The medium-sized textile and clothing industry in Germany is urgently calling for a bridge electricity price in order to overcome the current challenges in the energy sector. Companies in the sector are confronted with unsustainably high energy costs, which endanger their competitiveness. This became clear during the Textile Media Day in Kulmbach, where representatives of the overall textile+mode association and the Bavarian Textile and Clothing Industry Association pointed out the precarious situation.
Bernd Drechsel, managing director of Textilveredlung Drechsel, emphasized the urgency of the problem and explained that the current energy prices could no longer be achieved on the market. Despite innovative approaches to sustainable energy production, the economic viability of production in Germany remains at risk. The industry needs predictable and competitive energy prices. Germany has the highest energy prices in the world, also due to national taxes, which increases the dependence on foreign supply chains and endangers the industrial location.
Despite these challenges, medium-sized companies contribute to the sustainability of the industry, according to the association’s statement, by developing innovative products that are in demand worldwide. According to a survey by the textile+mode association, a fifth of companies already generate over half of their sales with sustainable products. In addition, training in the textile and fashion industry offers a wide range of opportunities and a promising professional future.
The industry is also calling on EU and federal regulators to ensure that key protective textiles and industrial components can continue to be produced in Europe, despite stricter chemicals regulation.