#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).

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.