The Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) has successfully secured a total of €37 million in grant funding from the European Union to accelerate the sector’s “twin transformation” through green and digital innovation projects.
The announcement was made during the 17th International Ekoteks Textile Symposium, organized by İHKİB’s subsidiary Ekoteks under the theme “Vision for a Green Future in Textiles: Climate-Friendly Solutions and Digitalization.” The event gathered senior officials, representatives of global brands, and academics to address the urgent need for sustainable production and digital transformation in the fashion and textile industries.
Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), emphasized the critical role of twin transformation for the future of Turkish textiles:
“With nearly 42% of Turkey’s total exports, 60% of apparel exports, and 40% of textile exports directed to EU markets, twin transformation is not just an option—it is the only path forward. Ready-to-wear and textiles have always led industrialization and exports in Turkey. Now they are also pioneering sustainability and digitalization through joint projects with our ministries and the European Union.”
Key Projects Driving Change
- METAMORPHOSIS Project: Completed in February with support from the EU’s IPA fund, this initiative focused on digitizing every stage of apparel production—from design to manufacturing. The project established İHKİB’s Digital Transformation Center, now offering consultancy, digital maturity analysis, and government-certified services for manufacturers.
- MIDAS Project: Backed under the EU Digital Innovation Hubs Program, this project targets twin transformation in SMEs, with implementation by a consortium of 10 expert partners. Pilot applications will be carried out directly with Turkish manufacturers.
- Carbon Footprint Tracking Project: A new EU-supported initiative set to launch in the coming months, focusing on monitoring and reducing the industry’s carbon emissions in collaboration with TİM and other stakeholders.
Through these and other projects, İHKİB has already secured €37 million in total EU grant funding, leveraging the resources to strengthen Turkey’s fashion industry, expand green and digital production capacity, and accelerate the shift toward branded, high-value exports.
“Twin Transformation Is Vital for Turkish Fashion”
Nida Arslanbay, General Manager of Ekoteks, highlighted the sector’s dual priorities:
“Twin transformation is of vital importance for the Turkish fashion industry. Our focus is not only on meeting sustainability targets but also on enhancing global competitiveness. Since 1998, Ekoteks has been serving the sector with principles of reliability, impartiality, and quality. This symposium is a platform to shape a more sustainable, more digital, and more resilient future for Turkish textiles.”
The symposium concluded with interactive sessions on sustainability, digitalization, and market surveillance, underscoring Turkey’s ambition to position its textile and apparel industry at the forefront of global green and digital transformation.
