Aus der Branche

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced two strategic leadership moves to accelerate innovation and growth.

Robert Johnston has been promoted to chief operating officer from his previous role as executive vice president, operations, and Doug Kelliher has been appointed executive vice president, product. Kelliher will join the company’s global leadership team, while Johnston continues in his leadership capacity. Both executives report directly to CEO Gary Smith.
 
Robert Johnston, Chief Operating Officer
Johnston, a 35-year veteran of The LYCRA Company and its predecessor organizations, will expand his leadership to include product development, in addition to his current oversight of global manufacturing operations and IT. In his new role, Johnston will manage R&D talent, lab resources, and pilot production to drive innovation across the product portfolio, supporting strategic growth priorities identified by Kelliher’s team.

Doug Kelliher, EVP, Product
Kelliher will lead the product management team in developing and executing strategy across fibers, fabrics, and garments. His team works to deliver differentiated solutions that add value and meet the needs of today’s consumer. With more than 30 years of product leadership experience at Timberland, Velcro Companies, Polartec and Milliken & Company, Kelliher brings deep expertise to his role.

"As the apparel industry continues to evolve, our focus remains on delivering high-performance solutions that meet consumer needs and help brands and retailers differentiate and thrive," said Gary Smith, CEO of The LYCRA Company. "Doug and Robert bring exceptional leadership, vision, and industry expertise to their roles, strengthening our ability to co-create with customers, accelerate innovation, and bring transformative technologies to market faster and more efficiently.”
 
About The LYCRA Company
The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries and owns the consumer brands:  LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX® and TACTEL®. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its sustainable products, technical expertise, and marketing support. The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. 

Teijin Carbon Europe GmbH announces an important change in its executive leadership. Effective October 1, 2025, Dr. Bernd Wohlmann will step down from his role as CEO after seven successful years leading the company.

Dr. Wohlmann has played a key role in shaping the development of Teijin Carbon Europe. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones and navigated through challenging times with resilience and strategic foresight. Discussions regarding his future role within the Teijin Group are currently ongoing.

Moving forward, Takaya Miyano and Jörg Friedrich will continue to lead Teijin Carbon Europe as Managing Directors. 

Teijin Carbon, a subsidiary of the Teijin Group, specializes in the development and production of carbon fibers and carbon fiber-based materials. Under the brands Tenax™ and Tenax Next™, Teijin Carbon offers high-performance material solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, civil engineering and sporting goods.

Der Vorstand hat beschlossen, eine Überprüfung der strategischen Optionen einschließlich eines möglichen Verkaufs des Produktionsstandorts in Indonesien einzuleiten, um die strategische Fokussierung von Lenzing auf margenstärkere High-Performance-Markenfasern zu unterstützen. Dementsprechend rechnet die Lenzing AG für 2025 mit Wertminderungsaufwendungen für langfristige Vermögenswerte, insbesondere Sachanlagen, in Höhe von bis zu EUR 100 Mio. Diese nicht zahlungswirksame Wertminderung wirkt sich negativ auf das konsolidierte EBIT und den konsolidierten Jahresüberschuss aus, hat jedoch keine Auswirkungen auf das EBITDA. 

Um die operative Effizienz weiter zu steigern, werden zusätzliche Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Kostenstruktur umgesetzt. Dazu zählt auch ein Personalabbau am Hauptsitz in Lenzing. Dabei werden insbesondere im Verwaltungsbereich etwa 300 Stellen abgebaut, davon 250 bis Ende 2025, mit dem Ziel, vor allem die administrativen Funktionen von Lenzing schlanker und effizienter zu gestalten. Dadurch ergeben sich ab 2026 jährliche Einsparungen in Höhe von mindestens EUR 25 Mio. Gleichzeitig wird der Konzern seine internationale Präsenz in Asien und Nordamerika stärken und rückt damit in diesen wichtigen Textil- und Vliesstoffmärkten näher an seine Kunden heran. Diese Internationalisierung führt bis Ende 2027 zu einem weiteren Abbau von etwa 300 Stellen am Standort Lenzing. Beide Maßnahmen führen zu jährlichen Gesamteinsparungen von mehr als EUR 45 Mio., die spätestens Ende 2027 in vollem Umfang wirksam werden. 

