#Research & Development

2022-10-06

DITF are winners of the DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award

PureCell - pure composite material made from cellulosic tire cord fibers (left) and from natural fibers (right) by DITF Denkendorf. Photo: DITF

The 'Discover Natural Fibres Initiative' (DNFI) is an international association of more than 30 natural fiber manufacturers and research institutions. Its annual award for innovative products, processes and scientific achievements in the field of natural fibers goes this year to DITF Denkendorf for the development of 'PureCell', a pure fiber composite made of cellulose.

The aim of the DNFI is to educate companies about the added value of natural fibers and to identify new applications. The DNFI makes statistical data on the production of natural fibers and information on innovative technologies in fiber production and processing available on a digital platform.

For the sixth time since 2017, the DNFI has offered the 'DNFI Innovation of Natural Fibres Award'. This award aims to draw public attention to innovative and pioneering science-based work and products based on natural fibers.

This year, the prize was awarded to Dr. Frank Hermanutz and Dr. Tanja Schneck, whose work 'PureCell - Natural fiber-reinforced composites based on pure cellulose' presents a single-variety composite material made of cellulose. The cellulose matrix of PureCell is produced in a process in which the solvent from ionic liquids is 100% recycled. After impregnation of the natural fibers serving as reinforcement with the cellulose matrix, the desired composite material can be obtained. The manufacturing process is thus particularly environmentally friendly and follows the sustainability concept in textile and material production. The composite material is lightweight and impresses with its high mechanical strength. It can be easily molded in a hot pressing process and thus prepared as a component for technical parts.

With this award, the jury honors outstanding scientific achievement in the field of innovative research and processing with natural fibers. An important criterion for the award is also the advanced stage of development of PureCell, which offers the potential to open up new applications for products made from natural fibers.

The award ceremony was announced by DNFI on September 27. The award ceremony will take place at the DNFI Annual Conference in Frankfurt during the Heimtextil trade fair (January 11 / 12, 2022).

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: 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.

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.

Smart textiles can also be sustainable, eco-friendly and AI-powered – ITA at Techtextil 2026

Sports shoes made from algae, leggings made from mushrooms, filtering (diesel) oil from water, 4D textiles, recyclable, sustainable and featuring AI – this is what the ITA Group is presenting at three individual stands run by ITA Aachen, ITA Augsburg gGmbH and ITA Technologietransfer GmbH on the joint stand of Elmatex in hall 12.0 D05.

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.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

The LYCRA Company strengthens sustainability leadership, appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.