From the Sector

The AVK awards prizes for the best innovations in the field of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) / composites

The categories:

• Innovative products/applications
• Innovative procedures/processes
• Research and science

Application criteria

• Prize for innovative products and applications
  - Degree of realization of the product innovation
  - Innovation level
  - Market opportunities
  - Sustainability
• Prize for innovative processes and procedures
  - Degree of realization of the process innovation
  - Innovation level
  - Improving effectiveness and efficiency
  - Sustainability
• Prize for research/science (awarded to colleges, universities and institutes)
  - Outstanding scientific work
  - Innovation level
  - Feasibility
  - Sustainability

One aim of the Innovation Award is to promote new products/components and applications made of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) and to promote new methods and processes for manufacturing these FRP products. Another prize is awarded to universities, colleges and institutes for outstanding scientific work in research and science. In all categories, special emphasis is placed on the topic of “sustainability”.

A further aim is to honor the innovations and the companies/institutions behind them and thus present the performance of the entire composites industry to the public. The entries will be judged by a high-caliber jury of experts from the composites sector.

The award ceremony will take place on October 21, 2025 during the JEC Forum DACH in Dresden (October 21-22, 2025).

It is getting exciting again in Cologne on 12 and 13 March for the cellulose fibres industry. Six new products have been nominated for the popular innovation award.

Every year, the conference organisator nova-Institute together with award sponsor GIG Karasek honours companies that impress with their creativity, technological progress and ecological impact. The aim of the award is not only to recognise the winners’ innovative products, but also to set an example for the courage to innovate.

The nominees’ presentations, the voting and the winner ceremony will take place on 12 March at the Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025. Participants of the conference can vote live for the three winners. More than 220 people are expected to attend.

The Nominees

Fibers365 (DE): Hemp365 – Agricultural Decorative and Carrier Material
The solution “hemp365” is characterised by the development of a cost-effective, plant-based decorative and carrier material through the chemical-free processing of a regional agricultural fibre and the use of resulting short fibres in a wet-laid process, allowing for a massive reduction in the amount of fossil based binders required for strength and functionality. The non fibre content is less than 7 % and is also made from biogenic and biodegradable material. Hemp365 is 100% natural and vegan. It has been designed for consumer (fashion) and industrial applications in cooperation with an automotive OEM.

Releaf Paper France (FR): Releaf Fiber – Eco-Friendly Paper from Urban Fallen Leaves
Releaf Paper France transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibres, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood pulp. Using proprietary low-temperature extraction, high-quality fibres with excellent paper-forming properties are isolated. With a cellulose content of 32-48 % and properties similar to hardwood, RELEAF fibres are ideal for packaging materials like corrugated paper, boxes, and bags. This innovative process, which requires minimal water and non-aggressive solvents, aligns with circular economy principles, repurposing millions of tons of urban leaf waste annually and supporting global brands in achieving sustainable packaging solutions.

SA-Dynamics (DE): Cellulose Aerogel Textiles – Next-Generation Insulation Materials
Cellulose Aerogel Textiles are revolutionary insulation materials made from 100 % biodegradable cellulose aerogel fibres. These combine the flexibility and ease of processing of traditional fabrics with the superior thermal insulation properties of aerogels by utilising a novel aerogel fibre process. Lightweight, highly efficient, and compatible with conventional textile machinery, they provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and animal-derived insulation materials. Fully recyclable and free from microplastic emissions, Cellulose Aerogel Textiles set a new benchmark for circular economy solutions in the textile and construction industries. Initial functional demonstrators were developed through two projects, funded by Biotexfuture and RWTH Innovation, respectively.

Sci-Lume Labs (US): Bylon® – Renewable Circular Fibres from Agricultural Waste
Sci-Lume Labs makes Bylon®, a scalable, circular, biosynthetic fibre. Using highly efficient chemistries to valorise agricultural waste, Bylon® seamlessly integrates into every step of the global value chain – from raw material production through textile manufacturing. Bylon® is distinct from incumbent and next-gen materials because it is simultaneously bio-based; waste-derived; degradable; recyclable; downstream-compatible; and melt-spinnable. Bylon® also offers a unique performance profile by combining the mechanical properties and tunability of traditional synthetics with the moisture properties and circularity of natural fibres. By not requiring changes to the supply chain, Bylon® empowers the industry to reduce its environmental impact – without compromising on quality, performance, or cost.

