#Research & Development

2020-10-22

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)

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)

Absorption curve measured in the impedance measuring tube of the DITF (Figure: DITF).

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.

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.

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

TCLF: Resilient value chains in times of crises

The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry was at the centre of the webinar “Resilient value chains in times of crises”, which took place on 28 April 2026. Global supply chains continue to face increasing pressure, raw material dependencies are growing and economic uncertainties are affecting the entire sector.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

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.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.