From Inspiration to Global Innovation
At Centexbel, we believe our mission goes beyond informing textile companies - we empower them to innovate, collaborate, and lead in sustainability.
A powerful example of this impact is the journey of Geropa Sport, led by Patrick Doms.
Geropa Sport is an ambitious SME supplying international clients such as Manchester City and PUMA. In a sector facing increasing pressure from sustainability demands and evolving microplastics legislation, staying competitive requires more than adaptation — it requires foresight.
That is where our annual “Green Innovations” Masterclass, supported by VLAIO within the Industry Partnership framework, plays a pivotal role.
Designed for busy SME leaders balancing operational and strategic responsibilities, the masterclass delivers, in just one day, a powerful and comprehensive overview of key regulatory developments, technological advances, and emerging sustainability trends.
But the real magic happens beyond the presentations.
During one of these sessions, a connection was made between Geropa Sport and B4Plastics. What started as a conversation evolved into a bold collaboration around biodegradable polymers and yarns. Together, they developed biodegradable polyamide- and polyester-like yarns — innovations currently undergoing testing by PUMA.
Centexbel supported this trajectory not only through knowledge exchange, but also by providing extrusion capacity to further refine and optimise production. This hands-on support illustrates our approach: we don’t just share expertise — we provide the infrastructure and technological capabilities needed to transform ideas into market-ready innovation.
This story highlights the strength of the Flemish innovation ecosystem. By bringing together complementary expertise - material development from B4Plastics and market knowledge and global reach from Geropa - a breakthrough emerged with true international potential.
What began as a masterclass became a pioneering sustainable textile project addressing one of the industry’s most urgent challenges: microplastics. It is innovation born from knowledge, connection, and shared ambition.
At Centexbel, this is exactly what we stand for: connecting expertise, accelerating sustainability, and turning inspiration into global impact.
Patrick Doms reflects:
"The ‘Green Innovations’ Masterclass was far more than a training session. In just one day, it gave me the insights and the network I needed to truly innovate. Without that source of inspiration, this sustainable breakthrough would never have happened."
Centexbel concludes:
"When companies meet through our masterclasses and go on to develop sustainable innovations with international impact, we see our mission come to life. This journey proves how knowledge-sharing and networking can evolve into true global transformation."
Upcoming Masterclasses!
Inspired by their success?
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