TMG Automotive (PT): REFIBER – Sustainable Automotive Surface Material
Textile-based composite solutions are a growing trend in the automotive sector, especially for decorative and functional interior applications. Innovative plant-based leather demonstrates this trend, combining sustainability with advanced performance. Developed from a biopolymer matrix combined with cellulose waste, this material transforms waste into a premium, eco-friendly solution. Its textile backing and non-woven laminate backing are also made entirely from cellulose fibres, creating a fully integrated bio-based composite. Designed for car interiors and more, this lightweight, durable and aesthetically versatile material sets a new standard for sustainable design, while satisfying the industry’s growing demand for circular and renewable alternatives.

Uluu (AU): Replacing plastic in textiles with natural, seaweed-derived materials
Uluu is an Australian start-up set to replace plastics with natural polymers called PHAs. Uluu materials are made from a regenerative feedstock: farmed seaweed, thus ending reliance on fossil fuels and land crops. Uluu, in partnership with Deakin University, is developing textiles that perform like synthetic polyester but are truly biodegradable and biocompatible, thus eliminating persistent microplastic pollution in fashion. Importantly, Uluu materials are reusable, recyclable, and most importantly, compostable. They are naturally produced through a unique fermentation process that uses seaweed, saltwater microbes and seawater. Uluu pellets can be directly substituted for plastic (e.g., polyester, nylon) in existing melt spinning equipment, creating yarns that can be knitted or woven into textiles. In addition to fibre-grade pellets, Uluu is also producing other grades of pellets to replace plastics used in e.g., buttons, sunglasses, hair clips and packaging.

Uster FiberQ automated raw material management generated more than 2,000 laydowns in a year for Sagar, one of India’s leading spinners. The results delivered consistent yarn quality and optimized process efficiency – giving a payback period of three months.

Sagar is taking advantage of the new annual subscription format, which includes the software solution plus valuable advisory services from Uster expert technologists.

After one year using FiberQ, A.K. Saini, Chief General Manager Operations at Sagar Manufacturers Pvt. Ltd., reported: “We have seen better fiber utilization, significantly improved yarn quality consistency and elimination of seldom-occurring faults such as white specks and barré. The overall outstanding results convinced our management about the value of FiberQ and we confirmed the renewal of the subscription services of FiberQ and the 360Q platform.”

Sagar insists on consistently high standards in yarn quality and performance. The company wanted to go even further, by optimizing its manufacturing operations and achieving maximum fiber yield.

Sagar Manufacturers Pvt. is renowned for excellence, in both its home country of India and the global textile marketplace, as a producer and supplier of top-class cotton yarns and knitted greige fabric. Saini says: “Our strategic focus is on integrating advanced technology and eco-friendly practices, for creative solutions which drive excellence in manufacturing performance and ensure customer satisfaction.”

Before FiberQ, the company was already proud of the excellent raw material management processes in its spinning operation. It was a determination to improve still further in both production efficiency and consistent quality which led to the decision to implement the Uster FiberQ raw material management solution.

Sagar has always embraced new technologies – especially those focused on innovation and automation – and it was naturally one of the first adopters of the FiberQ raw material management solution. FiberQ combines advanced technology and textile expertise to automate many tasks previously done manually. So it became a very interesting value proposition for progressive spinners like Sagar. The automated, intelligent, reliable and easy-to-use system minimized manual efforts but also provided consistent results. Uster’s end-to-end solution also offers access to continuous improvements such as supplier statistics and fiber-to-yarn correlation, which will add even more value in future.

Impact on production
Sagar figures show that yarn realization has increased by 0.3% to 0.5% on average and it has eliminated the need for ‘cut and creel’ – a big advantage in terms of efficiency and fewer changes in production. During the year, FiberQ generated more than 2,000 laydowns for all production units in a very efficient, fast and easy way. Another plus was the easily accessible laydown history and the visibility of the impact of different cotton lots in use.

Customer feedback has also been strong. Sagar’s improved quality consistency was said to have resulted in better fabric appearance. And since Sagar can now provide customers with bigger yarn lot sizes with the same quality and color properties, they can produce larger, uniform batches of knitted and dyed fabrics and save manufacturing costs.

Advisory service benefits
FiberQ is not only a software solution. It comes with advisory services from expert Uster textile technologists. The FiberQ advisory services ensure there is always a textile engineer with mill experience and deep knowledge available to support the spinners. As well as taking care of all aspects of installation, there are periodic assessments to track quality status from fiber to yarn, which is a unique competence of Uster and a highly appreciated element of the service.

