 6 PROF. ASSEN ZLATAROV STR., OFFICE 3, VARNA  +359 52 802 163  OFFICE@RAPIV.ORG   |
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TEX-DAN International conference in Zagreb On 11–12 June 2025, the international mid-term conference of the TEX-DAN project took place in Zagreb, bringing together all project partners, representatives of the related GREEN-TEX project, experts, academics, policymakers, and small and medium-sized enterprises from the textile industry. The event aimed to showcase the progress achieved so far, exchange experience and good practices, and strengthen cooperation between the two projects in support of the circular economy in the textile sector of the Danube Region.
The programme began on 11 June with a partner meeting dedicated to reviewing TEX-DAN’s progress. During the meeting, RAPIV presented a framework for developing a strategy to enhance circularity in the textile and fashion value chain across the Danube Region. A draft concept for conducting national workshops in the partner countries was also introduced.
The meeting also featured a good practice from the WE.Circular project, highlighting an innovative approach to developing strategic policy documents through the so-called WE.Build: Action Plan Game—a board game created by RAPIV. The game offers a structured and interactive way of shaping policies and practical action plans by simulating real-life situations and decision-making processes.
The main conference was held on 12 June and was opened by Mr. Mate Kovač, Head of the Entrepreneurship Support and Development Department at HAMAG-BICRO. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Aleksandra Anić-Vučinić from the University of Zagreb, who presented the latest developments on extended producer responsibility in the textile industry.
Mr. Bendo Zoltán (STRIA – Lead Partner of TEX-DAN) then presented the project’s results and ongoing activities, followed by Ms. Katalin Kása-Kovács from the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg Danube Programme, who provided an overview of current and upcoming funding opportunities under the programme.
Particular interest was generated by the presentations of SMEs involved in TEX-DAN’s pilot activities. Companies from Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and the Czech Republic shared their experiences, challenges, and solutions in implementing sustainable and circular business models in the textile industry. TCBL experts offered feedback and recommendations on how to increase the market visibility of the companies showcased.
The afternoon session focused on the synergies between TEX-DAN and GREEN-TEX. Joint activities and results of the cooperation were presented, and a cooperation pact was officially signed: TEX-DAN joined the pact through its partners JAIP (Czech Republic), RARS (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and NARA-SK (Slovakia), alongside the University of Zagreb.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring three Croatian SMEs – Textiloop, Galeb, and Sabant – which presented their achievements and challenges in introducing green technologies and sustainable business practices. These included securing initial financing, transitioning to in-house energy production, and overcoming market barriers. All participants highlighted the importance of policies supporting sustainable consumption and welcomed the recently introduced eco-tax in France on low-cost textile products, aimed at encouraging responsible production and consumption.
A campaign will soon be launched to recruit companies from the textile and fashion supply chain, interested in participating in upcoming matchmaking activities under the project. These activities will create new opportunities for transnational cooperation, exchange of experience, and the adoption of innovative solutions in support of the circular economy.
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REGIONAL AGENCY FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATIONS – VARNA (RAPIV) |
Varna, Bulgaria tel.: +359 882 809 178 +359 52 802 163 office@rapiv.org |
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