#Sustainability

2024-04-25

Best CO2 Utilisation 2024 Innovation Award - Three CCU solutions steering society towards a fossil-free future

Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) enables the substitution of fossil carbon in sectors where carbon is necessary. Dioxycle, D-CRBN and Twelve showcase winning solutions that pave the path for a renewable carbon society. 230 participants from 27 countries worldwide joined the innovation award ceremony at the CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2024 in Cologne, Germany, and online.

Renowned as one of the premier global events for the entire CCU and Power-to-X industry and its stakeholders, this year’s 12th edition spotlighted the latest advancements in the rapidly expanding realm of carbon capture and utilisation.

Six nominees showcased their innovative CCU solutions to a diverse audience of global experts. Following this, a majority of the attendees participated in live voting to select the three winners of the “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” innovation award.

From renewable ethylene to textile fibres and plastics to cutting edge plasma-based CO2 conversion and a synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) reducing lifecycle emissions, the three winning CCU solutions open the road to transition away from fossil resources.

The innovation award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” granted to Dioxycle

The innovation award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” has been granted to the French company Dioxycle for the development of an ethylene producing electrolyser. This remarkable carbon electrolysis technology transforms industrial emissions into sustainable ethylene solely utilising renewable electricity and water. As a result, Dioxycle’s technology is capable of generating carbon-neutral ethylene at a competitive cost compared to the fossil-based method, offering an economically appealing route to decarbonise numerous industrial and commercial sectors. Ethylene, being the most utilised organic chemical globally, is integral in various everyday products including textile fibers, plastics, and construction materials.

http://www.dioxycle.com

Winner "Best CO2 Utilisation 2024" (f.l.t.r. Asta Partanen (nova-Institute), Michael Carus (nova-Institute), Sarah Lamaison (Dioxycle), Martin Lindmeyer (YNCORIS), Gill Scheltjens (D-CRBN), Anastasios Perimenis (CO2 Value Europe))

D-CRBN was awarded the second prize for a cutting-edge plasma-based CO2 conversion technology. The Belgian-based company developed a modular and scalable plasma technology capable of splitting the CO2 molecule into CO, all within a fully electrified, gaseous phase, devoid of solvents or catalysts. The CO is subsequently converted into high-value chemicals, including e-fuels, organic acids, polymers, etc., serving as essential feedstocks for industries such as chemical, petrochemical, maritime, and metallurgical sectors, among others.

http://www.d-crbn.com

Twelve, based in the US, won the third prize for its groundbreaking technology E-Jet® fuel. The technology produces Power-to-X sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using just three components: water, renewable electricity, and CO2. This innovative fuel underwent testing and certification by the U.S. Air Force in 2021, demonstrating it is a drop-in solution in existing aircraft. Manufactured to ASTM D7566 specifications, the same stringent performance standard upheld by fossil-based jet fuel, E-Jet® fuel boasts up to 90 % lower lifecycle emissions, alongside reduced sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other particulate emissions.

http://www.twelve.co

Sponsors and partners

The Innovation Award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” was sponsored by Yncoris, a service partner for the future-proof chemical industry, and it is co-organised by nova-Institute and CO2 Value Europe, the international association representing the CCU community in Europe and beyond. GIG Karasek supported the event as a sponsor.

The CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2024 was held under the patronage of Mona Neubaur, Minister of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and is supported by numerous industry and trade associations, non-profit organisations, research institutions and interest groups, that are thematically linked to the conference: BCNP Consultants (DE), BBE – Bundesverband Bioenergie (DE), C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V. (DE), ChemCologne (DE), Chemie-Cluster Bayern (DE), CLIB – Cluster Industrial Biotechnology (DE), CO2Value Europe (EU), Global CO2 Initative (International), IN4climate.NRW (DE), IBB – Industrielle Biotechnologie Bayern Netzwerk (DE), kunststoffland NRW (DE), Plastics Europe (DE), Renewable Carbon Initiative (International), VoltaChem (NL).

http://www.co2-chemistry.eu

“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.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.