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Examples of PET fine denier spunbond nonwovens (c) Freudenberg Performance Materials
23.04.2025

Freudenberg Performance Materials: Fine denier spunbond nonwovens for industrial applications

The fine filament nonwoven technology from Freudenberg Performance Materials is made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications – from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf.

Freudenberg’s innovative fine denier spunbond materials rely on flexible manufacturing capabilities, which enable a high level of customization. They can be made of PET, PE or PP, not only as 100% composition but also in many different combinations, e.g. PET/PE, PET/coPET or PET/mPP, using mono or bico fibers with titer ranging from 2.5 to 3 dtex. The material weight spans 17 to 140gsm. The nonwovens are strongly bonded thanks to thermal bonding provided either by flat calendering or point sealing. The technology enables lightweight solutions with high tensile and tear strength, as well as a smooth and uniform surface.

The fine filament nonwoven technology from Freudenberg Performance Materials is made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications – from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf.

Freudenberg’s innovative fine denier spunbond materials rely on flexible manufacturing capabilities, which enable a high level of customization. They can be made of PET, PE or PP, not only as 100% composition but also in many different combinations, e.g. PET/PE, PET/coPET or PET/mPP, using mono or bico fibers with titer ranging from 2.5 to 3 dtex. The material weight spans 17 to 140gsm. The nonwovens are strongly bonded thanks to thermal bonding provided either by flat calendering or point sealing. The technology enables lightweight solutions with high tensile and tear strength, as well as a smooth and uniform surface.

Advantages for the construction industry
Suited for construction applications such as roofing & facade membranes, vapor barriers and house wrappings, Freudenberg lightweight fine denier nonwovens complement the well-known Terbond®, Texbond® and Colback® solutions for the construction market. They deliver mechanical strength and, in particular, a high nail tear strength as required by the market. Moreover, they have high UV and temperature resistance and stability thanks to the PET composition.

Filtration applications
The fine denier technology is also marketed under the Filtura® brand, specifically suited for liquid filtration, e.g. coolants & lubricants. The technology provides high efficiency and a regular surface, as well as new capabilities with PET-PA and PET-PE nonwovens. Support media applications for glass fiber, nano and activated carbon also benefit from the lightweight fine denier nonwovens as protective layers.

Packaging and coating: Efficient converting and high durability
The fully synthetic PET/PE fine denier materials are ideal for packaging applications such as desiccant bags and other dehumidifier products. They enable the efficient and fast production of such pouches due to their exceptional hot sealing capabilities, with no need for chemical binders or additional treatments. Freudenberg’s technology provides high strength, high abrasion resistance and high durability, allowing for long-lasting desiccant bags.

In the coating industry, too, Freudenberg’s fine denier spunbonds contribute to enhanced process efficiency. The materials are chemically resistant and have good thermal stability. High-quality coating results can be achieved by using these materials as coating substrates, thanks to their smooth and even surface. The material properties can be customized for coating, laminating and concealing applications thanks to different combinations of polymers, fiber types and bonding technologies. For example, a specific very lightweight flat bonded variant of the material is an ideal coating substrate for cold wax depilatory strips, providing the necessary high mechanical strength and material flexibility.

Other applications for Freudenberg’s fine filament technology are crop covers in agriculture, decoration applications and other industrial or consumer applications.

Source:

Freudenberg Performance Materials

AZL Open Day © DF Fotografie – Dominik Fröls
23.04.2025

AZL Open Day: Insights into the Future of Lightweight Design

Technically and economically viable lightweight production based on fiber-reinforced plastics and multi-material systems requires an integrated approach. Due to the almost unlimited combination possibilities of different materials and the very complex interactions between materials, component design, manufacturing processes and the machine and system components, an optimal production process requires a direct link between materials science, process engineering and production technology.

Technically and economically viable lightweight production based on fiber-reinforced plastics and multi-material systems requires an integrated approach. Due to the almost unlimited combination possibilities of different materials and the very complex interactions between materials, component design, manufacturing processes and the machine and system components, an optimal production process requires a direct link between materials science, process engineering and production technology.

As the official center for “Composite-based Lightweight Production” of the RWTH Aachen Campus, AZL Aachen GmbH uses its strong network to provide these capacities and possibilities on an interdisciplinary basis. Within walking distance, researchers and students are working on the latest technologies for the cost-efficient development and production of lightweight components on one of the largest research landscapes in Europe - the RWTH Aachen Campus: Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production of RWTH Aachen University, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) of RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Plastic Processing in Industry and Craft at RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design (SLA) of RWTH Aachen University, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University, Welding and Joining Institute (isf) of RWTH Aachen University.

Exklusive insights into the latest lightweight technologies

Once a year, the AZL Open Day offers an exclusive and unique insight into the R&D capacities of the institutes in the field of lightweight construction and sustainable mobility. This year, nine AZL partner institutes opened their machine halls and research laboratories on April 9, 2025 to provide interested industrial players with comprehensive insights into their current focus areas along the value chain. Among other things, the institutes presented high-precision laser processes for plastics processing, new joining processes for thermoplastic composites, 5-axis CNC machining with real-time quality management, large-format 3D printing and their own tape lines & tape integration. Design, prototyping and testing of products & solutions such as crash-optimized vehicle structures, thermoplastic pressure vessels, digital twins for structural-mechanical monitoring as well as prototyping and recycling approaches for battery systems were also demonstrated. The range of topics, key activities & infrastructure, seen at the Open Day, enables new technologies to be tested under real production conditions and efficiently brought to market maturity.

“The AZL Open Day is a great opportunity to discover the numerous technology centers, labs, prototyping and testing facilities that are available on the Aachen campus, that makes it unique in its kind. The AZL organization and teams located there are a true catalyst for new projects and development for the Composites industry: they are creating the link between Market analysis & technology scouting, academic research resources and business opportunities with their industrial partners. They are currently working on several topics that are at the forefront of Composites” reports Éric Pierrejean, CEO of the JEC Group. Apart from being there as an interested participant, he also gave the audience an insight into the key topics and trends in the composites industry as seen at this year's JEC World Show.

