The AEQUALIS4TCLF project was presented at the VERDEinMED Final Conference, held on 13 March 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece, during the roundtable discussion “Making Circularity Work: Synergies Across the Textile Value Chain.”
Representing the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), AEQUALIS4TCLF partner, Katarina Momčilović Matić contributed to the discussion on how skills development can support the transition towards a more circular and sustainable textile and fashion ecosystem.
The roundtable gathered representatives of several EU-funded projects working on different aspects of textile circularity, including innovation, market trends, vocational education, repair solutions and the role of business support organizations.
Responding to emerging skills needs
The discussion highlighted that the textile sector is currently facing a dual transformation driven by sustainability requirements and digitalization. Companies are increasingly required to develop competencies related to eco-design, sustainable materials, traceability systems and digital tools supporting transparency across supply chains.
Particular attention was given to the challenges faced by SMEs, which often lack access to flexible training opportunities despite being at the center of the textile ecosystem.
Strengthening cooperation across the textile ecosystem
The conference also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other EU initiatives and to explore potential future collaboration between projects working on circular textiles.
Discussions emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between innovation projects, education providers and industry organizations to ensure that knowledge and tools developed within projects can be scaled and transferred to companies more effectively.
Supporting a resilient and future-ready textile sector
The AEQUALIS4TCLF presentation concluded by stressing that the transformation of the textile and fashion sector is not only about technology or regulation, but about investing in people.
By developing micro-credentials, supporting the EU TCLF Skills Strategy and strengthening cooperation between industry and education, AEQUALIS4TCLF contributes to building a more resilient, innovative and competitive textile ecosystem capable of supporting Europe’s green and digital transition.
