Mario Jorge Machado has an extensive career in textiles. Mario is currently a shareholder and director of “Adalberto Textile Solutions, S.A.”, where he applies advanced management practices to boost competitiveness and innovation.

He has been president of the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP) since 2019, and he stands out for his strategic leadership in the textile and clothing sector, promoting innovation and sustainability. He represents ATP on the Board of CIP – Confederação Empresarial de Portugal and chairs CIP`s strategic council for the environment and sustainability.

With a degree in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, his expertise ranges from continuous process improvement to the development of B2B commercial teams and B2C business models. His vision encompasses operational excellence and the implementation of sustainable practices, contributing to the evolution of the textile industry.

On the day of his election, we asked Mario Jorge Machado what´s his vision for Euratex. “The latest indicators show that European industry has lower growth rates than its competitors; this is something we have to reverse. Policy makers have to realise that the textile industry can not be a bargaining chip in global negotiations. We see what the United States is doing to support its industry, and we see what China is doing to support its industry. Europe has fallen behind in supporting its industry. My mandate at Euratex will be to push for an effective and smart industrial strategy.

During the past term, the EU has issued many legislations on sustainability and circularity targeting the manufacturing industry. However, if we want this strategy to be successful, we need more focus on the consumers´ dimension. That´s why Euratex has a very important role to play in lobbying for the legislative process to be carried out in accordance with the sector's ability to adapt.”

The assembly also nominated Alberto Paccanelli as Honorary President, recognising over a decade of commitment to Euratex and the European textile industry. Euratex general assembly also elected four other members of the Presidency Team: Michael Kamm (Zwilling Gruppe, Germany), Barbara Cimmino (Yamamay, Italy), Grégory Marchant (UTT, France) and Ismail Kolunsag (Cross Tekstil, Turkey). During the Assembly, Euratex also welcomed new memberships from Cematex and Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V., and a partnership with Reju (France).