Fibre2Fashion Magazine June 2018 June 2018 | Page 138

Summit
remark that in Europe this industry has shrunk into a
niche industry specialising in hi-tech products which
for the time being are relatively safe from attacks by
Chinese and other foreign mass producers.
Since 2005, when after a period of 30 years the
Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) no longer adequately
protected the industry, the total annual turnover of
the European textiles and apparel companies has
fallen by nearly 20 per cent. Many parents continue
thinking that the textiles and clothing industry is a
sunset industry and try dissuading their children from
taking up courses in textile schools. The average age
of European textile workers is increasing. Textiles and
garment companies find it increasingly difficult to find
employees with the right skills.
But an optimist like Canonico also looks at the
bright side of the sector where he sees a lot of
precious strengths partly traditional and partly newly
acquired. Since 2005, the annual total value added
of the European textiles and apparel companies has
increased by 36 per cent. The world’s top companies in
fashion, luxury clothing, personal protection clothing,
technical textiles, sustainable textiles, can all be found
in Europe. Since 2015, employment in the sector is
again on the rise and, though on a very modest scale,
some previously delocalised production capacities are
coming back.
The ambitious ultimate goal of Fashion for Good is to pilot
the global fashion sector into the circular economy.
innovators who are currently looking for capital, and for
supporting networks that should enable them to grab
their chance.
A good idea is no longer enough
Ash Mauray, author of the book Startup Lean, wrote:
“We live in a fantastic time to launch a startup or a new
product. And yet, most initiatives go wrong. The reason
is not that we don’t try hard enough, but that we waste
time, money and energy to develop a product that
nobody is waiting for.”
So, the first question the audience at the ETP event
in Brussels probably had in mind when 20 startups
pitched their special idea and connected business plan
was: “Is there a market for
such product?” For a few
years, in many countries
potential investors will
spontaneously add a
second question: “Can
this startup contribute to
sustainability?” For, it is
dawning even on ultra-
conservative economists
and financial analysts
that limitless growth is a
fairy tale without a happy
ending.
It can’t be expected
that startups, even
with a big potential for
sustainable growth, will
succeed on their own
in transforming the
European textiles and
apparel industry. Also,
responsible authorities
Most starters do not expect that their smart, well-aimed business project—when introduced in the market—will enter the
and conscious consumers
inexorable world of cybernetics, where feedbacks of all kinds will force them to adapt the project, not once, but again and again.
have an important role
to play. But listening to
What Canonico likes most is that new technologies
ambitious starters who are deeply convinced that they
and urgent sustainability requirements create
will make a difference in the sector, in and outside
numerous opportunities. Euratex handpicked
Europe, is an exciting experience. Let’s have a closer
some 20 starters from the enthusiastic phalanx of
look at three of them.
138  | FIBRE 2 FASHION JUNE 2018