Dr Thomas Grünewald, President of the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, emphasised in his presentation the close ties between Fraunhofer IML and the university and outlined the joint development of the textile industry in Mönchengladbach.

"We see great potential for logistics through digitalisation and automation. In order to be able to use them in textile logistics as well, the specific requirements and dynamics of the textile industry must be considered at an early stage in both science and business and sustainability must be taken into account," said Prof. Uwe Clausen, Institute Director at Fraunhofer IML.

The industry and association representatives then addressed the current topics using examples and projects from their work. Among other things, they discussed the challenges of textile processing in returns management, increasing sustainability and establishing textile cycles, the change in the fashion industry due to the automation of conveyor technology, and the question of how workwear becomes sustainable smart textiles.