Um die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Profitabilität der Standorte in Österreich zu sichern, wurde ein Investitionspaket für die Standorte in Lenzing und Heiligenkreuz geschnürt. Bis Ende 2027 sind Investitionen von über EUR 100 Mio. für beide Standorte geplant. 

Der Vorstand von Lenzing bestätigt den Ausblick von einem „über dem Vorjahreswert“ liegenden EBITDA für das Geschäftsjahr 2025. Auf Basis der weiterentwickelten Strategie und den definierten Maßnahmen strebt der Vorstand von Lenzing AG ein EBITDA von rund EUR 550 Mio. für 2027 an, sofern sich das Marktumfeld nicht verändert und geopolitische Stabilität herrscht.

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, marking it as a major success with 475 participants from 207 companies across the nonwovens industry addressing the biggest questions. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success with 475 participants from 207 companies across the nonwovens industry addressing the biggest questions. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

OUTLOOK™ conference always serves as a critical hub for dialogue, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policy experts. This year's conversations consistently centred on how to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

A World in Flux: Global Insights and Market Realities 
The event kicked off with a powerful keynote from Ambassador Ivo H. Daalder, who offered a big-picture view of how global alliances and economic policies are reshaping trade and market opportunities. This strategic perspective set the stage for a deeper dive into the industry’s specific challenges. 

Experts from around the world shared insights on the absorbent hygiene product (AHP) markets, particularly in developing countries, where local players are thriving by embracing agility and sustainability. A separate session focused on the wipes sector, where speakers from Water UK, Euromonitor International, and Suominen Corporation underscored that collaboration, innovation, and credible claims are key to a sustainable future for the category. 

Sustainability in the Spotlight
Throughout the conference, sustainability was less of a buzzword and more of a central theme. Sessions provided practical guidance on navigating the EU’s Green Deal and securing funding for projects. A session on Green Claims in Practice was particularly vital, with representatives from the European Environmental Bureau, the TIC Council, and the European Advertising Standards Alliance offering clear advice on how to build consumer trust and avoid greenwashing. 

Innovation was also on full display, with HIRO Technologies’ groundbreaking MycoDigestible™ diaper capturing attention. The product, which uses plastic eating fungi to safely break down diapers, offered a glimpse into how biotechnology could create truly circular solutions. 

Looking Ahead: AI and the Future of Nonwovens 
The discussions also reached beyond today’s challenges to explore tomorrow’s opportunities. A keynote on Day 3 by Roover Consulting addressed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the industry. The session showcased real-world examples of how AI can boost creativity and accelerate product development, while also addressing the crucial need for responsible implementation. 

"OUTLOOK™ 2025 was a powerful testament to our industry's resilience and forward-thinking nature," said Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA. "The conversations were about leading the change. We saw an industry that is committed to turning regulation into a competitive advantage and using innovation to create a truly sustainable future."
"We saw an industry that is committed to turning regulation into a competitive advantage and using innovation to create a truly sustainable future." - Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA.
Networking with Budapest as the backdrop 

The value of face-to-face connection was a recurring theme. Beyond the formal sessions, OUTLOOK™ had many networking events, including a cocktail reception at the stunning Buda Castle. Participants valued the side discussions that happen during the conference: “The presentations are great, but the real magic of OUTLOOK™ happens in the hallways and at the evening events. This is where you get to meet the relevant people of our industry—and that’s invaluable.”

"The real magic of OUTLOOK™ happens in the hallways and at the evening events. This is where you get to meet the relevant people of our industry—and that’s invaluable.” - Participant at OUTLOOK™.

