ETSA and TenCate take on the Dutch Permanent Representation to the Commission

In the last week of October, ETSA Secretariat journeyed to the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the EU for an event called "Free your Wardrobe." The event was organized by the Dutch Permanent Representation to the Commission in order to bring attention to the large carbon footprint of the textiles industry while also encouraging the extending of the lifespan of textiles. through responsible consumer behavior. It was at this event that ETSA interacted with the policymakers present and underlined the important role textile services play in extending the lifespan of textile products, and in recycling, upcycling and circularity moreover.

ETSA was joined at the event by one of our valued Dutch Members, TenCate Protective Fabrics, represented by Marcel Jansen. Mr Jansen was able to showcase some of the great work TenCate does in using recycled polyester for protective equipment ( among other work they do). ETSA and TenCate had direct interaction and productive dialogue with both the Dutch Deputy and Senior Representative Ambassador to the European Union, Mr Michael Stibbe and Robert de Groot respectively as well as countless other policymakers at the event. 

The day was concluded when ETSA Secretary-General Elena Lai  shared the stage with Ambassador De Grot, as well as the Director General of Environment at the European Commission, Florika Fink-Hooijer and addressed the room full of participants outlining the benefits of textile services, and our industry's upmost commitment to fulfilling the goals of the European Climate Pact, despite the plethora of crisis' which befall our European Union.