Mario Jorge Machado Elected President of EURATEX: A New Chapter for European Textiles

In a pivotal moment for the European textile industry, Mario Jorge Machado has been elected President of EURATEX during its recent General Assembly on June 14th. With an illustrious career spanning decades in the textile sector, Machado brings a wealth of expertise and a strategic vision aimed at revitalizing European competitiveness and sustainability.

Currently serving as a shareholder and director at "Adalberto Textile Solutions, S.A.", Machado has been at the forefront of applying advanced management practices to enhance competitiveness and foster innovation within the industry. His leadership as President of the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP) since 2019 has been marked by a steadfast commitment to promoting sustainability and driving strategic initiatives that position Portugal as a leader in textile innovation.

A graduate in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, Machado's career has been defined by his dedication to continuous process improvement and the development of both B2B and B2C business models. His advocacy for operational excellence and sustainable practices has been instrumental in shaping the evolution of the textile industry, not only in Portugal but across Europe.

Upon assuming the presidency of EURATEX, Machado articulated a compelling vision focused on reversing the declining growth rates of the European textile industry compared to global competitors. Emphasizing the need for a robust industrial strategy, Machado underscored the importance of policy makers recognizing the pivotal role of the textile sector in Europe's economic landscape.

"The textile industry cannot be treated as a mere bargaining chip in global negotiations," Machado asserted. "We must align policy frameworks to empower our industry to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market."

Acknowledging the recent strides made in sustainability legislation within the EU, Machado emphasized the critical role of EURATEX in advocating for policies that ensure a balanced approach between regulatory imperatives and industry adaptation. He stressed the necessity of integrating consumer perspectives into legislative frameworks to foster genuine sustainability practices across the sector.

In tandem with Machado's election, Alberto Paccanelli was honored with the position of Honorary President, recognizing his steadfast dedication to EURATEX and his pivotal role in advancing the industry's agenda in Brussels over the past decade.

Reflecting on his tenure, Paccanelli highlighted key priorities for EURATEX moving forward, including the imperative for sustainability and competitiveness to be mutually reinforcing. He advocated for equitable market access conditions globally and urged for increased funding to support European textile companies in their transition towards sustainability and innovation-driven models.

As Machado assumes leadership at EURATEX, he stands poised to lead the industry through a transformative period, advocating for policies that not only bolster competitiveness but also reinforce Europe's position as a global leader in sustainable textile practices. With his strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to industry advancement, Machado is set to chart a new course that promises to redefine the future of European textiles on the global stage.