Efficient use of established infrastructures & know-how

As a one-stop shop for lightweight solutions, AZL offers an interface for successful cooperation between research and industry. In close coordination between scientific developments and specific customer requirements, solutions are developed in a targeted and tailor-made manner: as part of the AZL partnership, consortial projects or individual projects. In addition to the know-how of the institutes, cooperation with the AZL's industrial partner network also enables direct access to the necessary infrastructure of components, materials, tools and machine and system parts, which can be tested, developed or newly constructed in integrated process chains on a large scale.

Thanks to the close networking between science, industry and the AZL team of experts, companies can access an established infrastructure and utilize synergies for their projects.
The date for the next AZL Open Day will be announced in the second half of the year.

 

Source:

AZL Aachen GmbH

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Concept N Strategies has announced partnership Photo: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd
Right – Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd . Centre: Mr Kishan Daga, Anchor Founder, Concepts N Strategies
14.04.2025

Sporttech Pavilion at Techtextil India 2025

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Concept N Strategies has announced partnership to introduce ‘Sporttech pavilion’ – a dedicated area showcasing sports and activewear textiles and accessories under Techtextil India 2025. It is a premier platform dedicated to the rapidly expanding sports and fitness textiles at Techtextil India 2025. This strategic alliance aims to provide a major boost to the segment aiming to showcase innovations in speciality fabrics, yarns, sportswear and gear, high-performance textiles and sustainable materials, generating remarkable opportunities for the entire textile universe, especially, for sportswear brands.

The Indian sports and fitness textiles sector are transforming remarkably, driven by the evolving consumer lifestyles, advanced material innovations and growing government support. Amidst this backdrop, this partnership marks a significant leap of growth for the specialised textiles segment, which is envisioned as a game-changer in the Indian sports and activewear market.

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Concept N Strategies has announced partnership to introduce ‘Sporttech pavilion’ – a dedicated area showcasing sports and activewear textiles and accessories under Techtextil India 2025. It is a premier platform dedicated to the rapidly expanding sports and fitness textiles at Techtextil India 2025. This strategic alliance aims to provide a major boost to the segment aiming to showcase innovations in speciality fabrics, yarns, sportswear and gear, high-performance textiles and sustainable materials, generating remarkable opportunities for the entire textile universe, especially, for sportswear brands.

The Indian sports and fitness textiles sector are transforming remarkably, driven by the evolving consumer lifestyles, advanced material innovations and growing government support. Amidst this backdrop, this partnership marks a significant leap of growth for the specialised textiles segment, which is envisioned as a game-changer in the Indian sports and activewear market.

The demand for cutting-edge moisture-wicking fabrics, compression wear, breathable textiles and sustainable sports and fitness fabrics are at an all-time high. Rising health consciousness consumers and increasing appetite for high-performance sportswear, are also contributing to the growing demand. This makes Techtextil India 2025 the perfect launchpad for this specialised segment. This collaboration seamlessly aligns with the growing push for self-reliance in textile manufacturing, bundled with the Indian government’s focus on technical textile innovations and expanding domestic production capabilities. Industry leaders are recognising this as the perfect time to showcase national innovations in fitness textiles on the global stage of Techtextil India.

Industry figures highlight growth of this segment:

  • The Indian sportswear market: valued at USD 10.2 million in 2024
  • Expected to reach USD 16.6 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.1% during 2025-2033*1 according to a recent report by IMARC Group.
  • Global sportswear market size was valued at USD 206.64 billion in 2024.
  • Expected to reach USD 350.45 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.84% during the forecast period.

This segment will see an expansion of the exhibitor profile with inclusion of:

  • Sports textile material producers including compression fabrics, breathable textiles, suppliers of sustainable and recycled textiles suitable for sports equipment and gear manufacturers
  • Producers of sports and fitness equipment with an emphasis on textile-based products like: yoga mats, fitness bands, straps, & etc
  • Accessories and footwear manufacturers for products like gloves, bands headgear and socks using innovative materials; manufacturers and brands showcasing new textile technologies in sports footwear and performance shoes
  • Smart textile manufacturers producing materials embedded with sensors for fitness tracking; chemical suppliers for sports textiles
  • Producers of finishing chemicals that enhance performance e.g. anti-odour, UV protection, water-repellent coatings
  • Manufacturers of various fitness textiles and activewear materials and textile machinery manufacturers, equipment suppliers, suppliers of technology for fabric testing, dyeing, and finishing for sportswear and more.

With such an extensive product showcase, the expo aims to attract visitors from major sportswear retailers and distributors, product developers, fitness enthusiasts, fashion designers, research and development professionals, textile institutes, sourcing specialists and other professionals from the textile spectrum looking for the next big breakthrough in the segment. The dedicated space for Sporttech Pavilion will serve as a powerful business catalyst connecting material innovators, sportswear brands and textile manufacturers with national and international sourcing leaders.

More information:
Sporttech Techtextil India
Source:

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd

11.04.2025

Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025: Call for Papers

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025 will take place on November 27 and 28, 2025 at the Eurogress Aachen.

To contribute to the conference program and submit an abstract for a talk or poster presentation, please note that the Call for Abstracts for oral presentations ends on May 5, 2025. The Call for Abstracts for poster contributions is open until July 31, 2025.

The conference program includes plenary lectures and themed sessions in the areas of

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025 will take place on November 27 and 28, 2025 at the Eurogress Aachen.

To contribute to the conference program and submit an abstract for a talk or poster presentation, please note that the Call for Abstracts for oral presentations ends on May 5, 2025. The Call for Abstracts for poster contributions is open until July 31, 2025.

The conference program includes plenary lectures and themed sessions in the areas of

  • Sustainable Textiles and Circular Textile Economy
  • Bio-based Fibers
  • Synthetic High-Performance Fibers
  • Artificial Intelligence in the Textile Sector
  • Textile Production
  • Smart Textiles & Applications
  • Textiles for Medicine & Health Care
  • Technology Transfer & Start-up Pitches
  • Fiber Composites and Lightweight Construction
  • Best-Practices – Examples from Collaboration Projects between Academia and Industry
  • Functionalization & Finishing


Further information about the conference and the call for abstracts (including the submission form) at  https://www.aachen-dresden-denkendorf.de/en/itc/registration/call-for-abstracts/.

