#Research & Development

2025-01-23

Textile daylight management when the winter sun is at an angle

When the sun is currently shining, shading textiles face particular challenges. On the one hand, they should allow as much daylight as possible into the rooms during the dark season. On the other hand, the angle of incidence of the sun's rays is so low that the light is particularly dazzling - much more so than in summer. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) are using special light measurement techniques to research suitable shading textiles.

Daylight enhances well-being and has many advantages over artificial lighting. Sensible daylight management can therefore increase the ability to perform and concentrate. As less artificial light is required and solar gains and losses are used for room air conditioning, daylight management also saves energy.

Scheme for determination of the cut-off angle with 1 light source, 2 diffuser, 3 measurement sample on motorized rotating stage, 4 collimating lens, 5 spectrometer. Drawing: DITF

Textile daylight systems influence the incidence of light and are mainly designed to be movable. Internal systems include, for example, roller blinds, folding blinds and curtains. External systems are external venetian blinds, awnings and screens that are guided in front of the façade. The DITF can precisely measure daylight behavior in its light and dark laboratories - even beyond existing standardized test methods.

A test method developed in Denkendorf allows the glare control of solar protection devices to be re-evaluated and has been included in the standard to determine the cut-off angle. This cut-off angle describes the extent to which a solar protection device can block the transmission of direct light from a certain angle of incidence. In the currently valid standard, glare control is quantified using the two characteristics of normal and diffuse light transmittance. For solar protection devices with an openness coefficient of 1-3 %, a higher glare control class can be achieved. This applies to cut-off angles of 65° or less. The cut-off angle is determined by an angle-dependent measurement of the direct light transmittance. During the test, the solar protection textile is rotated in a modified test sample holder from the zero point until the direct light transmittance falls below a defined threshold value. This process is repeated after a gradual azimuthal rotation of the test sample, in other words a rotation of the textile in the test sample holder. Depending on the symmetry properties of the sample, up to 29 individual measurements may be required to determine the cut-off angle.

At the DITF, testing and development facilities for other photometric requirements such as incident light, self-luminous textiles and light-conducting textiles are available for industrial product developments.

The direct transmission of a textile screen when changing the angle of incidence and the specific angle of rotation. Photos: DITF

Towards a circular and sustainable textile industry in Europe: BioFibreLoop has been started

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are coordinating the research project, which is funded as part of the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program. The aim of BioFibreLoop is to develop recyclable outdoor and work clothing made from renewable bio-based materials. The kick-off event took place in Denkendorf on June 26 and 27, 2024.

ADD-ITC 2026 publishes preliminary conference program

The organizers of the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) 2026 have released the preliminary program for this year's event, which will take place on November 26–27, 2026, at the International Congress Center Dresden. The conference is expected to attract between 500 and 700 participants from industry, research, and academia.

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.

Smart textiles reversibly change shape in an energy-efficient manner in response to ambient temperature

Self-actuating textile structures are used in a wide range of applications, such as medical technology, automation, architecture, agriculture, and the apparel industry. An example is the use of shading nets in greenhouses, which can be deployed and retracted depending on the sunlight intensity. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing textiles based on shape-memory polymers with reversibly controllable geometry.

Meadow Grove Research joins ITMF as Corporate Member

Meadow Grove Research is a commodity research firm specializing in supply, demand, and trade analysis in cotton and other soft commodities. Providing clarity to the complex nature of the global fiber supply chain is one of its most formidable services. The firm thrives on customer engagement and providing the best framework for critical decisions.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.