The world's largest fibre innovation congress took place for the 61st time in Dornbirn, Austria. More than 200 different companies and institutes were represented at the congress, well over 500 participants from all over the world attended the event from 14 - 16 September 2022. In addition to fibre innovations, smart and functional surface modifications, the main focus was set on circular economy and sustainability.
 

The GFC is back on-site in Dornbirn

Due to pandemic reasons, the Global Fiber Congress could not be held for the last two years. Now, the innovation congress returned having taking place from 14 - 16 September 2022 at the Kulturhaus in Dornbirn. The Global Fiber Congress is a unique event worldwide and morever an important meeting place for the fibre and textile industry. Representatives from around 200 companies all over Europe, Asia and America attended the three-day congress. Latest innovations and information were presented by more than 100 expert lectures from industry and academic research. The 61st Global Fiber Congress focused on topics such as fibre innovations, smart and functional surface modifications, apparel and sports, nonwovens as well as sustainability, circular economy and recycling along the entire textile value chain. Within 15 pitches and a separate exhibition area, the congress offered young companies a stage for the second time. As a platform for presenting innovative ideas, the 2nd Start-up Event enabled young companies‘ introduction exchanging ideas with potential customers and partners. The presentation of the Young Scientist Award by Lenzing AG and the Paul Schlack Award in cooperation with CIRFS gave insight into research topics of the next generation.

Techtextil award-winning bio-based hygiene nonwoven at the GFC

In cooperation with Kelheim Fibres GmbH (Kelheim) and Sumo GmbH (Berlin), Patrick Engel from the Center of Excellence in Nonwovens at STFI developed a sustainable, bio-based hygiene textile based on nonwovens. The project received the Innovation Award at this year's Techtextil 2022 and will be further developed step by step. In his presentation, Patrick Engel provided insights into the ongoing research project and delivered exciting results.

Life Time Award for STFI co-founder

Professor Hilmar Fuchs has been involved as part of the programme advisory board of the Global Fiber Congress for more than 30 years and traditionally awarded the Paul Schlack Prize to young scientists for outstanding innovative research work in the field of man-made fibres. Now, he himself received a great honour. Frédéric Van Houte, General Director of the CIRFS-European Man-made Fibers Association for man-made fibre industry, honoured him at this year's Global Fiber Congress with the Life Time Award. As co-founder, long-time Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of STFI, Professor Fuchs developed the institute into a nationally and internationally recognised research institution. For several years, he was Chairman of the Board of the Verband Innovativer Unternehmen e.V. (viu), a member of the Board of the Verband Deutscher Textilveredlungsfachleute e.V. (Association of German Textile Finishing Experts) and a member of the Scientific Council as well as an assessor for the Arbeitsgemeinschaft industrieller Forschungsvereinigungen (AiF). He has been actively shaping political events for a long time as a member of the state board of the Economic Council.

The STFI congratulates Professor Fuchs and wishes him health and strenght.

The next Global Fiber Congress in Dornbirn is scheduled for 13 - 15 September 2023.