#Research & Development

2021-12-16

Carbon fibres from wood - DITF nomination for the "Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year" award

For the second time, the nova Institute for Ecology and Innovation is honouring outstanding scientific research that provides sustainable solutions for the cellulose fibre value chain as part of the "International Conference on Cellulose Fibres 2022". The DITF Denkendorf is one of the six nominees - and with the topic of "carbon fibres from wood" presents itself in the midst of a current research field that provides resource-saving alternatives to fossil-based fibres.

The conference, which will be held as a hybrid event in Cologne (Germany) from 2 to 3 February 2022, sees itself as an international forum for the development of new cellulose fibres and materials as well as their manufacturing processes. Exhibitors include leading fibre manufacturers; participants come from thirteen countries. The conference advisory board has nominated six products from among numerous submissions that are convincing due to their sustainable production processes and special application possibilities.

Cellulose- and Carbonfibres from Wood. Photo: DITF

The Competence Centre Biopolymer Materials at DITF Denkendorf took part in the competition with the presentation of carbon fibres, which are obtained from the raw material wood in a novel and sustainable process. The HighPerCellCarbon® technology describes a patented process that has been further developed under the leadership of Dr. Frank Hermanutz: As a result, carbon fibres based on biopolymers can be produced in a sustainable and particularly environmentally friendly process.

The HighPerCellCarbon® process involves the wet spinning of cellulose fibres using ionic liquids (IL) as direct solvents. The filament spinning process is the central technical part. It takes place in an environmentally friendly and closed system. The solvent (IL) is completely recycled. The cellulose fibres produced in this way are converted directly into carbon fibres in a further development step by a low-pressure stabilisation process, followed by a suitable carbonisation process. No waste gases or toxic by-products are produced during the entire process sequence.

The HighPerCellCarbon® process is thus convincing in terms of sustainability in several respects: in addition to the recyclability of the solvent used, the use of wood as a raw material in particular stands for resource conservation. Petroleum-based raw materials, which are usually used in the industrial production of carbon fibres, are substituted by renewable biopolymers. Carbon fibres are used in many lightweight construction applications. Global demand has been characterised by significant growth rates for years. An environmentally friendly production process like HighPerCellCarbon® is elementary for the sustainable management of an important industrial sector.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

Cotton Brazil strengthens international partnerships and advances natural fiber dialogue at ICA 2026

Cotton Brazil participated in the ICA Trade Event Istanbul 2026, one of the leading international gatherings of the cotton supply chain, bringing the importance of promoting natural fibers to the global discussion and strengthening relationships with industry partners. Held on October 14 and 15 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, ICA 2026 brought together approximately 600 delegates from the global cotton community, including growers, exporters and representatives of major consumer markets.

Archroma and Prosperity Textile to collaborate on denim innovation

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Prosperity Textile, an international fabric manufacturer with production bases in China and Vietnam, have announced a partnership to drive denim innovation. They will collaborate to develop, evaluate and implement new approaches to improve denim aesthetics, durability and performance, with a shared commitment to sustainability.

Eastman Naia™ highlights circularity and responsible sourcing at Textile Exchange 2026

Scaling sustainable practices across businesses, supply chains and landscapes is one of the defining challenges facing the textile industry. At the 2026 Textile Exchange Conference, held October 12–16 in Vancouver under the theme “The Implementation Era,” Eastman Naia™ showcased how its commitments to circularity, responsible sourcing and forest conservation translate into practical action.