The East German textile industry sees recycling as a major future market. There are currently millions of tons of old textiles that are not used as raw materials, said the chairman of the Association of the North-East German Textile and Clothing Industry (vti), Thomas Lindner.
When developing new textiles, their recyclability must be taken into account right from the start. “The goal must be to make something new out of old textiles.” Many companies are working on this in collaboration with research institutes in the region.
According to information, around 1,500 exhibitors from 52 countries will be presenting at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt am Main this week. It sees itself as the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. This sector is considered the focus of the textile industry in East Germany. According to vti, more than half of their sales come from technical textiles. The association has around 110 members, mainly in Saxony and Thuringia.
Crisis in the auto industry hits the textile industry
The industry is currently struggling with a number of problems. Many companies are feeling the impact of the automotive industry’s sales crisis. There are numerous textiles in cars, from seat covers to headliners to interior coverings, explained Lindner. In addition, there is a “disastrous development” in the textile retail sector. And the global political situation is increasingly questioning the supply of important raw materials such as fibers and chemicals. On the one hand, certain dyes and precursors are no longer available; On the other hand, many things are becoming more expensive when purchasing.
“I think growth is impossible under these conditions,” said Lindner, when asked about a forecast for the industry this year.
East German companies provide information about new developments
According to information, 26 companies and institutes from the association are represented at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt. This includes Norafin from Mildenau in the Ore Mountains. It presents nonwoven solutions made from recycled fibers as well as ecological nonwovens made from flax, hemp, cellulose and sheep’s wool. The Vowalon company from Treuen in Vogtland presents innovative outdoor materials that are said to be particularly durable and weather-resistant. And the company CF Weber from Spitzkunnersdorf in East Saxony is driving the move away from so-called forever chemicals (PFAS). From 2027 it wants to offer the entire range free of such substances, it said.