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#Research & Development

More safety and comfort for protective clothing thanks to auxetic fabrics

When everyday materials are pulled, they stretch or elongate in the direction of the pull and become narrower in cross-section. We can also observe this property in two-dimensional textiles. Auxetic structures behave differently here. They have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. These properties are advantageous, for example, in protective textiles or textile filter media. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.

#Research & Development

Fraunhofer CCPE presents the “Monomaterial Design Set” – Innovative solutions for circular product design

Composite materials made from different types of plastic often extend the lifetime of products but make recycling more difficult in the circular economy. That is why Fraunhofer CCPE has developed the “Monomaterial Design Set”. This new approach helps to reduce the variety of plastics used in durable products and offers circular solutions for designers and product developers.

#Research & Development

How innovations drive BASF’s success

“Innovation has always been part of BASF’s DNA. Especially in these volatile times, it is crucial to leverage our innovative strength to develop competitive solutions that differentiate us as a company in our markets and give us a competitive edge,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and Chief Technology Officer, at the company’s Research Press Briefing held today. To achieve this, BASF implemented its “Winning Ways” strategy about a year ago with the clear goal of becoming the preferred chemical company to enable its customers’ green transformation.

#Research & Development

Small tolerances, big impact and a recyclable alternative to elastane

ITA Master's student Janne Warnecke investigated tension differences over the fabric width in the weaving process and thereby contributed to quality assurance; ITA Bachelor's student Jasmin Roos found a basis for the development of recyclable yarns and textiles. For these developments, they were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation's Promotion and Sustainability Prizes on 27 November. Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards at the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) in Aachen, Germany.

#Associations

Young researchers recognised for cutting-edge work in recycling, fibre technology and textile mechanics

At the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference held in Aachen at the end of November, Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation of the VDMA, honoured five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability prizes were awarded in the categories bachelor/project theses and diploma/master theses. Academic theses that develop solutions for resource-saving products and technologies, for example, are eligible for the sustainability awards.

#Research & Development

The region of renewable raw materials: Central German Alliance for Bioplastics

The development of sustainable plastic solutions is rapidly gaining importance in light of global environ- mental pollution, dwindling fossil resources and ambitious climate protection targets. As part of the re- gional alliance RUBIO, which brings together 18 partners from central Germany and the Berlin-Branden- burg area, the bio-based and biodegradable plastic polybutylene succinate (PBS) was comprehensively investigated, starting with the raw material, through the manufacturing process, to industrial application.

#Nonwoven machines

Cooperation in the field of meltblown laboratory technology

The Nonwoven Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University and Oerlikon Nonwoven will be collaborating in the field of meltblown laboratory technology in the future. This was announced by Professor Raoul Farer, Executive Deputy Director of the NWI and Professor at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, and Dr. Ingo Mählmann, Sales Director Nonwoven at Oerlikon Neumag, during this year's ITMA Asia and CITME in Singapore.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

European research project addresses textile waste through integrated recycling technologies

A major European research initiative coordinated by Fraunhofer UMSICHT has been launched to develop integrated solutions for textile waste recycling. The AUTOLOOP project aims to create a comprehensive system that could process 1.24 million tonnes of textile waste annually by 2050, whilst potentially creating over 130,000 green jobs across the EU. This project aims to develop, test and integrate automated sorting, tracing, and closed-loop recycling technologies for polyester-based textiles (NRT), addressing the pressing challenge of textile waste management.

#Research & Development

Feasibility study shows potential to convert textile waste into PHB bioplastic

Textile waste could serve as a valuable source of raw materials for sustainable plastics in the future, according to the joint TexPHB feasibility study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Beneficial Design Institute GmbH and matterr GmbH. The study will be presented to the public for the first time at a network meeting on 25 November 2025 at the State Chancellery in Potsdam.

