#Research & Development

2024-07-11

South Korea and Germany cooperate in the field of industrial digitalisation and renewable energies

Dongshin University from Naju in South Korea and Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University will cooperate in the field of industrial digitalisation and renewable energies in the future. A cooperation agreement was signed on 9 July by Professor Dr Chun-Shik kim and Professor Dr Thomas Gries. Professor Dr Chun-Shik Kim is an expert on German-Korean economic cooperation, ADEKO board member and former advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Dr Thomas Gries is ITA Director and Rectorate Representative of RWTH Aachen University for Korea.

Professor Dr Chun-Shik Kim and Professor Dr Thomas Gries sign the cooperation agreement (from left to right, Source: ITA)

The co-operation marks the culmination of 15 years of ITA activities in Korea. The fruits of this cooperation are the SmartTextronics Centre and the city partnership between the cities of Aachen and Ansan.

Dongshin University in Naju, South Korea, is a renowned university specialising in innovative research and practice-oriented education. It specialises in engineering, information and communication technology and renewable energies. The university is known for its international co-operation and its contribution to regional and global development.

RWTH Aachen University is one of the leading technical universities in Europe and offers excellent research and teaching opportunities. Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is one of the largest institutes at RWTH Aachen University and is internationally recognised for its outstanding research achievements in the field of textile technology and for its industrial cooperation. RWTH Aachen University maintains close co-operation with international partners and promotes global networking in science and research.

Please find further information to Professor Dr Chun-Sik Kim here:

https://www.ita.rwth-aachen.de/cms/ita/das-institut/aktuelle-meldungen/~biinqp/karman-fellow-prof-chun-shik-kim/?lidx=1

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

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.

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.

Cotton Brazil strengthens international partnerships and advances natural fiber dialogue at ICA 2026

Cotton Brazil participated in the ICA Trade Event Istanbul 2026, one of the leading international gatherings of the cotton supply chain, bringing the importance of promoting natural fibers to the global discussion and strengthening relationships with industry partners. Held on October 14 and 15 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, ICA 2026 brought together approximately 600 delegates from the global cotton community, including growers, exporters and representatives of major consumer markets.

Archroma and Prosperity Textile to collaborate on denim innovation

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Prosperity Textile, an international fabric manufacturer with production bases in China and Vietnam, have announced a partnership to drive denim innovation. They will collaborate to develop, evaluate and implement new approaches to improve denim aesthetics, durability and performance, with a shared commitment to sustainability.

Eastman Naia™ highlights circularity and responsible sourcing at Textile Exchange 2026

Scaling sustainable practices across businesses, supply chains and landscapes is one of the defining challenges facing the textile industry. At the 2026 Textile Exchange Conference, held October 12–16 in Vancouver under the theme “The Implementation Era,” Eastman Naia™ showcased how its commitments to circularity, responsible sourcing and forest conservation translate into practical action.