutch to French will be provided for the presentations throughout the event.
On the program:

• 2:30 p.m. | Welcome
• 3:00 p.m. | Welcome remarks
  , Stefaan Verhamme – Cluster Manager, POM West Flanders

Concurrent sessions – 3:15 p.m.

Tex Talent: Investing Together in Sustainable Skills
How can we address the labor shortage in the textile sector? How can we embed knowledge within the organization and leverage technology to improve employee training and retention?

Speakers:

• Liesbeth Huygebaert – POM West Flanders
• Anne-Sophie Giraud – Promotex-UITH
• Sylviane Cormons – Informa
• Ellen De Vleeschouwer – Aarova

Technology in Action

Five demonstrations will showcase tools designed to support work and training, based on real-world applications in the textile industry.

Tex Innovation: Eco-design as a driver of competitiveness

In light of new European regulations—notably the ESPR and the Digital Product Passport —and growing pressure to promote circularity, eco-design is becoming a strategic tool for textile companies.

Speakers:

• Evy Vancalbergh – POM West Flanders
• Isabel De Schrijver – Centexbel
• Jeanne Meillier – EuraMaterials

On the agenda:

• Creation of interregional ecosystems
• Eco-design strategies for circular and recyclable textile systems
• Made with recycled polyester

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4:30 p.m. | Demonstrations and break

During the break, participants will have the opportunity to explore:

• Tex Design 2025: Spell Blanket, by Emma Cogné
• Innovation Wall – Issue 3, showcasing circular materials and innovative products

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5:30 p.m. | Tex Industry: How Can We Make the Textile Industry Circular in Belgium?

A panel discussion moderated by Karen Van Obbergen (Manufacturing Industry Work Agenda) will bring together several key players in the sector:

• Frank Veranneman – Fedustria / Sioen
• Jan Merckx – CiLAB
• Ruben Puype – Bekaert Deslee
• Tine Pieters – Belysse

The discussions will focus in particular on:

• the practical implementation of the new EPR system for textiles,
• the role of Retexbel,
• the development of an effective ecosystem for the reuse and repair of textiles.

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6:00 p.m. | Tex Design

Presentation of Tex Design 2026 and Innovation Wall 2026, focusing on materials as a system and a driver of innovation.

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7:15 p.m. | Closing remarks
, Jean de Bethune – President of POM West Flanders

7:30 p.m. | Networking & cocktail reception