#Research & Development

2022-07-14

Research on carbon fibers from wood rewarded again

Ernst-Pelz-Award for Dr. Antje Ota and Dr. Frank Hermanutz. Photo: C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V. © 2022 DITF

Dr. Frank Hermanutz and Dr. Antje Ota have received the Ernst-Pelz-Award for Renewable Resources 2020 for the development of a sustainable manufacturing process for the production of carbon fibers based on wood. The award was presented only now because of the Corona pandemic.

IIonic liquids (IL) are the key to sustainable biobased fibers for a wide range of industrial applications. DITF, together with BASF SE, have discovered an innovative solvent for biopolymers (polymers made from renewable resources).

Compared to conventional carbon fibers that are not based on biopolymers, carbon fiber production based on cellulose would not only protect the environment but also reduce energy costs. Domestic beeches, for example, are a suitable material for obtaining cellulose.

The innovation has already won several awards.

The Ernst-Pelz-Award is awarded annually by C.A.R.M.E.N e.V.. The network, founded by the Free State of Bavaria, supports the implementation of the goals of the energy turnaround.

Further information on the prize (German):

https://www.carmen-ev.de/2022/07/07/ernst-pelz-preise-und-foerderpreise-nachwachsende-rohstoffe-2020-2021-verliehen-innovative-entwicklungen-praemiert/

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

More safety and comfort for protective clothing thanks to auxetic fabrics

When everyday materials are pulled, they stretch or elongate in the direction of the pull and become narrower in cross-section. We can also observe this property in two-dimensional textiles. Auxetic structures behave differently here. They have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. These properties are advantageous, for example, in protective textiles or textile filter media. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.

Smart textiles can also be sustainable, eco-friendly and AI-powered – ITA at Techtextil 2026

Sports shoes made from algae, leggings made from mushrooms, filtering (diesel) oil from water, 4D textiles, recyclable, sustainable and featuring AI – this is what the ITA Group is presenting at three individual stands run by ITA Aachen, ITA Augsburg gGmbH and ITA Technologietransfer GmbH on the joint stand of Elmatex in hall 12.0 D05.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

ITM presents cutting-edge textile research at Techtextil

From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Chair of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TUD Dresden University of Technology will be presenting its current research at Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. In Hall 12.0, Stand D41, the team will be demonstrating how it combines high-performance fibers, AI-supported digital development tools and innovative machine technologies to develop textile solutions for lightweight construction, construction, medical technology and sustainable production from atom to product.

Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

Aditya Birla Group showcases integrated technical textile capabilities at Techtextil 2026

As global industries rethink supply chains and accelerate the adoption of advanced materials, the Aditya Birla Group, a US$67‑billion global conglomerate, headquartered in Mumbai, India, showcased the full strength of its technical textiles portfolio at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt today. The Group’s presence underscored India’s transformation into a hub for high-value, performance-driven textile solutions within the global ecosystem.

Techtextil & Texprocess 2026: Global benchmark for textile innovation – Performance Apparel Textiles takes centre stage at the opening

With 1,700 exhibitors from 54 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 showcase the full range of innovation within the international textile industry – from new materials and recycling technologies to finishing solutions and high-performance textile manufacturing and processing technologies. The opening press conference centred on a key theme where innovation is especially strong: Performance Apparel Textiles.