[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

Kick-off for the Textile Production of the Future: Establishment of a Textile Technology and Development Centre in Mönchengladbach, Germany

Textilfabrik 7.0 – Vision of a connected, emission-free industrial estate of the future for the city of Mönchengladbach © 2026 Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University
The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University, together with its partners, is pleased to announce that it has received approval for its joint initiative, ‘Textile Factory 7.0’. The goal of the project is the establishment of a technology and development centre for the textile industry in Mönchengladbach.

The vision: to create an industrial estate of the future. The partners are the Research Institute for Textiles and Clothing at the Hochschule Niederrhein, the Association of the Northwest German Textile and Clothing Industry, the Association of the Rhineland Textile and Clothing Industry, the Textile Academy NRW, and WFMG (Wirtschaftsförderung Mönchengladbach GmbH).

Instead of examining individual technologies in isolation, “Textile Factory 7.0“ combines energy efficiency, AI/robotics, and biotechnology in a single fully operational textile real-world laboratory – focusing on a close collaboration between industry and research partners.

The project contributes to the sustainable enhancement of the attractiveness and productivity of regional textile production. With the T7-Factory, new jobs will be created, and innovative textile research will be strengthened.

Join the partners on March 19, 2026, for the T7-Factory kick-off and register here!


(This event will be held in German only. Thank you in advance for your kind understanding.)

At this networking event, industry stakeholders will explore the four key topics of the T7-Factory: “On-Demand Manufacturing“, “MicroFactory Engineering“, “Digital Textiles“, and “Biosphere“. Experts from ITA will be available for the topics „MicroFactory Engineering“ and „Digital Textiles“.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

ITA thanks its funding partners for their trust and look forward to engaging in discussions on sustainable textile innovation. If you are interested in collaborations or insights into the project’s progress, please feel free to contact them.



More News from Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA)

#Research & Development

Exchange data between textile companies openly, securely and cost-effectively without a central platform – ITA makes it possible

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has launched a new demonstrator for an open and secure data space in the textile industry at the Digital Innovation Centre Europe (DICE). For the first time, the demonstrator shows directly and clearly how companies can share their data securely with each other without the need for a central platform. Data exchange is based on shared, freely usable technical foundations.

#Research & Development

Sustainable athletic wear made from bio-based Polyethylene

Conventional sports textiles made from petroleum-based synthetic fibres are to be replaced in the future by sustainable, bio-based, cooling textiles. Polyethylene, previously used mainly in the packaging industry, is thus qualified for use in textiles and, as a bio-based drop-in solution, offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for the future.

#Research & Development

India, ITA and innovation – enhanced cooperation in research, implementation and bilateral projects such as hydrogen mobility

The Indian Consul General, Dr Shuchita Kishore, visited the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University on 15 December to inspect the joint project between the ITA, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and industrial partners from India and Germany and to tour the ITA.

#Research & Development

Small tolerances, big impact and a recyclable alternative to elastane

ITA Master's student Janne Warnecke investigated tension differences over the fabric width in the weaving process and thereby contributed to quality assurance; ITA Bachelor's student Jasmin Roos found a basis for the development of recyclable yarns and textiles. For these developments, they were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation's Promotion and Sustainability Prizes on 27 November. Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards at the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) in Aachen, Germany.

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

Bio-based fibers with good flame retardancy

Fibers made from bio-based plastics reduce dependence on fossil raw materials and promote the circular economy. The covalent bonding of flame-retardant additives can open the way for these fibers to enter the mass market.

#Research & Development

Innovation center for textile circular economy inaugurated

Just over eight months after the foundation stone was laid, the new Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy was officially inaugurated today at TITK Rudolstadt. Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt, TITK Director Benjamin Redlingshöfer, and other guests of honor cut the ribbon to the modern building complex and viewed the premises, which are now ready for occupancy. The “DICE – Demonstration and Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy” is TITK's largest single investment to date. The Free State of Thuringia supported the total cost of €11.5 million with €8 million in GRW and FTI funding.

#Research & Development

Sustainable design of Geosynthetics and roof underlayments made from recyclates

Is it possible to recover plastic recyclates from previously unused waste streams in order to produce high-quality fibers and films? How can bio-based polymer fibers be manufactured so as to allow adjustable biodegradability? These are the questions being addressed by researchers from the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE in the Zirk-Tex project.

#Research & Development

More safety and comfort for protective clothing thanks to auxetic fabrics

When everyday materials are pulled, they stretch or elongate in the direction of the pull and become narrower in cross-section. We can also observe this property in two-dimensional textiles. Auxetic structures behave differently here. They have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. These properties are advantageous, for example, in protective textiles or textile filter media. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.

Latest News

#Functional Fabrics

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

#Sustainability

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.

TOP