#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.

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.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

From textile waste to spinning-grade fiber: STADLER Group engineers integrated sorting solution for IGERS in Italy

As technology partner, STADLER worked alongside IGERS on its new plant in San Pietro Mosezzo, Novara, from the first process discussions to the final layout – integrating key treatment equipment into one system and supplying the fully automated sorting line. Together, the two companies have taken IGERS' patented textile recycling process from vision to industrial reality.

Trützschler to showcase innovations in spinning preparation and nonwovens at ITMA Asia 2026

From November 20 to 24, 2026, the Trützschler Group will present its latest fiber processing technologies at ITMA Asia in Shanghai, China. At Hall 5.1, Booth D20, the company will showcase solutions designed to increase productivity, simplify operations and improve efficiency across spinning preparation and nonwoven production. Key highlights include the automated can transport system T-CAN, the next-generation card TC 30, innovative card clothing solutions such as STEELTOP and SUPERFLOW, as well as advanced nonwoven technologies for hygiene, wipes and filtration applications.

ROICA™ brings global textile innovation to Functional Fabric Fair Portland

ROICA™, the premium stretch fiber by Asahi Kasei, will make its debut appearance at Functional Fabric Fair Portland on October 27-28, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center (Stand 256). Bringing together textile developments from partner companies across Europe and Asia, the ROICA™ booth will present a diverse collection of fabric solutions for performance, outdoor, mobility, swimwear, cy-cling, and lifestyle applications.