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Presidency Team Photo (c) European Apparel and Textile Confederation EURATEX
Presidency Team
12.06.2026

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation. 

With a degree in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, Mario Jorge Machado brings extensive industrial experience and a strong commitment to innovation, competitiveness and sustainable transformation. 

Upon his re-election, Mario Jorge Machado said:
“My priority for this new mandate is clear: to strengthen the competitiveness of our industry, ensure that the same rules apply to all products sold in Europe, and support our companies through the green and digital transition. Europe must decarbonise its industry, not deindustrialise it.” 

Three priorities for the new mandate

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation. 

With a degree in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, Mario Jorge Machado brings extensive industrial experience and a strong commitment to innovation, competitiveness and sustainable transformation. 

Upon his re-election, Mario Jorge Machado said:
“My priority for this new mandate is clear: to strengthen the competitiveness of our industry, ensure that the same rules apply to all products sold in Europe, and support our companies through the green and digital transition. Europe must decarbonise its industry, not deindustrialise it.” 

Three priorities for the new mandate

1. Competitiveness as the foundation
Mario Jorge Machado has made clear that competitiveness must be the starting point for any successful industrial policy. In his recent Brussels address, he stressed that without competitiveness there can be no investment, no innovation, no sustainability and no strategic autonomy. He will therefore continue to push for a stronger business environment for textile companies, with support for investment in automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, skills and innovation, especially for SMEs. 

2. A genuine level playing field
A second key priority is to ensure that the same rules apply to everything sold in Europe, not only to what is made in Europe. Mario Jorge Machado has repeatedly called for stronger market surveillance, better border enforcement and more effective control of imports sold through digital platforms, so that European companies are not put at a disadvantage against products that bypass EU safety, environmental and consumer rules. EURATEX will continue to advocate for equal enforcement, fair competition and a market where compliance is rewarded. 

3. Supporting industry through the transition
Mario Jorge Machado also wants to ensure that the green and digital transition strengthens European industry rather than weakening it. He has underlined that sustainability must become a source of competitiveness, not a burden, and that companies need realistic rules, affordable energy, workable implementation and targeted support to adapt successfully. He has also stressed the importance of stimulating demand for sustainable European-made textiles, including through public procurement and transparency tools that are feasible for companies. 

Presidency Team
The General Assembly also confirmed the composition of the EURATEX Presidency Team, which will support the President in steering the organisation’s strategic direction:

  • Mr. Franz Peter Falke, T+M, Germany
  • Ms. Barbara Cimmino, Confindustria Moda, Italy
  • Mr. Ismail Kolunsag, IHKIB, Türkiye 
  • Mr. Grégory Marchand, UIT, France 
Source:

European Apparel and Textile Confederation EURATEX

Trends 2027 will equip fairgoers with design insights to navigate the latest trends shaping the industry, across three directions: RE-DECORATE, RE-CONNECT, and RE-USE. Photo: Messe Frankfurt
Trends 2027 will equip fairgoers with design insights to navigate the latest trends shaping the industry, across three directions: RE-DECORATE, RE-CONNECT, and RE-USE.
24.05.2026

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles: Trends 2027, New Lifestyle Zone and Product Expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Amid a shifting market landscape shaped by greener consumption policies in China, the rise of home-centric lifestyles, and growing demand for multi-functional and emotionally resonant interiors[1], the fair serves as a key platform for trend-led sourcing, cross-sector collaboration, and business exchange. These developments will be reflected across four halls, from curated displays to exhibitor showcases aligned with emerging consumer preferences.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Amid a shifting market landscape shaped by greener consumption policies in China, the rise of home-centric lifestyles, and growing demand for multi-functional and emotionally resonant interiors[1], the fair serves as a key platform for trend-led sourcing, cross-sector collaboration, and business exchange. These developments will be reflected across four halls, from curated displays to exhibitor showcases aligned with emerging consumer preferences.

Guided by NellyRodi™ Agency, the 2027 trend directions are developed by a committee including the agency’s Founder and Trendsetter Ms Nelly Rodi, Global Creative Director Ms Cécile Rosenstrauch, and Founder and Design Director of the Interior Architects Design Mr Shen Lei. At the fair, the concept ‘BREATHE UP!’ will be brought to life through a dedicated trend area featuring curated spaces and immersive installations, offering visitors a preview of the season’s key directions.

‘BREATHE UP!’ reflects a renewed search for balance and vitality in an increasingly complex world. Inspired by the rhythm of breathing, the theme explores how design can restore emotional well-being, reconnect individuals with their surroundings, and open new creative possibilities at home. It captures a shift from purely functional living spaces towards environments that nurture both body and mind, a transition that will be echoed in product innovations presented onsite.

The concept unfolds through three key textile directions. RE-DECORATE celebrates expressive interiors, where bold aesthetics, rich textures, and artisanal craftsmanship transform the home into a stage for individuality and creativity. RE-CONNECT embraces a softer, more mindful approach, combining pared-back design with intelligent functionality to create calm, restorative spaces. RE-USE highlights circular thinking, encouraging experimentation with recycled materials and innovative processes to redefine sustainability as both practical and aesthetic. 

New zone and offerings reflect lifestyle convergence, emerging demand
In response to the continued expansion of lifestyle-driven consumption, and the growing desire for more holistic, well-being-oriented living environments, the fair will also introduce the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone, bringing together complementary categories such as carpets, wallpapers, aromatherapy, and home accessories. Featuring highlighted exhibitors such as Simple Home and Zhejiang Nine home Co Ltd, this new zone reflects the growing integration between home textiles and broader lifestyle products, as consumers increasingly seek cohesive, experience-led living environments. It also broadens the show’s offering, providing visitors with a more comprehensive resource across core home textiles and a wider range of home products.
 
Meanwhile, the fair will expand its commerce product scope, tapping into a fast-growing segment in consumer market and reflecting the increasing integration of digital shopping experiences into everyday lifestyles. With the growing adoption of e-commerce platforms and digital retail tools in brand strategies, this addition aims to help exhibitors capture emerging opportunities and reach new customer groups.
 
Aligned with China’s policy direction towards sustainable development, green consumption, and commercial refurbishment, the fair will further spotlight exhibitors specialising in contract business and eco-friendly innovations, helping to meet rising demand for low-carbon, wellness-oriented, and future-ready living spaces. These better positions the fair to connect exhibitors with buyers in the hospitality, contract, and public sectors seeking practical solutions that support sustainable operations and the ongoing upgrading of built environments.
 
Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).

Source:

Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd