#Research & Development

2026-08-20

Outdoor Industry Association completes Clean Heat CoLab initiative

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has completed its multi-year Clean Heat CoLab initiative, bringing together outdoor brands and technology experts to accelerate the adoption of electrified process heating in textile manufacturing. The collaboration focused on reducing emissions from thermal processes such as dyeing, washing and finishing, which remain among the most carbon-intensive stages of textile production.

Founded by OIA together with Patagonia, L.L. Bean, New Balance, REI Co-op and W.L. Gore & Associates, and supported by Global Efficiency Intelligence (GEI), the initiative progressed through three phases: research, development of an open-source electrification assessment tool and supplier training.

The first phase examined the potential of replacing fossil fuel-based process heat with electric technologies in textile mills. Based on these findings, the partners developed the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, enabling manufacturers to assess electrification opportunities without carrying out a full feasibility study.

According to OIA, the tool has also been adopted beyond its own membership. The Apparel Impact Institute has used it to screen more than 60 textile mills in China, Vietnam and India, identifying 16 facilities for further investment-grade analysis and potential support for heat pump implementation.

The third phase focused on practical implementation through supplier workshops in Taiwan and Vietnam, complemented by online training sessions for manufacturers worldwide.

Although large-scale electrification across the textile industry is expected to take time, OIA says the initiative has established an important foundation by providing research, practical tools and technical knowledge for manufacturers and brands seeking to reduce emissions from textile production.

Outdoor industry leaders launch open-source tool to decarbonize textile mills

Cotopaxi, L.L. Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) proudly introduce the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, an innovative open-source resource designed to help textile mills reduce emissions by transitioning to efficient, electrified heating technologies. Developed as part of OIA’s Clean Heat Impact CoLab, this initiative underscores the outdoor industry’s commitment to decarbonizing the textile industry and driving progress toward bold climate goals.

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.