Textile Industry Engagement with Government on Sustainability and Economic Policy

No time to read?
Get a summary

The government excludes the textile industry from helping the gas-intensive industries

In Ontinyent this Tuesday, Bernabé met with the president of the Spanish Intertextile Council (CIE) and with a leading industry representative from Ateval, the Valencia Community Textile Entrepreneurs Association. The goal was to listen to the sector’s needs after the decision to deny gas aid to finishing companies sparked criticism from employers. The gathering underscored the risk that as many as 4,500 jobs and a turnover of 600 million euros could be jeopardized if support programs remain uneven across subsectors.

During the visit, which included on-site tours of several manufacturing facilities, the government delegate signaled a renewed commitment to open dialogue. The discussions stressed cooperation, coordination, and persistent communication with the economic sectors, signaling the government’s willingness to work together to address sector-specific challenges through constructive engagement.

Officials announced that 100 million euros have been earmarked for the textile sector under the circular economy PERTE initiative. These funds are intended to support investments in infrastructure, new technologies, and waste management R&D, including the use of recycled or renewable raw materials. The PERTE also contemplates 192 million euros in aid to boost the competitiveness and innovation of textile companies.

At the same time, decarbonization of the industry remains a core objective of the PERTE, which envisions public investments of 3.1 billion euros to mobilize up to 11.8 billion euros in total. This framework aims to foster cleaner processes and greater energy efficiency within the sector, aligning industry dynamics with international competitiveness goals and helping to create jobs, potentially around 8,000 new positions.

In this context, Pepe Serna indicated plans to meet with the PERTE commissioner the following day to explore the opportunities for the textile sector. The dialogue includes collaboration with the Textile and Fashion Observatory and engagement with major retailers in Spain, such as Inditex and Adolfo Dominguez, to strengthen the supply chain and market access [Citation: Ateval].

Serna remarked that this visit marked a notable moment, as it was the first time a government delegate had toured the industry rather than Ateval itself. He stressed the importance of high-level government understanding of sector realities to foster innovation, circular economy progress, and the overall development of the textile industry [Citation: Ateval].

Following the site visits, the delegation proceeded to Ateval facilities for a focused discussion on the main issues facing the textile sector and strategies for effective collaboration. Topics included the impact of rising industrial gas prices, disruptions in international raw material supply, and shortages of skilled labor that could hamper industry growth. The conversations highlighted the need for practical, policy-driven solutions to stabilize costs, ensure reliable inputs, and attract qualified workers to sustain output.

Additionally, the Valencia textile cluster was assessed alongside the latest industry data, highlighting key trends, progress in digital transformation, and ongoing efforts to shift toward a circular business model. Participants urged a clear and consistent industrial policy and stronger cluster consolidation to accelerate sector-wide modernization and resilience [Citation: Ateval].

On the subject of policy direction, Serna emphasized that the textile sector remains a national reference point. He called for fewer barriers to trade and greater reciprocity in international markets, alongside tighter controls on product imports to ensure fair competition and high domestic standards. The aim is to sustain a robust, export-oriented industry that thrives on innovation and responsible sourcing [Citation: Ateval].

Ateval, alongside the Spanish Intertextile Council President Pepe Serna and Ateval’s 1st Vice President Càndid Penalba, represented the sector at the meeting, joined by regional leaders such as José Martínez of Alcoy, Rafa Lurbe from Vall d’Albaida, and Javier Cabedo, head of the Vall d’Albaida Business Confederation. Other participants included Ateval board members Paloma Gramage and Fernando Campos, among others, reflecting a broad cross-section of the regional textile community. The gathering underscored the sector’s unity in pursuing policy alignment and practical investment that supports growth, innovation, and sustainable practices [Citation: Ateval].

As the sector navigates a path toward greater energy efficiency and circular production, stakeholders remain focused on ensuring policy frameworks that enable recovery, competitiveness, and stability in the domestic market. The discussions in Ontinyent and subsequent meetings aim to translate high-level commitments into tangible actions that protect jobs, strengthen supply chains, and position Spain’s textile industry for long-term success [Citation: Ateval].

Note: The dialogue highlights ongoing work to balance policy support with market realities, ensuring that the textile industry continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy while adopting sustainable and innovative practices. The collaboration between government bodies, industry associations, and major retailers is viewed as essential to maintaining competitiveness and advancing the sector’s transition to a circular, low-emission model.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

War Updates and Regional Impacts in Kharkov

Next Article

Three Free Steam Games You Can Keep Forever