Recycling carbon fiber waste in such a way that the fibers are suitable for high-performance applications: the DITF have developed highly oriented tapes made from recycled carbon fibers (rCF).

The circular economy and recycling were the key topics at this year's international get-together of textile experts. The 450 participants from 25 countries were presented with 78 lectures, over 100 scientific posters and an accompanying exhibition.

DITF and Fiber Engineering GmbH have developed a process with which plant pots can be produced from the biomass of water hyacinths. The products are cost-effective and biodegradable. This combines economic benefits with the control of an invasive species.

DITF and their French partner were honored for the introduction of a newly developed, hemp-based pulp and its further processing into filament-spun cellulose fibers.

DITF developed a robust yet flexible glove coating with environmentally friendly lignin using a 3D printing process.

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Fischer succeeds Professor Dr. Meike Tilebein, who will be working on new interdisciplinary research areas at the Institute for Diversity Studies in Engineering at the University of Stuttgart.  

The DITF are coordinating the EU-funded project, which will develop recyclable outdoor and work clothing made from renewable bio-based materials. The kick-off event took place in Denkendorf on June 26/27.

A new type of pure synthetic leather meets the high requirements of the European Ecodesign Regulation. Made from a bio-based plastic, it is biodegradable and meets the requirements for a closed recycling process.

REWIND deals with composite waste in the wind energy sector. It is funded by Horizon Europe and CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency).

Together with international partners from industry and research, the DITF will be presenting a fully networked on-demand production of sports products at drupa's touchpoint textile - from virtual design to the finished product.

Thanks to flexible 3D textiles, wastewater from showers, bathtubs and washbasins can be recycled and returned to the cycle in almost any building to save space.

The DITF were awarded the prize in the "New Technologies" category for their research work on self-cooling textiles carried out in cooperation with Schill+Seilacher GmbH. The associated doctorate was financially supported by the Ingeborg Gross Foundation.

The Nova Institute for Ecology and Innovation awarded first place in the Innovation Prize to the project partners of the EU-funded HEREWEAR project. They presented a dress made of cellulose fibers, which is entirely made of straw pulp.

A new composite material is finding its way into the construction industry. Made from natural stone, carbon fibers and biochar, it is an alternative to reinforced concrete. It is characterized by a particularly good CO₂ balance.

The "Lightweight Design Agency for Baden-Württemberg" will represent the interests of the lightweight design community in the State in future. As the Lightweight Construction Alliance BW, it is the central point of contact for all players in the field of lightweight construction. Professor Markus Milwich from the DITF will represent the agency.

The DITF are reaffirming their commitment to sustainability with the appointment of Dr.-Ing. habil. Thomas Stegmaier as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).

The DITF have modernized and significantly expanded their melt spinning pilot plant. The new facility enables research into new spinning processes, fiber functionalization and sustainable fibers made from biodegradable and bio-based polymers.

The DITF are researching materials from renewable sources that are recyclable and do not pollute the environment after use. Polymers that can be produced from bacteria are of interest here.

A new concept reduces the amount of flame retardants in carpet yarns while maintaining the same high level of flame retardancy. The structure of the textile product is optimized for material recycling.