#Research & Development

IRG Polymer Recycling wraps up productive 2025 project cycle

The Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling has completed another successful project year. Last week, partners from across the textile value chain met at the Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University for the full-term project meeting.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

CirTex Community discusses technical, social and regulatory pathways for textile circularity

Around 50 participants joined the third meeting of the DATIpilot Innovationscommunity Circular Textiles (CirTex) on 19 November 2025. The online event was organised in cooperation with the Dialog Textil-Bekleidung e.V. (DTB) and the Recycling Atelier at the Institute of Textile Technology Augsburg, and was held under the motto “MAKE IT CIRCULAR.”

#Research & Development

Catching heart disease early with AI-based sensor system

It slips on like a normal vest: Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. The vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments.

#Research & Development

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

#Research & Development

Soft interfaces: Textile-integrated light switches, made possible by printable Liquid Metal Ink

A gentle tap on the knitted lampshade is enough to switch on the light. The lamp developed by Fraunhofer IZM in cooperation with WINT Design Lab works with a revolutionary conductive ink. Visitors can find out more and try the lamp themselves at the Berlin Science Week on November 1st and 2nd.

#Research & Development

Aachen Summer School: Strengthening German-Korean cooperation in 4D and robotics

The Aachen Summer School has established itself as an important platform for promoting cooperation between RWTH Aachen University and Seoul National University. The focus is on practice-oriented research projects in the field of 4D and robotics technologies, which have been successfully implemented for years at the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University.

#Research & Development

The Textile Institute marks 100 years with a global expansion drive

Fresh from its highly successful 63rd conference held in Porto, Portugal, from October 7-10, The Textile Institute (TI) will celebrate a major milestone at the ITMA Asia+CITME textile machinery exhibition in Singapore later this month.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Closing the Loop in the Textile Industry: Value Creation in the State of Brandenburg

How can the state of Brandenburg benefit from a circular textile industry? This question is addressed in the new policy paper "Closing the loop in the textile industry: Value creation in the state of Brandenburg." Based on the „TexPHB“ feasibility study funded by the Brandenburg Ministry of Climate Protection, it shows how textile waste can be integrated into new value chains.

#Research & Development

Better, faster, bio-based: Functional new Plastic alternatives

How can new bio-based and biohybrid materials with improved features be developed faster? Six Fraunhofer institutes are jointly exploring this question in the SUBI²MA flagship project, using an innovative bio-based polyamide developed by Fraunhofer researchers as a model. Its specific properties make it a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics.

#Research & Development

A smarter way to verified Chemical Compliance

Hohenstein and GoBlu Drive Innovation in Sustainable Supply Chain Management As regulatory demands, customer expectations, and sustainability goals continue to grow, the ability to manage chemical compliance and data across complex supply chains has become critical. Hohenstein and The BHive® by GoBlu are initiating a strategic partnership to enhance chemical management in the textile sector. The collaboration delivers more than just a service – it provides an integrated, future-ready solution for brands, manufacturers and suppliers seeking trusted chemical management and credible sustainability.

#Research & Development

ITA postdoc Dr Leonie Beek is revolutionising oil filtration with a bionic textile

On various biological surfaces, oil is adsorbed from water surfaces and transported along the leaf. In her dissertation, ITA Postdoc Dr Leonie Beek transferred this effect to a technical textile using her Bionic Oil Absorber (BOA), which can remove up to 4 litres of diesel per hour from water at technological readiness level 4. For this development, Dr Beek was awarded the Paul Schlack Prize 2025 for her dissertation ‘Bionic textiles for oil-water separation modelled on superhydrophobic biological surfaces’ on 10 September 2025. The award ceremony took place during the opening event of the Dornbirn GFC Global Fiber Congress in Austria.

#Research & Development

Cooperation between Germany and India (Tamil Nadu) in the field of AI-supported manufacturing, robotics and smart textiles

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University are planning to cooperate in the future in the field of AI-supported manufacturing, robotics and smart textiles. At the same time, the aim is to promote talent exchange and a sustainable Indian-German partnership.

