Accelerating the Green Transition
Sustainability is now a global priority. With the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles approaching, textile and garment manufacturers exporting to the EU must accelerate efforts to modernise production and adopt circular practices, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Digital Product Passport and Eco-design requirements.
To support this transition, CEMATEX presents a half-day forum held alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, featuring insights from the European Commission and sustainability leaders.
Be part of a global community focused on sharing and discussing the latest ideas and solutions for a sustainable transformation.
The forum will enable participants to:
- Share experiences and best practices
- Collaborate on practical solutions
- Address shared challenges
- Discover new partnerships and business opportunities
- Raise visibility for your organisation or initiative
| 8.30am | Registration & Welcome |
| 9.15am | Introduction by Master of Ceremony |
| 9.20am | Welcome Speech by CEMATEX President |
| 9.25am | Welcome Speech by Singapore Fashion Council President |
| 9.30am | Keynote Presentation by Representative from European Commission MS KRISTIN SCHREIBER | Director, European Commission (DG GROW) |
 | Shaping Sustainability: Responding to EU Policy Changes |
| 10.00am | Leveraging Sustainable Textile Technology to Future Proof the Industry MR ROBERT VAN DE KERKHOF | Chief Executive Officer, ReHubs |
| 10.15am | Transitioning to Circular Textiles: Innovation Towards Sustainable Materials MR MUKESH SHARMA | Senior Material and Innovation Developer, IKEA of Sweden AB |
| 10.30am | Green Transformation of India's Textile Industry SHRI ROHIT KANSAL, IAS | Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles |
| 10.45am | Panel Discussion |
| 11.30am | Networking Coffee/Tea Break |
| Profit Meets Purpose: Financing Sustainability |
| 11.50am | Towards a Circular Textile Economy: Business Benefits of Sustainable Transformation DR RENE VAN BERKEL | Senior Circular Economy Expert, EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component |
| 12.05am | Supporting the Greening of Asia's Textile Industry MS IRIS NG | Head, Emerging Business and Commercial Banking Cash, Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC) |
| 12.20am | Driving Industry Transformation with Development Funding MR MICHAEL RATTINGER | Senior Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank |
| 12.35pm | Panel Discussion |
| 1.20pm | Closing Remarks |
S$35 (includes two coffee/tea breaks. GST included)
The forum is open exclusively to ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 exhibitors and registered visitors.
Participants who have not registered yet may sign up for both the exhibition and the forum in a single process.
Those already registered for the exhibition may log in to the Visitor Centre or Exhibitor Centre to purchase the forum badge.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain first-hand insights from EU policymakers and sustainability leaders, designed to help your business stay ahead in a circular economy.
Seats are limited. Secure your place now!
Meet the Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Ms Kristin Schreiber
Director, European Commission (DG GROW)
Kristin Schreiber leads the European Commission’s work on chemicals, food, retail, and health within DG GROW. She plays a key role in shaping EU sustainability and industrial policy, and has held senior positions in SME policy, international affairs, and employment. She holds degrees in international relations, economics and European law, and serves on the boards of several EU sustainability and health initiatives.
Shaping Sustainability: Responding to EU Policy Changes
Speaker
Mr Robert van de Kerkhof
Chief Executive Officer, ReHubs
Robert van de Kerkhof is a recognised leader in sustainability and circularity with over 25 years of experience in the fibre industry. He is the founder of PEPPER-i2 and serves as President of the Austrian Fiber Institute and a Board Member of the Global Fashion Agenda. His previous leadership roles include TenCate, DuPont, and INVISTA.
Speaker
Mr Mukesh Sharma
Senior Material and Innovation Developer, IKEA of Sweden AB
Mukesh is a textile engineer with a master’s in business management and extensive experience in product development, sourcing, and innovation across global markets. He currently focuses on technological advancements in yarns, fibers, and fillings, and holds several patents in yarn engineering, filling materials, and functional polymer combinations.
Panellist
Mr Peter Decorte
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Viva Aviv Asia Co. Ltd
Peter has over 30 years of experience in Asia’s textile and apparel industry, including roles with FILA, Adidas, and Puma. These shaped his conviction that conventional production methods pose long-term risks. As a sustainability advocate, he has led the adoption of waterless dyeing technologies and now advises a Thai silk manufacturer on production efficiency and sustainable innovation.
Moderator
Ms Nicole van der Elst Desai
Founder & Principal Consultant, VDE Consultancy
Nicole van der Elst Desai is a leader in sustainable fashion. She chairs the Singapore Fashion Council’s Sustainability Committee and mentors at Fashion for Good. An alumna of INSEAD and the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, she champions innovation and responsible practices in the global textile and fashion industry.
Profit Meets Purpose: Financing Sustainability
Speaker
Dr Rene Van Berkel
Senior Circular Economy Expert, EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component
Dr Rene van Berkel has over 35 years of experience in resource efficiency and clean technology innovation. He has held leadership roles at UNIDO, Curtin University and the University of Amsterdam, and is a member of the International Resource Panel.
Speaker
Ms Iris Ng
Head, Emerging Business and Commercial Banking Cash,
Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC)
Iris Ng focuses on digital-first SME solutions and leads efforts to modernise commercial and risk capabilities at OCBC. She also drives sustainable finance initiatives within Global Commercial Banking, supporting SMEs in their green transition.
Speaker
Mr Michael Rattinger
Senior Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Michael Rattinger is based in Bangkok and works on private sector development within the Asian Development Bank’s Southeast Asia Department. He brings extensive experience in climate policy and finance across the region and holds a graduate degree in Economics from the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
Moderator
Mr Brandon Courban
Senior Advisor, Climate, Openspace Ventures
Brandon Courban is a climate-focused private equity advisor with 25 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region. He advises Actis and Muzinich & Co., and serves on the board of EB Impact. A UK Chartered Engineer with an MBA, he has held senior roles at TotalEnergies, Olympus Capital and Macquarie.
Panellist
Mr Phil Morle
Main Sequence Ventures
Phil is a Partner at Main Sequence, a venture firm founded by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. He invests in deep tech startups with strong research ties, including sustainable fashion innovators like Uluu, Samsara Eco, and Xefco—pioneering carbon-negative fibres, polymer recycling, and waterless dyeing technologies.