#Research & Development

2025-03-06

TU Dresden’s ITM and KOTMI sign MOU to promote research into recycled fibers and industrial textile applications

The Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden and the Korea Textile Machinery Convergence Research Institute (KOTMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their collaboration in recycled fiber applications for industrial textile products. The agreement marks a significant step in fostering joint research and development in sustainable textile technologies.

Driving innovation in recycled fiber applications

The strategic partnership between ITM and KOTMI aims to accelerate research in the use of recycled fibers for industrial textiles, focusing on eco-friendly solutions for the textile and fiber industry. The MOU also facilitates:

+ Cooperation on government-funded projects

+ Establishment of professional exchange and collaboration networks

+ Joint research efforts in sustainable textile innovations

Collaboration in the ecoLoop-rCF-yarn project

KOTMI is already an active research partner of ITM in the international project “EcoLoop-rCF-Yarn”, which focuses on:

+ Energy-efficient loop technologies for recovering recycled carbon fibers (rCF)

+ Development of dust- and twist-free hybrid yarns and fabrics for composite applications in the automotive industry

This project is jointly funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) in Germany under the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) and by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea.

Strengthening scientific cooperation between Germany and Korea

The signing of this MOU reinforces scientific ties between Germany and South Korea, enhancing collaboration in sustainable textile technologies. By aligning efforts in research and innovation, both institutions aim to contribute to the advancement of environmentally responsible textile solutions for various industrial applications.

This agreement underscores the commitment of ITM and KOTMI to pioneering sustainable textile developments, fostering a global approach to research in fiber and textile technologies.

ITM presents cutting-edge textile research at Techtextil

From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Chair of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TUD Dresden University of Technology will be presenting its current research at Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. In Hall 12.0, Stand D41, the team will be demonstrating how it combines high-performance fibers, AI-supported digital development tools and innovative machine technologies to develop textile solutions for lightweight construction, construction, medical technology and sustainable production from atom to product.

Teaching Award for the Day Of The Faculty of mechanical science and engineering 2025

On June 28, 2025, almost 300 guests celebrated the Day of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the Boulevardtheater Dresden. At this year's ceremony, over 60 graduates from the Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and Natural Materials Technology and Material Science degree programs were given a ceremonial send-off into professional life, 9 doctoral graduates were congratulated on the successful completion of their dissertations and prizes worth a total of 13,500 euros were awarded.

Commissioning of the FRS 1800 high-temperature rheometer at the ITM

In March 2025, the new Furnace System 1800 (FRS 1800) high-temperature rheometer from Anton Paar was put into operation at the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden. The installation was carried out by Fabian Barth and Peter Brandes from Anton Paar in collaboration with Florian Pötzsch and Dr. Dilbar Aibibu from the ITM.

Smart textiles can also be sustainable, eco-friendly and AI-powered – ITA at Techtextil 2026

Sports shoes made from algae, leggings made from mushrooms, filtering (diesel) oil from water, 4D textiles, recyclable, sustainable and featuring AI – this is what the ITA Group is presenting at three individual stands run by ITA Aachen, ITA Augsburg gGmbH and ITA Technologietransfer GmbH on the joint stand of Elmatex in hall 12.0 D05.

Stylish design made from sustainable materials – two DITF research projects receive Techtextil Innovation Awards

Materials made from domestic, renewable raw materials reduce CO₂ emissions, prevent microplastics from entering the environment, and close the material cycle. The German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing nature-based alternatives to synthetically produced and predominantly petroleum-based materials. Two research projects have received a prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award. NUO Flexholz and the lignin-coated material FormLig demonstrate that sustainable concepts can meet high standards of functionality and design. Both projects were carried out in close collaboration with industry.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.