#Research & Development

2024-09-12

17th Symposium TEXTILE FILTER of STFI - Call for Papers open

The Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI) is organizing the 17th Symposium TEXTILE FILTER on March 11-12, 2025 in Chemnitz. The symposium will look at innovative, high-performance textile filter media for various applications and systems for air, gas, liquid and particle filtration against the background of changing technology. The conference offers the opportunity to intensify cooperation between R&D and industry and to take up new impulses for filter media design.

What topics are of interest to experts?

Under the heading of sustainability, the minimization of air and water pollution, the reduction of environmental and health impacts, and the conservation of resources are among the ongoing trends in filter media development. These measures go hand in hand with increasing filter service life and maximizing cost-effectiveness.

In the future, high-quality filter media will take on additional tasks, such as protecting electronic components from liquids and particles. The automotive industry's transition to e-mobility also requires new, forward-looking filtration solutions. In modern manufacturing, production is becoming increasingly digitized. Smart filters monitor operating parameters, and Filter 4.0 supports digital maintenance and test plans, enabling new approaches in the organization and control of filter systems in real time.

Another significant trend in filter media development is the use of biodegradable materials that can be fully broken down in an environmentally friendly way after their useful life. The integration of nanotechnology enables the production of filter media with improved efficiency and lower permeability to harmful particles. In addition, innovative developments are leading to self-cleaning filter media that significantly increase the lifespan and efficiency of filters.

What will the 17th TEXTILE FILTER Symposium be like?

Parallel to the symposium, there will again be an opportunity to present products, services or the latest research and development results at an accompanying trade exhibition. An appealing cultural program will also be offered at the 17th TEXTILE FILTER Symposium, providing a platform for networking, making new contacts and discussing the latest developments in the filter industry.

Call for papers is open until October 14, 2024

Do the above topics appeal to you and would you like to enrich the symposium with an exciting presentation? The STFI looks forward to your participation and ask you to submit your presentation proposal in the form of a meaningful abstract to our conference team at textile-filter@stfi.de by October 14, 2024. Your suggestions for topics are also very welcome.

Conference website: https://www.stfi.de/-textile-filter

STFI highlights textile circular economy and alternative fibres at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world's leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschung- sinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research. In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton.

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.

STFI presents concepts for the textile circular economy and solutions for a healthy and safe life at Techtextil

Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) has been supporting companies in developing marketable innovations for over 30 years. With a clear focus on sustainability, the environment, health and protection, the STFI offers future-oriented research, textile testing for tailor-made solutions and certification of per- sonal protective equipment. At Techtextil 2026, the institute will present ideas for the textile circular econ- omy and showcase solutions for healthy and safe living.

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.

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.

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.