#Yarn & Fiber

2024-08-08

63rd Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress & 4th Innovation Days discuss key industry issues in September

The 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024 is all about the energy transition and presents innovative solutions for the textile industry. The presentations on energy solutions during the three-day congress will begin with a plenary lecture on the opening day.

Dornbirn GFC is an important meeting place of the textile industry © 2024 Dornbirn GFC

The energy transition: a burden for the industry or an opportunity for energy innovation?

Rudolf Zauner, VERBUND AG - expert for renewable energies will start the opening day of the Dorbirn GFC with a plenary lecture on this question. With further decarbonization, the transition from fossil fuels to carbon-free and renewable energy sources, energy innovations and sector coupling for advanced and systemic solutions are moving into focus. Rudolf Zauner presents innovative energy solutions from Verbund AG and discusses what can be achieved when the worlds of industry, energy suppliers and start-ups meet and how the competitiveness of industry can be maintained. Franz Zöchbauer, Verbund AG,

on participating in the Dornbirn GFC: "As a leading company in energy technology, we are aware of the importance of innovation and sustainability in the global textile industry. By supporting this congress, we are investing in the future of fiber innovation, which is in line with our own ambitions to promote ecologically sustainable and energy-efficient solutions."

Energy solutions: These innovations are an important step towards a sustainable future:

On Friday, September 13, the topic of energy solutions will be explored in greater depth in a block of presentations in Hall C in collaboration with the Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University and its industry partners. The planned session will highlight the intersection of nature, technology and sustainability. Prof. Thomas Gries (Director of the ITA): "These innovations are an important step towards a sustainable future. By integrating natural principles and advanced technologies, we can tackle some of the most pressing energy issues of our time." Details of the presentations are listed in the main program: www.dornbirn-gfc.com

The European policy and regulatory landscape for the textile industry has changed fundamentally!

The Dornbirn GFC also offers its visitors up-to-date information on the EU's plans for new regulations and provisions for the fiber industry. Cornelia Mohor from the European Commission will be a plenary speaker at the Dornbirn GFC on Wednesday, September 11, to provide information on this topic: "A package of EU policies and upcoming regulations is redefining how textile products are manufactured, sold and consumed in the EU. A review of the EU regulation on textile labeling has been initiated. Textile fibers and fiber innovations are an important topic in this planned review".

Update on the Dornbirn GFC 2024:

Visitors can look forward to 125 specialist presentations over three days of the congress. In 2024, the classification of the presentations has been revised so that even more specialist areas in the field of fiber innovations are now covered: Biopoymers, Biomaterials, High Performance and Technologies, Natural Fibers, Surface Treatment, Raw Materials, Nonwovens and Circular Economy and Recycling.

The support of new sponsors offers the Dornbirn GFC additional opportunities to expand the range of products and services on offer to visitors and to maintain the international platform for the future. Thanks go to the following companies: Verbund AG, Vienna (AUT), Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG, Hanau (GER) and MP Corporate Finance GbmH, Vienna (AUT). Matthias W. Gluth: "The current booking situation shows us that visitor interest in the Dornbirn GFC is unbroken. We greatly appreciate this, especially in view of the current difficult economic situation. Special thanks also go to all the speakers, whose expertise and high quality standards create the basis for an outstanding congress."

Combined ticket:

Dornbirn GFC, Kulturhaus, Dornbirn from September 11 - 13, 2024 Dornbirn GFC online on demand from September 16 - 30, 2024 (presentations as video and the presentations for download as pfd file)

Information + main program: www.dornbirn-gfc.com

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.

GFC Dornbirn 2025: From carbon to circular - join the transformation

The Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) returns from September 10–12, 2025, bringing together over 100 expert speakers, leading innovators, and global stakeholders for a focused and energizing program in Dornbirn, Austria. As global challenges mount—from decarbonization pressures to shifting markets—this year’s congress reaffirms its role as a key platform for forward-looking solutions and collaborative progress.

Pre-programme Rreleased: Dornbirn-GFC 2025 unveils key topics and international highlights

The wait is over – the pre-programme for the 64th Dornbirn-GFC is now available online, setting the stage for one of the most important global events in fiber innovation and textile research. The 2025 congress will take place from September 10–12 in Dornbirn, Austria, and promises more than 100 expert lectures from industry, academia, and research institutes, presented in parallel across three lecture halls.

Lenzing improves profitability as strategic transformation gains momentum

The Lenzing Group reported improved operating profitability in the first nine months of 2026 despite declining revenue and a challenging market environment. Revenue decreased by 2.3 percent to EUR 1.93 billion, while adjusted EBITDA remained stable at EUR 353 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased from 17.9 percent to 18.3 percent, reflecting progress in the company's strategic transformation under its “Grow Nonwovens. Reset Textiles.” strategy.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories launches performance yarn development program based on spider silk

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories has launched a development program for high-performance yarns based on its recombinant spider silk technology. The initiative follows the company's first commercial shipment of a custom spider silk yarn to a performance apparel customer and includes the delivery of spider silk samples to a textile technology company with experience in aerospace-related material development.

Lenzing and Kaihara to debut REMOD denim collection at Kingpins Amsterdam

The Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, has partnered with Japanese denim manufacturer Kaihara Corporation to launch the “REMOD Collection”. The collection combines three of Lenzing's fiber offerings for denim applications: TENCEL™ Lyocell Standard, TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 and TENCEL™ Lyocell dtex 2.2.

Brückner showcases sustainable technologies for the future of textile finishing at ITMA ASIA 2026

With rising energy costs, increasing environmental requirements, and growing competitive pressure, textile manufacturers worldwide are facing the challenge of making their production processes both more sustainable and more cost-effective. As one of the world's leading specialists in textile finishing machinery, Brückner will present innovative solutions and advanced production technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai. These technologies can play a key role in significantly reducing both energy consumption and emissions.

Stäubli to introduce new S3292 dobby for high-speed weaving at ITME India 2026

Stäubli will introduce its new S3292 dobby at ITME India 2026, taking place from December 4 to 9 at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Designed for high-speed air-jet weaving, the new machine will be among the highlights of the company's presentation, which also includes warp preparation systems, cam motions, Jacquard technologies and digital services.

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.