[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

ITA researchers win two JEC Innovation Awards for sustainable textile-based composites

Researchers from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University have been honored with two JEC Innovation Awards at JEC World 2025 in Paris, recognizing their groundbreaking contributions to sustainable construction and sports equipment.
JEC-Composites Innovation Awards 2025 “Sport, Leisure & Recreation” © 2025 ITA
JEC-Composites Innovation Awards 2025 “Sport, Leisure & Recreation” © 2025 ITA


40% CO? savings with carbon fibre stone in construction

In the "Building and Civil Engineering" category, ITA was awarded for its development of Carbon Fibre Stone (CFS), an eco-friendly material that significantly reduces CO? emissions in house wall construction.

+ Up to 40% CO? savings compared to conventional concrete

+ Innovative combination of stone and bio-based fibers

+ Each square meter of CFS binds 59 kg of CO?, whereas traditional cement walls release 98 kg of CO?

This innovation offers a sustainable alternative to CO?-intensive concrete, supporting the construction industry's transition toward low-carbon materials.

Bio-based recyclable 3d laminate for sustainable surfboards

ITA also secured an award in the “Sports, Leisure & Recreation” category for its Honey Roots technology, a revolutionary bio-based and recyclable 3D laminate used in surfboard manufacturing.

+ Enhances mechanical performance while eliminating the need for consumables in the infusion process

+ Made from bio-based or recycled materials, reducing environmental impact

+ Lightweight and durable, offering improved surfboard longevity and performance

This innovation was developed in collaboration with Techno Carbon Technologies GbR and Kanoa Surfboards, combining advanced textile engineering with sustainability-driven design.

Recognition for ita’s commitment to sustainable innovation

PhD student and project leader Lars Wollert emphasized the significance of these awards, stating:

"These awards are a recognition of our research activities and show what the ITA stands for the development of innovative products and processes together with a great network of industrial partners, openness for versatile application areas in which fibres of all kinds bring advantages and research in the context of sustainability."

With these achievements, ITA continues to push the boundaries of textile-based composite materials, contributing to sustainable advancements in both the construction and sporting goods industries.



More News from Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA)

#Research & Development

TERNAfil wins first place at PitchMiUp Night 2026 in Minden

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.

#Research & Development

Carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre proves its worth – NRW Minister for Science Mona Neubaur congratulates ITA start-up TERNAfil

MAXCarbon technology, a novel carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre developed by ITA spin-off TERNAfil, secured third place at the HIGH-TECH.NRW Demo Day on the TÜV NORD campus in Essen. The technology combines the strength of carbon fibres with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. Mona Neubaur, Minister for Science in North Rhine-Westphalia, congratulated the team on their success and on winning prize money of 4,000 euros.

#Research & Development

TCLF: Resilient value chains in times of crises

The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry was at the centre of the webinar “Resilient value chains in times of crises”, which took place on 28 April 2026. Global supply chains continue to face increasing pressure, raw material dependencies are growing and economic uncertainties are affecting the entire sector.

#Research & Development

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.

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

GenuTrace client advisory: Is your cotton supply chain UFLPA ready?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released updated operational guidance (CBP Publication No. 5560-0526) expanding its forced labor enforcement framework. The guidance supersedes the original 2022 UFLPA Operational Guidance and now covers all forced labor enforcement authorities — UFLPA, CAATSA, and WROs/Findings — in a single unified document. For cotton importers, the enforcement posture has not softened. It has become more structured, more documented, and more demanding. Learn more about UFLPA.

#Research & Development

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

#Research & Development

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

#Research & Development

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.

Latest News

#Spinning

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

#ITMA 2027

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

#ITM 2026

Positive market signals for KARL MAYER at ITM 2026

KARL MAYER is pleased with its participation as an exhibitor at ITM 2026. Faced with the challenges of rising domestic costs and fierce competition from low-priced Asian markets, the industry leader had traveled to Istanbul with mixed feelings – yet still draws a really positive conclusion.

#Associations

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.

TOP