Yarn & Fiber
Shape the Future at the Dornbirn-GFC 2019
Due to the undeniable climate change and the eco-social imbalances on the globe, sustainable resource management has become a key element for our future. So has become fundamental rethinking in many ways.
As generator of ideas and networks, the Dornbirn-GFC would like to encourage rethinking and thus, offers its platform of sustainability and circular economy.
"Microplastics" - A challenge of the 21st century. The internationally renowned marine research centre "Scripps Institution of Oceanography" in California has been won over for the congress! The American expert Sarah-Jeanne Royer will present new research results and solutions.
How to deal with the "digital footprint" or the "Life Cycle Analysis"? - Criteria that are used in the very performance-driven textile and nonwovens industry will be completely re-introduced into the evaluation in the future.
Robert Rosellen/Dir Microsoft brings the technology from the software industry into the game. Can it make a positive contribution to recycling management and sustainability? The digitalization expert will provide new aspects and innovations relevant to this field.
“Think digital. But is it also secure…?!” - top expert Stefan Achleitner from Palo Alto Networks/California will provide profound insights into “Cyber Security” - what does the actual landscape look like?
The First Dornbirn-GFC STARTUP DAYS
Come and see where Startups meet Industry, Research and Brands.
The first Dornbirn-GFC STARTUP DAYS take place on September 11 - 12, in cooperation with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Because of being characterized by a different development dynamic in comparison to established companies, Startups often have to face failure. In spite of innovative ideas, gap closure between technology and the market are regularly missing. The STARTUP DAYS are designed to provide a networking platform for young companies.
Startups in the areas of
- Smart Fibers
- Smart Applications
- Smart SportsTech & Outdoor
- Smart Sustainability & Circular Economy
will be present at the congress.
The participants of the Dornbirn-GFC 2019 will be welcomed with ideas and visions at the “Startup Tent” on the congress site.
Top-class Plenary Lectures on the Opening Day
„Man-made Fibers in Europe: new as well as existing challenges in a politically changing environment.”
This lecture will be the opening on the first day, given by Necat Altin/CEO CIRFS.
Uday Gill/CEO Indorama Ventures will profoundly explore the challenges of sustainability of synthetic fibers, as well as shed some light on future prospects in his lecture.
Robert van de Kerkhof/CCO Lenzing will address this topic from the perspective of the cellulose fiber industry.
CEO Panel: Sustainability/Circular Economy - are we leading or lagging? - a highly interesting discussion about “Circular economy” with the three worldwide biggest fiber producers. Furthermore, what does the rapidly growing sports brand Lululemon expect from the fiber industry and how will the EU Commission accelerate this concern. Uday Gill/CEO Indorama Ventures, Robert van de Kerkhof/CCO Lenzing, Gunjan Sharma/CMO Reliance, Yogendra Dandapure/Dir Lululemon und Mauro Scalia/Dir EURATEX will try to provide insights and answers in regards to this future-oriented matter led by the experienced industry consultant Walter Woitsch/Partner Syngroup.
Panel: Digitalization in Europe
Specialists with expertise and practical experience will elucidate whether digitalization will boost innovation in the European economy. High-level representatives of the industry and IT will debate about the current situation. Can Europe compete with “Silicon Valley” in terms of innovation environment, or is it already time for a “Silicon Valley & beyond.”
Thomas Riegler/Partner PwC, Stefan Achleitner/ Research Palo Alto Networks, Jochen Adler/CTO Oerlikon, Robert Rosellen/Dir Microsoft, Martin Ohneberg/CEO Henn discuss this topic led by Josef Mantl – communication expert and member of the “Presidential Campaign“ of Hillary Clinton.
Furthermore, participants of the Dornbirn-GFC can expect more than 100 expert lectures on key topics as follows:
- Fiber innovations
- Circular Economy and Sustainability
- Digitalisation and Smart Textiles
- Surface modification and Additives
- Sports and leisure wear
- Nonwovens and Technical Textiles
Young Scientist Forum: „Startups match traditional Industry Innovation?”
Young scientists will also discuss the hot topic “Startups” guided by the industry consulting firm SYNGROUP.
How can traditional innovation processes be matched with Startup companies? -
a crucial question for research in order to launch innovations and to enhance collaboration.
Simply Download the New Main Programme
The new main programme for the 58th Dornbirn-GFC covers a detailed overview of the approx. 100 expert lectures presented parallel within two and a half days in three halls of the Kulturhaus Dornbirn.
Just download the main programme from the homepage of the congress.
Networking Event on the Final Day
A nice conclusion of the congress offers once more the opportunity to socialise and network as well as exchanging know-how in a different light. All guests of the Dornbirn-GFC 2019 are welcome to join for some traditional snacks and beer.
Sponsors as the key elements of the success of the Dornbirn-GFC
Particular emphasis should be placed on the economic region Land Vorarlberg and the “smart city“ Dornbirn which have tremendously supported the congress since its foundation.
Lenzing AG, the associations CIRFS (European Fiber Association) and IVC (German Fiber Association) are the initiators of this annual congress.
Lenzing AG, the world`s largest and most innovative cellulose fiber producer – this impressive company with high innovative power will be presented as “the“ lead sponsor of the congress.
It is especially delightful to have gained PwC, a worldwide leading and internationally operating auditor and consulting firm, as an important partner for the Dornbirn-GFC 2019.
The renowned sponsors from previous years as well as new sponsors will contribute to the success of the congress 2019:
AVANTEX/Messe
Frankfurt France (FRA)
Techtextil/Messe Frankfurt (GER)
CHT Beitlich (GER)
CIRFS (BEL)
Dralon (GER)
Ecoplus. Niederösterreichs Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH (AUT)
EDANA (BEL)
Gherzi Textil Organisation (SUI)
Glanzstoff Industries/Indorama (AUT)
Groz Beckert (GER)
IFG Asota (AUT)
IKV Innovative Kunststoffveredlung (GER)
Industriellenvereinigung Vorarlberg (AUT)
JMC Josef Mantl Communications GmbH (AUT)
Kunstuniversität Linz (AUT)
Land Vorarlberg (AUT)
Lenzing AG (AUT)
Märkische Faser (GER)
Microsoft (AUT)
Oerlikon Manmade Fibers (GER)
Perlon Nextrusion Monofil (GER)
PricewaterhouseCoopers PwC (AUT)
PHP Fibers/Indorama (GER)
Saurer AG (SUI)
Stadt Dornbirn (AUT)
SYNGROUP (AUT)
WISTO – Wirtschaftsstandort Vorarlberg GmbH (AUT)
WKO Wirtschaftskammer Vorarlberg (AUT)
Additional information on all our sponsors can be found on:
http://www.dornbirn-gfc.com/sponsors
Comprehensive Service Package
As Dornbirn-GFC participants you can look forward to more than 100 expert lectures as well as two interactive panel sessions. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to connect with speakers and about 700 participants during the congress.
The congress fee contains a delicious catering, lunch buffet, congress material and an invitation to the networking dinner including a fashion show organized by the mayoress of the city of Dornbirn.
There is also free entrance to the “Startup” event which takes place on the congress site of the Dornbirn-GFC/Kulturhaus.
More information can be found on http://www.dornbirn-gfc.com.
Register now online on http://www.dornbirn-gfc.com!