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#Sustainability

PFI confirms: water-based technology from Trans-Textil and Covestro is free of animal components

High technical, ecological and ethical standards in an extremely individual product design are the basic idea of AQUAIR®, which is now supplemented by the "100% Vegan" seal. The standard of the Pirmasens Testing and Research Institute (PFI) is awarded if the product, its ingredients and the manufacturing process are verifiably vegan and not of animal origin. Compliance with the criteria is checked by the institute, confirmed by laboratory tests if necessary and monitored regularly.
The color and grain of the synthetic layer can be easily customized, which allows for great design freedom when used in shoe components, sportswear, bags, furniture and many other products. © Trans-Textil © Covestro
The color and grain of the synthetic layer can be easily customized, which allows for great design freedom when used in shoe components, sportswear, bags, furniture and many other products. © Trans-Textil © Covestro


+ Breathable, water-based AQUAIR® synthetics from Trans-Textil now bear the "100% Vegan" certification mark from German PFI Institute

+ No animal components or animal products are used in the product as a whole, as well as in all components and manufacturing steps

+ Highly flexible product structure in terms of design, textile components and membrane systems

+ The water-vapor-permeable, microporous structure of AQUAIR® is based on waterborne formulation components from Covestro

"The vegan idea fits perfectly into the overall concept of AQUAIR® and is a logical further development for us," says Matthias Krings, Managing Director of Trans-Textil GmbH. Performance and responsible product design in all steps form the basis of the highly breathable overall system. The starting point is the synthetic layer, which can be individually designed in terms of color and grain.

"The microporous PU system is based on our aqueous and more sustainable INSQIN® technology, with which the production of coated textiles also requires up to 95 percent less water and 50 percent less energy compared to conventional production processes," explains Dr. Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings at Covestro. In combination with the technologies from Trans-Textil, this results in unique properties with a wearing comfort and functionalities that raise the standard of synthetics to a new level and are now also verifiably vegan according to the PFI standard.



Breathable, water-based AQUAIR® textile systems from Trans-Textil are based on Covestro's aqueous INSQIN® technology and have been awarded the "100% Vegan" seal by the Pirmasens Testing and Research Institute. © Trans-Textil

In addition to textile substrates, the test seal also included waterproof, breathable Topaz membrane systems based on polyurethane (PU) and polyester (PES), so that there is a great deal of creative freedom in product design with regard to structure, coloring and technical properties. The PU hotmelt systems used to manufacture the multi-layer composite products, which are applied at Trans-Textil using the high-quality and durable Point-in-Point® lamination technology, have also been vegan tested. Water-repellent properties are already integrated in AQUAIR® and no additives need to be added which are currently often viewed critically. All components and process steps are also tested according to Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® for processing without harmful ingredients.

In a regional and responsibly designed supply chain, breathable synthetic products "Made in Germany" are created with AQUAIR® for the design of shoe components, leisure, sports and outdoor clothing, bags and accessories as well as for use in functional upholstery and furniture – even for small series or samples. The production as roll goods is the basis for an optimal use of material in the manufacture. If required, compatible Topaz tapes are available for seam sealing, which are also based on water-based formulation components.

The color and grain of the synthetic layer can be easily customized, which allows for great design freedom when used in shoe components, sportswear, bags, furniture and many other products. © Trans-Textil

Breathable, water-based AQUAIR® textile systems from Trans-Textil are based on Covestro's aqueous INSQIN® technology and have been awarded the "100% Vegan" seal by the Pirmasens Testing and Research Institute. © Trans-Textil

Breathable, water-based AQUAIR® textile systems from Trans-Textil are based on Covestro's aqueous INSQIN® technology and have been awarded the
Breathable, water-based AQUAIR® textile systems from Trans-Textil are based on Covestro's aqueous INSQIN® technology and have been awarded the "100% Vegan" seal by the Pirmasens Testing and Research Institute. © Trans-Texti


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#Textile chemistry

Covestro and Heraeus Precious Metals collaborate to enable safer, more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings

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#Textile chemistry

Covestro celebrates decade of innovation and sustainable growth

Covestro celebrates its 10-year anniversary today. Since its carve-out from Bayer in 2015, the company has developed into a global leader in high-performance polymer materials and a pioneer in circular economy solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Covestro’s materials are now embedded in countless applications worldwide – from mobility and construction to electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods.

#Textile chemistry

Covestro extends contract with CTO Dr. Thorsten Dreier ahead of schedule until 2031

Dr. Thorsten Dreier will remain Chief Technology Officer of Covestro for a further five years. The Supervisory Board has extended his contract, which runs until June 2026, ahead of schedule from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031.

#Textile chemistry

Suiting up Team Sonnenwagen with more sustainable sportswear created through a three-way partnership

Team Sonnenwagen Aachen, a solar racing collective from RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen, Germany, is on a mission to advance sustainable mobility solutions and become world champions. This August, the student team will participate in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a biannual 3,000-kilometer race across the Australian outback. During the five-day event, 50 student teams from around the world will compete with solar vehicles that they must design, assemble, and drive themselves.

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#Yarns

Textile Exchange publishes the final criteria for its new Materials Matter Standard, marking a pivotal shift in connecting certification to impact

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#Nonwovens

EDANA wraps up its Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025: Uniting the industry and EU policymakers to navigate the future of nonwovens

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#Sustainability

YKK recognized with Top ‘A’ rating by CDP for climate change leadership for third consecutive year

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#Weaving

Itema announces strategic partnership with Ivy Decarb to accelerate decarbonization in weaving process

Itema is pleased to announce the strategic partnership with Ivy Decarb, the digital platform helping textile companies measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

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#People

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

#Weaving

Lindauer Dornier announces leadership transition in weaving machine business

After more than ten successful years at Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, Mr Wolfgang Schöffl will leave the family-owned company at the end of the year to enter well-deserved retirement.

#Heimtextil 2026

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

#Technical Textiles

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

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