RETRAKT EU Conference 2026

“Turning Challenges into Chances”

The textile and fashion sector is facing huge changes in the transition to a Circular Economy. At the same time this transformation has the potential to initiate innovation and to drive job creation in the European textile sector.

Be part of our RETRAKT EU Conference, where we will focus on success models from circular business to advanced textile recycling facilities and upcoming technologies. Listen for example to a presentation of Pedro Gonçalves from EURATEX on chances for a European circular textile sector and the EU policy vision or get to know more about a successful circular corporate fashion model by Jaap Rijnsdorp from Schijvens Corporate Fashion. Looking beyond the EU horizon, an international perspective by Deb Zell from PlsReturnIt Inc on textile legislation strongly promoted by the State of California is completing the agenda. Further details on the presentation program will follow soon.

Moreover, enjoy our networking opportunities and exchange in an interactive coffee break: Our multiple partners will showcase circular activities from the Digital Product Passport to cross-border collaboration in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine and are looking forward to exchanging best-practices and project results.

By bringing together stakeholders from the textile industry, European policy, and international research, the event aims to identify pathways for building resilient, circular ecosystems that generate both economic and social value across Europe.

Within the research project RETRAKT, we shape transformation processes sustainably to find resilient solutions for a future-ready textile industry. Please ´Join the Circle of exchange` on the future of the textile sector in Europe at our RETRAKT EU Conference in Brussels on 19 November 2026.