[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

Compact solution with great effect

Modern sound absorbers optimize the sound experience. They provide valuable services in recording studios and concert halls, but can also be used in everyday life wherever the background noise is disturbing. Until now, these absorbers have been bulky and not very suitable for small rooms. Together with Kaiser Möbelwerkstätten GmbH, the DITF have developed a sound absorber with an effective technology that fits into the smallest of spaces. It absorbs not only high and medium, but also low frequencies. The research project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy.

Sound absorbers for optimal acoustics

A textile is responsible for the medium and high frequencies. The low frequencies are absorbed by a novel cavern structure. The cavities are arranged in such a way that they act like classic Helmholtz resonators despite their significantly smaller depth and volume. The scientists were able to demonstrate that these two principles not only complement, but also reinforce each other. The result is an optimal sound experience.

Since the compact component is available in various sizes and colors, it also fits well in open-plan offices or in living spaces located along busy roads. "It is the car traffic in particular that causes the deep tones that cannot be filtered out by many conventional sound absorbers", explains Karsten Neuwerk, research associate at the DITF.

Textile and cavity structure in the wooden body absorb disturbing frequencies (Photo: DITF)
Textile and cavity structure in the wooden body absorb disturbing frequencies (Photo: DITF)
Sound absorbers in the open-plan office (Photo: DITF)
Sound absorbers in the open-plan office (Photo: DITF)


The sound absorbers developed in the research project are sustainable, and not only because they are manufactured in an environmentally-friendly way. In its Agenda 2030, the United Nations has set 17 sustainability goals, including health and well-being. Noise protection plays an important role in so-called "psychoacoustics". "With our research work, we not only set technical standards, but also ensure a pleasant auditory experience that promotes well-being with optimal volume and sound modulation," summarizes Dr. Michael Haupt. He heads the e-textiles, automation and acoustics division at the DITF.

The results of the research project are several demonstrators of which effectiveness could be proved by measurement.

The absorbers will be available on the market before the end of this year for architects, sound engineers and private consumers.

CAD representation of a milled slush cavern with the resulting absorption spectrum (right) (Figure: DITF)
CAD representation of a milled slush cavern with the resulting absorption spectrum (right) (Figure: DITF)
Absorption curve measured in the impedance measuring tube of the DITF (Figure: DITF).
Absorption curve measured in the impedance measuring tube of the DITF (Figure: DITF).



More News from Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf

#Research & Development

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

#Techtextil 2026

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.

#Research & Development

Textile cascade filter for removing microplastics from wastewater

Microplastics are now found almost everywhere, even in remote regions of Antarctica. They enter the human body through the food chain. Studies indicate that microplastics may have negative effects on the human health.

#Research & Development

Fabolose: Fabricating vegan and circular leather alternatives from bio-tech-derived cellulose

Fabulose is an EU funded project coordinated by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF). Its consortium consists of leading research institutes, biotech innovators, and industry stakeholders who aim to create high-performance, biobased and recyclable leather-like fabrics, using efficient biotech production routes for bacterial cellulose, cyanophycin and bacterial pigments

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

2026 general meeting of the Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen at ITA

The Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen e. V. (proRWTH) looked back on a successful year of support at their 2026 general meeting. The meeting took place at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen and was combined with a joint session of the Executive Board and the Administrative Board. Before the general meeting began, participants were given a guided tour of ITA, providing them with fascinating insights into current research and development topics in textile engineering.

#Research & Development

GenuTrace client advisory: Is your cotton supply chain UFLPA ready?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released updated operational guidance (CBP Publication No. 5560-0526) expanding its forced labor enforcement framework. The guidance supersedes the original 2022 UFLPA Operational Guidance and now covers all forced labor enforcement authorities — UFLPA, CAATSA, and WROs/Findings — in a single unified document. For cotton importers, the enforcement posture has not softened. It has become more structured, more documented, and more demanding. Learn more about UFLPA.

#Research & Development

TERNAfil wins first place at PitchMiUp Night 2026 in Minden

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.

#Research & Development

Carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre proves its worth – NRW Minister for Science Mona Neubaur congratulates ITA start-up TERNAfil

MAXCarbon technology, a novel carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre developed by ITA spin-off TERNAfil, secured third place at the HIGH-TECH.NRW Demo Day on the TÜV NORD campus in Essen. The technology combines the strength of carbon fibres with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. Mona Neubaur, Minister for Science in North Rhine-Westphalia, congratulated the team on their success and on winning prize money of 4,000 euros.

Latest News

#Nonwoven machines

A Penteadora starts up ANDRITZ textile recycling and needlepunch nonwoven lines in Portugal

A Penteadora SA has successfully started up a complete mechanical textile recycling line and a needlepunch nonwoven line supplied by ANDRITZ at its production site in Unhais da Serra, Portugal. This investment enables A Penteadora to expand its industrial capabilities and develop a new generation of solutions based on pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles. The input materials originate from its own production waste and other textile waste streams. Both lines are fully operational, and the first products are expected to reach the market in July.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

ReHubs elects new Board of Directors to lead the next phase of ReHubs’ strategy to recycle 2.7 million tonnes of textile waste annually by 2035

ReHubs has elected its new Board of Directors, marking an important milestone as the industry alliance continues to accelerate the industrial scale-up of textile-to-textile recycling across Europe. The election took place during the ReHubs Annual Event in Brussels on June 23rd, held alongside the Textile Recycling Expo and Future Fabrics Expo. The newly elected Board combines expertise from across the textile value chain, reflecting ReHubs' collaborative approach to solving the industry’s textile waste crises.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Ferraro S.p.A. acquires the “Finishing” business unit of Cibitex S.r.l.

Ferraro S.p.A. and Cibitex S.r.l. are pleased to announce the completion of the agreement pursuant to which Ferraro S.p.A. has acquired the “Finishing” business unit of Cibitex S.r.l., specialized in the development and manufacturing of technological solutions for textile finishing.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

TOP