#Research & Development

2025-08-14

Cooperation on the circular textile economy

International cooperation for a circular textile economy: Circular Textile Days, the leading international B2B event for sustainable textiles based in the Netherlands, is entering into a strategic partnership with the DATIpilot Innovation Community Circular Textiles at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (THA). The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen European innovation in the circular textile economy and create new opportunities for the cross-border exchange of knowledge.

The scientific spokesperson of CirTex: Prof Dr Stefan Schlichter © 2025 THA

Circular Textile Days and DATIpilot Innovation Community Circular Textiles (CirTex) agree on joint activities

Textile circular economy as well as transparency and traceability of used materials are high on the EU's agenda. The long-term partnership with the Circular Textile Days now provides CirTex with a European platform to present solutions, network with relevant stakeholders and drive sustainable change in the textile industry. This gives innovative German projects international visibility.

"Germany has a strong research and innovation base in the field of textile technology. At the same time, there is a clear need to translate this knowledge into circular practical solutions more quickly," says Prof Dr Stefan Schlichter (THA). ‘The Circular Textile Days offer us an excellent platform to present the results of our work, establish partnerships and promote cross-border scientific dialogue.’

CirTex is a German innovation network funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and coordinated by Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. It brings together over 250 stakeholders from business, science, politics and civil society. By the end of 2028, the network will be actively shaping the textile value chain towards greater resource efficiency, circularity and sustainability in around 20 innovation projects from all over Germany. Through practical results and innovative science communication, CirTex is making an important contribution to the implementation of a circular textile economy in Germany.

As the central European event for circular and sustainable textiles, the Circular Textile Days bring together brands, suppliers, innovators and political decision-makers. The new partnership underlines the core mission of the event: to enable real collaboration and impact - and to translate knowledge into concrete application. The Circular Textile Days trade fair is an international B2B event based in the Netherlands that aims to significantly advance the transformation towards a sustainable and fully circular textile industry. The fifth edition of the trade fair will take place on 10 and 11 September 2025 in s' Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) in the Netherlands.

Pellet press enables thermomechanical textile recycling on a pilot scale at ITA

Since the end of 2025, the technical centre of the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has been equipped with a pellet press from the manufacturer Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG, Reinbek, Germany. This press can efficiently compact shredded synthetic textiles at a throughput of up to 25 kg/h and process them into pellets with a diameter of 4 mm.

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

New DIN SPEC assesses environmental impact of textile fragments in soil

Textile products made from synthetic fibres, finished fabrics or dyed materials release fibre fragments into the environment at every stage of their life cycle. With the new DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has developed a standardised testing method to analyse how these fragments behave in soil under natural conditions. Until now, little was known about their environmental behaviour or potential ecological effects once released.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.