At the general meeting of VDMA Textile Machinery held in Hanover at the end of September, Dr Janpeter Horn, Managing Director of A. Herzog Maschinenfabrik, was re-elected as Chairman of the trade association. Regina Brückner, managing partner of Brückner Trockentechnik, and Verena Thies, managing partner of Thies Textilmaschinen, will once again serve as vice-chairs for the next four years. The general meeting of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association took place in the trade fair city of Hanover, one year ahead of the leading trade fair, ITMA. The event’s theme, “The world is moving forward – where is Europe?”, outlined the industry’s current landscape: increasing competition from Asia, coupled with challenging business conditions in Europe, has led to significant declines in order intake and turnover in recent years. Although the turnover forecast for 2026 had to be revised downwards to -14 per cent (nominal), order intake appears to be stabilising.“The discussions and workshops at our General Assembly clearly demonstrated that our industry is in the midst of profound change. The challenges are considerable, yet we possess the innovative strength, the expertise and the technological leadership to actively shape these changes. Together, we will work to support our customers even more effectively throughout the entire lifecycle of their machinery and equipment, to capitalise on the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, and to strengthen the competitiveness of the European textile machinery industry in the long term. ITMA 2027 in Hanover will be an important milestone in showcasing our industry’s capabilities to the world,” explained Dr Janpeter Horn. Dr Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery, added: “I look forward to working with the newly elected Executive Board. The board’s wealth of experience, high level of technical expertise and broad positioning reflect the diversity and innovative strength of our sector. Together, we will actively drive forward the key future issues facing the European textile machinery manufacturing sector and provide important impetus for the competitiveness of our industry.” France Expands Period-Pants Reimbursement France is expanding access to reusable period pants, with people under 26 and beneficiaries of the Complémentaire santé solidaire becoming eligible for reimbursement of approved products that meet government-set standards. The scheme, which could cover around 6.7 million people, is being welcomed by French manufacturers as both a public-health measure and an opportunity for domestic textile production. Reimbursement is limited to period pants dispensed through pharmacies and officially listed by the French Ministry of Health. To qualify, products must meet strict criteria, including the use of OEKO-TEX-certified materials, durability for at least 52 wash cycles at 30°C, minimum absorption of 20 millilitres, and availability in at least eight sizes, including a teen size. Catherine Grenier, national medical adviser, described the initiative as an important step in addressing period poverty, particularly among young women and vulnerable groups. The approved market includes brands such as Lemahieu, Biocodex, Petites Choses, Claripharm, Sisters Republic and Elia Innovation. For manufacturers producing in France, the scheme could provide fresh momentum to a sector facing prolonged pressure. Elia, which manufactures mainly in France, is developing a basic black period pant made from organic cotton at its partner Eminence Group factory in Gard. Priced at €9.40 at production, the product can retail for no more than €14.40 to qualify for reimbursement. Elia co-founder Marion Goilav described the measure as a major development in tackling period poverty and a potential boost for the domestic textile industry. However, she noted that adapting to pharmacy distribution would present an industrial and logistical challenge. In Roubaix, Lemahieu is preparing its Achel period pants, which have also received government approval. Carrying the France Terre Textile label, the product is knitted, manufactured and inspected in France. According to Lemahieu brand manager Nicolas Thebaud, the company has been producing period pants for several years, meaning the reimbursement does not change its manufacturing expertise but significantly improves product accessibility by bringing the category into pharmacies. The company also sees pharmacist education as essential as intimate-care products enter pharmacy ranges. The reimbursement is limited to two products per 12-month period, calculated from the first reimbursed purchase, with the products designed to remain durable across multiple menstrual cycles. For France’s period-wear manufacturers, the policy therefore combines social support with a new route to market—and could strengthen the case for locally produced, durable textile products.