#Research & Development

2022-07-20

Environmentally friendly and sustainable: shopping and production digitally optimized

Kick-off event of the project partners at the end of June in Denkendorf (from the left: Alexander Artschwager (DITF), Dr. Jürgen Seibold (DITF), Jeanette Nordmann (Assyst GmbH), Alexander Mirosnicenko (DITF), Dr. Rainer Trieb (Human Solutions), Dr. Martin Lades (Assyst GmbH), Stefanie Hiss (DITF) Photo. DITF

The designer has an idea, the customer, consumer or retailer, checks it out and changes one or two details to suit his or her taste. Then garments are produced in small batches or tailored to the body thanks to modern body measurement. Digital technology ensures that the wishes are met, everything fits and everything looks as expected. Returns? That was yesterday.

Digitized processes not only satisfy the customer, but also protect the environment. That's why the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (German Federal Environmental Foundation) is funding the research cooperation between the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) and Assyst GmbH. The keyword here is the shifting back of value-added processes. Result: no mass-produced goods for the garbage, no child labor, high ecological standards and low transport costs.

"Every body is individual" emphasizes Dr. Martin Lades, Assyst GmbH. The ECO-Shoring project takes this into account. The creation of an avatar, i.e. the model of one's own body, is the basis. There are also serial measurements in different regions of the world. In the project, processes and the database of Avalution GmbH allow that the customer only has to enter a few body parameters to get an accurate fit. With the body height, weight and age, the program can create a true-to-life body double - the trying-on on the computer can begin. The model is primarily suitable for online shopping, but in principle the customer can also be measured and advised directly in the store.

“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.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

STFI showcases new Textile LAB Professional with focus on climate protection and sustainable technologies

The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e. V. (STFI) in Chemnitz is organising a themed day on 3 December 2026, focusing on climate protection and the environment. As well as showcasing current applications for green cities and natural fibres for lightweight construction, the event will feature machine demonstrations in the new Textile LAB Professional. Under the motto ‘Design meets Technology’, this networking event will also provide an insight into artistic student projects, thereby facilitating a professional exchange on creative perspectives and modern technologies for climate protection and the environment.

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

Picanol to unveil new AirOne airjet weaving machine at ITMA Asia 2026

From November 20 to 24, 2026, Picanol will present the world premiere of its new AirOne generation of airjet weaving machines at ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai. Developed in response to the latest requirements in basic woven fabric production, AirOne marks an important expansion of Picanol’s airjet weaving portfolio. Featuring a newly developed crank shedding motion, the machine combines high performance and low energy consumption with advanced digitalisation and ease of operation.

Savio presents intelligent winding and air-jet spinning technologies at ITMA Asia 2026

At ITMA Asia Shanghai 2026, Savio will showcase its latest developments in winding and spinning technology, focusing on artificial intelligence, automation and digital integration. The spotlight will be on two machines: the Proxima Smartconer®, Savio’s next-generation winding platform, and the Lybra Smartspinner®, an air-jet spinning solution designed for flexible yarn production and a wide range of textile applications.

Mahlo introduces AI-supported Orthopac RVMC-20 plus at ITMA Asia 2026

From November 20 to 24, 2026, Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG will present its system portfolio for the textile industry at ITMA Asia in Shanghai. Together with its local sales and service partner Kuantex and Mahlo China, the Bavarian technology specialist will demonstrate at Booth C22 in Hall 7.1 how intelligent measurement and control technology can improve the quality and efficiency of textile production processes. The spotlight will be on the new Orthopac RVMC-20 plus, which combines precise weft straightening with fully integrated process control.