#Research & Development

2025-03-20

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

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.

Textilfabrik 7.0 launched: Mönchengladbach becomes a real-world lab for sustainable textile production

With the official kick-off event of the Textilfabrik 7.0 (T7), a major transformation project for the German textile and apparel industry has been launched in the Monforts Quarter in Mönchengladbach. At the “Textile Roundtable,” an event format organized by the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier, representatives from industry, research, politics, and the regional economy came together to jointly lay the foundation for CO₂-neutral, circular, and economically viable textile production in Germany.

Pellet press enables thermomechanical textile recycling on a pilot scale at ITA

Since the end of 2025, the technical centre of the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has been equipped with a pellet press from the manufacturer Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG, Reinbek, Germany. This press can efficiently compact shredded synthetic textiles at a throughput of up to 25 kg/h and process them into pellets with a diameter of 4 mm.

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.

Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

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.

VANDEWIELE Group at Techtextil 2026 – Textile innovations together

The VANDEWIELEGroup will showcase its latest technologies for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt from April 21–24 (Hall 12.0, Stand C21). As a global leader in textile machinery, the group brings together specialised brands to support the evolving demands of high-performance textile applications. Visitors will discover solutions in laboratory testing, yarn joining, yarn feeding and thread tension monitoring, designed to create measurable value across the textile value chain.

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.