TEXTILES.ORG
Nova-Institut GmbH announced that the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf (DITF) and VRETENA’s Straw Flexi-Dress has won the Cellulose Fiber Innovation of the Year 2024 Award.
Nova-Institut’s annual Cellulose Fibers Conference was held in Cologne, Germany, March 13–14. It featured several projects and scale-ups for textiles, hygiene products, construction and packaging supported by the policy framework to reduce single-use plastic products, such as the Single Use Plastics Directive in Europe.
40 international speakers presented the latest market trends in their industry and illustrated the innovation potential of cellulose fibers. Experts introduced new technologies for the recycling of cellulose-rich raw materials and gave insights into circular economy practices in the fields of textiles, hygiene, construction and packaging. All presentations were followed by panel discussions with active audience in Cologne and online. There were 214 participants and 23 exhibitors from 27 countries.
For the fourth time, the nova-Institute has awarded the Cellulose Fiber Innovation of the Year Award at the Cellulose Fibers Conference. The award recognizes applications and innovations that will lead the way in the industry’s transition to sustainable fibers.
Before the event, the conference advisory board had nominated six innovations for the award. The winners were elected in a live vote by the audience on the first day of the conference. GIG Karasek sponsored the award.
The winners of the Cellulose Fiber Innovation of the Year 2024 Award
First place
DITF & VRETENA (Germany): The Straw Flexi-Dress – Design Meets Sustainability
The Flexi-Dress design was inspired by the natural golden color and silky touch of HighPerCell® (HPC) filaments based on unbleached straw pulp. These cellulose filaments are produced using environmentally friendly spinning technology in a closed-loop production process. The design decisions focused on the emotional connection and attachment to the HPC material to create a local and circular fashion product. The Flexi-Dress is designed as a versatile knitted garment—from work to street—that can be worn as a dress, but can also be split into two pieces and used separately as a top and a straight skirt. The top can also be worn with the V-neck front or back.
“The HEREWEAR project has taught us that innovation and success can only come from the collaboration of creative and motivated people from the whole textile value chain,” says Marc Philip Vocht, DITF researcher.
Second place
Honext Material (Spain): HONEXT® Board FR-B (B-s1, d0) – Flame-retardant Board made from upcycled fiber waste from the paper industry
HONEXT® FR-B board (B-s1, d0) is a flame-retardant board made from 100% upcycled industrial waste fibers from the paper industry. Thanks to innovations in biotechnology, paper sludge is upcycled. The material is non-toxic, with no added VOCs, ensuring safety for both people and the planet. It achieved Cradle-to-Cradle Certified GOLD, and Material Health Certificate™ Gold Level version 4.0 with a carbon-negative footprint. Additionally, the product is verified in the Product Environmental Footprint.
“Being awarded 2nd prize is a significant recognition of our team’s dedication and innovative efforts in advancing cellulose applications. It underscores the critical role of cellulose in driving us towards a more sustainable and circular economy,” says Pol Merino, CEO and co-founder of Honext Material.
Third Place
TreeToTextile (Sweden): A New Generation of Bio-based and Resource-efficient Fibre
TreeToTextile has developed a sustainable and resource-efficient fiber that has a natural dry feel similar to cotton and a semi-dull sheen and high drape-like viscose. It is based on cellulose and has the potential to complement or replace cotton, viscose and polyester as a single fiber or in blends, depending on the application.
“The Cellulose Fibres Conference is the perfect mix of industrial and academic participants for networking, finding collaboration partners and discovering new innovations and research within the field,” says Maria Gunnarsson, senior pulp and fiber specialist at TreeToTextile.
The next Cellulose Fibers Conference will be held on March 12–13, 2025.