Dornbirn-GFC 2024: Bringing Innovation to the Textile Industry
The 63rd Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) and the 4th Innovation Days were held from September 11 to 13, 2024, in Dornbirn, Austria. Dornbin became the textile capital of the world once again attracting fibre experts from all over the world.
The congress was a huge success. Many industry leaders, brands and suppliers got a chance to come together and exchange ideas. All those with a passion for innovation expressed their desire for change and a will to contribute to helping the planet.
Where Innovation Met Industry
There was a strong emphasis on fibre innovation, circular economy, and sustainability. Attendees belonging to the textile industry, academia and even research institutions took an active interest in the event. They had the chance for exceptional networking, which gave birth to ideas for new ventures.
One of the major attractions of this year’s conference was the troupe of 125 expert presentations. The latest advancements in fibre technology and sustainable solutions were discussed in detail through these presentations creating great excitement and fervour among those in attendance.
Energy Innovations and Sustainability
What could have been a better theme for such a gathering than sustainability?
This year's congress opened with a thought-provoking lecture by Rudolf Zauner, an energy innovation expert from VERBUND AG. His presentation was titled, “The energy transition – a burden to industry or a chance for energy innovations?”
He presented many ideas. His focus was on the need for greater collaboration between energy suppliers, start-ups, and established textile firms. He believes that this is the way forward to attain a greener future.
CELYSTM Fibre
A major highlight was the talk by Helen Weng, the Global Sales Director of CELYSTM titled 'CELYS™ Compostable Polyester, A Game-Changing Innovation for Future of Polyester'. It took place on Thursday 12th at 9.25 am.
Many who were interested in hearing more about CELYSTM Fibre’s innovation attended Weng’s session. Representatives and leaders from many big brands showed interest in CELYSTM due to its biodegradability and versatile applications.
The team from Under Armour mentioned they were working on new materials and technologies and were interested in exploring new initiatives. De Bondt has already prepared a hand-knit yarn with wool and the CELYSTM fibre and is pleased with the results.
Another brand Paradies is interested in using CELYS fibre for its duvet fillings and Sontara wants to use the fibre in its non-woven development trials. There were many more who showed a keen interest in the innovative fibre.
The level of interest shown by innovators in the textile and fibre sector is a testament to CELYS’ popularity and success.
Reasons for CELYSTM’s success
The CELYSTM booth attracted many visitors throughout the event and remained a centre of interest. The versatile qualities of the fibre were the reason it quickly gained such popularity.
Let us take a look at what is it about the fibre that made it so prominent at the Congress.
- The fibres are fully compostable within 179 days under industrial composting conditions.
- The soft and luxurious touch just like the one cotton provides makes the fabric suitable for use in many textile applications.
- It has low-pilling properties because of which the fabric remains smooth to the touch with a high quality appearance even after it has been used for long.
- It can be dyed into a variety of colours even at low temperatures.
- It is naturally wicking.
- The fibre has hydrophilicity which means the moisture is absorbed quickly keeping the wearer dry!
The need for a circular economy in textiles.
Everyone in attendance realised that in order to achieve sustainability a circular economy must be adopted. It has become quite evident that the traditional linear economy that is being practised in the textile industry is a cause for concern. The take-make-dispose approach has had a serious negative impact on the environment.
If a circular economy was to be adopted there would be a greater chance of minimising waste and using all the natural resources more efficiently.
Experts present at the Congress discussed various ways to introduce reusing and repurposing in businesses. They were interested in discussing ways of designing products that could be recycled, or even biodegraded once they were done!
Challenges faced by the textile industry
Everyone realised that this was easier said than done.
The textile industry is faced with countless challenges before it can be called truly sustainable. Production practices and problems with sourcing make this an uphill task.
One of the biggest hindrances in this shift towards sustainable practices is the conventional production methods employed in the textile industry. Large volumes of water are consumed and then polluted by the discarded chemicals and dyes. Industry leaders present at the conference realised the need for eco-friendly alternatives to be used in production.
Another problem that was discussed was the sourcing of raw materials. Members of the textile industry realised that using sustainable fibres like organic cotton and innovative solutions and compostable polyesters such as CELYSTM could be a great help in moving forward.
Final word
It is clear that the decision-makers are finally paying heed. They showed true commitment to reducing the textile sector’s environmental impact. They realise that many challenges lie ahead. But the Dornbin Congress showed that there is hope and that the future surely looks promising and exciting!
