#Research & Development

2022-04-14

Six innovations are nominated for the “Renewable Material of the Year 2022” award

One way to overcome the chemical industry's dependence on fossil fuels is to replace oil and gas with renewable carbon within the existing structures of the chemical industry. But it applies also to innovation, the development of new processes, building blocks and materials. This requires rethinking of chemistry and materials. Ready-to-use fossil-free sustainable material solutions with a low carbon footprint are in fast-growing demand. Innovative brand owners are keeping an eye out for such solutions, in particular those that will soon reach the mainstream.

Participants at the “Renewable Materials Conference” will vote for the winners

With the innovation award “Renewable Material of the Year 2022”, nova-Institute (organiser) and Covestro (sponsor) would like to award three particularly exciting and promising solutions that contribute to replacing fossil carbon from the ground. Innovations could be submitted until 15 March, and 31 were received. The Advisory Board and the nova-experts had some trouble selecting the six most exciting ones and nominating them for the award. Learn more about the six nominees in the picture and the innovation brochure “Renewable Material of the Year 2022”.

Six “Renewable Material of the Year 2022” Nominees:

Borregaard (NO) – Exilva® fibrillated cellulose / Eastman (US) – Material-to-Material Molecular Recycling Technologies / Lactips (FR) – Plastic Free PaperTM with CareTips® – a Natural Polymer to Rethink Plastic / Origin Materials (US) – Technology Platform for Producing Carbon Negative PET / Twelve Benefit Corporation (US) – Electrochemical CO2 Transformation to Chemicals and Materials and VERBIO Vereinigte BioEnergie (DE) – VerBioChem Ethenolyis Platform for Renewable Chemicals.

The innovation award is one of the highlights of the “Renewable Materials Conference”, 10th-12th May in Cologne (Germany), with 60 confirmed speakers and more than 400 expected participants. On the second conference-day, the nominated companies will present their products and all conference participants, on site and online, will vote for the three winners. This exciting competition will be decided by the participants themselves.

All information and registration are available at: http://www.renewable-materials.eu

The nova-Institute would like to thank the innovation award Sponsor Covestro (DE) and Premium Partner CLIB (DE) for their support. Many thanks also to all Gold Sponsors Alfalaval (SE), Avantium (NL), Henkel (DE), GS Biotech (CN), IFF (US), Neste (FI), UPM Biochemicals (FI), Sorona (NL) and Sugar Energy (CN), Silver Sponsors FKUR (DE), Renolit (DE) and Suncoal (DE) and last but not least Bronze Sponsor Cargill (US).

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Closing the Loop in the Textile Industry: Value Creation in the State of Brandenburg

How can the state of Brandenburg benefit from a circular textile industry? This question is addressed in the new policy paper "Closing the loop in the textile industry: Value creation in the state of Brandenburg." Based on the „TexPHB“ feasibility study funded by the Brandenburg Ministry of Climate Protection, it shows how textile waste can be integrated into new value chains.

Better, faster, bio-based: Functional new Plastic alternatives

How can new bio-based and biohybrid materials with improved features be developed faster? Six Fraunhofer institutes are jointly exploring this question in the SUBI²MA flagship project, using an innovative bio-based polyamide developed by Fraunhofer researchers as a model. Its specific properties make it a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics.

A smarter way to verified Chemical Compliance

Hohenstein and GoBlu Drive Innovation in Sustainable Supply Chain Management As regulatory demands, customer expectations, and sustainability goals continue to grow, the ability to manage chemical compliance and data across complex supply chains has become critical. Hohenstein and The BHive® by GoBlu are initiating a strategic partnership to enhance chemical management in the textile sector. The collaboration delivers more than just a service – it provides an integrated, future-ready solution for brands, manufacturers and suppliers seeking trusted chemical management and credible sustainability.

Groz-Beckert showcases textile innovation at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore

From October 28 to 31, 2025, the global textile industry will gather at ITMA Asia + CITME at the Singapore Expo, where Groz-Beckert will present its latest highlights and innovations across its six product areas – Knitting, Weaving, Nonwovens, Tufting, Sewing, and Spinning – at Hall 5, Booth B301.

Technical textiles for more and new business

KARL MAYER's composite machines and warp knitting machines with weft insertion produce technical textiles offering an impressive variety of properties and textures. The range of tasks these textiles can perform is as broad as the spectrum of their possible fields of application. Both newcomers with the right textile solution and already established players can trust their business will flourish, as demonstrated by the examples from KARL MAYER's Technical Textiles division at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025. The exhibition at stand A 301 in Hall 5 of the Singapore EXPO focuses on two areas: filtration and construction.