Source:

Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference

(c) Monforts
11.04.2025

Monforts at Techtextil North America: Talking technical textiles

The full potential of advanced coating and finishing technologies for the production of technical textiles will be outlined by Monforts specialists which takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in May.

The company and its US representative PSP Marketing, of Charlotte, North Carolina, will be part of the VDMA German Pavilion at the show, at stand 3231 within the Georgia World Congress Center.

A wide range of technical fabrics is now being successfully created with MontexCoat coating units in comination with Montex stenters, including tents, tarpaulins and awnings, black-out roller blinds and sail cloth, automotive interior fabrics and medical disposables.

Full PVC coatings, pigment dyeing or minimal application surface and low penetration treatments can all be carried out with the extremely versatile system. Solvent coatings in explosion-proof conditions, knife coating, roller coating and screen printing are further options and the MontexCoat has been engineered to enable users to switch quickly from one fabric run to the next without compromising on the economical use of energy or raw materials.

The full potential of advanced coating and finishing technologies for the production of technical textiles will be outlined by Monforts specialists which takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in May.

The company and its US representative PSP Marketing, of Charlotte, North Carolina, will be part of the VDMA German Pavilion at the show, at stand 3231 within the Georgia World Congress Center.

A wide range of technical fabrics is now being successfully created with MontexCoat coating units in comination with Montex stenters, including tents, tarpaulins and awnings, black-out roller blinds and sail cloth, automotive interior fabrics and medical disposables.

Full PVC coatings, pigment dyeing or minimal application surface and low penetration treatments can all be carried out with the extremely versatile system. Solvent coatings in explosion-proof conditions, knife coating, roller coating and screen printing are further options and the MontexCoat has been engineered to enable users to switch quickly from one fabric run to the next without compromising on the economical use of energy or raw materials.

“There has already been terrific interest in the MontexCoat and the range of different techniques it enables and we’re far from exhausting its potential uses,” says Achim Gesser, Monforts Area Sales Manager who will be at the show in Atlanta. “For companies who don’t need such flexibility, the economical coaTTex unit is exclusively dedicated to air knife and knife-over-roller coating.

“At our ATC in Mönchengladbach, Germany, however, a MontexCoat unit has been integrated into a full Montex technical textiles pilot line, on which our customers can run trials of new fabrics and finishing formulations in widths of up to 1.8 metres. This line has been engineered to provide the ultimate in precision coating and finishing in industrial-scale trials.”

To fully demonstrate what’s possible, the Montex line at the ATC is able to treat materials not only at temperatures of up to 320°C, but apply separate coatings on the two sides of certain materials at different temperatures, within a single pass through the machine. To achieve this, the first two chambers of the stenter are fitted with TwinTherm burners for individual top/bottom heating. A temperature differential of up to 60°C can be achieved between the upper and lower nozzles within the chamber, depending on the treatment parameters.

“There are many applications where employing two separate temperature treatments is beneficial, such as floorcoverings – where the textile face fabric is treated at one temperature and the rubber backing at another – as well as PVC flooring employing chemical foams, black-out roller blinds with heavy backings or PTFE-coated filter materials,” Gesser explains.

Another key feature of the technical textiles line at the ATC is the Montex stenter’s special stretching device which is capable of pulling ten tons in length and ten tons in width – a huge amount per square metre of fabric and necessary in the production of materials such as woven or 3D knits for high temperature filter media.

Monforts also offers the special T-max grease-free stenter chain for high temperature treatments up to 320°C, at machine speeds up to 100m/min and transverse tension up to 2,500 N/m with the benefits of no maintenance and no grease marks on fabric.

“Technical textiles are extremely diverse in their end-use applications but the needs of the manufacturers of very different materials are still uniform in many respects,” says Gesser. “European-built Montex stenters provide maximum finishing efficiency and many of our customers are operating them 24 hours a day over seamless shifts.”

Existing customers include manufacturers in the fields of home textiles, geotextiles and automotive fabrics, as well as functional materials and dedicated Montex lines have also been supplied to producers of airbags, flame retardant barrier fabrics and spacer fabrics.

“Techtextil North America is a very important show for us because technical textiles are a key pillar of our production programme,” Gesser concludes. “North America is one of our major markets and we are looking forward to reconnecting with existing and potentially new customers at this always-vibrant show.”

Roaches Photo Roaches/AWOL
08.04.2025

F1 – the crucible of innovation for BTMA members

Fibre and fabric production technologies – especially in the area of composite reinforcements – have played an as-yet largely unheralded role in the development of the UK’s Formula One industry, but the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) aims to change that.

Motorsport Valley
“If there’s one thing the UK does well, it’s Formula One, with seven of the ten F1 teams located within just an hour of each other in the midlands region known as Motorsport Valley,” explains BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “They are all linked to a national network of around 4,500 companies involved in a motorsport and high-performance engineering industry worth around £9 billion annually and employing 40,000 people. This network draws on the services of a significant number of our member companies.”

“With the exception of the engine, virtually every part of a Formula One racing car now starts from a textile, including the bodywork, the tyres and many of the latest fuel systems,” says Richard Kirkbright, project manager at Leeds-based Roaches International. “This has influenced developments in the broader automotive sector, in addition to the aerospace industry.”

Fibre and fabric production technologies – especially in the area of composite reinforcements – have played an as-yet largely unheralded role in the development of the UK’s Formula One industry, but the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) aims to change that.

Motorsport Valley
“If there’s one thing the UK does well, it’s Formula One, with seven of the ten F1 teams located within just an hour of each other in the midlands region known as Motorsport Valley,” explains BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “They are all linked to a national network of around 4,500 companies involved in a motorsport and high-performance engineering industry worth around £9 billion annually and employing 40,000 people. This network draws on the services of a significant number of our member companies.”