#Research & Development

DITF send a signal for climate protection

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have successfully implemented extensive investments in photovoltaic systems at their site in Denkendorf. The systems installed on the roofs of the buildings and covered parking lots have a total installed capacity of 840 kilowatt peak (kWp). The DITF invested 1.6 million euros in this with the support of the state of Baden-Württemberg. The system was ceremonially put into operation on September 17, 2025.

#Research & Development

DigiCafé – Espresso meets Industry 4.0

Drink coffee and learn about Industry 4.0 in a fun way – that's what ITA PhD student Rosario Othen has made possible with his digital espresso machine. Rosario equipped the Quickmill espresso machine with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, programmable pump, integrated scale and current measurement.

#Research & Development

Global textile research themes to converge at TWIC 2025

The full programme for the 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC 2025) has now been announced, with over 100 presentations to be delivered in parellel sessions at the event, which takes place from October 7-10 at the Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa in Porto, Portugal.

#Research & Development

4.2 million Euros for research into textile recycling

Around the world, used textiles are still rarely recycled and pile up into huge mountains of waste. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) drew attention to this problem. However, the low recycling rate is also due to the fact that only a small percentage of used textiles are actually suitable for recycling into high-quality materials and for demanding applications. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are addressing this problem with their research.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

17th Colloquium on Recycling for Textiles with accompanying trade exhibition in Chemnitz

On 3 and 4 December 2025, the 17th colloquium on recycling for textiles will take place at the Hotel Chemnitzer Hof. The event brings together experts from industry, science and research to present and discuss current developments, technologies and business models for a sustainable circular economy in the textile industry.

#Research & Development

Denkendorf fiber chart revised

A companion during studies and for practical use in the workplace: generations of textile experts have used the Denkendorf Fiber Chart to keep track of all the important characteristic values of textile raw materials. Following the first two editions in the 1970s and 1980s, Denkendorf scientists have comprehensively revised the Fiber Chart. The third edition is now available in digital form for the first time.

#Research & Development

Cooperation on the circular textile economy

International cooperation for a circular textile economy: Circular Textile Days, the leading international B2B event for sustainable textiles based in the Netherlands, is entering into a strategic partnership with the DATIpilot Innovation Community Circular Textiles at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (THA). The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen European innovation in the circular textile economy and create new opportunities for the cross-border exchange of knowledge.

#Research & Development

Carbowave: Energy efficiency in carbon fiber production

A new technology uses microwaves and plasma heating to produce carbon fibers in an energy-efficient manner. This means high-strength composite materials can be produced more cheaply and efficiently. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) are part of the Carbowave research consortium, which aims to improve and commercialize microwave and plasma-induced carbonization.

#Research & Development

Kendyr as a climate-friendly cotton alternative: STFI explores new value chains for salinised land in Central Asia

In large parts of Central Asia, decades of cotton irrigation have led to severe soil salinisation, with serious consequences for soil fertility and the future of cotton cultivation. An international research consortium, including the Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI), has therefore investigated the potential of alternative fibre plants. The focus was on Apocynum spp. (kendyr), a bast fibre plant that can thrive on saline soils. The aim: to restore the agricultural use of former cotton fields and establish new textile value chains in the region.

#Research & Development

Roshan Paul appointed as Full Professor by invitation at UBI, Portugal

Roshan Paul, Ph.D. (Tech.) was recently honoured with the position of Full Professor (by invitation) Professor Catedrático Convidado by the Rector, Prof. Mário Lino Barata Raposo of University of Beira Interior (UBI), Portugal https://www.ubi.pt/en. This highest position was offered to him in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions, particularly for pioneering sustainable innovations in textile processing technology.

#Research & Development

Mario Jorge Machado speaks at TIWC

The Textile Institute, in collaboration with Aquitex, is pleased to announce that Mario Jorge Machado, Euratex President, Portugal will be delivering a Keynote Address at the upcoming Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC).

