#Research & Development

2020-06-25

BIOTEXFUTURE opening event

The official opening event took place digitally on 17 June 2020 - the innovation space BIOTEXFUTURE was presented to the public. The event was primarily aimed at interested experts. With 311 registered participants, 230 of whom continuously followed the event, the expectations were far exceeded and show the great interest in the textile bio-economy.

33 percent of the participants could be assigned to universities and research institutions. The economy accounted for 53 percent. In addition, all well-known textile associations, clubs, textile media and government institutions were represented (14 percent). The event has shown that a regular exchange of information is urgently needed. With BIOTEXFUTURE we want to offer this exchange the necessary platform.

True to the motto "CREATE THE CHANGE - Transform the textile value chain from petroleum-based to bio-based", the innovation space will support projects that are conducive to this goal.

The funding is provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research via the BIOTEXFUTURE innovation space. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our speakers and all supporters once again.

2-page document "BIOTEXFUTURE" (pdf: 205 kb)

https://www.ita.rwth-aachen.de/global/show_document.asp?id=aaaaaaaaaponqrq&download=1

Textilfabrik 7.0 launched: Mönchengladbach becomes a real-world lab for sustainable textile production

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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.

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.

Stylish design made from sustainable materials – two DITF research projects receive Techtextil Innovation Awards

Materials made from domestic, renewable raw materials reduce CO₂ emissions, prevent microplastics from entering the environment, and close the material cycle. The German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing nature-based alternatives to synthetically produced and predominantly petroleum-based materials. Two research projects have received a prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award. NUO Flexholz and the lignin-coated material FormLig demonstrate that sustainable concepts can meet high standards of functionality and design. Both projects were carried out in close collaboration with industry.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

ITM presents cutting-edge textile research at Techtextil

From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Chair of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TUD Dresden University of Technology will be presenting its current research at Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. In Hall 12.0, Stand D41, the team will be demonstrating how it combines high-performance fibers, AI-supported digital development tools and innovative machine technologies to develop textile solutions for lightweight construction, construction, medical technology and sustainable production from atom to product.

Techtextil 2026 recognition for the UK’s FET

Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) will receive the Techtextil 2026 New Production Technology Innovation Award at next week’s Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21-24). The Leeds-based member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) has developed the FET-500, a new toxic solvent-free gel small scale system for the production of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Lower CO2, stronger bonds: Indorama Ventures enables customers’ performance at Techtextil

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Indorama Ventures presents its latest material innovations aimed at supporting customers in achieving both performance and sustainability targets. The company highlights solutions based on recycled and bio-based raw materials as well as advanced binder fibers, addressing current market demands for lower CO₂ emissions, improved efficiency, and reliable supply.