“With the exception of the engine, virtually every part of a Formula One racing car now starts from a textile, including the bodywork, the tyres and many of the latest fuel systems,” says Richard Kirkbright, project manager at Leeds-based Roaches International. “This has influenced developments in the broader automotive sector, in addition to the aerospace industry.”

Show cars and memorabilia
While best known as the developer of textile testing systems, Roaches has over the years also supplied advanced autoclaves to the UK’s composites industry, including a recent delivery to Northampton-based Memento Exclusives, a specialist in the production of show cars working directly with F1 and its leading teams.

Each major F1 team sponsor is supplied with one or two show cars for use at exhibitions and a wide range of other promotional activities arranged around the racing event calendar. These cars have no engine and their bodies may be made of fewer carbon fibre plies, but they are otherwise identical to the latest cars being raced by the F1 teams.

Memento Exclusives has its own in-house carbon fibre parts manufacturing facility and the integration of the Roaches autoclave has significantly expanded its capabilities in show car production.

Master bakers
“Composite materials undergo a metamorphosis in the autoclave which subjects them to both mechanical and chemical processes,” explains Richard Kirkbright. “Trapped air and volatiles are expelled and plies are consolidated under precise pressure. Heat cycles are then introduced, curing the resin systems and yielding flawlessly crafted components. Autoclave specialists are a little like master bakers, knowing exactly how to treat their ingredients at every stage of the process, to achieve the desired final product.”

“The Roaches autoclave now enables us to cure large components with full control and achieve a swift turnover of parts while ensuring the highest quality finish,” adds Terry Wasyliw, Head of Build for Memento Exclusives.

McLaren’s influence
Woking, UK-headquartered McLaren was the very first F1 team to introduce a car chassis manufactured entirely from carbon fibre composites back in 1981, setting the ball rolling for the creation of a completely new and global supply chain.

McLaren has this year unveiled a world-first in supercar engineering – aerospace-derived Automated Rapid Tape (ART) carbon fibre, developed at the dedicated McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) facility in Sheffield. This is being employed to create the active front wings of the W1 hypercar which has a starting price of $2.1 million.

A rear floor component was also developed for McLaren as part of the recently-completed £39.6 million ASCEND programme involving a range of UK partners, including BTMA member Cygnet Texkimp.

Handling, converting and decarbonisation
A wide range of handling and converting machines are supplied to the composites industry by Cygnet Texkimp, including bespoke creels, prepreg, coating, slitting and filament winding machines.

Its technologies are employed in the construction of composite components for aerospace and automotive, as well as in the production of tyre cord and more recently in the advanced construction of hydrogen storage vessels which are largely viewed as the future of F1 propulsion, along with advanced batteries for electric vehicles.

Cygnet Texkimp has been involved in the F1 supply chain for over 20 years and most carbon fibre used in the industry has been processed on one of its VHD creels. The company is also the largest independent manufacturer of prepreg machines in the world and is currently leading the design and build of the UK’s first carbon fibre research lines for a project led by NCC (National Composites Centre) to accelerate the development of more sustainable carbon fibres.

In addition, Cygnet is licensed to design and build the DEECOM® composite recycling system developed by new BTMA member Longworth Sustainable Recycling Technologies, the first of which was recently commissioned by the Henry Royce Institute in Manchester. DEECOM® is a zero emission, low carbon pressolysis solution using pressure and steam to reclaim pristine condition fibres and resin polymers frocm production waste and end of life composites.

“Decarbonisation is a major priority for manufacturers globally,” says Cygnet CEO Luke Vardy. “At Cygnet Texkimp, we’re developing the capability to process technical fibres in ways that enable lightweighting, hydrogen power and electrification, reduce waste and revolutionise the end-of-life management of composite materials and parts. In collaboration with our industry partners, we’re bringing to market some of the most innovative new fibre processing technologies ever developed to deliver real-world benefits that support the sustainability agenda.”

Prepregging
Another new BTMA member, Emerson & Renwick (E+R), a specialist in print, forming, vacuum and coating technologies, also supplies technology for the production of carbon fibre prepregs, which are integrated rolls of fabrics and resins.

Its most recent 1.7-metre-wide line supplied to a customer in Italy operates at speeds of 40+ metres per minute for web coatings or prepreg fibre and resin consolidation, or a combination of both processes. It is distinguished by an ultra precise three-roll reverse roll coater for the processing of high viscosity thermo-activated resins and enables the automatic changeover of sensitive woven fabric materials at zero tension, with three high precision calendaring nips with hot/cool plates. Multiple unwind and rewind systems for intermediate lamination steps include side loading and reliable lap splicing and zero speed splicing with a web accumulator for the main product rewind.
 
 E+R has also been part of a consortium working on the development of lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries within the £540 million UK Faraday Battery Challenge. Once commercially viable, Li-S batteries promise to provide relatively high energy density at low cost for sustainable electric vehicles of the future – inevitably starting with F1.

Strong links
“In addition to our powerful base of textile testing and control companies, many other BTMA members are working on further F1 and advanced composite projects,” says Jason Kent in conclusion. “We are also forging strong links with the UK’s key research hubs such as Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Northwest Composites Centre in Manchester, the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering in Bolton and the National Composites Centre in Bristol.

“The BTMA recently became an associate member of Composites UK too, because this sector is the crucible of innovation for tomorrow’s textiles.”

Source:

British Textile Machinery Association

Stuttgart 21 Photo DITF
07.04.2025

Intelligent textiles for construction, architecture and mobility

When textiles are equipped with electronic components, conductive yarns and textile sensors, the application possibilities are almost unlimited. These high-tech textiles are a global growth market. In Stuttgart, manufacturers, users and researchers presented amazing examples of applications in construction, architecture and mobility. The appropriate standards ensure quality and safety.

In keeping with the themes of the event, participants were able to take a look behind the construction fence of the Stuttgart 21 rail project on the first day. After the tour, DITF board member Götz T. Gresser drew parallels with the market for smart textiles. Just like the completion of the underground station, the market potential for smart textiles is developing more slowly than predicted.