#Research & Development

Next-generation sustainable carbon fibers: versatile, high-performance and economical

Whether in hydrogen tanks, batteries, fuel cells or for shielding sensitive electronics – carbon fibers are used in a wide range of advanced applications. At the Potsdam Science Park, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, in collaboration with Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, is developing novel carbon fibers based on cellulose.

#Research & Development

Stanford University: Roshan Paul included in the list of the world's top 2 percent of scientists

Dr Roshan Paul is one of the world's top 2 percent of scientists. Stanford University has therefore included him in its rankings for 2021, 2022 and 2024. Roshan Paul is Platform Leader of the Smart Finishing Group at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University.

#Research & Development

New measurement methods for soundproofing textiles

Whether in restaurants, open-plan offices, or schools, we are confronted with loud background noise in our everyday lives. This noise pollution can cause stress and damage our health. Sound-absorbing materials are used to reduce noise. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing a comprehensive system for measuring and predicting the acoustic properties of a wide variety of textiles. This research enables the development of a wide range of sound-absorbing or acoustically effective materials.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein achieves GLP Certification for Medical Device Testing

Since the middle of July, the testing service provider Hohenstein has been certified to conduct medical device testing in accordance with the internationally recognised Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standard. This certification comprehensively covers chemical, physical and biological safety testing of medical devices.

#Research & Development

Teaching Award for the Day Of The Faculty of mechanical science and engineering 2025

On June 28, 2025, almost 300 guests celebrated the Day of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the Boulevardtheater Dresden. At this year's ceremony, over 60 graduates from the Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and Natural Materials Technology and Material Science degree programs were given a ceremonial send-off into professional life, 9 doctoral graduates were congratulated on the successful completion of their dissertations and prizes worth a total of 13,500 euros were awarded.

#Research & Development

Hochschule Niederrhein simulates the textile industry of the future

The textile and clothing industry in the Rhineland region is experiencing a significant innovation boost: the future-oriented project ‘Textilfabrik 7.0’ (Textile Factory 7.0) of the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (HSNR), together with other strong industry players, is now being launched: On 15 July, Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy and Deputy Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), will present the funding approval for this ambitious project, which will implement the digital and sustainable industrial production of tomorrow in an exemplary manner, generate new jobs in the Rhineland region and be competitive in a global context.

#Research & Development

Cetex goes Abu Dhabi

At the end of May 2025, the time had come - a coating system to produce spread and impregnated fibre tapes was installed and put into operation by Cetex Institut gGmbH in Abu Dhabi, 4600 km away from Chemnitz. The system allows the parallel production of up to 10 spread and impregnated fibre tapes.

#Research & Development

New funding available for textile research

The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, to be considered.

#Research & Development

TERNAfil wins 1st place in AC² Start-Up Competition

Great news from ITA institute: The spin-off team TERNAfil was awarded 1st place in the “Pitch & PitchDeck” category of the AC² Start-Up Competition 2024/2025! The award ceremony was held on June 5 in the historic Coronation Hall of Aachen’s Town Hall – a special setting for an important milestone.

#Research & Development

Antiviral tests on protective clothing for infection control

Textiles functionalized with antiviral agents are intended to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens, particularly in a medical environment. These antiviral properties must be carefully tested and verified in laboratory tests. The biological testing laboratory of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) has examined antiviral activities with coronaviruses as part of an interdisciplinary research project on textiles for infection control.

#Research & Development

Tour de LOOP Exclusive specialist trip to Chemnitz – textile art and design in the European Capital of Culture 2025

The European Capital of Culture 2025, Chemnitz, opened its doors to textile designers, textile artists and experts from the fields of fashion, art and textiles: the Tour de LOOP on 26 and 27 May 2025 took participants on an exclusive professional tour of one of Europe's most traditional and innovative textile regions. 19 visitors from Europe explored Chemnitz and its textile region. They came from the Nether- lands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Great Britain and Germany.

#Research & Development

Researchers develop living material from fungi

Fungi are considered a promising source of biodegradable materials. Empa researchers have developed a new material based on a fungal mycelium and its own extracellular matrix. This gives the biomaterial particularly advantageous properties.

