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#Composites

Hans-Christian Früh appointed new Project Manager of Composites for Europe

New name, new concept and a new face: Composites for Europe, previously COMPOSITES EUROPE, is now also re-pitching itself in personnel terms. Dr. Ing. Hans-Christian Früh will become the new Project Manager of Composites for Europe, to be held as a business summit for composites in Stuttgart from 10 to 12 November. The 35-year old succeeds Daniel Schäfer who will rise to another professional challenge.

“Hans-Christian is a composites man through and through. His CV reads like he is “re-engineering personified” at Composites for Europe,” says Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel, the Event Director in charge of materials trade fairs organised by Reed Exhibitions Deutschland. This, he adds, is specifically due to his broad-based thematic background in diverse composite applications and to his feel for challenges in this industry.

Hans-Christian Früh, who studied mechanical engineering and aviation and aerospace technology at RWTH Aachen, comes with expertise that predestines him for this new task. Born in Mülheim Früh received his doctorate for a thesis on automated handling in composites production. In parallel, Früh headed the research department “Automated Composites Production”.

Here research focused on the automation and digitization of composites. His research activities were accompanied by international industry projects in the fields of automotive and aerospace. At the same time, Früh with a passion for aviation and music, worked on projects for electrically propelled aviation devices and carbon-based musical instrument making.

Hans-Christian Früh (c) 2020 Composites Europe
Hans-Christian Früh (c) 2020 Composites Europe


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#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

KARL MAYER introduces MULTIPLY BX for high-efficiency wind turbine reinforcement fabrics

KARL MAYER is expanding its composite machinery portfolio with the new MULTIPLY BX, a biaxial warp knitting machine specifically developed for the production of reinforcement textiles used in wind turbine rotor blades. Designed for high output and efficient material utilisation, the machine achieves production speeds of up to 500 m/h and offers a productivity increase of 20 to 25% compared with the established MAX GLASS ECO. The MULTIPLY BX will make its debut at the KARL MAYER (China) Product Show in Changzhou during ITMA ASIA 2026.

#Research & Development

Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite

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#Composites

WHILL selects Teijin’s tough, lightweight Carbon Fiber Composite for new last-mile mobility

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#Composites

Fewer pores, greater impact tolerance: Peter Dornier Foundation Prize 2026 honours material research on fibre-reinforced composite components for aerospace industry

Microscopically small pores that form during manufacture, or barely visible impact damage, can severely impair the load-bearing capacity and service life of fibre-reinforced composite components. Two young researchers have presented groundbreaking work in this field and will both be awarded the 2026 Peter Dornier Foundation Prize: Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Neitzel from the Technical University of Ilmenau for his doctoral thesis on pore minimisation in the RTM process, and Johanna Buschmann, M.Sc., for her master’s thesis, completed at the German Aerospace Centre, on the improved impact tolerance of 3D fabrics compared to 2D laminates.

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#Retail & Brands

Marks & Spencer expands across Asia Pacific through partnership with Global Fashion Group

Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Global Fashion Group (GFG) have announced a strategic partnership to expand the British retailer's fashion business across Asia Pacific. M&S has launched on Southeast Asian fashion platform ZALORA and plans to enter THE ICONIC in Australia and New Zealand in early 2027. The agreement also introduces regional fulfilment for Australian M&S.com orders, enabling faster deliveries and returns while supporting a capital-light international growth strategy.

#Natural Fibers

Woolmark survey: 82% of consumers prefer natural fibres over synthetics

A new consumer survey commissioned by Woolmark and conducted by Ipsos across five major markets reveals a strong preference for natural fibres over synthetic alternatives. On average, 82% of respondents in the United States, France, Germany, Italy and China said they would choose natural fibres when price, style and fit are equal. The findings coincide with the launch of Woolmark's new global brand platform, “Return to Real”, which highlights the natural performance properties of Merino wool and the growing importance of verified fibre quality.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

ReSpin founder Åsa Strandberg receives Innovation Champion of the Year 2026 award

Åsa Strandberg, founder and CEO of Swedish textile recycling company ReSpin AB, has been named Innovation Champion of the Year 2026. The award recognises her development of RespinJenny, a patented technology designed to recycle textile waste into new, high-quality fibres without using water, chemicals or additional virgin raw materials. The distinction was presented by the Olle Oscarsson Foundation and Axera Inkubator at Guldgalan in Sweden.

#Sustainability

Inside the Making at Ecomondo 2026: Textile supply chain calls for transparency and measurable sustainability

Transparency, verifiable environmental claims and closer cooperation across the textile value chain were the central themes of the “Inside the Making: The Power of the Process” panel at Ecomondo 2026 in Rimini. Representatives from denim and sportswear manufacturing, textile finishing, digital printing and branding discussed how technological innovation and supply chain collaboration can help companies meet new European regulatory requirements while making sustainability economically viable.

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