#Yarn & Fiber

2024-09-05

Dornbirn-GFC 2024: Innovations for a Sustainable Textile Future

In lease than one week, the 63rd Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (Dornbirn-GFC), set to take place from September 11-13, 2024, in Dornbirn, Austria, is shaping up to be a pivotal event for the global textile industry. As the largest fiber innovation congress in the world, the Dornbirn-GFC once again serves as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration. This year, over 125 international speakers from industry and research will present groundbreaking innovations in the fiber and textile sectors, reflecting the major transformations currently shaping the industry.

Expanded Program for 2024

The 2024 Dornbirn-GFC offers a significantly expanded agenda. Across three days, participants will engage in 125 expert presentations covering a wide array of topics, from biopolymers and biomaterials to high-performance fibers, cutting-edge technologies, and circular economy solutions. The congress will focus on four key themes: Fiber Innovations, Circular Economy & Recycling, Emerging Technologies, and Energy Solutions.

Given the increasing importance of energy for the textile industry's value chain in terms of both cost and sustainability, the congress will place a particular emphasis on Energy Innovations. The opening day's plenary session will dive deep into how energy solutions can support the industry's decarbonization efforts while maintaining competitiveness.

Keynote on Energy Innovations

One of the program highlights is the keynote address by Rudolf Zauner, an expert in renewable energy from VERBUND AG. Zauner's plenary presentation will explore innovative energy solutions and how collaboration between the textile industry, energy providers, and start-ups can enhance both sustainability and competitiveness. His talk will set the tone for a deeper exploration of the crucial role energy plays in driving the future of textiles.

Cutting-Edge Energy Solutions

In collaboration with the Institute for Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen and industry partners, the congress will offer sessions dedicated to energy innovations. These sessions will include presentations by leading experts such as:

+ Prof. Thomas Gries (RWTH Aachen), who will highlight how combining natural principles with advanced technologies can address some of today’s most critical energy challenges.

+ Prof. Sauer (RWTH Aachen), providing a comprehensive outlook on the future of power supply and material energy carriers.

+ Munib Amin (E.ON Group Innovation GmbH), offering insights into the evolving energy landscape.

+ Thomas Riegler (EnBW), discussing renewable energy integration and the new business models required to drive this transition.

EU Regulations and Sustainability

With sustainability being a core topic, the congress will feature updates on EU textile regulations. On September 11, Cornelia Mohor from the European Commission will provide insights into forthcoming policies and regulations impacting the textile industry. Additionally, Dimitiry Deheyn from the University of California San Diego will dissect the vocabulary of circular economy and sustainability, revealing the truth behind often misunderstood concepts.

Spotlight on Young Innovators

The 4th Innovation Days will provide a stage for young companies, offering a platform for new ideas and networking opportunities. The accompanying exhibition will showcase 25 prominent fiber industry companies, alongside the Young Scientist Award presented by Lenzing AG and the Paul Schlack Award, in partnership with CIRFS, highlighting cutting-edge research from the next generation of scientists.

Accompanying Exhibition

As in previous years, the congress will feature an accompanying trade exhibition, where leading companies in the fiber and textile sectors will present their innovations. New exhibitors for 2024 include HTL Dornbirn, Lenzing Instruments GmbH & Co. KG (in cooperation with Textechno Herbert Stein GmbH & Co. KG), The Lycra Company, Syre, and Tailorlux GmbH.

With over 230 companies already registered and nearly 500 participants expected to attend, the Dornbirn-GFC 2024 promises to be a landmark event for the textile industry. The participation of major brands like Lululemon, Chanel, and Adidas underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration to close the loop in the textile industry. The congress organizers are encouraged by the strong engagement across the entire value chain, which fosters the innovation and partnerships that have become hallmarks of Dornbirn-GFC.

Registration for the event is still open, and the organizers look forward to welcoming the global textile community to what promises to be an exciting and transformative event.

For more information and registration details, visit the Dornbirn-GFC Website.

www.dornbirn-gfc.com

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.

Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress 2025 issues call for innovative papers

The Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) has announced an open call for papers, inviting researchers, industry experts, and manufacturers from around the world to submit groundbreaking ideas for its 64th annual event. Scheduled for September 10-12, 2025, in Dornbirn, Austria, the congress will serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing advancements poised to shape the fiber and textile industries’ future.

Vandewiele Group: Innovation across the textile value chain at ICFE Istanbul 2026

At the 2026 Istanbul Carpet & Flooring Expo (ICFE), Vandewiele Group presents its latest advancements spanning the entire textile value chain. From spinning and weaving to tufting, carpet manufacturing and digital finishing, the Group demonstrates how integrated innovation can boost performance, efficiency and sustainability across all stages of production. As a global technology leader, Vandewiele continues to develop solutions that strengthen processes, enhance product quality and enable smarter, greener manufacturing.

CARBIOS and Wankai sign strategic PET biorecycling pact

CARBIOS (Euronext Growth Paris: ALCRB) and Wankai New Materials (“Wankai”), a listed subsidiary of Zhink Group, the 3rd largest PET producer in China and 4th worldwide, announce the signing of the definitive agreement establishing a strategic partnership for the industrial rollout of CARBIOS’s PET biorecycling technology in Asia. The first milestone will be the construction of a PET biorecycling plant in China.

Fulgar voice at the Milan Fashion Institute

Daniela Antunes, Marketing Manager at Fulgar, participated as an expert speaker at the XVII edition of the Master in Brand & Product Management of the prestigious Milano Fashion Institute, which trains well-rounded professionals capable of managing both the creative and strategic-managerial aspects of the fashion & luxury sector.

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.