#Research & Development

Hemp for a sustainable future

On May 16, 2025, the workshop “Hemp for a Sustainable Future” was held in Izmir - a joint event organized by the Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EIB) and the Chamber of Textile Engineers Izmir (TMMOB). The aim of the workshop was to raise awareness among all stakeholders along the value chain - from hemp cultivation to final products - and to promote a deeper understanding of the diverse applications of this raw material in industry.

#Research & Development

Vacuum insulation panels rethought - Adjustable, tailored to needs, flexible

Adaptable insulation elements can ensure that the heat transfer through the building envelope can be adjusted as required. This saves heating or cooling energy and therefore costs. Intelligent systems can regulate heat transfer according to the outside temperature and the need for heating or cooling in the interior. In the ReVaD project, the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) and their partners are developing adaptive building envelopes that can also use concrete components as structural thermal energy storage units for temperature control in buildings.

#Research & Development

Award at the SAMPE Germany Symposium 2025 for outstanding dissertation

Hung Le Xuan was awarded the Innovation Prize at the SAMPE Germany Symposium 2025 last week for his dissertation "Novel textile reinforcements with integrated textile-based in-situ sensors for the reinforcement of existing concrete structures against short-term dynamic events".

#Research & Development

High-performance elastomers and plasma polymer coatings to replace fluoropolymers in technical applications: new Fraunhofer project

Users of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", are under pressure due to regulatory proposals from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This also affects the use of fluoroelastomers, whose economic significance is enormous. Fraunhofer experts initiated the "HATE-Fluor" project at the beginning of February. Together, they want to develop high-performance elastomer compounds to replace fluoropolymers in certain technical applications.

#Research & Development

Aachen to host 2025 edition of the ADD International Textile Conference - Call for abstracts now open

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC), one of Europe's most renowned platforms for textile research and innovation, will return to Aachen on November 27–28, 2025. The annual conference rotates between the German textile hubs of Dresden, Stuttgart, and Aachen, bringing together academia and industry to discuss the latest developments in fiber and textile technologies.

#Smart Textiles

Intelligent textiles for construction, architecture and mobility: Smart Textiles User Forum in Stuttgart

When textiles are equipped with electronic components, conductive yarns and textile sensors, the application possibilities are almost unlimited. These high-tech textiles are a global growth market. In Stuttgart, manufacturers, users and researchers presented amazing examples of applications in construction, architecture and mobility. The appropriate standards ensure quality and safety.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein supports Global Textile Scheme Initiative

Global testing and research provider Hohenstein has acquired shares in Global Textile Scheme GmbH (GTS). In this way, Hohenstein aims to support GTS in harmonizing and automating data exchange along the entire supply chain. The aim of the GTS initiative is to create an international standard for handling structured product data in the textile and apparel industry.

#Research & Development

Commissioning of the FRS 1800 high-temperature rheometer at the ITM

In March 2025, the new Furnace System 1800 (FRS 1800) high-temperature rheometer from Anton Paar was put into operation at the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden. The installation was carried out by Fabian Barth and Peter Brandes from Anton Paar in collaboration with Florian Pötzsch and Dr. Dilbar Aibibu from the ITM.

#Research & Development

ITA receives the prestigious PROSE AWARD 2025 in the Engineering and Technology category

The winners of the PROSE AWARD 2025 were announced on 5th March 2025. Roshan Paul and Thomas Gries from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were honoured as category winners in Engineering and Technology for their book ‘Sustainable Innovations in the Textile Industry’.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein releases 2024 sustainability report

Responsible action is a defining value for Hohenstein, a global testing and research provider. Their 2024 Sustainability Report provides transparency through documented progress and detailed insights into how sustainability is embedded. It covers both the existing sustainability measures at the German headquarters and the company's goals for 2025 and beyond. The direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) of all its locations worldwide were recorded for the first time.

