#Yarn & Fiber

2024-07-18

DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2024

For the eighth time since 2017, the Discover Natural Fibre Initiative is inviting entries for the ‘DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award’. The purpose of the DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award is to raise awareness of exciting work involving natural fibres, and to help raise the profiles of leading researchers so as to enhance opportunities for commercial application of such work.

DNFI Award 2024

The DNFI Award 2024 will be judged in three categories: Innovative products/components or applications, innovative processes/procedures, research and science. The evaluation criteria are: outstanding scientific work and technical feasibility, the extent of improvement or effectiveness of the innovation compared to existing products or processes in which the innovative product or process has been implemented and the potential for opening up new markets or sectors for products made from natural fibres.

The purposes of the award are to raise awareness of exciting innovation involving natural fibres, to raise the profiles of leading researchers and to facilitate opportunities for commercial application of their work. The DNFI Award 2024 is sponsored by the International Textile Manufacturing Federation (ITMF.org).

Submissions for the DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2024 will be accepted until 30th September 2024, and the award winner will be announced in October. The winner will be officially recognized during a ceremony in January 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Judging Procedures:

A sub-committee of DNFI members from production, and academia will choose the award winner. The results of the judging shall be final and their will be no option to challenge their decision.

Awards will be judged in three categories:

• Innovative products/components or applications

• Innovative processes/procedures

• Research and science

Evaluation criteria are:

• Outstanding scientific work and technical feasibility

• Level of improvement of the innovation over existing products or processes

• Degree to which the innovative product or process has been implemented

• Potential for opening new outlets, markets or sectors for products made of natural fibres

Deadline:

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2024. The winners will be announced in October 2024.

The winner will be recognized by press release and announcement at the plenary meetings of DNFI members. The final date and the place for Award Ceremony will be announced before the end of the year.

Application Templates:

Forms for the application are available for download on the DNFI web site. https://dnfi.org/award

Candidates should send the submission form to DNFI, e-mail: Secretariat@DNFI.org

Intellectual Property Rights:

DNFI claims no rights and makes no effort to gain advantage of any kind over the intellectual property represented in applications for the annual DNFI Award for Innovation in Natural Fibres.

A list of all previous winners is available on the DNFI web site. https://dnfi.org/category/award

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

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.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.