The EU-funded TEX-MED ALLIANCES project has launched a new tool to boost the competitiveness of textile enterprises. In this case, the goal is to help the production of healthcare textile products through a cluster that connects that industry.

The Health Textile Digital Cluster on the Mediterranean, based on a powerful digital platform, aims to become a space for relationships and support for companies involved in this type of production in the Mediterranean basin. 

The launch of the Health Textile Digital Cluster on the Mediterranean took place through a digital conference organized by theTEX-MED ALLIANCES partner MFC Pole in Tunis.

Here is the full webinar

According to the words of Mr. Ramzi Zammali, MFC Pole representative, "the cluster has the core mission of ensuring a quick, effective and qualitative response in case of pandemics, emergencies and in any other health situation that requires good products and quick delivery". Zammali added that "this new platform has also the objective to be accredited as a system of suppliers by institutional and private buyers of the sector in order to be shortlisted for tenders of public procurement - Nacional Health Systems- as well as in bids of the private sector - Private clinics -".

The cluster is hosted on the internet, through a powerful digital platform that allows the SMEs to be remotely connected and cooperate or mobilize together in marketing strategies targeting the European market and the Middle East/North Africa markets. Also, this platform offers certifications (issued by accredited organizations) for accessing the European Market of Medical Textile devices; certifying that dyes / dyed articles are natural/ecological; specific support in dyeing processes. In particular, for different types of supports (recycled raw materials);  Marketing for sustainable & ecological processes and products, and assessing new markets.

At the moment, the cluster is composed at the first step of 9 SMEs and Startups, already selected under a call for subgrants. During the presentation, the Technical Assistance Manager of TEX-MED ALLIANCES, Francesco Pellizzari, highlighted that "the 9 companies are just the beginning of our cluster. I hope dozens and dozens of companies will be soon members of the platform to make it a strong tool. We need companies in each country and companies of all products related to healthcare".

Pellizzari explained the principles of the health textile market. He said that it "is highly regulated in terms of products and suppliers, often the pricing is administrated. This market is clearly segmented in terms of demand. Also, is globalized with suppliers from all over the world. China is playing a very important role. This is one of the elements that have to be taken into consideration when we try to develop a tool for the competitiveness of our countries". He remarked maybe the most important characteristic: "this market is erratic, unforeseeable because it depends on epidemic and pandemic situations, so is very difficult to plan any kind of business development. This is the critical issue". Pellizzari explained that point: "when you have to face an unpredictable demand, the supply must be very elastic. That means to have a quick reaction to the changes of the demand, in terms of quantities, commercial services, delivery but also in the frame of the certified market, regulated market". That's why this cluster is a good idea according to what said the funders of this initiative.

All the speakers at the presentation agreed that the core of the digital cluster is the tool that makes possible a quick mobilization of many qualified companies, and altogether in coordination, can quickly increase the production and certified supplies. This is the essence of the cluster. In that sense, one of the industrials that are already on the cluster, Juan Antonio Sanfeliu from Manufacturas Gassol, pointed out that "this cluster helps to find other actors in other countries or perhaps, your neighbor can be a collaborator in order to be more effective and to assume less risk. Also, digital tools can reduce the cost of the productions processes. But usually, SMEs haven't workers with the know-how to use it. The cluster, in this case, is also a good ally for our work". 

The next event to be organized by the Health Textile Digital Cluster on the Mediterranean will take place, in person, next June. 

If you are interested in your company joining the cluster, visit the website and you will find all the necessary information.