Developing textile fibres and innovative textile materials

We support the early innovation phase through idea and concept development. This includes feasibility studies where technical possibilities, material choices and sustainability aspects are evaluated to ensure that new solutions are viable.

An important element is the integration of life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify environmental impact from raw material to finished product. These results provide a data-driven foundation for both sustainability strategies and business development.

Through a multidisciplinary team, we combine materials science, process engineering and sustainability analysis in close collaboration with our clients.

RISE supports the development of textile fibres and materials from a wide range of raw materials — including bio-based, synthetic and recycled sources, as well as side streams from agriculture and marine environments.

Our work focuses on developing new fibre types and materials that meet requirements for performance, durability and resource efficiency for applications such as apparel and technical textiles.

Examples of raw materials we work with include natural polymers such as:

• Cellulose
• Alginate
• Chitosan
• Lignin
• Proteins

as well as bio-based and recycled thermoplastics.

We develop:

• Monocomponent fibres
• Multicomponent fibres
• Yarn structures
• Nonwoven materials

We also work with the development of functional fibre properties such as:

• Electrical conductivity
• Flame retardancy
• Antibacterial functionality

Further processing and prototype development can be supported with equipment for texturing, rewinding, twisting, yarn spinning, knitting and nonwoven production.

Related services include:

• Development of melt-spun textile fibres
• Development of wet-spun textile fibres
• Development of functional fibres
• Textile fibre finishing
• Yarn development
• Nonwoven material development
• Filament and staple fibre development

We specialise in melt spinning and wet spinning, including air-gap spinning, and work with a wide range of materials and fibre structures — from simple monocomponent fibres to advanced multicomponent fibres with varying cross-sections and material combinations.

Our processes are developed with a focus on efficiency, high quality and adaptability for different applications.

We have extensive experience in evaluating the spinnability of new materials and support the full development chain — from laboratory experiments at small scale to scale-up in our pilot facilities, where we can move from monofilament to multifilament spinning.

Services include:

• Evaluation of spinnability of thermoplastic materials
• Formulation and development of spinning dopes
• Wet spinning from lab to pilot scale
• Air-gap spinning development and optimisation
• Pilot-scale melt spinning

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

Examples of analysis methods include:

• Crystallinity and porosity analysis
• Chemical structure analysis using FTIR spectroscopy
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
• Thermal analysis such as TGA and DSC
• Mechanical testing

RISE is also an authorised OEKO-TEX® institute, accredited to certify according to:

• STANDARD 100
• LEATHER STANDARD
• MADE IN GREEN
• STeP
• ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®

RISE offers comprehensive innovation support for textile recycling, including:

• Pre-treatment of textile materials
• Mechanical recycling
• Chemical recycling
• Thermomechanical recycling
• Development of new materials and textile products from recycled raw materials

How can we meet upcoming chemical legislation such as PFAS restrictions?

By analysing materials, additives and production processes, alternative solutions can be identified that meet both functional requirements and future legislation. RISE helps companies evaluate chemical content and develop more sustainable material solutions.

How can traceability be established at fibre and raw material level?

Traceability can be achieved through material identification, documentation of raw materials and analytical methods that allow materials to be tracked throughout production and recycling.

What potential do side streams from forests or marine environments have as fibre raw materials?

Side streams can serve as valuable raw materials for new bio-based fibres. Through material analysis and process development, their fibre properties and application potential can be evaluated.

How does fibre development influence product design and material composition?

New fibre solutions influence material properties such as strength, flexibility and functionality, which in turn affect how textile products can be designed and manufactured.

Which production technology is most suitable for our application?

The choice between technologies such as melt spinning, wet spinning or air-gap spinning depends on the material type, functional requirements and desired fibre structure.

Which standards and certifications should be considered when developing new fibres?

Depending on the application, relevant standards and certifications may include OEKO-TEX®, REACH-related requirements and product-specific standards.