News & Blog
by BIOTEXFUTURE
Within the BIOTEXFUTURE cluster, the CO2Tex project introduces innovative paths for sustainable elastic yarns. In the context of the overarching BIOTEXTFUTURE project, the Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) and the Chair for Technology and Organizational Sociology (STO) at RWTH Aachen, together with adidas, strive to achieve the transition of the entire textile value chain to bio-based materials.
CO2Tex stands out as a central project within BIOTEXFUTURE, focusing on CO2-containing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as an alternative to conventional elastane. This project revolutionizes elastic yarn production by eliminating toxic solvents, not only reducing environmental impact but also enabling potential industrial mass production.
The overarching BIOTEXFUTURE project, led by ITA, STO, and adidas, aims for a swift translation of fundamental research into practical applications. Traditional textiles are to be replaced by sustainable, biobased materials, with CO2Tex playing a pivotal role by demonstrating advancements in the development of commercially viable elastic filament yarns from CO2-containing TPU.
CO2Tex’s goal by October 2024 is to establish these environmentally friendly yarns on an industrial scale, replacing conventional elastane. The project not only focuses on technological advancements but positions itself as a pioneer for sustainable development across the textile industry. By integrating CO2Tex into BIOTEXFUTURE, the vision of an eco-friendly and bio-based future in the textile industry takes a significant step forward.
Modularity is not a new concept. For decades, it has shaped architecture, furniture and industrial design. Applying it to soft textiles, however, opens up an entirely new discussion.
Creativity and curiosity have always been our driving force. Our work evolves through prototypes—never finished, always raising new questions about materials, processes, and possibilities.
Both the fashion and textile industry often celebrates creativity. Yet many of the industry’s creative decisions are made long before a designer ever begins designing. Colour being one of them. The thing is, by the time a designer selects yarn, someone else has already determined the available colours, sequences and combinations. Choice exists, but only within boundaries.
“Through hands-on experimentation, I explore the potential of new surfaces and alternative forms of leather, aiming to reconnect human life with the natural world as an interconnected fabric.”
