WAKEFIELD – Is the harmonisation of textile sector chemical management a realistic goal? Xander Wessels, CEO of Archroma, believes so.

As part of a filmed interview in the Planet textiles Pod, Wessels stated, “it’s very realistic to deliver this,” provided the industry comes together in pursuit of this common goal. The Archroma CEO also discusses traceability, enzyme and bacteria based chemicals and the future of textile chemistry.

This is the latest in a series of interviews with key industry figures that will be released in the lead up to Planet Textiles 2019, which will be held on 22nd June in Barcelona.

Planet Textiles 2019 will take place at the huge ITMA event, which occurs every four years and brings together representatives for the global textile industry. ITMA 2019 is expected to attract up to 120,000 visitors from 147 countries.

Registration is now open for the 10th edition of Planet Textiles, with delegates receiving special discounted access to ITMA, along with a limited number of curated tours of the exhibition space exclusively for Planet Textiles attendees.

Speaking to host Mike Schragger, Wessels noted: “I would say it’s not even ‘can we try to achieve that’, we should achieve that. As an industry we have the obligation to drive the zero-discharge of hazardous chemicals - in a really short time period.”

The Archroma CEO goes on to discuss the work done to-date by the chemical firm, explaining: “We took a very conscious decision four years ago, to really start with our innovation programmes and to address the three critical challenges of our industry with respect to chemicals.

“First of all the use of natural resources; second of all, sustainable manufacturing and waste, and then waste in the larger sense of the word; before thirdly, of course, the exclusion or minimisation of potentially toxic substances in products.”

Planet Textiles 2019 looks set to sell out even quicker than last year’s event, with only 420 tickets available in total. Register now to avoid disappointment.

2019 Speakers will once again be invited to partake in filmed interviews in the Planet Textiles Pod. Interested to speak? Final call for speakers here, and for more detailed information about the event, please visit: www.planet-textiles.com