Brussels - Robert van de Kerkhof has been elected as the new president of Brussels-based CIRFS – the European Man-made Fibres Association – succeeding Necat Altin, general manager of Korteks and head of Zorlu Holding Textiles Group,

“I am very pleased that Robert van de Kerkhof has been unanimously elected to follow me as CIRFS president,” said Altin. “He has been actively involved in CIRFS work for many years, on the board and more recently as its vice-president. He has a long and very successful record in the man-made fibres industry and is currently chief commercial officer for the Lenzing Group. He has on many occasions highlighted the indispensable contribution of CIRFS to the man-made fibres industry’s development in Europe and how CIRFS can support the industry in meeting its current and future challenges in a global world.”

“Necat Altin has strongly supported the association in his period as president, showing how CIRFS can play a key role for the industry by adapting to a constantly changing and very competitive environment,” added van de Kerkhof. “I look forward to continuing this mission over the next three years.

“The man-made fibres industry, in Europe and globally, is faced with many challenges such as international trade tensions and now the Covid-19 crisis. Our European industry, however, has numerous strengths. Not only is it the most innovative and the most sustainable worldwide, but it also manufactures highly specialised, quality and green products, which provide the base for a bright sustainable future. CIRFS will continue to actively work to help the industry build on these strengths.”

CIRFS is the association for Europe’s € 10.5 billion man-made fibres industry, representing the industry to the European authorities and providing it with a wide range of services. Its members cover more than 70% of European man-made fibres output.