With a clear path forward and a renewed sense of purpose, OUTLOOK™ 2025 wrapped up, leaving delegates equipped with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate the evolving landscape. The dates for OUTLOOK™ 2026 were announced for September 22-24, 2026. 

Developed by Stanford researchers, NeuroString is a hair-thin multichannel biosensor and stimulator with promising potential applications in drug delivery, nerve stimulation, smart fabrics, and more.
 

• NeuroString is a small, soft fiber that is made of skin-like material and can host hundreds to thousands of electronic channels.
• The hope is that NeuroString could be implanted in the body to sense chemicals, deliver drugs, stimulate muscles or nerves, and monitor bodily activity.
• Outside the body, this invention could enable new smart fabrics, wearable devices, and soft robotics. It could also enhance study of lab-grown tissues.
• So far, researchers have used NeuroString to monitor the intestines of a pig and to observe individual neurons in the brain of a mouse.

Stanford pediatric surgeon James Dunn specializes in helping children with short gut syndrome, a congenital disease in which children are born with short intestinal tracts. “I’ve been working to grow new intestinal tissue by applying a mechanical force to the intestine – stretching it,” Dunn, who is a professor of surgery in the School of Medicine, explained. “But I didn’t have a way to demonstrate that this new tissue is functioning exactly like normal intestine.”

That is when Dunn reached out to Zhenan Bao, the K.K. Lee Professor of Chemical Engineering and director of the Stanford Wearable Electronics Initiative (eWEAR), who has drawn worldwide attention for developing skinlike electrical circuits, like her electronic skin that can sense the weight of a butterfly and the heat of a flame. The result of their collaboration is NeuroString, a multichannel, soft, thread-like implantable biosensor/stimulator.

NeuroString is just a quarter of a millimeter in diameter – about the width of a human hair – and can host hundreds to thousands of independent electronic “channels,” each of which can sense neurochemicals, stimulate muscle or nerve, sense gut movement patterns, or monitor the activity of a single neuron, among many other promising possibilities. 

Unmet needs
“There is great need, in both research and clinical settings, for these minimally invasive sensing and stimulation bioelectronics,” said co-author Xiang Qian, co-director of Stanford’s eWear Initiative and a medical doctor who specializes in neuromodulation to treat severe pain. Currently, clinical tools boil down to rigid and bulky needlelike probes or stiff wires with limited functionality.

“It is a high-density electronic fiber that’s also exceptionally biocompatible due to its softness,” Qian said. “It can stay inside the body for months at a time or longer, and it’s so soft and small that it can be implanted without discomfort or harm to the patient.”

Beyond the thin and soft circuitry, Bao’s team also developed a clever roll-up fabrication technique. They prepared a video of the method that shows a prototype with 20 electronic channels laid out on a thin, transparent skin-like material. The film is then rolled tightly into a spindle so thin it is described as one-dimensional. All 20 electrical connecting wires in the example are spiraled inside the string, like the layers in a Swiss roll, while the 20 sensors are exposed on the surface. Each independent sensor/stimulator is connected by a discrete wire running the length of the NeuroString to deliver valuable data.

Bao said the approach allows exquisite control of the positioning and distribution of the active components, and her team has demonstrated a fiber with a remarkable 1,280 individual channels. “Many more channels can be added if we make longer fibers,” says Muhammad Khatib, a postdoctoral fellow and first author on the paper.

New frontiers
On a practical front, to demonstrate the effectiveness of their new electronic fiber, Bao, Dunn, and team used the implanted NeuroString to monitor the intestines of a pig and to observe individual neurons in the brain of a mouse over four months.

Dunn explained that, in his field, measuring basic things like how the intestine contracts without interrupting normal activities may sound easy, but it has so far been out of reach, not to mention that the intestine also does a lot of things like absorbing nutrients and secreting biochemicals like serotonin that he might want to track.

“To be able to stimulate the muscle and measure all these other things in a specific region will be transformative for my research and, potentially, my medical practice – NeuroString is a platform for us to understand how the intestine works,” Dunn said.
 
