#Domotex 2018

2018-01-04

BleNaBis: Climate-neutrale carpet fibres - awarded by KlimaExpo.NRW

The surfaces of carpets are generally made of wool or synthetic fibres such as polyamide. The carbon footprints of these two materials are not as “fluffy” as the carpets are soft however: wool production is an energy-intensive process as a result of keeping animals. In collaboration with other European research institutes, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is currently develops a climate-neutral yarn based on renewable raw materials, which will not only match the quality of polyamide, but can also be produced in a more energy efficient way.

The fibres consist of linseed fibres and a sustainable eco-polyamide fibre. The linseed fibre comes from flax fibre which is extracted from the stems of flax plants that are no longer needed. The eco-polyamide fibre consists of 70 percent castor oil, which is obtained from the castor oil plant, a plant that does not compete with the food production sector. The combination of these two fibres will make the carpet durable and of high quality. The fibre blend is expected to cut the climate footprint of a carpet by 50 %.

Quality control using the office chair simulator

More than 50 per cent of all carpets are not woven but “tufted”, whereby textile loops are worked into a fabric backing, similar to the method used in tatting. The quality standards are high and the carpets produced have to be subjected to very stringent quality analysis. An office chair simulator carries out a stress test to check whether the carpet can withstand the level of wear to be expected in an office.

Hybrid carpet yarn Linseedflax and biobased Polyamide 6.10 (c) 2018 ITA

BleNaBis (Blends of Natural and Biosynthetic fibres for eco-efficient yarns and carpets) covers all stages of the value added chain: from harvesting right up to producing the carpet.

The flax fibre is cultivated and processed in the Czech Republic; the ITA mixes the linseed fibre with the polyamide fibre and spins the yarn from this using the rotor spinning process. The production and testing of the carpets is then carried out at the TFI Institut für Bodensysteme an der RWTH Aachen e.V.

The BleNaBis project was funded by the Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) as part of the programme to support Industrial Community Research and Development (IGF) through a grant by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, on the basis of a resolution passed by the German Bundestag.

The official award ceremony will take place at the beginning of 2018.

Engineer Dipl.-Ing. Marko Wischnowski and M.Sc. Tobias Schlüter, both ITA, Project Leaders of BleNaBis say: “In the BleNaBis project, we are developing processes used to produce flooring systems from bio-based polyamides and linseed flax fibres. The combination of these two materials allows us to improve the carbon footprint of flooring systems. In addition, we are demonstrating new areas of application for natural fibres and bio-based polyamides.”

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

Networking Day 2026: Industry stakeholders unite around textile recycling

In 2026, the Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling once again brought together some of the key stakeholders in textile recycling for its annual Networking Day. This year, the event took place at EREMA’s premises in Ansfelden, Austria. It brought together key players from across the textile recycling value chain for a day of structured exchange and in-depth discussions.

2026 general meeting of the Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen at ITA

The Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen e. V. (proRWTH) looked back on a successful year of support at their 2026 general meeting. The meeting took place at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen and was combined with a joint session of the Executive Board and the Administrative Board. Before the general meeting began, participants were given a guided tour of ITA, providing them with fascinating insights into current research and development topics in textile engineering.

TERNAfil wins first place at PitchMiUp Night 2026 in Minden

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

Cinte Techtextil China 2026 has opened today, bringing global innovations and resources to Shanghai

As Asia’s premier platform catering to the evolving needs in technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China has opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, gathering over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Across Halls W3 to W5, this edition will create chances for fast-growing sectors and emerging trends – such as Mobiltech, Medtech & Protech, Indutech and more. The curated zones, pavilions, and fringe programme are designed to better connect exhibitors with targeted buyers from across China, Asia-Pacific, and further afield. Meanwhile, the Association Village will gather international industry associations to foster even more global collaboration.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens with focus on AI, circularity and new sourcing regions

More than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world are gathering at Paris-Le Bourget as Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens its doors from August 31 to September 2. With around 500 textile manufacturers and a similar number of apparel and accessories suppliers, the trade fair reflects the ongoing transformation of global sourcing and the growing diversification of supply regions.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.