#Research & Development

2025-08-14

Cooperation on the circular textile economy

International cooperation for a circular textile economy: Circular Textile Days, the leading international B2B event for sustainable textiles based in the Netherlands, is entering into a strategic partnership with the DATIpilot Innovation Community Circular Textiles at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (THA). The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen European innovation in the circular textile economy and create new opportunities for the cross-border exchange of knowledge.

The scientific spokesperson of CirTex: Prof Dr Stefan Schlichter © 2025 THA

Circular Textile Days and DATIpilot Innovation Community Circular Textiles (CirTex) agree on joint activities

Textile circular economy as well as transparency and traceability of used materials are high on the EU's agenda. The long-term partnership with the Circular Textile Days now provides CirTex with a European platform to present solutions, network with relevant stakeholders and drive sustainable change in the textile industry. This gives innovative German projects international visibility.

"Germany has a strong research and innovation base in the field of textile technology. At the same time, there is a clear need to translate this knowledge into circular practical solutions more quickly," says Prof Dr Stefan Schlichter (THA). ‘The Circular Textile Days offer us an excellent platform to present the results of our work, establish partnerships and promote cross-border scientific dialogue.’

CirTex is a German innovation network funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and coordinated by Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. It brings together over 250 stakeholders from business, science, politics and civil society. By the end of 2028, the network will be actively shaping the textile value chain towards greater resource efficiency, circularity and sustainability in around 20 innovation projects from all over Germany. Through practical results and innovative science communication, CirTex is making an important contribution to the implementation of a circular textile economy in Germany.

As the central European event for circular and sustainable textiles, the Circular Textile Days bring together brands, suppliers, innovators and political decision-makers. The new partnership underlines the core mission of the event: to enable real collaboration and impact - and to translate knowledge into concrete application. The Circular Textile Days trade fair is an international B2B event based in the Netherlands that aims to significantly advance the transformation towards a sustainable and fully circular textile industry. The fifth edition of the trade fair will take place on 10 and 11 September 2025 in s' Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) in the Netherlands.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.