In episode 40 of Ellie.Talks, we had the pleasure of speaking with Stefaan Verhamme, International Affairs Manager and Cluster Manager New Materials at POM West-Vlaanderen. With a deep passion for his home region and a strong commitment to innovation, Stefaan plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and circularity within the textile industry. In this episode, we dive into the importance of (international) partnerships, the role of the Circular Materials Center and why innovation is not just an option but a necessity for companies aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Key Insights
- Innovation is not a choice, but a necessity
Companies that embrace sustainability and circularity today will be the market leaders of tomorrow. With increasing regulations those who fail to innovate will simply no longer be able to compete. - Textiles are (still) sexy!
Forget the outdated image – this industry is bursting with innovation, high-tech materials, and circular solutions. From ocean plastics to smart QR codes in clothing, the future of textiles is exciting and full of surprises. - Mindset is one of the biggest challenges
Technology is advancing rapidly, but without the right mindset, the transition will stall. Consumers, businesses, and policymakers must see sustainability not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to do better.
The drive behind innovation: a personal and regional commitment
For Stefaan, innovation and economic development are more than just professional responsibilities – they are rather personal. Rooted in his strong connection to Kortrijk and the broader West Flanders region, he is driven by a desire to contribute to the local economy and society. As a proud West Vlaming, Stefaan believes in supporting businesses through collaboration, ensuring they have the tools to innovate and thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. “West Flanders has always been a breeding ground for entrepreneurship,” Stefaan explains. “We have a strong tradition of craftsmanship, and it’s our mission to help companies leverage that heritage while embracing the future.”
POM West-Vlaanderen, the Provincial Development Agency for West Flanders, plays a crucial role in shaping the region’s economic landscape. The agency focuses on several domains, including innovation, circularity and digital transition. It also ensures that training and education facilities align with the region’s industrial needs, providing young professionals with the skills necessary for a sustainable future.
Strengthening (international) collaboration: the key to growth
One of Stefaan’s primary roles at POM West-Vlaanderen is fostering (international) partnerships. He emphasizes that no company can tackle innovation alone – especially SMEs, which often lack the internal resources for large-scale R&D projects. This is where collaboration comes in. “Collaboration is no longer optional. It’s a necessity,” he states. “SMEs, in particular, benefit from working together and tapping into international expertise to stay competitive.”
By working with institutions like Flanders Investment & Trade, Vlaio, and sector federations such as Fedustria and Agoria, POM helps businesses navigate international markets and regulatory landscapes.
Trade shows and industry events play a significant role in these efforts. Stefaan highlights how, at Heimtextil in Frankfurt, POM West-Vlaanderen partnered with Fedustria for the Belgian Night, recognizing that two-thirds of the Belgian companies present were from West Flanders. “We see it as our responsibility to put our West-Flemish companies on the international map. Events like these open doors to new markets and opportunities.”
By supporting companies at such events, POM ensures they gain international visibility and forge valuable connections beyond national borders.
The Circular Materials Center: a hub for sustainable Innovation
A major milestone in regional innovation is the establishment of the Circular Materials Center. This research and training hub was born out of extensive collaboration between businesses, universities, and industry federations. Its mission? To provide companies with access to testing facilities, research support, and a network of experts, helping them transition toward more circular business models.
Stefaan explains that innovation is a process that requires trial and error. “Companies often hesitate to invest in sustainability because they fear the unknown,” he says. “The Circular Materials Center is here to remove that fear by offering them a safe space to experiment and innovate.”
Whether testing new materials, refining production techniques, or exploring circular design strategies, businesses can rely on the center to guide them toward viable, future-proof solutions.
Showcasing circular innovation: The Innovation Wall
One of the standout features of the Circular Materials Center is the Innovation Wall (initially designed in close collaboration with Ellie.Connect) – a constantly evolving exhibition that highlights interesting circular projects. Now in its third edition, the Innovation Wall showcases innovative products that push the boundaries of sustainability and circularity within textiles, plastics,…
A few inspiring examples include:
In previous editions
- Hack Your Jeans: A circular initiative that repurposes old denim into new products, demonstrating the potential of textile recycling.
