Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung

German textile researchers are working on acoustic material development with pioneering measurement systems that evaluate how diverse textile structures interact with sound. This research addresses critical gaps in current testing methods, enabling manufacturers to design targeted sound-absorbing materials for restaurants, offices, and schools while reducing development time and improving sustainability.

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) and tech company, Heraeus, are researching to reduce the risk of infection from medical workwear. This forms the basis for future industrial production of textiles for durable and reliable protection against infection.

A recurring theme at the 63rd Global Fibre Congress at Dornbirn from 11–13 September was recycling and the associated circular economy. It stressed on the urgent need for everyone in the value chain, from machine manufacturers to manufacturing and retail, to find a common denominator—the only way to provide the consumer with products which are sustainable and affordable.

Scientists at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have developed a robust yet flexible glove coating using an environmental friendly biopolymer— lignin— in a 3D printing process.

A €7 million project, BioFibreLoop, kicked off in Germany, will use laser technology to imitate natural structures in order to produce garments with water and oil-repellent, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties — basically develop recyclable outdoor and work clothing made from renewable bio-based materials.

As the search for an alternative recyclable leather continues, scientists in Germany have developed a synthetic leather in which both the fibre material and the coating polymer are bio-based and recyclable.

Scientists at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) and the Institut für Bodensysteme (TFI) have designed a fully recyclable, flame-retardant carpet yarn. Till now, it had been difficult to recycle textile-based carpets with flame retardants.