#Sustainability

2020-10-29

A new era begins: The renewable materials conference, Cologne and online, 18–20 May 2021

Featuring a unique concept to present all sustainable and renewable material solutions at one event: bio-based, CO2-based and recycled http://www.renewable-materials.eu

There is a growing market demand for advanced and ready-to-use sustainable material solutions with a low carbon footprint – and fossil-free. As a response to this challenge, nova-Institute has decided to unite all relevant industries in the new Renewable Materials Conference (RMC). Over three days, participants get a complete overview of the latest renewable material solutions from a wide range of sustainable raw materials and technologies. The first day will be focusing on building blocks and chemicals, the second on polymers and plastics and the third on plastic and composite materials.

nova-Institute’s renewable carbon approach aims to initiate the end of the fossil age of chemicals and plastics and builds the foundation for the RMC. Renewable chemicals, plastics, composites, fibres and other products can be produced either from biomass, directly via CO2 utilisation, or recycling. Naturally, this includes the established areas of bio-based polymers and biocomposites.

Thus, for the first time in its 25 years of experience in the field of renewable raw materials, nova-Institute presents all these material solutions jointly at one conference: Latest innovations on bio- and CO2-based chemicals and materials as well as mechanical and chemical recycling. Or in other words: All material solutions based on renewable carbon – avoiding the use of additional fossil carbon.

The conference will help shape the sustainable future of chemicals and materials and will provide new advantages and synergies by establishing a meeting point for numerous cross-sectoral networking opportunities. Participants from the industry will be able to greatly benefit from the first event of this format as it provides a platform where new market solutions can be presented and recognised to get a broad range of new prospects and materials solutions.

The Renewable Materials Conference is the follow-up event to the “13th International Conference on Bio-based Materials”, which builds on a successful history of previous conferences: In 2019, more than 270 participants attended and 30 exhibitors were present. It was the second largest event on bio-based materials in Europe and continues within this new concept. The conference also integrates topics from the “Biocomposites Conference Cologne” and extends the conference with presentations on chemicals and polymers from CO2 use (CCU) as well as new solutions from the field of recycling, so that the entire spectrum of renewable materials is covered.

The conference will be held as hybrid event – as physical meeting in which an online audience participates as well. The physical conference will take place in Cologne, Germany. Overall, 300 to 400 participants are expected.

To show of the wide range of possibilities and diversity of renewable materials, the innovation award “Renewable Material of the Year” will be granted at the conference to innovative and trend-setting products and technologies based on renewable materials. The pioneers of renewable materials from all sectors are invited to participate. http://www.renewable-materials.eu/award-application

“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.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

Cascale launches member-led process to shape 2030 strategy

Cascale has launched a member-led process to define the industry alliance’s strategic direction for the next decade. At the Cascale Annual Meeting 2026 in Athens, CEO Ying McGuire announced that members will contribute to an industry system map that will inform Cascale’s 10-year vision, its 2030 strategy and priorities for 2027. The new strategy is scheduled to be finalized in December.

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

Durak Maxibalance thread supports users’ movement and balance comfort

Durak Tekstil, a leading brand in its industry, has developed Durak Maxibalance, a new product engineered with bio-ceramic and FAR IR technology. Ushering in a new era for sportswear, activewear, and medical textiles, this technology offers features designed to support balance and movement comfort by reflecting the energy absorbed from the body back into it.

Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 draws to a close, weaving sustainable innovation into global sourcing

Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 concluded with approximately 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, connecting with nearly 22,000 visitors from 110 represented markets, bringing the textile industry’s evolving material agenda into sharper focus. Held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC and PH Value, the fair connected upstream fibre and yarn innovation with fabric development, garment production and fashion-market demand.