FiberQ is offered as a yearly subscription service. For the industry, the idea of subscribing to a software service for raw material management is quite new, although it has been established for many years in other fields.

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK enjoyed a highly successful exhibition at COMPAMED 2024 in Düsseldorf. This was the first time that FET had exhibited at this leading international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector, a reflection of the company’s growing role in the global medical sector. In 2023-24, over 60% of FET’s turnover was derived from the medical market.

“It is never certain whether a new exhibition will prove to be a successful venture until it is tested in practice” commented FET’s Managing Director Richard Slack, “but we are delighted to report that COMPAMED 2024 exceeded all expectations. In fact, we have already booked a stand for next year’s exhibition in November, albeit in a slightly different location”.

COMPAMED 2024 attracts suppliers of a comprehensive range of high-quality medical technology components, services and production equipment for the medical industry. FET’s expertise in this sector therefore proved to be a perfect fit. With almost 40 serious customer leads taken at the show from both existing and previously unidentified clients, the initial outlook is for a very successful exhibition which will be followed up by future participation at this annual event.

FET’s established expertise lies in laboratory and pilot melt spinning equipment for a vast range of applications, especially precursor materials used in high value medical devices and specialised novel fibres from exotic and difficult to process polymers. In cases where melt spinning solutions are not suitable, FET provides a viable alternative with pilot and small scale production wet spinning systems.

Central to FET’s success has always been its ability to provide customers with advanced testing facilities and equipment at its Fibre Development Centre in Leeds, complemented by unrivalled knowledge and expertise in research and production techniques.

FET has successfully processed over 100 different polymer types and its systems can melt spin resorbable polymers in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats, collaborating with specialist companies worldwide to promote greater sustainability through innovative manufacturing processes.

Dibella is again increasing the use of Cotton made in Africa cotton according to the mass balance system. In 2025, the company will purchase 825 tons of raw fibres. This corresponds to an increase of 10% compared to the previous year.

Dibella has been implementing Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) cotton in its supply chain in accordance with the mass balance system since 2017, thereby supporting socially and ecologically sustainable cotton production in Africa. With this further increase, Dibella is fulfilling its corporate goal of “increasing the use of sustainable fibers”.

The mass balance system allows the raw cotton to be easily implemented in the production process at Dibella's suppliers, while at the same time having a high impact on African cotton farmers. The license costs incurred are borne by Dibella and are not passed on to customers. In this way, Dibella aims to raise awareness for more sustainable raw fiber production, away from cost discussions.

Cotton made in Africa cotton causes up to 13% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to the global average. No artificial irrigation is used during cultivation. This not only saves drinking water, but also protects valuable water resources in regions that are often affected by water shortages. Not using genetically modified seeds protects natural biodiversity. This specific example shows just how much the cotton farmers benefit: In Côte d'Ivoire, the income of farming families from the sale of CmiA cotton increased by almost 18 percent between 2015 and 2020, according to an independent study* commissioned to assess CmiA's activities and their impact.

ZDHC announced the publication of the Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0 and Industry Standard Implementation Approach V1.0.

The use of recycled polyester has grown increasingly, growing by 3.5% to 8.9 million tonnes in 2023. In order to support the fashion industry with a framework for sustainable chemical management in the production process for bottle-to-textile and textile-to-textile recycling processes, ZDHC has developed these transformative guidelines.

Objective:
The document sets requirements, across three chapters, for recycled polyester manufacturers on key chemicals used in recycled polyester processes, the recovery and reuse of these chemicals, safe chemical storage and handling, worker safety and the environmental impacts of commercially viable processes on wastewater, air and sludge.

Chapter 1
Input management covers bottle/textile feedstock and chemicals used as inputs in recycled polyester production.

Chapter 2
Process management covers best practices, including chemical recovery, safe storage and handling of chemicals for worker safety.

Chapter 3
Output management covers emissions from wastewater, sludge and air from the production of recycled polyester fibre.
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‍Expectations by ZDHC:
Brands should share these guidelines with their relevant suppliers and build in the request to implement these guidelines into their strategy and policies.
Suppliers should study these guidelines and take relevant actions to ensure implementation.
Solution providers should review the test methods and limits detailed in the guidelines.