#Sustainability

2020-10-29

A new era begins: The renewable materials conference, Cologne and online, 18–20 May 2021

Featuring a unique concept to present all sustainable and renewable material solutions at one event: bio-based, CO2-based and recycled http://www.renewable-materials.eu

There is a growing market demand for advanced and ready-to-use sustainable material solutions with a low carbon footprint – and fossil-free. As a response to this challenge, nova-Institute has decided to unite all relevant industries in the new Renewable Materials Conference (RMC). Over three days, participants get a complete overview of the latest renewable material solutions from a wide range of sustainable raw materials and technologies. The first day will be focusing on building blocks and chemicals, the second on polymers and plastics and the third on plastic and composite materials.

nova-Institute’s renewable carbon approach aims to initiate the end of the fossil age of chemicals and plastics and builds the foundation for the RMC. Renewable chemicals, plastics, composites, fibres and other products can be produced either from biomass, directly via CO2 utilisation, or recycling. Naturally, this includes the established areas of bio-based polymers and biocomposites.

Thus, for the first time in its 25 years of experience in the field of renewable raw materials, nova-Institute presents all these material solutions jointly at one conference: Latest innovations on bio- and CO2-based chemicals and materials as well as mechanical and chemical recycling. Or in other words: All material solutions based on renewable carbon – avoiding the use of additional fossil carbon.

The conference will help shape the sustainable future of chemicals and materials and will provide new advantages and synergies by establishing a meeting point for numerous cross-sectoral networking opportunities. Participants from the industry will be able to greatly benefit from the first event of this format as it provides a platform where new market solutions can be presented and recognised to get a broad range of new prospects and materials solutions.

The Renewable Materials Conference is the follow-up event to the “13th International Conference on Bio-based Materials”, which builds on a successful history of previous conferences: In 2019, more than 270 participants attended and 30 exhibitors were present. It was the second largest event on bio-based materials in Europe and continues within this new concept. The conference also integrates topics from the “Biocomposites Conference Cologne” and extends the conference with presentations on chemicals and polymers from CO2 use (CCU) as well as new solutions from the field of recycling, so that the entire spectrum of renewable materials is covered.

The conference will be held as hybrid event – as physical meeting in which an online audience participates as well. The physical conference will take place in Cologne, Germany. Overall, 300 to 400 participants are expected.

To show of the wide range of possibilities and diversity of renewable materials, the innovation award “Renewable Material of the Year” will be granted at the conference to innovative and trend-setting products and technologies based on renewable materials. The pioneers of renewable materials from all sectors are invited to participate. http://www.renewable-materials.eu/award-application

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.

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808 “Tree Shelter for Forestry Applications,” the testing and research service provider Hohenstein, in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, as well as forestry authorities and industry partners, has established a clear framework for bio-based and fully biodegradable tree shelters. The pre-standard defines requirements and practical testing methods designed to reduce plastic waste in forests and strengthen the long-term protection of soil and the environment.

Europe’s textile future at a turning point: New 2030 Circularity Blueprint aims to scale recycling and unlock investment opportunities

The EU textile system is at a critical crossroads. Today, less than 1% of discarded garments are recycled into new garments, despite EU-wide obligations for separate collection. In response, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) is launching the 2030 Circularity Blueprint, in partnership with ReHubs. This ambitious initiative is designed to support the transformation of the EU textile ecosystem to advance textile-to-textile recycling and drive the transition to a circular economy.

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.