CIRFS Executive Seminar - 20 May 2026 - Brussels

We are delighted to invite you to the CIRFS Executive Seminar, taking place on 20 May 2026 in Brussels at the Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport. This year’s seminar, built around the theme: “Keeping competitive in a world of uncertainty”, is open to all delegates, including guests and non‑members.

The programme will explore the major developments shaping the future of the man‑made fibres industry. Sessions will include insights into global market outlooks, the evolution of textile value chains, updates from the cotton and chemical sectors, and the latest trends in trade policy.

We will also host a panel discussion on biobased and circular fibres - an increasingly important area as the industry accelerates its sustainability transition.

To confirm your participation, please complete the registration form available on the event page .

We look forward to welcoming you in Brussels and hope you will find the seminar both insightful and inspiring.
 

VENUE: 

Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport by IHG

Da Vincilaan 4, 1831 Brussel Vlaanderen, Belgium
 

PROGRAMME
 

10:40–11:00

Welcome Coffee & Registration Executive Seminar

11:00–11:05

Welcome by CIRFS President

11:05–11:25

When Oil Costs $200/b and Supply Dictates Demand: Polyester & Polyamide Value Chain Outlook
Tatiana Bondar, S&P Global

11:25–11:45

From Volatility to Viability: Navigating Europe’s Polyolefin Market
Michael McDermott, S&P Global

11:45–12:05

The Cotton World Today
Fritz Grobien, Bremen Cotton Exchange

12:05–12:25

The Global Textile Industry & New Realities
Dr. Christian Schindler, ITMF

12:25–13:25

Lunch

13:25–13:45

TBC
Helene Diane Dage, European Commission

13:45–14:05

Can the Critical Chemicals Alliance be a game-changer for the European chemical sector?
Sylvie Lemoine, CEFIC

14:05–14:25

TBC
Renaud Batier, Ceram‑Unie

14:25–14:45

US Trade Policy Update
Kim Glas, NCTO

14:45–15:05

Transatlantic Relations: Beyond the headlines
Roger Coelho, American Chamber of Commerce

15:05–15:30

Coffee break

15:30–16:10

Panel Discussion: Next Generation Fibers: Scaling Bio‑Based & Circular Materials for Market Adoption
Dieter Eichinger; Sahil Kaushik (Infinited Fibres); Dr. Shahriare Mahmood (Spinnova); Enrique Herrero (AeoniQ); Simon Riepler (Beaulieu International Group)

16:10–16:30

Perspectives and Trends in Textiles Recycling in Europe  

Ekaterina Stoyanova, Recyclers Europe

16:30–16:40

Closing Remarks