When textiles are equipped with electronic components, conductive yarns and textile sensors, the application possibilities are almost unlimited. These high-tech textiles are a global growth market. In Stuttgart, manufacturers, users and researchers presented amazing examples of applications in construction, architecture and mobility. The appropriate standards ensure quality and safety.

In keeping with the themes of the event, participants were able to take a look behind the construction fence of the Stuttgart 21 rail project on the first day. After the tour, DITF board member Götz T. Gresser drew parallels with the market for smart textiles. Just like the completion of the underground station, the market potential for smart textiles is developing more slowly than predicted.

One important reason for this is that there is still a lot to be regulated. Standardization was therefore a key topic in the presentations on the second day of the event. Norms and standards create trust among users. They reduce the error rate in design and therefore development costs, helping to bring innovations and new technological developments into use. Kristina Müller from the German Institute for Standardization explained that consistent compliance with standards can reduce error costs in construction, for example, from the current estimated eleven percent to five percent per year. Jan Beringer from the Hohenstein Group used the example of actively illuminated high-visibility clothing to show the hurdles that need to be overcome on the way to standardization.

In addition to high-visibility equipment, workwear offers many opportunities for smart functions. Despite all safety precautions, accidents at work cannot always be avoided, explained Silke Rehm from Adresys. Smart clothing can then automatically make an emergency call and trigger an emergency shutdown of the machine.

There are suitable testing devices for monitoring and quality assurance of materials and textile surfaces. Stefan Fliescher from Textechno presented a device that has so far been exclusively used at the DITF.

The second block of presentations focused on mobility: examples included textile ideas for flight cabins of the future from Diehl Aviation, precise and therefore energy-saving heating systems for vehicles from Köstler and contactless sensor technology from Rotec, which detects when fiber ropes need to be replaced. Erhardt manufactures flexible, customized bodies for commercial vehicles They are particularly suitable for logistics in city centers and are equipped with textile sensors, for example for measuring temperature or determining the optimum load. The textile superstructures not only offer a textile surface for design, they can also communicate with their surroundings. Digital lettering shows when the vehicle is giving way or warns cyclists of blind spots when turning. Modules that are not required can be folded or rolled up to save space.

In the construction and architecture application area, solutions for climate change are in demand. TEC KNIT has developed smart shading systems made from “shape memory” polymer fibers that close or reopen depending on the temperature. Optigrün relies on smart rainwater management for greening buildings. Textile sensor technology ensures that the water is optimally distributed over the surface - digitally controlled according to the weather forecast. Michael Schneider from the Smart Textiles Hub showed how intelligent knitted fabrics installed on flat roofs detect moisture and temperature by contracting or expanding accordingly. This can also prevent damage caused by icing, for example. Christoph Riethmüller from the DITF explained that the actual state of buildings is constantly changing due to events. The charm of smart textiles is that they can adapt to these changes. In this way, it is possible to intervene before negative consequences become noticeable. This saves a lot of energy. For example, the targeted heating of walls depending on the relative humidity prevents the occurrence of mold with low energy consumption. Intelligent shading systems also ensure that rooms remain at a pleasant temperature in summer without air conditioning and that the heat remains in the room in winter.

The event was accompanied by an exhibition where participants were able to try out numerous smart products.

The annual User Forum is organized by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), the Textile Research Institute Thuringia-Vogtland e.V. (TITV Greiz) and the Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V. (FKT).

The next SMART TEXTILES User Forum will take place on March 4-5, 2026 in Zeulenroda.

Source:

Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf DITF

Filtrex in Vienna Photo Edana
01.04.2025

FILTREX™ 2025 in Vienna with Discussions on Filtration and Sustainability

FILTREX™ 2025, EDANA’s flagship event for the filtration industry, wrapped up last week after two dynamic days of discussions, technical advancements, and industry collaboration. This 10th edition brought together more than 100 professionals to explore the latest developments in air and liquid filtration, sustainability, and regulatory challenges.

Industry Insights and Key Conversations
The FILTREX 2025 conference brought together experts from across the filtration industry to discuss innovation, sustainability, and regulatory challenges shaping the sector. The event opened with a keynote by Dr.-Ing. Frank Möbius, Senior Innovation Advisor at UnternehmerTUM and former BMW Group Manager, highlighting the role of Open Innovation in maintaining competitiveness in an evolving market.

FILTREX™ 2025, EDANA’s flagship event for the filtration industry, wrapped up last week after two dynamic days of discussions, technical advancements, and industry collaboration. This 10th edition brought together more than 100 professionals to explore the latest developments in air and liquid filtration, sustainability, and regulatory challenges.

Industry Insights and Key Conversations
The FILTREX 2025 conference brought together experts from across the filtration industry to discuss innovation, sustainability, and regulatory challenges shaping the sector. The event opened with a keynote by Dr.-Ing. Frank Möbius, Senior Innovation Advisor at UnternehmerTUM and former BMW Group Manager, highlighting the role of Open Innovation in maintaining competitiveness in an evolving market.

Throughout the sessions, industry leaders addressed major trends influencing filtration. Dr. Marc Schmidt (AAF-Lufttechnik) explored how economic and social shifts are reshaping filtration markets, while Anthony Lawson (Hengst Filtration) examined the impact of evolving air quality guidelines and PFAS restrictions on filter design. Experts such as Cédric Vallet (Ahlstrom) and Christof Keppler (Gessner) presented innovations in filtration efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and the development of biodegradable filter media. Meanwhile, Dr. Pero Mićić (FutureManagementGroup AG) offered a strategic framework for future-proofing businesses against industry disruptions.

Spotlight on Sustainability in Filtration
Sustainability took centre stage at FILTREX 2025, with a dedicated round table that saw insights from Oswaldo Anaya (Freudenberg Performance Materials), Cédric Vallet (Ahlstrom), and Bruce Lorange (Hollingsworth & Vose). The discussions focused on how the industry can reduce its environmental impact while still delivering high-performance solutions. Oswaldo Anaya, Product Marketing Manager at Freudenberg Performance Materials, reflected on the event, saying, “I was glad to join this last edition of FILTREX. It confirmed the great things I’d heard from colleagues about previous events. Highly relevant and timely topics for the filtration industry, plus valuable networking in a relaxed setting.”

