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#Research & Development

TCLF: Resilient value chains in times of crises

The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry was at the centre of the webinar “Resilient value chains in times of crises”, which took place on 28 April 2026. Global supply chains continue to face increasing pressure, raw material dependencies are growing and economic uncertainties are affecting the entire sector.

Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University contributed to the implementation of the webinar together with strong European partners. The event addressed current developments within the European textiles ecosystem and demonstrated how companies along the value chain can strengthen their resilience and position themselves for the future.

Together with the partners DG GROW and EISMEA of the European Commission as well as EY, current challenges, strategic approaches and concrete best practice examples from industry were presented. Contributions from the fields of technical textiles, clothing, leather and footwear provided practical insights into innovative solution approaches within the European textiles ecosystem.

Speakers included Dirk Vantyghem (EURATEX), Mario Jorge Machado (Adalberto Textile Solutions), Andreia Barbosa (Humana People to People), Giacomo Zorzi (UNIC – Concerie Italiane) and Gilles Trouveroy from the South East Asia IP SME Helpdesk.

Following the presentations, participants had the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers and exchange views on current challenges within the sector. Open questions from the Q&A sessions will continue to be addressed within the relevant workspaces of the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform.

Melina Sachtleben Dahmann, Head of Multifilament Technologies at ITA, moderated the webinar. Through this involvement, ITA actively contributed to European networking activities and to shaping key future topics within the textile industry.

ITA would like to thank all participating partners and contributors for the dedicated collaboration and the joint advancement of a resilient and sustainable textile ecosystem in Europe.



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#Research & Development

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

#Research & Development

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

#Research & Development

ITA spin-off Solid Air (SA) Dynamics reaches the semi-finals of the Rice Business Plan Competition

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#Techtextil 2026

Smart textiles can also be sustainable, eco-friendly and AI-powered – ITA at Techtextil 2026

Sports shoes made from algae, leggings made from mushrooms, filtering (diesel) oil from water, 4D textiles, recyclable, sustainable and featuring AI – this is what the ITA Group is presenting at three individual stands run by ITA Aachen, ITA Augsburg gGmbH and ITA Technologietransfer GmbH on the joint stand of Elmatex in hall 12.0 D05.

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#Research & Development

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

#Research & Development

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

#Techtextil 2026

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

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#Research & Development

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

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#ITM 2026

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

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#Nonwoven machines

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#Weaving

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#Spinning

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