#Research & Development

ITA researchers win two JEC Innovation Awards for sustainable textile-based composites

Researchers from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University have been honored with two JEC Innovation Awards at JEC World 2025 in Paris, recognizing their groundbreaking contributions to sustainable construction and sports equipment.

#Research & Development

TU Dresden’s ITM and KOTMI sign MOU to promote research into recycled fibers and industrial textile applications

The Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden and the Korea Textile Machinery Convergence Research Institute (KOTMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their collaboration in recycled fiber applications for industrial textile products. The agreement marks a significant step in fostering joint research and development in sustainable textile technologies.

#Research & Development

Joint forces for renewable carbon: Lars Börger appointed as new CEO of nova-Institute

In these challenging times for the sustainable transformation of the chemicals and materials sector, collaboration is more necessary than ever. That is why nova-Institute is proud to welcome Dr. Lars Börger as the new Co-CEO alongside with Michael Carus, the current CEO of nova-Institute. As a team, they will join forces to drive progress towards a greener and fossil-free future for these industries.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein and DuPont are developing innovative tests for ballistic protective vests

Testing laboratory Hohenstein and DuPont have collaborated to develop three innovative and reliable test methods for soft ballistic inserts. Maximizing the comfort and mobility of body armour, such as bulletproof vests, is key to the performance and endurance for law enforcement and military personnel. The new methods address the disconnect in existing tests with real body movements and positions.

#Research & Development

Medical textiles with infection protection

In collaboration with Heraeus, the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) are developing fibers and textiles with a novel infection protection system. The basis is an antimicrobial mechanism of action licensed from Heraeus and marketed under the name AGXX. The goal of the collaboration is to optimally integrate the AGXX technology into textile finishes and coatings and to incorporate it into fiber-spinnable polymers. This will provide medical textiles with highly effective and long-lasting protection against microbial infections.

#Raw Materials

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories unveils groundbreaking scientific achievement based on caddisfly silk proteins

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, a leading developer of spider silk-based fibers, proudly announces the successful creation of new novel silk, build upon the silk proteins of the remarkable caddisfly. This breakthrough marks a new frontier in the field of engineered fibers and underscores the Company’s commitment to pioneering innovations in biotechnology.

#Composites

JEC Composites Innovation Award 2025 for CO2-negative house walls in lightweight construction

At this year's JEC Composites Innovation Awards ceremony, the award in the "Construction & Civil Engineering" category went to the "DACCUSS" project, coordinated by the DITF. TechnoCarbon Technologies GbR, the inventor of Carbon Fiber Stone (CFS), received the JEC Award together with its development partners. The award is for the development of house walls made of Carbon Fiber Stone (CFS), a CO2 negative composite material.

#Research & Development

Textile daylight management when the winter sun is at an angle

When the sun is currently shining, shading textiles face particular challenges. On the one hand, they should allow as much daylight as possible into the rooms during the dark season. On the other hand, the angle of incidence of the sun's rays is so low that the light is particularly dazzling - much more so than in summer. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) are using special light measurement techniques to research suitable shading textiles.

#Research & Development

New DIN SPEC supports the development of textiles with low microfibre discharge

Building on a rapid test for the detection of microfibres in sample water presented in 2023, the sporting goods manufacturer Under Armour, together with the testing service provider Hohenstein and the measuring device provider PPT Group, has now published a standardised test method that enables the determination of microfibre release from textiles under simulated washing conditions. With the help of the new DIN SPEC 19292, apparel/textile companies along the value chain are now able to measure and (e.g. comparatively) evaluate the extent of fibre release of different materials as part of their product development.

#Research & Development

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) mourn the loss of Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Effenberger

The former head of the previous Institute for Textile Chemistry and Chemical Fibers (ITCF) at the DITF passed away on December 11 at the age of 94.