The research team anticipates that such devices could have far-reaching impacts in fields ranging from neuroscience to gastroenterology. They envision that it could yield robotic pills that can be swallowed to diagnose medical conditions throughout the gastrointestinal tract or be wrapped around an optical fiber to create an ultra-thin endoscope.

Qian thinks NeuroString could introduce an era of minimally invasive, closed-loop neural stimulation techniques – devices that can both sense nerve dysfunction and intervene in an instant. “You only need to stimulate when you detect this abnormal electric signal to shut it down,” Qian said of his device, which he is currently testing in mice. “It will be ten times smaller than conventional alternatives and much safer with fewer complications. It would be groundbreaking.”

In a tubelike form, Bao says the NeuroString could deliver drugs to precise locations inside the body. Imagine a new form of implantable insulin pump that both senses blood sugar and delivers the life-sustaining hormone on demand, much like the pancreas.

In brain studies, NeuroString could deliver light for optogenetics and sense its effect on local neurons to optimize light intensity. And these potential applications are only the in-body opportunities for NeuroString. In other practical outlets, Bao said, NeuroString might lead to a new era of smart fabrics and textiles, wearable devices, and soft robotics.

Synthetic organs
One area of research that Bao finds particularly intriguing is organoids – lab-grown tissues that function like real tissue for use in research. Her team, together with Xiaoke Chen, associate professor of biology in the School of Humanities and Sciences, initially developed a NeuroString with only one neurochemical sensor seeded by Bio-X seed funding. The team’s initial development of this advanced NeuroString came under the aegis of the Brain Organogenesis Big Ideas in Neuroscience program at the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute.

The Brain Organogenesis program is pursuing new models of human brain circuits to understand how the brain develops and what is happening when things go wrong, as in numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases from depression to Parkinson’s disease. Bao said her NeuroString technology was inspired by the need for soft sensors that can be embedded inside the growing organoids that will allow researchers deeper insights into the function and biochemistry of these lab-grown mini-organlike structures to mimic human tissues.

“We hope to thread these thin electronics inside and throughout organoids, to promote and monitor their growth,” Bao said. “That’s our vision and it’s pretty exciting.”

After three days of facilitating meaningful exchange for numerous applications of technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China 2025 concluded on 5 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Feedback across the fairground was highly positive, especially from first-time exhibitors and buyers who valued the platform’s capability to create new opportunities both in China and overseas markets. The fair attracted nearly 20,000 visits from 74 countries and regions – a 17% increase from last year, and, as the most comprehensive edition ever in terms of product categories, visitors had much to explore. Major fringe events, such as the China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC), Econogy Tour, Sustainability Forum, and AI Panel, linked innovation and sustainability with industry demands, maximising reach and business opportunities for participants.

As Asia’s only dedicated show for the full spectrum of technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China 2025 hosted over 300 global exhibitors, and welcomed a wide range of visitors, including sourcing decision-makers, textile & mechanical engineers, product developers, researchers, and more. The fair saw a significant rise in visitor pre-registrations, with international numbers increasing by over 40% compared to the previous edition. VIP buyers from across the globe attended the fair, as did 14 visitor delegations with over 250 participants. Some of the leading brands included domestic representatives from Kimberly-Clark (China), Li Auto, Li Ning, and L'Oréal (China); and international participants from Lego System (Denmark), Norafin Industries (Germany), Rockline Industries (USA), and Toyoshima & Co. Ltd (Japan).

Among the returning exhibitors, key international players included AUTEFA Solutions, Lindauer DORNIER and Rowa Group from Germany, Fil Man Made Group from Italy, Graf + Cie and Swisstulle from Switzerland, Picanol from Belgium, and more. This edition also welcomed several newcomers, partly due to the incorporation of textile chemicals and dyes into this year's product categories. Key exhibitors making their debuts included: Serel Industrie (Belgium) and Proton Products (UK) in the European Zone; Wetekam Group in the German Zone; Dupre Minerals (UK) and Michelman (USA) in the Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone; Huamao (Xiamen), BW Advanced Materials, Shanghai Shenda, and Zhejiang Kingsafe Group from China, JCT Industries Group from Malaysia, Vietnam Geotextile from Vietnam, and more.

