#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.“

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

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.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.