#Research & Development

2022-12-15

Monforts continues to support young talented textile technologists

Pictured (left to right) are Claus Hiltmann (Monforts Head of R&D), new Niederrhein students Lisa Gudehus and Saskia Kuhlen, and Monforts Textile Technologist Jonas Beisel. © 2022 Monforts

A. Monforts Textilmaschinen, world-leading supplier of textile dyeing and finishing machines, is continuing to provide support to the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Niederrhein) located in Mönchengladbach, Germany, home to the company for nearly 140 years.

Having backed the University’s German Scholarship Programme (Deutschlandstipendium) since 2010, Monforts is granting scholarships to three students in the running student year 2022/2023. Wilm Scharlemann, Head of Human Resources, underlined Monforts‘ commitment to young talents: “One of our top priorities is finding well-qualified and dedicated staff. That is why we have been supporting the University’s scholarship programme since its beginning.“ He went on saying that Monforts provides opportunities for young talents and students studying for Bachelor or Masters degrees – with the goal of joining the Monforts team in future.

Nicole Croonenbroek, Marketing Manager at Monforts, specified: “Each of our textile machines is unique and designed according to the customers‘ special requirements. Young talents are often surprised when they hear of the many opportunities that a company like Monforts can offer. Our market is no longer just about textiles for clothing. The textile world of today covers airbags, blood filters, smartphone components, sun blinds, medical bandages or automotive headliners.“

Apart from its commitment to students at the Hochschule Niederrhein, Monforts is celebrating fifty years of membership in the Assocation of German Textile Experts (VDTF - Verband Deutscher Textilfachleute e.V.) – a pool of excellence in the textile finishing industry.

“Textile finishing in Germany has been strengthened through the VDTF association’s work. Some 65 supporting companies and approx. 850 members have created links to textile research centres at the universities in Aachen, Moenchengladbach and other places“, says Thomas Päffgen, Area Sales Manager at Monforts and former member of the VDTF’s Management Board for many years.

Jonas Beisel, one of Monforts‘ textile technologists, delivered a well-received lecture on the company’s integrated heat recovery and exhaust air system MonforClean at a VDTF meeting. “The VDTF is a great source of inspiration. Getting in touch with other experts in the textile finishing research business, company visits, lectures and informal meetings are an excellent opportunity for fruitful exchange.“

VDMA companies outline major benefits in finishing – and now dyeing too

Monforts and its partners Archroma and BW Converting are setting new standards in the resource efficient and cost-effective finishing of fabrics. During a recent webinar organised by Germany’s VDMA textile machinery association, specialists from the three companies provided details of the range of new energy-saving options that is now available to mills.

New DIN SPEC assesses environmental impact of textile fragments in soil

Textile products made from synthetic fibres, finished fabrics or dyed materials release fibre fragments into the environment at every stage of their life cycle. With the new DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has developed a standardised testing method to analyse how these fragments behave in soil under natural conditions. Until now, little was known about their environmental behaviour or potential ecological effects once released.

Solid Air Dynamics wins second place at RWTH Innovation Award

On 30 January, RWTH spin-off Solid Air Dynamics was awarded second place in the RWTH Innovation Awards for its research in the field of aerogel fibres. Manufactured from renewable raw materials, aerogel fibres offer outstanding thermal insulation, are extremely lightweight and completely biodegradable, and can consist of over 90 per cent air.

Testing and research laboratory ensures safe and more sustainable products worldwide

For 80 years, Hohenstein has stood for independent testing, scientific expertise and practical solutions. Today, the testing and research service provider supports manufacturers and brands worldwide in making textiles, hardlines and medical devices safe, more sustainable and market-ready – thereby building trust among consumers. With an international presence and interdisciplinary expertise, Hohenstein supports its customers from production through to market launch, helping them navigate an environment of growing regulatory and societal demands.

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

Itema America acquires Palmetto Loom Reed, strengthening local manufacturing and service in the U.S.

Itema America, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy-based Itema Group, has acquired – through an Assets Purchase Agreement – Palmetto Loom Reed, a Greenville, South Carolina-based manufacturer of weaving reeds and one of the last remaining domestic producers of these precision components in the United States.

Reju announces site selection for French Regeneration Hub in Lacq advancing Europe’s circular textile infrastructure

Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company based in France, announces the site selection for an industrial sized Regeneration Hub, in Lacq, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, on the Induslacq platform. Reju, a Technip Energies owned company, is deepening its roots in France through the development of this new Regeneration Hub.

lululemon introduces Unrestricted Power™ — A new sensation for strength training

lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) has unveiled Unrestricted Power™, a new innovation platform engineered for heavy lifts and demanding gym sessions. The assortment, which launches in North America, is backed by thousands of hours of research and development, providing secure support without compromising comfort and mobility, enabling a distraction-free fit built to match every move.