- Rewind by Beaulieu: The first fully recyclable trade show carpet, designed to eliminate waste from event flooring.
- Seaqual by BekaertDeslee: A project that transforms ocean plastics into high-quality yarns for mattress covers.
In the third and most recent edition
- Textile Art by Liesbet Braeckman: Artistic pieces made from recycled textiles that also offer acoustic benefits for interior spaces
- Quifactum: Who integrates a QR code into textile products, allowing consumers and businesses to accesss detailed product information with a simple scan.
By showcasing these projects, the Innovation Wall serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for companies to integrate sustainability into their core business strategies.
Why innovation and circularity matter more than ever – creating opportunities
As Stefaan points out, innovation is not just about staying ahead – it’s about survival. With increasing regulations on waste management, recycled content,… businesses will soon have no choice but to adapt. “Sustainability is not a trend; it’s the future,” he says. “Companies that embrace it today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.”
But beyond compliance, circularity presents an opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves and build a stronger brand identity.
Sustainability is also a key factor in talent acquisition. Younger generations place a high value on corporate responsibility, and companies that embrace circularity will be better positioned to attract top talent.
At the heart of it all, Stefaan believes that a shift is happening – from companies feeling obligated to adopt sustainable practices to actively wanting to. The mindset of younger entrepreneurs and professionals is fueling this transformation, pushing the industry toward purpose-driven innovation.
Through projects like the Circular Materials Center and initiatives like the Innovation Wall, POM West-Vlaanderen is creating an ecosystem where businesses can connect, learn, and grow together. The future of textiles and plastics in West Flanders – and beyond – depends on collaboration and as Stefaan emphasizes, it’s through working together that we can achieve real, lasting impact.
Overcoming challenges: mindset, politics and economics
While technological advancements in circularity continue to progress, Stefaan acknowledges that significant challenges remain – particularly when it comes to political and economic factors. “The main challenge is the political and economic environment. What’s happening on a political and on an economic level, it goes hand in hand. Competition is growing, and the quality advantage we had a few decades ago is disappearing.” Stefaan points out the urgent need for a clear political, economic and regulatory framework.
In addition to external pressures, he stresses that a shift in mindset is crucial – both within companies and among consumers. Businesses need to embed sustainability into their core strategies and customers must be willing to prioritize sustainable choices over cheaper, mostly less eco-friendly alternatives. “If the customer always chooses the cheapest product and doesn’t care about sustainability, it becomes very difficult. That’s why we need to educate our children and our customers so they understand the urgency.” Stefaan states.
This is a call to action not only for businesses but for everyone – including consumers, educators, and policymakers – to support the transition toward circularity.
Looking ahead: a vision for the future of textiles
Stefaan firmly believes in the future of the textile industry in West Flanders but stresses the need for a forward-thinking approach. “We need to speak more about the future. Too often, discussions about textiles focus on the past. But I am convinced that there is a strong and important future for this industry.” Stefaan says.
Rather than chasing massive growth, the goal should be to consolidate existing companies and employment while pushing for excellence in specialized textile niches, such as for example technical textiles. By focusing on innovation, sustainability and collaboration, West Flanders can continue to be a global leader in textiles. “We want to ensure that the textile industry in West Flanders – and in Europe – becomes more competitive and sustainable. That’s part of our vision.” Stefaan says.
Through ongoing partnerships between industry leaders, research institutions, and organizations like POM West-Vlaanderen, the region is well-positioned to tackle future challenges and maintain its stronghold in the global textile market.
A shared responsibility for a sustainable future
The future of the textile industry is in our hands. Innovation and circularity are not individual challenges but collective efforts in which businesses, researchers, policymakers, and consumers must work together to make a difference. “We want to ensure that the textile industry in West Flanders – and in Europe – becomes more competitive and sustainable. That’s part of our vision.” Stefaan emphasizes.
By fostering collaboration and maintaining a long-term vision, West Flanders can continue to stand out as a leader in circular innovation. This requires not only technological progress but also a shift in mindset – companies must embed sustainability into their DNA, and consumers must make conscious choices.
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