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#Research & Development

HRC/ACTC and ITA sign scientific framework contract

(c) 2020 ITA Aachen
On 12 December 2019, the Changshu High-Tech Industrial Development Zone in Jiangsu Province, China, hosted the inauguration of the Advanced Composite Technology Center (ACTC).

The Advanced Composite Technology Center (ACTC). is a research and development center for fibre-reinforced composites established by Hengrui Corporation (HRC) with the support of Fraunhofer ICT. 

Dr Viktor Reimer travelled to the opening event on behalf of ITA Technologietransfer GmbH and attended the signing ceremony of the scientific framework contract between ACTC and ITA.

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#Composites

More affordable, environmentally friendly hydrogen pressure tanks at ITA-JEC booth

As a highlight of the JEC, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University will be presenting hydrogen pressure tanks manufactured using multifilament winding processes at the NRW joint booth in Hall 5, Stand G65.

#Research & Development

Pellet press enables thermomechanical textile recycling on a pilot scale at ITA

Since the end of 2025, the technical centre of the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has been equipped with a pellet press from the manufacturer Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG, Reinbek, Germany. This press can efficiently compact shredded synthetic textiles at a throughput of up to 25 kg/h and process them into pellets with a diameter of 4 mm.

#Research & Development

Solid Air Dynamics wins second place at RWTH Innovation Award

On 30 January, RWTH spin-off Solid Air Dynamics was awarded second place in the RWTH Innovation Awards for its research in the field of aerogel fibres. Manufactured from renewable raw materials, aerogel fibres offer outstanding thermal insulation, are extremely lightweight and completely biodegradable, and can consist of over 90 per cent air.

#Research & Development

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.

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#Research & Development

Pioneer of the first hour: Michael Carus steps down after more than 30 years from nova-Institute’s Management

After more than three decades at the helm, founder and CEO Michael Carus is set to step down as head of the Renewable Carbon division on 1 March 2026. Lars Börger as the new CEO, will take over this key position of the nova-Institute together with COO Linda Engel, while Carus will remain with the research and consulting company as a senior advisor and shareholder. This change takes place after a one-year transition phase, as planned.

#Man-Made Fibers

Toray develops AURLIST™ polyester filament fiber with luxurious luster and ultra-fine structure

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#Sustainability

The nova-Institute establishes new Renewable Feedstock Department to lay the groundwork for industrial defossilisation

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#Composites

STFI at JEC

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#Raw Materials

Lenzing Group positions bio‑based materials as a strategic asset for Europe’s economic security

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#Natural Fibers

Beyond Cotton: Natural Fibres in the Spotlight at the Bremen Cotton Conference - Branded by DNFI

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#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Coats to showcase innovative reinforcement and filler materials for leather goods and accessories at APLF 2026

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#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Design, innovation and sustainability propel VIATT 2026’s expanding role in ASEAN textile sourcing

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