The trade fair concept is alive and well, and the textile and clothing industry is clearly living it too. The recent dual exhibition, Techtextil and Texprocess in Frankfurt, proved to be an impressive showcase for the future of the textile and clothing industry. With 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries, the event offered a comprehensive platform for innovations and trends in the technical textile industry as well as the clothing and textile processing industries.

Even if there is bad news, there is plenty of good news: different things and information about clothing really impressed me in the same week. It should also be mentioned that you don't have to travel far for good news from the textile world. Many brilliant things are happening practically on our doorstep.

The German government's smallest coalition partner has refused to give its consent to the EU's Supply Chain Act. The responsible Austrian Minister Kocher from the ÖVP (Austrian People's Party) also refuses to give his consent. What the Austrian and German governments have thus prevented will please many large, globally active companies in many different sectors: they can continue to generate their profits unchallenged on the backs of the socially disadvantaged.

Responsibility for the supply chain affects us all - and therefore also the state itself.

It is crucial that government institutions not only promote legislation, but also prioritise sustainability and environmental friendliness in their own procurement practices. This article highlights the current developments, challenges and possible solutions related to public procurement in the context of efforts to improve sustainability and environmental protection.