#Research & Development

2025-12-11

Fraunhofer CCPE presents the “Monomaterial Design Set” – Innovative solutions for circular product design

Monomaterial structures made of biopolymers (also possible in PET or polyamide) © Fraunhofer CCPE/Mike Henning

Composite materials made from different types of plastic often extend the lifetime of products but make recycling more difficult in the circular economy. That is why Fraunhofer CCPE has developed the “Monomaterial Design Set”. This new approach helps to reduce the variety of plastics used in durable products and offers circular solutions for designers and product developers.

The plastics processing industry faces a major challenge: How can companies develop durable products that are also circular? The Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE has found a solution: the “Monomaterial Design Set”. This novel approach makes it possible to avoid combinations of different plastics in numerous applications, thereby increasing recyclability without compromising the performance of the end product.

Innovative approaches for designers and product developers

The “Monomaterial Design Set” is aimed at designers and product developers who want to make durable and high-specification products more recyclable. Thanks to research conducted by Fraunhofer CCPE, the same thermoplastic can be integrated into a product in different forms (e.g., as fibers, foam or casting compound). PET, PLA, and PA thermoplastics have already been tested. The structure of the design set allows different manufacturing technologies to be combined to create complex components with a wide variety of shapes and high performance. The processes used include injection molding, foam production, and the processing of textiles and self-reinforced panels.

A key objective of the Monomaterial Design Set is to achieve 100% recyclability of the products, as only one type of plastic is used, and so called “monomaterial.” By eliminating the use of adhesives, disassembly of components becomes unnecessary. In addition, Fraunhofer CCPE offers solutions for recyclable color pigments and flame retardant additives that ideally complement this approach. Depending on the selected material base and regional recycling infrastructure, companies are offered individual advice on how to make optimal use of existing collection systems or recycling facilities.

The heads of the Research Department Application and Demonstration, Dipl.-Des. Sabrina Schreiner and Dr. Jonathan Haas, see enormous innovation potential in the Monomaterial Design Set. This approach makes it possible to implement sustainability and circular economy goals as early as product development stage. Exciting demonstrators such as the “circular child seat” and an insulated “reusable transport box” made from monomaterials have already been developed in the cluster. The transferability of this concept to various industries and product segments is very promising.

The “Circular Child Seat” demonstrator in monomaterial design © Fraunhofer CCPE

Design competition: Monomaterial furniture for tomorrow

In addition, Fraunhofer CCPE has taken on the scientific support of Nowy Styl DACH's “Re:think Design Competition”. The “Monomaterial Design Set” plays a decisive role here: designers can use it as a source of inspiration and technical framework to develop innovative designs for 100% recyclable soft seating furniture. The winners of the competition will be announced on April 23, 2026. Registration is open until December 3.

“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.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.