#Research & Development

2025-02-27

Joint forces for renewable carbon: Lars Börger appointed as new CEO of nova-Institute

In these challenging times for the sustainable transformation of the chemicals and materials sector, collaboration is more necessary than ever. That is why nova-Institute is proud to welcome Dr. Lars Börger as the new Co-CEO alongside with Michael Carus, the current CEO of nova-Institute. As a team, they will join forces to drive progress towards a greener and fossil-free future for these industries.

CEO and founder Michael Carus and COO Linda Engel (left and middle) welcome Lars Börger (right) as the new Co-CEO of the nova-Institute, excited to start this new chapter together © 2025 nova-Institute

Starting 1 March 2025, Lars Börger will join nova-Institute as new CEO. Together with Michael Carus, current CEO of nova-Institute, they will drive sustainable change in the chemical and materials industry forward. With his proven track record in brands’ perspectives on renewable carbon and defossilisation, Lars Börger will be the perfect fit to strengthen nova-Institute’s position in the market.

nova-Institute has been driving the transition away from fossil resources in the chemicals, plastics and other materials industries for 30 years. Through extensive research and consultancy services to companies, NGOs and policy makers, the institute has produced numerous studies, reports and graphics on renewable carbon and defossilisation. But the chemical sector is facing a new and challenging period. Although alternatives based on biomass, CO2 use and recycling are well developed, proven and ready for scale-up and implementation, the main work still lies ahead: How to design an appropriate policy framework that allows companies to transform sustainably and to remain competitive? What role can brand owners play in driving demand for new solutions?

"In these challenging and dynamic times," says physicist Michael Carus, founder and CEO of nova-Institute, "I am very happy that Lars Börger, with his profound expertise and network in renewable carbon, will strengthen nova's leadership as new Co-CEO. I am looking forward to a successful cooperation for the sake of a sustainable transformation".

Lars Börger holds a PhD in Chemistry and an Executive Master in General Management. He worked for BASF (Germany) for almost 20 years, many of them as Head of Global Marketing Biopolymers. For another seven years he worked for Neste (Finland) as Vice President Renewable Polymers & Chemicals, Brand Owner and in the Value Chain Management. He represented Neste in the founding process of the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) and was a member of the RCI Board, as well as a board member of European Bioplastics for several years.

“nova-Institute is the leading think tank for the circular economy with great impact on industry transformation. Accelerating this transformation is now more important than ever, as the challenges facing the chemical and materials sector continue growing. I look forward to joining the great team of dedicated professionals at nova-Institute and helping to shape a more sustainable future.”, says Lars Börger.

In shared leadership with COO Linda Engel, the two CEOs Lars Börger and Michael Carus will navigate nova-Institute in the future, supporting companies, associations and policy makers with research and consultancy in the fields of Technology & Markets, Sustainability, Economy & Policy and Communications.

“Throughout its 30 years in business, nova-Institute has always been at the forefront of its field. Our mission is to support companies as a science-based consultancy and to open up new pathways for a sustainable future for the chemical industry. With Lars, we are confident that we will continue to live up to this goal. We have known him for many years as a driving force in the industry and look forward to work with him.”, adds Linda Engel, COO, nova-Institute.

New DIN SPEC assesses environmental impact of textile fragments in soil

Textile products made from synthetic fibres, finished fabrics or dyed materials release fibre fragments into the environment at every stage of their life cycle. With the new DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has developed a standardised testing method to analyse how these fragments behave in soil under natural conditions. Until now, little was known about their environmental behaviour or potential ecological effects once released.

Solid Air Dynamics wins second place at RWTH Innovation Award

On 30 January, RWTH spin-off Solid Air Dynamics was awarded second place in the RWTH Innovation Awards for its research in the field of aerogel fibres. Manufactured from renewable raw materials, aerogel fibres offer outstanding thermal insulation, are extremely lightweight and completely biodegradable, and can consist of over 90 per cent air.

Testing and research laboratory ensures safe and more sustainable products worldwide

For 80 years, Hohenstein has stood for independent testing, scientific expertise and practical solutions. Today, the testing and research service provider supports manufacturers and brands worldwide in making textiles, hardlines and medical devices safe, more sustainable and market-ready – thereby building trust among consumers. With an international presence and interdisciplinary expertise, Hohenstein supports its customers from production through to market launch, helping them navigate an environment of growing regulatory and societal demands.

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

Itema America acquires Palmetto Loom Reed, strengthening local manufacturing and service in the U.S.

Itema America, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy-based Itema Group, has acquired – through an Assets Purchase Agreement – Palmetto Loom Reed, a Greenville, South Carolina-based manufacturer of weaving reeds and one of the last remaining domestic producers of these precision components in the United States.

Reju announces site selection for French Regeneration Hub in Lacq advancing Europe’s circular textile infrastructure

Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company based in France, announces the site selection for an industrial sized Regeneration Hub, in Lacq, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, on the Induslacq platform. Reju, a Technip Energies owned company, is deepening its roots in France through the development of this new Regeneration Hub.

lululemon introduces Unrestricted Power™ — A new sensation for strength training

lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) has unveiled Unrestricted Power™, a new innovation platform engineered for heavy lifts and demanding gym sessions. The assortment, which launches in North America, is backed by thousands of hours of research and development, providing secure support without compromising comfort and mobility, enabling a distraction-free fit built to match every move.