The technology has been tested in Thuringia.

Erfurt/Rudolstadt – Textile research in Eastern Thuringia revolves, among other things, around cotton alternatives. The technology and technicians are to be financed from public funds.

A total of eight million euros has been allocated to the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research (TITK) in Rudolstadt Schwarza in two instalments, the Ministry of Science in Erfurt announced. This concerns primarily cellulose-based fibre technologies and recycling.

Of this, EUR 4.5 million was allocated for a new innovation centre – primarily for equipment but also for technical and administrative staff. In the spring, TITK received more than EUR 3.5 million to create the structural requirements for the innovation centre.

According to the ministry, this includes laboratories and offices as well as an expansion of the technical center. The total investment in the innovation center will amount to around 11.5 million euros.

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It is about new technologies for the production of sustainable textiles – not only in Thuringia, but beyond, as Science Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee (69, SPD) explained.

Cellulose-based fibre technologies are an environmentally friendly alternative to cotton and a partial alternative to synthetic fibres. It involves less water consumption and microplastics in the environment.

TITK has established the production of fibres from hemp pulp, and now it is also about recycling materials made from several fibres. According to the institute, more than 60 companies, including sporting goods manufacturers, have expressed interest in the project.