The 64th Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) and 5th Innovation Days will take place in Dornbirn, Austria, from September 10–12, 2025. The event, the international meeting point for the fiber and textile industry, will lead the industry with more than 100 expert presentations focusing on sustainability, advanced materials, occupational safety, and digitalization.
Focus Topics: From Sustainability to Defense, and from Recycling to Innovation
Participants will share their knowledge and experiences on topics such as work and protective clothing, defense applications, carbon management, harnessing biomass, recycling, environmental protection, and fiber innovations.
The event will not only focus on technical knowledge transfer but also serve as a dynamic networking platform where young innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs will meet.
Keynote Speakers and Headline Topics at the Opening
The event will open on Wednesday morning, September 10th, at the Dornbirn Cultural Center, with three keynote speakers:
Brieuc Lits (Edana, BEL): “Driving Sustainability in Nonwoven Applications: Challenges, Innovations, and Solutions”: EDANA supports and showcases solutions that go beyond compliance, highlighting how the nonwovens industry is addressing environmental challenges while meeting essential societal needs.
Franz Josef Radermacher (FAW/n, GER): “ALL IN vs. All Electric – How Climate Action and Prosperity Can Succeed Internationally at the Same Time” The vision of ALL IN! encompasses defusing the climate crisis to enable a life of freedom, sustainable prosperity, social balance, and harmony with nature for 10 billion people. This goal is achievable between 2050 and 2070.
Frederic van Houte (CIRFS, BEL): “The Future of Man-Made Fibres in Europe: Challenges and Changes Ahead” Traditionally Van Houte will once again have the honour of presenting the prestigious Paul Schlack Prize, awarded annually to recognise outstanding achievements in fibre research and innovation.
Protective Clothing and Workwear Conference Series
As part of the event, leading companies in the industry will present the latest developments in workwear and protective clothing:
• Lenzing AG (Austria): “Boost your Physiological Performance with LENZING™ FR Fibers”
• XLANCE (Italy): “Innovative Stretch Technology for Workwear”
• TenCate Protective Fabrics (USA): “Beyond Heat and Flame: Meeting Demands in the FR Textile End-Use Market”
Other keynote speakers:
Textil Santanderina (ESP), Getzner Textil (AUT), Saentis Textiles (TUR), Klopmann (GER), Kermel (FRA), PBI (GER).
Innovation Days: Young Innovators Take the Stage
This year's 5th Innovation Days event offers a special platform for young entrepreneurs and startups. Participants will have the opportunity to present their innovations live on the main stage. A panel of industry experts will evaluate the presentations and select the most outstanding innovation to receive a special award.
The event aims to build a strong bridge between industry and academia and provide young talent with visibility on the international stage.
Who Should Attend Dornbirn GFC 2025?
• Fiber and yarn producers
• Technical textile companies
• Protective and workwear manufacturers
• Defense industry suppliers
• Sustainability experts
• Textile technology entrepreneurs and academics
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