The conference organisers, the Austrian Fibres Institute, have invited members of the Discover Natural Fibres Initiative to participate in a dedicated session on the afternoon of 17 September 2026.
Natural fibres are playing an increasingly important role in high-tech applications, particularly as an environmentally friendly and high-performance alternative to synthetic materials such as carbon fibre or glass fibre. When combined with state-of-the-art resins, they enable the production of high-strength, lightweight components for future markets such as aerospace, lightweight construction and electric mobility.
Natural Fibers Session: 17.09.2026, 02:10pm to 03:50pm (CET) in Hall A, Session Chair Ms Elke Hortmeyer
- Presenter 1: Thomas Bressler, Wilhelm G. Clasen GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, “Traceability within the plant fibre supply chain: an examination of the challenges and opportunities”
- Presenter 2: Amine Chaouech, POLYVLIES GROUP, Germany, “Natural Fiber Nonwovens: Applications, Challenges and Solutions – The Path from Sustainability to Performance”
- Presenter 3: Dr. Justin Kühn, Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University, Germany, “Raw materials, qualities and processing potential for natural fibres in everyday products”
- Presenter 4: Dr. Terry Townsend, Discover Natural Fibres Initiative, United States, “Fibre Traceability: A Vehicle to Ensure Sustainability or Injustice? “
Furthermore, Ms Hortmeyer, the chairwoman of the DNFI and director of the Bremen Cotton Exchange, will also be giving a presentation at the conference’s opening on 16 September.
“The Power of Methodology: How the Green Deal and PEF Are Shaping the Future of the Textile Industry”.
The Key message is: Make the Label Count advocates for fair and science-based fibre assessment. Ironically, current EU sustainability methodologies do not yet meet this standard. Significant methodological gaps lead to unbalanced results that increasingly affect market access and competitiveness. Corrective action is urgently needed.
Date: 16-18 September 2026, daily from 09:00 am (CET)
Place: Kulturhaus Dornbirn, Rathausplatz 1, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria
Agenda: Natural Fibers Session
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