FILTREX™ Innovation Award 2025
A major highlight of the event was the FILTREX™ Innovation Award, which this year went to Johns Manville for its Evalith® product. Their groundbreaking recycling process transforms HVAC glass microfiber waste into compounded pellets for injection molding, turning waste into durable, second-life products. The award was presented during a Networking Evening Cocktail at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, providing an ideal atmosphere for further discussions and potential collaborations.

PFAS-Free Filtration and Industry Innovation
The closing session tackled the critical topic of PFAS-free filtration, revealing solutions like high-performance PFAS-free HEPA media and nanofiber membranes that not only enhance performance but also reduce environmental impact. Industry leaders also discussed upcoming changes in PFAS regulations and the continued push for safer alternatives in the filtration industry.

Looking Ahead
FILTREX™ 2025 firmly established itself as the key event for the filtration industry, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation. As Bruce Lorange, Global Marketing Communications Director at Hollingsworth & Vose, put it: “The recent FILTREX event in Vienna presented a unique opportunity to network, learn, see old friends, and make new ones in the filtration and nonwovens space. The quality of presentations was top-notch—informative and thought-provoking—and the venue provided the perfect backdrop for the thought leaders gathered to take our industry to the next level. A sincere thanks to the EDANA FILTREX team for arranging such an impactful event!”

More information:
Filtrex Edana Filtration Conference
Source:

Edana

Texprocess Photo: Messe Frankfurt / Pietro Sutera
01.04.2025

Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 with strong booking status

High registration numbers with many new exhibitors herald a strong Techtextil and Texprocess 2026. From 21 to 24 April 2026, international suppliers present their innovations at the two leading trade fairs - whether in terms of materials, technologies or sustainability. With an adapted hall layout and new product groups, Techtextil and Texprocess create the best conditions for this.

Turbulent times for the industry: recession, sustainability requirements and geopolitical challenges are putting market participants under pressure with subdued purchasing behaviour, restrained investment or complex process adjustments. The industry's response: innovation and outstanding solutions. Whether new material ideas, efficient processes or sustainable developments: Very important platforms to present these are the world's leading trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess in Frankfurt. In addition to the familiar big players, an exceptionally large number of new exhibitors will take part in 2026.

High registration numbers with many new exhibitors herald a strong Techtextil and Texprocess 2026. From 21 to 24 April 2026, international suppliers present their innovations at the two leading trade fairs - whether in terms of materials, technologies or sustainability. With an adapted hall layout and new product groups, Techtextil and Texprocess create the best conditions for this.

Turbulent times for the industry: recession, sustainability requirements and geopolitical challenges are putting market participants under pressure with subdued purchasing behaviour, restrained investment or complex process adjustments. The industry's response: innovation and outstanding solutions. Whether new material ideas, efficient processes or sustainable developments: Very important platforms to present these are the world's leading trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess in Frankfurt. In addition to the familiar big players, an exceptionally large number of new exhibitors will take part in 2026.

Texprocess 2026: Global visibility for world premieres
Exhibitors from all product groups have already registered to take part in Texprocess, the leading trade fair for processing textile and flexible materials. From cutting and sewing to finishing. Among them are Brother Internationale Industriemaschinen, Gütermann (Germany), Morgan Tecnica (Italy), Robotech (Turkey), Sheffield Cutting Equipment (USA), Style3D | Assyst, Veit and Zünd Germany. New exhibitors include Amann (Germany), Coloreel (Sweden), Comelz, Cutting Edge Automation Machines (Italy) or Pathfinder Australia. Driven by automation, digitalisation and AI, exhibitors are developing increasingly efficient solutions - and are thus resonating with the needs of the international market.

Techtextil 2026: realising market potential with innovations
Techtextil is also seeing great booking interest from exhibitors. Among those registered are Concordia Textiles (Belgium), Groz-Beckert (Germany), Klopman International (Italy), Kolon Industries (Korea), Lenzing, Sattler Pro-Tex (Austria), Sioen (Belgium) and Schill+Seilacher (Germany). The many new exhibitors include Dystar Singapore, Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany, Monteiro Ribas (Portugal), TreeToTextile (Sweden) and Woolmark (Germany). The leading trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens covers the entire spectrum of high-tech textiles. Suppliers meet buyers from a wide range of industries here. They are looking for customised material solutions - whether for the automotive or apparel industry. For the first time, there is a separate area for Textile Chemicals & Dyes in Hall 9.0, which is already in high demand. The new Performance Apparel Textiles area in Hall 9.0 is also attracting great interest. It offers promising synergies: With Fibres & Yarns, manufacturers find their upstream stage in the same hall. In addition, the proximity to Texprocess in Hall 8.0 makes it even more accessible for the apparel industry.
 
Techtextil and Texprocess will be held from 21 to 24 April 2026.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt

E-Fiber flame shields Photo Autoneum
31.03.2025

E-Fiber flame shields: Mica-free flame protection for electric vehicles

The number of lithium-ion battery electric vehicles (BEV) in use worldwide is growing rapidly. As a result, ensuring the safety of the battery pack and thus minimizing the risk of fire accidents has become a key issue for car manufacturers across the globe. In order to protect vehicle occupants in the event of a so-called thermal runaway, in which the battery heats up quickly and uncontrollably and, in the worst case, ignites or explodes, fire protection materials and components such as flame shields are among the most effective methods.

Autoneum’s new E-Fiber flame shields offer flame protection and electrical insulation inside the battery housing. They can withstand extreme temperatures, pressure and abrasions, thus significantly increasing the safety of passengers in the event of the battery overheating and catching fire. As the shields are made from a composite material, they are also considerably lighter, mechanically stronger and more cost-efficient than the mineral mica alternatives on the market.

