Sustainability has always been important to European Spinning Group and it will remain so. Not as an ideology alone, although environmental responsibility continues to be part of Julie Lietaer's broader vision, but also as a practical way to remain future-proof in an industry where "fast" and purely economic drivers often take the lead.
For us, sustainability is closely linked to transparency: understanding what we do, how we do it and being able to stand behind those choices.
We see sustainability as an important part of remaining future-proof. The textile industry is evolving rapidly, and staying relevant means being open to innovation, new technologies and alternative ways of producing. That openness naturally grows from the need to work more responsibly, efficiently and thoughtfully for the long term.
At European Spinning Group, we have recently introduced a dedicated role focused entirely on sustainability, with the position of Sustainability Officer taken on by Amélie Verbeke. This was a deliberate step. As a European spinner, we see every day how quickly our industry is evolving, from shifting raw material streams to increasing expectations around environmental impact and transparency, and we want to be as well prepared as possible.
With this role, we aim to better structure, monitor and strengthen our efforts. It is not about changing what we do, but about taking a closer look at how we work: where our fibres come from, how we produce, and what impact that has. By embedding this focus within our organisation, we want to work more consistently on improvements and provide greater clarity, both internally and to our customers.
What we focus on in practice
In our day-to-day operations, we pay attention to several key aspects that contribute to more responsible textile production:
• Material safety
We ensure that our yarns meet strict requirements regarding harmful substances, making them safe to use.
• Use of recycled raw materials
Wherever possible, we integrate recycled fibres, with attention to proper processing and monitoring throughout production.
• Organic and renewable fibres
We work with raw materials sourced from agricultural or forestry practices that take environmental impact and biodiversity into account.
• Traceability within the supply chain
Understanding the origin of materials and the different steps in the production process is becoming increasingly important. We aim to follow this as transparently as possible.
• Attention to social and environmental conditions
Not only the end product matters, but also how it is made, from raw material to finished yarn.
• Responsible use of wood-based fibres and packaging
For fibres derived from wood pulp and for packaging materials, we consider the origin and management of the resources used.
Together, these focus areas form the framework within which we make decisions and continue to develop.
In line with how we want to work
For us, this approach is part of a broader vision on manufacturing in Europe: thoughtful, technically grounded and with a long-term perspective.
"As a European producer, we want to be reliable in what we do. Transparency plays an important role in that."
- Julie Lietaer, CEO, European Spinning Group
"Sustainability is embedded in the way we develop. It is not a separate step, but something we consider in every decision."
- Karel Ghesquiere, R&D Director, European Spinning Group
Want to know more?
We work with recognised standards and systems to support and monitor these aspects. As this can vary depending on the project or customer, we are happy to explain this in more detail.
If you have any questions or would like more insight into our approach, feel free to get in touch, we would be glad to discuss it further amelie.verbeke@esg-group.eu
ESG News | May, 13th 2026