Researchers from the Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB) of the Hochschule Niederrhein and the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University presented Minister Neubaur, Mönchengladbach Mayor Felix Heinrichs and representatives of state politics with innovative technologies and processes developed as part of T7.

Textilfabrik 7.0 is being established in the Monforts Quartier as a real-world laboratory where innovative technologies and production processes are developed, tested under real-world conditions and further advanced for industrial application. The goal is to foster economically viable, CO₂-neutral and circular textile production in the Rhenish Mining Area. The halls of the T7-Factory in the Monforts Quartier are currently being equipped with machinery. The innovations already developed were presented to the visitors at the Technology Centre for Textile Finishing at Hochschule Niederrhein.

Smart: Making textile production intelligent and digital

Under the motto “smart”, the Minister explored a range of innovative technologies. She tested one of the project‘s smart jackets which recorded her movements and body data and visualised them via an app. Integrating sensors into textiles opens up new fields of application, particularly in the healthcare sector. Smart jackets, for example, can be used during physiotherapy exercises to digitally track movement patterns and provide targeted feedback.

At an embroidery machine, the visitors were also shown how conductive yarn can be integrated into textile structures. AI applications were demonstrated as well: artificial intelligence can be used to analyse natural fibres and, for example, determine material compositions more quickly and accurately. Project staff also presented digital manufacturing processes such as laser printing.

The Rhenish Mining Area is already shaping the future with innovative and sustainable solutions for industry and the people who live and work here. Digital applications, artificial intelligence and sustainable processes are not merely being demonstrated here; they are being further developed and tested. The focus is on products that are closely aligned with users’ needs. When smart jackets made from intelligent textile fabrics measure vital data, they can provide tangible support to help people stay healthy or regain their health. This benefits not only people, but also creates tangible opportunities for a competitive and sustainable textile industry,” said Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Clean: Sustainable alternatives for textile processes

Under the motto “clean”, the project partners presented approaches for dyeing textiles using natural dyes, for example from tea or pomegranate peels. Alternative processes for decolourising and bleaching textiles are also being developed. Visitors were shown how a pair of jeans can be decolourised using either laser technology or fungal cultures. The resulting substance can even be used to produce vegan leather alternatives. The visitors also had the opportunity to view a set-up for detecting fibrous microplastics in wastewater from washing machines.

Mönchengladbach Mayor Felix Heinrichs said: “Today’s tour impressively demonstrated just how much textile expertise and innovative strength exists in Mönchengladbach and the surrounding region. A wide range of technologies and applications can already be experienced and tested here in practice. This highlights the potential that lies in bringing together science, industry and Mönchengladbach’s long-standing textile tradition, and the opportunities this creates for sustainable growth and prosperity in the future.

A clear shared vision for the future

The visit clearly showed: innovation does not solely happen in the laboratory. The crucial step is translating research into practical applications. This is what the researchers at Textilfabrik 7.0 are doing.

With its four core areas - On-Demand Manufacturing, MicroFactory Engineering, Digital Textiles and Biosphere - T7 combines technological innovation with sustainability and creates a platform for the textile production of tomorrow. At its heart is one shared question: How can textile production become smarter, cleaner and economically viable at the same time?

Prof. Dr. Rabe (Hochschule Niederrhein) and Prof. Dr. Gries (RWTH Aachen University) emphasised to the Minister that the motto “smart and clean” is not an abstract vision. It can already be experienced and tested in practice today and is ready for application.