#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

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Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

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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.

Denim moves towards sustainability

EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement), the global reference platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing, presents the second edition of its annual report Denim Industry Progress & Insights 2025. The study analyses over 100,000 real denim finishing processes, providing an accurate and up-to-date view of the industry’s evolution towards more sustainable models.

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.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.

Savio Macchine Tessili will exhibit at ITM Istanbul 2026 presenting its flagship technologies

Savio Macchine Tessili will participate in ITM Istanbul 2026 in a corporate booth of Vandewiele Group, showcasing a selection of its most advanced winding and spinning solutions designed to support textile mills in achieving higher efficiency, flexibility and yarn quality. The company will bring to the show three flagship solutions: Proxima Smartconer®, Lybra Smartspinner® and the Phoenix Assembly Winder.

Rieter at ITM 2026: Spinning Redefined with Automation and Intelligence

Spinning mills need solutions that deliver stability, efficiency and future-proof performance. Rieter has put together a powerful portfolio for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. These innovations give customers the tools to enhance cost efficiency, improve responsiveness and actively develop their competitive edge. Step-by-step, Rieter is moving closer to its Vision 2027 – the fully automated spinning mill. With each new technology, Rieter enables spinning mills worldwide to operate with greater precision and reliability, ensuring they remain at the forefront of an increasingly demanding global market.