To support the diverse array of exhibitors and visitors onsite, Cinte Techtextil China identified specific development areas and offered relevant fringe events to facilitate meaningful interaction. The Econogy Tour and Sustainability Forum promoted the industry’s eco-transition, with the latter sparking cross-sector discussions among academia, brands, and other industry players. On the innovation front, the AI Panel and the Innovation Product Award and Presentation provided forward-looking insights from various perspectives, helping the industry reshape its future.

Other events like the CINC, themed ‘Breaking the Deadlock and Reconstruction’, offered in-depth discussions and report presentations for the nonwovens industry to navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities. To harness the promising Mobiltech trend, the fair organised a Technical Innovation Exchange Conference on Automotive Textiles followed by a tour visiting related exhibitors. Interested parties could also enjoy live-streamed tours organised for in-demand sectors such as Medtech, Mobiltech, and Protech.

The next edition of Cinte Techtextil China will be held from 1 – 3 September 2026.

The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Der Aufsichtsrat der Lenzing AG hat das bis Mai 2026 laufende Vorstandsmandat von Chief Pulp & Chief Technology Officer Christian Skilich vorzeitig um weitere drei Jahre bis 31.5.2029 verlängert. 
 
Skilich gehört dem Vorstand der Lenzing AG bereits seit Juni 2020 an. Er verantwortet als Chief Pulp & Chief Technology Officer unter anderem die Aufgabenbereiche Faserzellstoff und Holzrohstoffe, Sicherheit und Umwelt, Beschaffung und Innovation. 
 
Dazu Patrick Lackenbucher, Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates der Lenzing AG: „Wir freuen uns, dass Christian Skilich der Lenzing AG langfristig als Vorstandsmitglied zur Verfügung steht. Der in seinem Verantwortungsbereich stehende Bereich Faserzellstoff ist ein wichtiger und erfolgreicher Ergebnistreiber und untermauert das integrierte Geschäftsmodell des Unternehmens. Sein Ressort Innovationen wird die weitere Zukunft der Lenzing AG maßgeblich mitdefinieren.“ 
 
CFO Nico Reiner verlängert seinen Vertrag Ende 2025 nicht, Mathias Breuer folgt ab 2026 
CFO Nico Reiner hat den Aufsichtsrat der Lenzing AG darüber informiert, dass er sein mit 31.12.2025 auslaufendes Vorstandsmandat nicht verlängern möchte. Der Aufsichtsrat nahm dies mit Bedauern zur Kenntnis und dankt Nico Reiner für seine hervorragenden Leistungen im Vorstand der Lenzing AG, die neben der deutlichen Ergebnisverbesserung insbesondere auch den erfolgreichen Abschluss wesentlicher Refinanzierungsprojekte in den vergangenen Jahren beinhaltet haben. 
 
Dazu AR-Vorsitzender Lackenbucher: „Wir danken Nico Reiner für sein Engagement und seine hervorragenden Leistungen als Finanzvorstand der Lenzing AG. Nico Reiner hat einen erheblichen Beitrag zur Ergebnisverbesserung und Optimierung der Finanzierungsstruktur der Lenzing AG beigetragen. Seine Umsicht und Expertise haben in einem herausfordernden gesamtwirtschaftlichen Umfeld wesentlich zur Stabilität und Zukunftssicherung des Unternehmens beigetragen.“ 
 
Neuer Finanzvorstand wird ab 1.1.2026 Mathias Breuer (42). Breuer ist bereits seit 2023 im Management der Lenzing AG tätig und hat maßgeblich die Entwicklung und erfolgreiche Umsetzung des unternehmensweiten Performance-Programmes verantwortet. Davor war er u.a. als CFO des Verpackungskonzerns Adapa und als CFO der Division Sempermed der Semperit AG Holding tätig. 
 
