Official Opening of Circular Textile Days 2026
15:00–15:05
Circular Textile Days 2026 will officially be opened by Fleur Gräper-van Koolwijk, Mayor of Tilburg. In her opening remarks, she will welcome the international textile community to Tilburg and mark the start of two days dedicated to collaboration, innovation and accelerating the transition towards a circular textile industry.
Preview program
- Law & LegislationMAIN STAGE, 10:00 am - 11:30 amA concise update from the European Commission on the latest European legislation and policy developments impacting the textile industry, followed by an open Q&A.
Featuring: Carsten Wentink – European Commission, Edwin Maes – Centexbel, Jeannet van der Stoel – GS1, Patrick Welp – Vodde, Moderated by Bianca Streng - Regulating Towards Circular Textiles: An Inspector's PerspectiveMAIN STAGE, 11:40 am - 12:00 pmAn introduction to the role of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate and how regulation is translated into practical enforcement.
Marietta Harjono – Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate - The Dutch Circular Textile Industry 2026: Mapping the FrontrunnersMAIN STAGE, 1:20 pm - 1:50 pmRVO presents the 2026 edition of The Dutch Circular Textile Industry, the sector guide showcasing Dutch frontrunners driving the transition towards circular textiles.
Speaker: Friso Pietersen, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) - The Value We WearMAIN STAGE, 2:00 pm - 2:20 pmHow emotional value can extend the life of textiles.
Ellen Haeser - The Value We CreateMAIN STAGE, 2:30 pm - 3:00 pmHow can brands create lasting value in a market that increasingly asks consumers to buy less and choose better?
Moderated by Ellen Haeser - Official Opening of Circular Textile Days 2026MAIN STAGE, 3:00 pm - 3:05 pmFleur Gräper-van Koolwijk – Mayor of Tilburg
