[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

DuPont Biomaterials sponsors fashion program at Central Saint Martins

Fashion students to receive Sorona® fabrics for annual show

DuPont Biomaterials announces its sponsorship of the fashion undergraduate BA Fashion Design program at Central Saint Martins (CSM) in London. Renowned for its fashion curriculum, Central Saint Martins is among the best fashion schools worldwide and considered one of the most prestigious, spawning some of the greatest fashion designers in the past few decades. More than 100 students of different pathways related to the apparel industry will receive partially bio-based Sorona® fabrics to create their first fashion design for the school’s annual White Show.

At CSM, students are encouraged to pursue innovative, creative ideas and unconventional thoughts. The White Show gives the students an opportunity to focus on the shapes and silhouettes of their fashion designs, rather than patterns and color. Thus, only white fabrics provided by Sorona® will be used for the prototypes of the designs. The project includes each step of the design process, from the first sketch to the sewing of the final prototype and culminating with the organization and execution of the fashion show. 

To signify the launch of this experience, an introductory lesson taught by Hao Ding, Business Manager - EMEA for DuPont Biomaterials, will share the specifics and performance attributes of Sorona® fabrics with students. Of particular interest will be the superior stretchability, recovery and wrinkle-resistance that enable freedom in design and range of application. Sorona® is also a sustainable solution, being made from 37 percent renewable plant-based ingredients. 


“At CSM we are very keen for the students to learn about circularity in fashion and manufacturers who are developing sustainable fabrics and methods of producing them. Therefore the BA Fashion course is extremely grateful to Sorona® for collaborating with us and enabling the students to work with their fabrics produced from renewable plant-based ingredients using processing methods that have less impact on the environment and can be recycled later on. Having this opportunity as first years will have a lasting impact and encourage the students to inform themselves and make responsible choices moving forward in their creative practice,” said Sarah Gresty, BA Fashion Course Leader at the Central Saint Martins, a part of the University of the Arts London. 

“It’s such an honor to collaborate with Central Saint Martins to help educate students on developing sustainable fashion and embedding a sustainability mindset into their design process. For the ‘White Show’, we specifically developed non-dyed fabrics with the objective of minimizing the environmental impact. Education is crucial for the development of sustainability. As a leader in the textile industry, we are more than happy to share our knowledge and experience, and to encourage and inspire the students to create more sustainable, beautiful clothes,” said Hao Ding. 

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this year’s final White Show, devised and produced by BA Fashion Communication: Fashion Communication and Promotion students, will be held without the usual audience of professionals from the fashion industry. 


More News from TEXDATA International

#Texprocess 2026

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

#Techtextil 2026

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

#Techtextil 2026

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

#Texprocess 2026

Between investment restraint and modernization pressure

Texprocess 2026 takes place in a complex market environment shaped by uncertainty and innovation pressure. In this interview, Elgar Straub (VDMA) explains why the trade fair is particularly relevant this year and which technologies are driving efficiency and competitiveness.

More News on Research & Development

#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.

#Techtextil 2026

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

#Research & Development

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

The cultivation of fibre hemp for the production of ropes and clothing has a long tradition in Saxony. Due to its excellent fibre properties, it is also suitable as a renewable raw material for reinforcement in fibre composites. At the STFI and IWU in Chemnitz, the CannaPul project is cur- rently investigating how a regional value chain for hemp-based lightweight construction profiles can be established. To this end, the technical processing of hemp fibres into continuous fibre strands and their embedding in a suitable bio-based matrix are being investigated.

Latest News

#INDEX 2026

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

#INDEX 2026

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

#INDEX 2026

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.

#INDEX 2026

Innovations for today – solutions for tomorrow: Trützschler Nonwovens at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May, Trützschler Nonwovens will present itself at booth 1641 as a long-term partner to its customers. The focus will be on new products for all nonwoven processes, further developments of the digital working environment T‑ONE, and an expanded service portfolio.

TOP