#Research & Development

2023-02-09

ITA-Startup „CarboScreen“ is in the final

The ITA startup "CarboScreen" was able to prevail in this year's Engineering Challenge by Mitsubishi and is among the ten finalists. In the coming weeks, an expert jury will select and announce the winner of the Challenge.

CarboScreen is a startup of the Institute für Textiltechnik of RWTH University, which is currently in the process of being founded within the framework of EXIST funding. CarboScreen's business model lies in the development and commercialisation of a multimodal, sensor-based monitoring system for carbon fibre production. Carbon fibres are currently produced by thermal conversion from a PAN-based fiber. The thermal conversion is accompanied by highly exothermic reactions, which present the industry with numerous challenges in the production of carbon fibres.

By integrating fibre-specific sensor technology combined with AI-based evaluation, CarboScreen enables a doubling of production speed in the long term. In addition to the costs, this also significantly reduces the energy consumption for the production of carbon fibres.

ITA has developed a washable digital smart jacket with real-time feedback and an AI-powered app for rehabilitation

As part of the PhysioTaix research project, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is developing a digital smart jacket with integrated sensors. The jacket is washable and reusable; it tracks movements during rehabilitation exercises in real time and transmits the data to an app.

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

Networking Day 2026: Industry stakeholders unite around textile recycling

In 2026, the Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling once again brought together some of the key stakeholders in textile recycling for its annual Networking Day. This year, the event took place at EREMA’s premises in Ansfelden, Austria. It brought together key players from across the textile recycling value chain for a day of structured exchange and in-depth discussions.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

The Or Foundation, adidas, BESTSELLER, H&M Group, and Inditex launch Apparel Recovery Coalition, responding to impacts of post-consumer textile exports

adidas, BESTSELLER, H&M Group, Inditex and The Or Foundation, with support from Circle Economy, unveiled the Apparel Recovery Coalition (ARC). The coalition will explore how producer responsibility systems can support circular pathways such as reuse, upcycling, recycling, and responsible waste management in countries that receive large volumes of exported secondhand apparel.

Officina39 and Gold Girl Co. explore unconventional materials in denim at Kingpins Amsterdam

Officina39 and Gold Girl Co. will present their experimental collaboration “Renegade Renaissance” at Kingpins Amsterdam on October 14–15, 2026. The project brings together the creative direction of Marta and Glenda Goldschmied, founders of Gold Girl Co., with Officina39's expertise in textile chemistry and material development.