[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

Thomas V. Fischer new Head of the Center of Management Research

Dr.-Ing. Thomas V. Fischer takes over the management of the Center of Management Research at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF). Thomas Fischer completed his doctorate in 2000 on cooperative innovation management in the textile value chain. His research work was funded by the DITF with an EU scholarship. He then worked as a research assistant at the Center of Management and was appointed deputy head in 2017.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas V. Fischer © 2024 DITF
Dr.-Ing. Thomas V. Fischer © 2024 DITF


His research focuses on innovation management, innovation methodology, knowledge-based systems, digitalization, Industry 4.0, sustainability and the circular economy. The trained mediator has conceptualized and carried out numerous national and European research projects. Since June 2024, he has been coordinating the EU project BioFibreLoop with 13 partners from nine countries with funding of 6.8 million euros.

“With Thomas Fischer, the course for the further development of the Center of Management Research has been set in the best possible way. We look forward to continuing our collaboration,” said Professor Dr. Michael R. Buchmeiser, Chairman of the DITF Executive Board.

Thomas Fischer succeeds Professor Dr. Meike Tilebein, who headed the Center of Management Research for 13 years. In this role, she bridged the gap between university and application-oriented research for the digital and green transformation of the textile industry.

Meike Tilebein is leaving the DITF at her own request to work on new interdisciplinary research areas at the University of Stuttgart, where she heads the Institute for Diversity Studies in Engineering.

“We regret Professor Tilebein's decision, but we look forward to continuing the proven cooperation in research and teaching in a new constellation,” stated DITF Executive Board member Peter Steiger.

Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Meike Tilebein © 2024 DITF
Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Meike Tilebein © 2024 DITF



More News from Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf

#Research & Development

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

#Techtextil 2026

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.

#Research & Development

Textile cascade filter for removing microplastics from wastewater

Microplastics are now found almost everywhere, even in remote regions of Antarctica. They enter the human body through the food chain. Studies indicate that microplastics may have negative effects on the human health.

#Research & Development

Fabolose: Fabricating vegan and circular leather alternatives from bio-tech-derived cellulose

Fabulose is an EU funded project coordinated by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF). Its consortium consists of leading research institutes, biotech innovators, and industry stakeholders who aim to create high-performance, biobased and recyclable leather-like fabrics, using efficient biotech production routes for bacterial cellulose, cyanophycin and bacterial pigments

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

TERIS reaches milestone: Fraunhofer consortium develops new standards for tire analysis

In the “TERIS” project, the Fraunhofer institutes ICT, IGD, and IWM—led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF—have reached a decisive milestone. For the first time, the teams aim to generate, analyse, and predict tire wear in the laboratory in a standardized and practical manner. As part of this milestone, results are now available on reference abrasion, particle analysis, tribological models, AI-based surface analysis, a test bench concept, and methods for accelerated aging and VOC detection. The tire industry, testing services, and environmental agencies will in future benefit from reliable, rapid laboratory procedures for emissions assessment.

#Research & Development

Geotextiles made from recycled materials: GREEN leads the way into the industry

For the industry, recycled materials are creating new opportunities in geotextile production. In the GREEN project, the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE demonstrates that recycled polypro-pylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and high-density polyeth-ylene (HDPE) can be processed into nonwovens, fibers, and membranes that meet industrial requirements. This creates opportunities for use in existing production lines and new value chains in the geotextile market.

#Research & Development

2026 general meeting of the Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen at ITA

The Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen e. V. (proRWTH) looked back on a successful year of support at their 2026 general meeting. The meeting took place at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen and was combined with a joint session of the Executive Board and the Administrative Board. Before the general meeting began, participants were given a guided tour of ITA, providing them with fascinating insights into current research and development topics in textile engineering.

#Research & Development

GenuTrace client advisory: Is your cotton supply chain UFLPA ready?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released updated operational guidance (CBP Publication No. 5560-0526) expanding its forced labor enforcement framework. The guidance supersedes the original 2022 UFLPA Operational Guidance and now covers all forced labor enforcement authorities — UFLPA, CAATSA, and WROs/Findings — in a single unified document. For cotton importers, the enforcement posture has not softened. It has become more structured, more documented, and more demanding. Learn more about UFLPA.

Latest News

#Textile processing

Pathfinder expands into Mexico to support growth across Latin America

Pathfinder Australia Pty Ltd, a global manufacturer of advanced cutting room technology for the textile and related industries, today announced the launch of Tecnología de Corte Pathfinder, S. de R.L. de C.V., its new Mexico-based subsidiary.

#Yarn & Fiber

R-Evenge chooses Q-NOVA® yarn by Fulgar for its line of technical socks dedicated to wellness

Q-NOVA®, Fulgar’s sustainable polyamide 6.6 yarn, has been selected by R-Evenge for the development of its collection of technical socks dedicated to wellness, fitness, and water-based activities.

#Technical Textiles

FILTREX™ India 2026 to bring global filtration leaders together in New Delhi

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, in partnership with the Business Coordination House (BCH), will welcome filtration professionals from across the world to FILTREX™ India 2026, taking place on 7–8 October 2026 at the Eros Hotel, New Delhi.

#Spinning

Ibrahim Fibres and Trützschler: A strong partnership enters its next phase with the TC 30Si

For more than two decades, Ibrahim Fibres and Trützschler have grown side by side, driven by a shared ambition to continuously improve spinning performance, strengthen technology leadership and set new benchmarks in the textile industry. Today, Ibrahim Fibres is a leading yarn and polyester staple fiber manufacturer in Pakistan. The company operates the largest number of Trützschler cards in the country, with more than 200 machines running across its mills in Faisalabad, and plays an important role in one of Asia’s largest textile industries.

TOP