[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

Research on carbon fibers from wood rewarded again

Ernst-Pelz-Award for Dr. Antje Ota and Dr. Frank Hermanutz. Photo: C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V. © 2022 DITF
Dr. Frank Hermanutz and Dr. Antje Ota have received the Ernst-Pelz-Award for Renewable Resources 2020 for the development of a sustainable manufacturing process for the production of carbon fibers based on wood. The award was presented only now because of the Corona pandemic.

IIonic liquids (IL) are the key to sustainable biobased fibers for a wide range of industrial applications. DITF, together with BASF SE, have discovered an innovative solvent for biopolymers (polymers made from renewable resources).

Compared to conventional carbon fibers that are not based on biopolymers, carbon fiber production based on cellulose would not only protect the environment but also reduce energy costs. Domestic beeches, for example, are a suitable material for obtaining cellulose.



The innovation has already won several awards.

The Ernst-Pelz-Award is awarded annually by C.A.R.M.E.N e.V.. The network, founded by the Free State of Bavaria, supports the implementation of the goals of the energy turnaround.

Further information on the prize (German):

https://www.carmen-ev.de/2022/07/07/ernst-pelz-preise-und-foerderpreise-nachwachsende-rohstoffe-2020-2021-verliehen-innovative-entwicklungen-praemiert/


More News from Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf

#Research & Development

DITF develops bio-based binding fibers for wood-fiber insulation materials

As part of the CelluWoodFlex project, the German Institutes of Textile- and Fiber-Research in Denkendorf (DITF) are developing bio-based cellulose ester fibers as alternative binding fibers for flexible wood fiber insulation materials. In addition to the spinning process and the production of suitable staple fibers, the institute is also investigating how wood and cellulose fibers can be separated and recycled at the end of their useful life.

#Research & Development

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

#Research & Development

Reducing development times for technical textiles by accelerated thermo-oxidative aging in a high-pressure autoclave

Synthetic polymers used in technical textiles can be effectively protected against degradation caused by heat, oxygen, and water through the use of stabilizer systems. This enables service lives of several decades, extending to more than 50 years. As the use of durable technical textiles continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable methods to predict their service life within economically feasible testing periods. For the first time the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) developed methods for robust service life prediction for textiles in an IGF research project.

#Research & Development

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.

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

ITA spin-off TERNAfil wins third place at KUER.NRW 2026 with MAXCarbon technology

The Aachen-based ITA spin-off TERNAfil GmbH has secured third place in the KUER.NRW Business Plan Competition 2026 with MAXCarbon, an innovative carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre developed for applications in the hydrogen economy. The technology combines the mechanical properties of carbon fibres with the thermal and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials.

#Research & Development

First "Korea Day" at RWTH Aachen attracts more than 300 participants

The inaugural Korea Day in Aachen brought together representatives from science, business and Korean institutions to strengthen German-Korean cooperation in research, technology and education. The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University was among the participating organisations.

#Research & Development

POLYMERS-5B develops high-performance bio-based polyesters from agricultural waste

The European research project POLYMERS-5B is developing an integrated enzymatic biorefinery to convert agricultural by-products from Mediterranean food production into valuable raw materials for the food, cosmetics and bio-based plastics industries. Using tomato and olive pomace as feedstock, the process aims to recover several product groups from the same biomass stream. The consortium will present its latest technical developments and market findings at Ecomondo 2026 in Rimini on 3 November.

#Research & Development

STFI showcases new Textile LAB Professional with focus on climate protection and sustainable technologies

The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e. V. (STFI) in Chemnitz is organising a themed day on 3 December 2026, focusing on climate protection and the environment. As well as showcasing current applications for green cities and natural fibres for lightweight construction, the event will feature machine demonstrations in the new Textile LAB Professional. Under the motto ‘Design meets Technology’, this networking event will also provide an insight into artistic student projects, thereby facilitating a professional exchange on creative perspectives and modern technologies for climate protection and the environment.

Latest News

#Weaving

unspun and Arvind partner to bring 3D weaving into industrial-scale apparel production

US fashion technology company unspun and Indian textile manufacturer Arvind Limited have announced a strategic partnership to introduce OneWeave™ 3D weaving technology into industrial-scale apparel manufacturing. Two machines are expected to become operational at Arvind’s Ahmedabad facility by December 2026, with plans for a potential expansion involving more than 30 additional machines across India and North America in 2027 and 2028.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Nine Orthopac RXVMC-20 systems: Y.R.C. Textile relies on Mahlo for uncompromising fabric quality

In 2026, Y.R.C. Textile invested in nine Mahlo Orthopac RXVMC-20 straightening systems, a clear vote of confidence in technology engineered for textiles with high distortion dynamics and the tightest quality demands.

#Natural Fibers

Better Cotton Initiative partners with FarmRaise to simplify data management for US cotton growers

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has announced a partnership with agricultural technology company FarmRaise to simplify data collection, reporting and program participation for cotton growers in the United States. The digital platform will help farmers manage certification requirements, document agricultural practices and track progress towards regenerative agriculture goals while reducing administrative work. The solution is scheduled to become available in January 2027.

#Textile processing

Jeanologia and Sue Barrett explore new interpretations of camouflage in COMMON GROUND

Jeanologia has collaborated with Sue Barrett, founder of Denim Forum, to create COMMON GROUND, a new denim collection that reinterprets camouflage through nature-inspired patterns, vintage garments and modern finishing technologies. Developed as part of Jeanologia’s Denim Métiers initiative, the project combines archival references and creative experimentation with laser and ozone technologies to explore new possibilities in contemporary denim design.

TOP