#Research & Development

STFI is investigating textile applications for PU casting compounds

Polyurethane (PU) casting compounds are classically used as protective and insulating material in electronics and electrical engineering, e.g. in battery modules or on circuits or for embedding LEDs. In addition to their electrical insulating properties, they are heat resistant and mechanically flexible . In addition, the transition from liquid to solid aggregate state is so favorable that these PU masses can be applied with a precise fit.

#Research & Development

Tapes made from recycled carbon fibers for lightweight construction

Due to their excellent mechanical properties and low weight, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are increasingly being used in lightweight construction applications where high strength and rigidity combined with minimal weight are crucial. However, the growing use of CFRP is also accompanied by large quantities of carbon fiber waste. So far, only processing routes that significantly reduce the properties of CFRP and thus limit the fields of application have been established.

#Research & Development

High-tech textiles give impulses for circular economy and recycling: Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2024

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference was held in Stuttgart on November 21 and 22. 450 participants from 25 countries and five continents took the opportunity to attend one of the most important European technical congresses.

#Research & Development

Bio-based polyesters for challenging long-term applications

Current bio-based plastics are often only suitable for short-lived applications, such as packaging, because they have inadequate long-term properties. The new project “Bio-based polyesters for challenging long-term applications” from the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF aims to improve the long-term properties of bioplastics through targeted additivation in order to enable their use in technical applications. To do this, the researchers are looking for companies along the value chain that would also like to substitute petro-based plastics with bio-based solutions in long-lasting products.

#Research & Development

STFI Theme Day: Advancing technologies for a circular textile economy

The circular textile economy is a topic that has garnered widespread attention. However, achieving this goal requires more than ambition—it calls for collaboration and robust networks. Recognizing this, the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) invites partners from industry, academia, and research to engage in a dynamic professional exchange focused on this critical subject.

#Research & Development

Cleanzone Award 2024 goes to DITF and DASTEX

The Cleanzone, the trade fair for cleanroom and purity technology, hygiene and contamination control, took place in Frankfurt am Main on September 25 and 26, 2024. The Cleanzone Award is presented at the trade fair to recognize groundbreaking advances in innovation, automation, sustainability and efficiency in the field of cleanroom technology. This year, the award went to the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) and the Dastex Group GmbH for the development of a test method for cleanroom garments - the ReBa2.

#Research & Development

Water Hyazinth plant pots

Together with Fiber Engineering GmbH, the DITF presents a process for the production of biodegradable plant pots. The products are cost effective and competitive. At the same time, the production process combats the spread of the invasive water hyacinth, whose biomass serves as the raw material for the plant pots.

#Research & Development

STFI opens technical center for wetlaid nonwovens

On September 17, 2020, the Wetlaid Technical Center was opened at the Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI) in the Center for Textile Sustainability. For over 30 years, STFI has been dedicated to a variety of fields of application in the textile industry as an innovation partner and service provider. More than 40 invited guests from industry, research and politics attended the opening of the technical center.

#Research & Development

Fungal mycelium as the basis for sustainable products

Fungi have more to offer than meets the eye. Their thread-like cells, which grow extensively and out of sight underground like a network of roots, offer huge potential for producing sustainable, biodegradable materials. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam Science Park are using this mycelium to develop a wide range of recyclable products, from wallets and insulation to packaging.

#Research & Development

ITMF International cooperation award 2024 goes to the DITF and RBX Créations

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) announced the winners of the ITMF Awards 2024 at the ITMF & IAF Conference 2024 held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 8-10 September. In the "ITMF International Cooperation Award 2024" category, the DITF received the award together with the French company RBX Créations for the introduction of a newly developed hemp-based pulp and its further processing into filament-spun cellulose fibres.

#Research & Development

17th Symposium TEXTILE FILTER of STFI - Call for Papers open

The Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI) is organizing the 17th Symposium TEXTILE FILTER on March 11-12, 2025 in Chemnitz. The symposium will look at innovative, high-performance textile filter media for various applications and systems for air, gas, liquid and particle filtration against the background of changing technology. The conference offers the opportunity to intensify cooperation between R&D and industry and to take up new impulses for filter media design.
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