#Research & Development

2022-07-20

Environmentally friendly and sustainable: shopping and production digitally optimized

Kick-off event of the project partners at the end of June in Denkendorf (from the left: Alexander Artschwager (DITF), Dr. Jürgen Seibold (DITF), Jeanette Nordmann (Assyst GmbH), Alexander Mirosnicenko (DITF), Dr. Rainer Trieb (Human Solutions), Dr. Martin Lades (Assyst GmbH), Stefanie Hiss (DITF) Photo. DITF

The designer has an idea, the customer, consumer or retailer, checks it out and changes one or two details to suit his or her taste. Then garments are produced in small batches or tailored to the body thanks to modern body measurement. Digital technology ensures that the wishes are met, everything fits and everything looks as expected. Returns? That was yesterday.

Digitized processes not only satisfy the customer, but also protect the environment. That's why the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (German Federal Environmental Foundation) is funding the research cooperation between the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) and Assyst GmbH. The keyword here is the shifting back of value-added processes. Result: no mass-produced goods for the garbage, no child labor, high ecological standards and low transport costs.

"Every body is individual" emphasizes Dr. Martin Lades, Assyst GmbH. The ECO-Shoring project takes this into account. The creation of an avatar, i.e. the model of one's own body, is the basis. There are also serial measurements in different regions of the world. In the project, processes and the database of Avalution GmbH allow that the customer only has to enter a few body parameters to get an accurate fit. With the body height, weight and age, the program can create a true-to-life body double - the trying-on on the computer can begin. The model is primarily suitable for online shopping, but in principle the customer can also be measured and advised directly in the store.

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.

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.

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

The cultivation of fibre hemp for the production of ropes and clothing has a long tradition in Saxony. Due to its excellent fibre properties, it is also suitable as a renewable raw material for reinforcement in fibre composites. At the STFI and IWU in Chemnitz, the CannaPul project is cur- rently investigating how a regional value chain for hemp-based lightweight construction profiles can be established. To this end, the technical processing of hemp fibres into continuous fibre strands and their embedding in a suitable bio-based matrix are being investigated.

Barmag and Neumag showcase innovations across all manmade fiber processes

For the first time, Barmag is presenting itself alongside its new parent company, Rieter: At this year’s ITM in Istanbul, both companies will be represented from June 9 to 13 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Hall 7, Booth 702B. As a technology leader in the field of chemical fiber equipment, Barmag will showcase its entire portfolio of systems for filament yarn, staple fiber, and nonwoven production, as well as solutions for the networked factory.