The number of lithium-ion battery electric vehicles (BEV) in use worldwide is growing rapidly. As a result, ensuring the safety of the battery pack and thus minimizing the risk of fire accidents has become a key issue for car manufacturers across the globe. In order to protect vehicle occupants in the event of a so-called thermal runaway, in which the battery heats up quickly and uncontrollably and, in the worst case, ignites or explodes, fire protection materials and components such as flame shields are among the most effective methods.

Autoneum’s new E-Fiber flame shields offer flame protection and electrical insulation inside the battery housing. They can withstand extreme temperatures, pressure and abrasions, thus significantly increasing the safety of passengers in the event of the battery overheating and catching fire. As the shields are made from a composite material, they are also considerably lighter, mechanically stronger and more cost-efficient than the mineral mica alternatives on the market.

Autoneum’s new E-Fiber flame shields offer flame protection and electrical insulation inside the battery housing. They can withstand extreme temperatures, pressure and abrasions, thus significantly increasing the safety of passengers in the event of the battery overheating and catching fire. As the shields are made from a composite material, they are also considerably lighter, mechanically stronger and more cost-efficient than the mineral mica alternatives on the market.

In contrast to alternative standard products, which often consist of heavy and brittle mineral materials such as mica, the innovative shields based on E-Fiber are lightweight, stiff and stable and offer optimum flame protection and fire blast resistance. Due to the moldability of the material, the shields also ensure excellent battery coverage and design flexibility. Thanks to the possibility of manufacturing components with complex 3D shapes, there is also the potential to integrate an additional function to guide hot gases away from the battery. The shields are based on a composite material made of reinforcing fibers and resin, which are formed into thin layers of one to two millimeters.

The heat resistance of up to 1400°C and the mechanical strength of the material significantly increase the shields’ resistance to high temperatures, but also hot particle abrasion and gas pressure. Moreover, the fibers provide the part’s non-conductive and insulating properties, which are necessary for the battery system’s electrical insulation and thermal safety.

The E-Fiber flame shields can be installed between the battery cells and the battery cover or the vehicle floor and contribute significantly to increasing the safety of vehicle occupants in the event of a battery thermal runaway. They thus offer a lightweight, safe and geometrically adaptable alternative to standard flame shields on the market. In addition, the composite shields are completely riskfree from a compliance perspective. This is in contrast to mica-based products, which can prove problematic in terms of responsible sourcing.

Autoneum’s E-Fiber flame shields have already been validated in battery tests and are currently in pre-development with various customers in Europe.

Source:

Autoneum Management AG

28.03.2025

New MehlerHeytex brand

From now on, Mehler Texnologies and Heytex will be known by the new name of MehlerHeytex. This name is a visible sign of the merger between the two companies and sets with greater innovation strength new standards for customers and other business partners.

MehlerHeytex brings together Mehler Texnologies and the core business of the Heytex Group, both leading global specialists for coated technical textiles. With some 1,000 employees at the production locations in Germany, Czech Republic and China, as well as sales offices worldwide the company serves numerous markets. MehlerHeytex products are used, for example, in truck tarpaulins and container covers, door seals, biogas membranes, drinking water tanks, tents, inflatable boats, as well as advertising media in large-format digital printing.

Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH, the parent company of Mehler Texnologies, acquired the core business of the Heytex Group in December 2024. Since then, this part of Heytex with three production locations in Germany and China, as well as all headquarter-related functions, belong to MehlerHeytex, the newly-formed specialist for coated technical textiles.

From now on, Mehler Texnologies and Heytex will be known by the new name of MehlerHeytex. This name is a visible sign of the merger between the two companies and sets with greater innovation strength new standards for customers and other business partners.

MehlerHeytex brings together Mehler Texnologies and the core business of the Heytex Group, both leading global specialists for coated technical textiles. With some 1,000 employees at the production locations in Germany, Czech Republic and China, as well as sales offices worldwide the company serves numerous markets. MehlerHeytex products are used, for example, in truck tarpaulins and container covers, door seals, biogas membranes, drinking water tanks, tents, inflatable boats, as well as advertising media in large-format digital printing.

Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH, the parent company of Mehler Texnologies, acquired the core business of the Heytex Group in December 2024. Since then, this part of Heytex with three production locations in Germany and China, as well as all headquarter-related functions, belong to MehlerHeytex, the newly-formed specialist for coated technical textiles.

“The standardized market presence is an important step towards more clarity and transparency for our customers and other business partners. It represents the best of two worlds. We continue to work at top speed on the merger of Mehler Texnologies and Heytex, so that our customers can benefit from all the advantages of this acquisition as quickly as possible,” Dr. Henk R. Randau, Senior Vice President Coated Technical Textiles, said.

For the time being, the new corporate brand is the only change for customers and other business partners of the coated technical textiles specialist. All other aspects of business relations such as contacts, addresses and banking details remain unchanged for the present. The further merging of the two companies will take place step-by-step. MehlerHeytex will keep its customers and business partners continuously updated on relevant changes.

Source:

Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG

Rendering of BB Engineering’s new COBRA filter Photo BB Engineering GmbH
Rendering of BB Engineering’s new COBRA filter
28.03.2025

Filtration efficiency in PET recycling thanks to automated inline cleaning

Large-area filtration faces the stigma of high costs, maintenance efforts, and time-consuming changeover and cleaning activities. However, good filtration is unavoidable with increasing rPET proportions. So, BB Engineering has addressed these issues with its decades of experience in extrusion and filtration. The new COBRA filter combines continuous and automated large-area filtration with integrated intermediate filter cleaning – setting a new standard in efficiency, ease of use and resource saving, and finally meeting the demanding requirements of recycling processes.

Large-area filtration faces the stigma of high costs, maintenance efforts, and time-consuming changeover and cleaning activities. However, good filtration is unavoidable with increasing rPET proportions. So, BB Engineering has addressed these issues with its decades of experience in extrusion and filtration. The new COBRA filter combines continuous and automated large-area filtration with integrated intermediate filter cleaning – setting a new standard in efficiency, ease of use and resource saving, and finally meeting the demanding requirements of recycling processes.

