Developing textile fibers and materials

RISE offers support in the initial phase of the innovation process with expertise in idea and concept development. Services include, among others, feasibility studies where we analyze technical possibilities and sustainability aspects to ensure new ideas are feasible.

An important part is the integration of life cycle assessments (LCA) to quantify the environmental impact from "cradle to grave" for textile products or processes. The results provide a decision basis that contributes to sustainable business development. With a multidisciplinary team, we combine technical and material expertise with deep knowledge in sustainability analysis. The work is done in close collaboration with you as the customer.

RISE offers support in developing textile fibres and materials from a broad spectrum of raw materials – bio-based, synthetic, and recycled, including residual streams from, for example, agriculture and marine environments. 

The focus is on developing new textile fiber types and materials that meet requirements for functionality, sustainability, and resource efficiency, for use in, for example, apparel and technical textiles. Examples of raw materials we work with include natural polymers such as cellulose, alginate, chitosan, lignin, and proteins, as well as bio-based and recycled thermoplastics.

We work on developing both mono-component and multi-component fibers as well as yarn and nonwoven materials. Development of specific fiber functions, such as electrical conductivity, flame retardancy, or antibacterial properties, is also part of our offering. Read more:

• Development of melt-spun textile fibers
• Development of wet-spun textile fibers
• Development of functional fibers (page under construction)

For further processing and prototype or demonstrator development, we have equipment for texturizing, rewinding, and twisting, as well as equipment for yarn spinning, knitting, and nonwoven manufacturing. Explore:

• Post-processing of textile fibers
• Yarn development
• Development of nonwoven materials
• Development of filament and staple fibres

We specialise in both melt spinning  and wet spinning , including air-gap spinning, and handle a wide range of textile materials and fibre structures – from simple mono-component fibers to advanced multi-component fibres with varying cross-sections and material combinations.

Our processes are developed with a focus on efficiency, high quality, and adaptability to different applications. We have long experience evaluating spinnability of various raw materials and offer support throughout the entire development chain; from lab-scale experiments to upscaling in our pilot facilities, where we can go from monofilament to multifilament spinning. Explore our fibre development services:

• Evaluation of spinnability of thermoplastic materials
• Formulation and development of dope solutions
• Wet spinning, from lab to pilot
• Air-gap spinning, development and optimization
• Pilot-scale melt spinning

We offer advanced analysis of textile fibres and raw materials to ensure both technical performance and environmental properties. Raw materials, finished fibres, and textile products can be evaluated through mechanical, physical, and chemical analyses.

Examples of analyses:

• Crystallinity and porosity
• Chemical structure via FTIR
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)
• Thermal analyses, e.g. TGA and DSC
• Mechanical testing

RISE is also an authorised OEKO-TEX® institute with the right to certify according to STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD, MADE IN GREEN, STeP, and ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®.

RISE offers comprehensive innovation support for textile recycling, including pretreatment, recycling through mechanical, chemical, or thermomechanical techniques, as well as development of new materials and textile products from recycled raw materials. Explore our offer within textile recycling.