Dornbirn GFC 2026 marked 65 years of the Fiber Congress, bringing together more than 400 participants representing almost 30 countries and around 250 companies to exchange knowledge, present innovations and discuss developments across the global fiber industry.
Founded in 1962, the Fiber Congress has developed as a platform connecting science and industry. The event was renamed the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress in 2018 as its international reach expanded.
The 2026 edition highlighted the theme of “Connect, Create & Catalyse”, reflecting the Congress’s role in connecting generations, countries and disciplines, supporting ideas and partnerships, and helping move innovations towards research and development, scale-up and commercialisation.
“For the first time in our 65-year history, Dornbirn GFC has a woman as Managing Director. Béatrice combines a deep understanding of science, technology and industry with something equally important: a belief in connecting people, because innovation happens when the right people find each other. I am very proud that she is leading the next chapter of Dornbirn GFC,” said Robert van de Kerkhof, President, Austrian Fibres Institute.
Connect, Create & Catalyse
The Congress describes Connect as bringing together students, researchers, experts, professors and senior executives to address industry-wide challenges.
Create focuses on developing ideas, partnerships and solutions by bringing together companies from the global fiber sector with universities, start-ups, business angels, brands, associations and other stakeholders.
Catalyse reflects the Congress’s focus on moving innovations from ideas towards concepts, R&D projects, scale-up and commercialisation.
The Congress also highlighted initiatives recognising researchers, innovators and emerging ideas, including the Paul Schlack Prize, Dornbirn GFC Thinkathon, Innovation Award and Lenzing Young Scientist Award.
First Dornbirn GFC Thinkathon recognises student-industry collaboration
The winning team of the first Dornbirn GFC Thinkathon comprised students from TU Wien, HTL Dornbirn and industry.
The team’s project, ECPC (Extended Consumer and Producer Cooperation), links each garment to a digital coin that follows the product throughout its value chain. When the garment is correctly disposed of, the coin’s value is returned to the consumer.
Under the proposed model, material losses caused by recycling limitations would be compensated through an EPR fee linked to the efficiency of the circular process. The concept is designed to create incentives for producers to develop recyclable garments and for consumers to dispose of used textiles correctly.
The jury comprised André Wissenberg of Barmag, Lynn Wan of lululemon and Simon Riepler of Beaulieu Fibres and Asota.
The participating companies offered support for the project’s further development. If the team succeeds in developing a viable business plan, the companies have committed to providing financial support for its implementation.
“The Thinkathon brought students and industry experts together, catalysing innovative ideas to shape a stronger, more sustainable fibre industry. Following this first success, I plan to make it an integral part of the Dornbirn GFC,” said Béatrice Moureaux, Managing Director, Dornbirn GFC.
Lenzing Young Scientist Awards 2026
The Lenzing Young Scientist Awards 2026 recognised research in cellulose-based materials and sustainable textile applications.
Julia Nikolaus of TU Graz received recognition for her Master’s thesis, “Production of Cellulose Separators Using the IoncellTM Process for Electrochemical Applications.” Her work investigated porous regenerated cellulose membranes produced through the IoncellTM process and CaCO3 templating. The membranes demonstrated potential for use in supercapacitors and sustainable energy storage.
Nicole Nygren-Sundell of Aalto University was also recognised for research on the development of dope-dyeing of cellulosic fibres for sustainable textiles. The work focuses on resource savings and improved colour fastness, with the produced fibres showing mechanical properties and recyclability using the same production methods.
Paul Schlack Prize 2026 awarded to Momo Naeimirad
The Paul Schlack Prize 2026 was awarded to Momo Naeimirad of Senbis B.V. Polymer Innovations / University of Amsterdam.
The recognised research, titled “PolyBioDeg: Structure-properties of melt-spun bioplastic fibres in correlation with their biodegradation behavior and mechanical performance,” examines the relationship between the structure and properties of melt-spun bioplastic fibres, their biodegradation behaviour and mechanical performance.
The Paul Schlack Prize recognises research and innovation in the field of man-made fibres.
Polyester Infinity wins Innovation Award 2026
Nine participants presented their companies’ innovations through five-minute Innovation Pitches before an expert jury and audience.
The jury comprised Dimitri Deheyn of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Lynn Wan of lululemon and Elke Hortmeyer of Bremen Cotton Exchange, with additional ratings from the audience.
The Innovation Award 2026 was presented to Richard S. Blackburn from the University of Leeds for Polyester Infinity, a fully circular polyester technology enabling CO2-switchable dyeing and decoloration.
Dornbirn GFC Asia to debut in China
Following the 65th Dornbirn GFC, the Congress will take its next international step with the first Dornbirn GFC Asia, scheduled for 5 November 2026 in Keqiao, Shaoxing, China, in cooperation with the China Textile Information Center (CTIC).
The event will take place under the theme “Fiber Materials for the Future: Innovation, Circularity & Global Value Chains.” It will bring the Dornbirn GFC community together with Chinese industry, research organisations and innovators, with a focus on connections and collaboration between Europe and China.
Further details, including the programme and speakers, are expected to be announced in a dedicated Dornbirn GFC Asia press release in October.
“Dornbirn GFC has always been more than a congress, it is a community, and for many of us, a family. I am deeply proud to lead it into its next chapter. Connect, Create and Catalyse mean bringing people together, giving ideas room to grow and helping turn them into impact. Taking Dornbirn GFC to China is our first concrete step in shaping that future together,” said Béatrice Moureaux, Managing Director, Dornbirn GFC.