Lackenbucher: „Mit Mathias Breuer rückt ab 2026 ein erfahrener Lenzing-Manager und Finanzexperte als CFO in den Vorstand des Unternehmens auf. Dass wir diese Position intern besetzen können, spricht für die Qualität des Management-Teams der Lenzing AG. Mit der Bestellung von Mathias Breuer stellen wir Kontinuität sowie die weitere Ausrichtung auf die Umsetzung und Weiterentwicklung der laufenden Performance-Maßnahmen sicher, um die Profitabilität und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Lenzing AG im globalen Wettbewerb weiter zu stärken.“ 
 
„Ich möchte Nico Reiner für sein Engagement in einer entscheidenden Phase bei der Lenzing AG danken. Er hat unsere Finanzorganisation entscheidend weiterentwickelt und damit maßgeblich zum Unternehmenserfolg beigetragen“, ergänzt CEO Rohit Aggarwal. „Gleichzeitig begrüße ich die Entscheidung des Aufsichtsrats – mit Mathias Breuer gewinnen wir einen herausragenden Finanzexperten, der unser Unternehmen und die Branche bestens kennt. Er hat eine zentrale Rolle in der Transformation eingenommen und ist bestens geeignet, die nächste Phase unserer Finanzstrategie zu gestalten.“ 

Having rapidly evolved from promising start-up to industry spotlight, RE&UP showcases solutions ready for mainstream adoption. 

Textile-to-textile circulartech RE&UP strengthens its presence at Première Vision, one of the fashion industry’s most influential trade fairs. The company demonstrates how its next-generation textile-to-textile recycling technology enables fashion brands to transform end-of-life textiles into high-quality fibers ready for large-scale adoption. Its two flagship products – Next-Gen Cotton and Next-Gen Polyester – are engineered to match the performance of virgin fibers and designed to integrate seamlessly into mainstream collections. 

In addition to its booth presence, RE&UP takes part in the official Première Vision program. General Manager Andreas Dorner joined industry peers in the panel discussion “Tech, Feedstock and Flows: Inside the Recycling Value Chain.” The session, moderated by Elsa May, explored the complexities of textile recycling – from feedstock realities and logistical challenges to the potential of truly “100% recycled” fibers. 

“Première Vision is where the industry looks for what’s next,” says Andreas Dorner, General Manager at RE&UP. “Last year, we introduced our vision. This year, we’re back with full proof – proven technology, growing partnerships, and solutions that are already integrated into the market. Circular textiles are not a distant goal, they are happening now, at scale.” 

The European Commission has opened an anti-dumping investigation into PET spunbond imports from China, following a complaint lodged by members of EDANA, the international association for nonwoven and related industries. 

EDANA welcomes this vital move by the European Commission to counter the influx of unfairly priced goods from Chinese exporters entering the EU market. Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Director of Market Analysis & Economic Affairs, stressed the need for urgent trade defence measures, stating: “The EU PET spunbond sector is facing mounting pressure from Chinese manufacturers. Since 2021, Chinese producers have rapidly increased exports of PET spunbond to the EU and have taken over a significant share of the EU PET spunbond market at the expense of the EU industry. Accordingly, we look forward to the rapid registration of imports and the possibility of retroactive imposition of anti-dumping measures.” 

PET spunbond is a nonwoven material made from polyester filaments and is used as a carrier layer in bituminous membranes. The product is an essential input material for the EU’s building and construction sector in their efforts to accelerate housing renovation and clean energy roof construction in line with the EU’s green transition policies. 

According to the Complainants, the unfairly priced Chinese imports have caused material injury to their performance, which saw a significant decline. “This underlines the need for the European Commission to make use of its trade defence tools. EDANA stands ready to support the EU Commission during its investigation,” Prigneaux concluded.

OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in the field of electric powertrains are under increasing pressure to improve performance, efficiency, and scalability of their drive systems. One key enabler now reaching industrial mass-production: composite-based rotor sleeves. These lightweight, high-performance components offer significant advantages in terms of mechanical containment of rotor components to achieve more efficient designs for high-speed rotation – especially in demanding automotive, aerospace and industrial applications. 

Following nine months of collaborative research, a consortium of 15 leading companies – Arkema Group, Covenstro Deutschland AG, DOMO Engineering Plastics Europe S.p.A., Hexcel Composites SASU, Huntsman Advanced Materials, Hutchinson SA CRI, Kümpers GmbH, LG Electronics Deutschland GmbH, Maru Hachi Corporation, Rassini Supensiones S.A. de C.V., Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH, Swancore Netherlands B.V., Syensqo, Toray Carbon Fibres Europe S.A., Toyota Motor Europe N.V./S.A.  – has completed a comprehensive analysis and benchmarking project led by AZL Aachen GmbH. The project systematically analysed the state of the art, compared materials, design strategies, and processing methods for rotor sleeves made from thermoset and thermoplastic carbon fibre composites. The result is a comprehensive market and technology analysis, documented in a 384-page final report – and ready to be implemented into cooperations.  

To support OEMs and motor developers in leveraging these findings, AZL is now hosting a dedicated web meeting – designed specifically to demonstrate the practical relevance, supply chain maturity, and technology details of composite rotor sleeves for electric drives. Participation is free of charge. 

The event will provide a strategic overview of the technology’s capabilities and will highlight the concrete potential for integration into series production. It starts with an introduction to the current state of the technology and its role in enabling the next generation of electric motors. AZL will then present the consolidated results from the project’s work packages. Key insights include comparisons of rotor sleeve designs (press-fit vs. direct-wound), material classes (thermoplastic and thermoset carbon composites), mechanical and thermal performance benchmarks and production KPIs.  

In the second part of the meeting, participants will get the opportunity to meet the consortium behind the recently finished project – from composite material suppliers and machine manufacturers to rotor sleeve producers. Each partner will briefly pitch their unique expertise and offerings, helping OEMs identify reliable contacts for implementation projects.  

Fabian Köster, Development Engineer Composites at Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH, explains: “As a technology leader and high-volume manufacturer in the field of rotor sleeves, Schunk considers it essential to actively shape innovation. Our participation in the AZL project reflects our strong belief that future viability and competitiveness can only be secured through early involvement in technological developments. The AZL info event offers OEMs and partners across the entire value chain a valuable opportunity to exchange insights on the current state of rotor sleeve technologies, explore emerging trends, and collaboratively develop solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.”  

For OEMs, this event provides not only an update on emerging technology, it also offers direct access to a ready-to-engage partner network. It also marks the official launch of a follow-up experimental project. 

This follow-up initiative will shift from theoretical analysis to experimental validation. Its goal is to benchmark the performance of different material and process combinations under real-world production and operating conditions. 

The follow project includes four work packages. The first work package will define the production concepts and materials to be tested experimentally, including the design of test methods and auxiliary equipment for press fit operations. The second work package is targeting a production process consisting of separate winding and press fitting on the rotor. It includes manufacturing of sleeves using wet winding, towpreg winding and thermoplastic tape winding. Strength testing of the sleeves will consider different prestress levels, while also the quality of the laminate will be evaluated. The third work package will do the same, but in this case for a process, directly winding on the rotor. Evaluation will also include high temperature testing and long-term durability. Finally in the fourth work package all process and strength test results will be evaluated on cost, quality, and performance, leading to benchmarking of various materials, and clear recommendations for cost efficient rotor sleeves. 

The web meeting, hosted on September 25th, is open to OEMs, motor developers, innovation managers, and system integrators seeking to accelerate their next electric powertrain generation. A registration link will be provided for all interested participants. Contact Philipp Fröhlig (philipp.froehlig@azl-aachen-gmbh.de) for a registration link.