Large-area fine filtration made for recycling
Recyclers are currently dealing with a dilemma when it comes to filtration. Increasing recycling quotas coupled with insufficient availability mean that lower input qualities are also being considered for recycling, resulting in more challenging contaminants. At the same time, higher-quality applications are being targeted, which further intensifies the requirement for fine filtration. There are systems for large quantities of contaminants, but they do not filter as finely as a candle filter. There are also candle filters that provide excellent filtration but cannot cope with high levels of contamination.

The new COBRA filter can do both. It was specially developed for demanding filtration tasks with high levels of contamination, particularly in PET recycling. Multitasking is the keyword. COBRA unites large-area fine filtration with simultaneous, fast and effortless cleaning, and is therefore able to handle higher contamination rates, which common candle filters would fail on. However, this allrounder can also be used for other applications, e.g. in synthetic fiber spinning.

Continuity and process stability thanks to automation
As a continuous filter, the COBRA filter has two filter inserts, one of which is always active in production mode and the other either in stand-by mode or in intermediate cleaning. The automated switchover ensures a smooth changeover between the inserts. The status of the filter inserts is constantly checked by the system and, if necessary, the COBRA filter automatically initiates the cleaning and changeover process. All the operator has to do is confirm this on the user interface – no further manual intervention is required. The process thus continues to run stably and safely without interruption. Operator-related deviations in the switching process, operating errors or delays, all of which could affect the process, cannot occur.

Effortless inline cleaning – effective and safe
The highlight of the COBRA filter is the integration of BBE’s White Filter Cleaning technology (WFC). This process enables absolutely chemical-free and environmentally friendly intermediate cleaning of the filter inserts using hot steam alone and extends the filter’s service life many times over. BBE has already had WFC in its product portfolio as a stand-alone solution for several years. Now, for the first time, the cleaning system is integrated directly into a filter, bringing additional advantages, like cleaning speed and wear-reduction. Production and cleaning becomes an alternating interaction. Only after multiple operating/cleaning cycles (the exact number depends on product and degree of soiling) is it necessary to completely remove the filter insert for a service check and full cleaning. The WFC cleaning process only takes around 10 hours, whereas conventional cleaning takes several days. Filtration and cleaning form a self-contained, automated system that guarantees process and operating safety in equal measure: The operator does not have to handle melt or chemicals.

Development goals: Simplified handling, economic efficiency
BBE focused on simplifying filter changes and cleaning processes through automation as well as significant savings in operating costs. And that has been successful. Comparing the COBRA filter with other fine filters with a throughput of 2000 kg/h reveals a saving of 40% in pure operating costs. This saving results from various aspects. One significant part of the savings comes from the reduction of melt loss through backflush-cycles. Another key point is the continuous operation with significantly longer service life thanks to the integrated cleaning with steam. This is linked to reduced use of spare parts and consumables due to the gentle treatment, conversion costs and a lower energy requirement, as no heating and cooling phases and generally lower cleaning temperatures are required. Costs of chemicals are completely eliminated. Automation reduces personnel costs due to the low operating effort and training requirements. In terms of operation, the COBRA filter is also very safe - the closed system of filtration and cleaning without chemicals eliminates many of the risks associated with conventional filters and cleaning methods, such as the risk of injury and fire.

The cost savings are even more far-reaching if you extend the consideration to the downstream processes. The outstanding cleaning performance of COBRA saves a great deal of effort, interruptions and further processing.

The new COBRA filter will be presented to the public for the first time at the PRSE in Amsterdam at the beginning of April.

Source:

BB Engineering GmbH

Professor Gries explains the properties of fibres to Science Minister Ina Brandes Source: MKW NRW
28.03.2025

NRW Science Minister Ina Brandes at ITA

Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, visited Institute Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries in person on 7 March to gain an impression of research at Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University. Their tour took them through the central steps of the textile process chain - from primary spinning and fibre spinning processes to modern composites such as fibre composites and textile concrete. The ITA focuses on sustainability, circular economy and bioeconomy and offers comprehensive training programmes, from industrial training to doctorates. As a technology driver in textile technology, the ITA emphases on digitalisation and automation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), especially neural networks, which have been under development at ITA for more than 30 years.

Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, visited Institute Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries in person on 7 March to gain an impression of research at Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University. Their tour took them through the central steps of the textile process chain - from primary spinning and fibre spinning processes to modern composites such as fibre composites and textile concrete. The ITA focuses on sustainability, circular economy and bioeconomy and offers comprehensive training programmes, from industrial training to doctorates. As a technology driver in textile technology, the ITA emphases on digitalisation and automation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), especially neural networks, which have been under development at ITA for more than 30 years.

ITA researches and develops technical textiles for the needs of today and tomorrow. This includes, for example, the BIOTURF project. It is part of the BIOTEXFUTURE innovation area for bio-based textile research funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The aim here is to convert the textile value chain from petroleum-based to bio-based. Another major project is WIRKsam Competence Centre. By designing AI-supported work, WIRKsam aims to improve the competitiveness of companies and to make work healthier and more attractive. Other project examples include sustainable pipeline systems for the future, textile recycling and reducing the CO² footprint. ITA is researching, for example, how recyclable insulation textiles can contribute to thermal insulation or how textiles can be used to automatically and sustainably remove oil spills from water. To this end, ITA is active worldwide and internationally, including in cooperation with South Korea on industrial digitalisation and renewable energies, to name just a few examples.

With more than 100 doctoral students and a total of around 400 employees, ITA is one of the five largest institutes at RWTH Aachen University.

Science Minister Ina Brandes: “Prof. Thomas Gries and his team are demonstrating outstanding work at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University. For over 90 years, ITA has been researching, developing, and designing advanced textiles – for example sustainable fibres that reduce the use of petroleum-based materials. The different possible uses of the materials are impressive: from artificial soccer turf to sportswear, medical materials such as heart valves, and textile-reinforced concrete for building construction. New technologies and strong networks between science and industry empower ITA to significant textile progress.“