The energy transition: a burden to industry or a chance for energy innovations? Rudolf Zauner (Verbund AG), expert for renewable energies, will start the opening day of the Dornbirn GFC with a plenary lecture on this question. With further decarbonization, the transition from fossil fuels to carbon-free and renewable energy sources, energy innovations and sector coupling for further and systemic solutions are moving into focus. Rudolf Zauner presents innovative energy solutions from Verbund AG and discusses what can be achieved when the worlds of industry, energy suppliers and start-ups meet and how the competitiveness of industry can be maintained.

Energy solutions session on Friday

On Friday, September 13, the topic of energy solutions will be explored in depth in a block of lectures in Hall C in collaboration with Institute for Textile Technology of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) and there industrial partners. This session highlights the intersection of nature, technology, and sustainability. Prof. Thomas Gries (Director of ITA): “These innovations represent a significant step towards a sustainable future. By integrating natural principles and advanced technologies, we can address some of the most pressing energy challenges of our time.”

Details of the presentations are listed in the main program.

Presentations on the European policy and regulatory landscape

The Dornbirn GFC also offers the visitors the latest information on the EU’s plans for new regulations and provisions for the fiber industry. Cornelia Mohor, from the European Commission, will provide information on this topic as a plenary speaker at the Dornbirn GFC on Wednesday, September 11: “A package of EU policies and upcoming regulations are redefining how textile products are made, sold and consumed in the EU. A review has been launched of the EU Textiles Labelling Regulation. Textile fibres and fibre innovations are an important topic of this planned review.”

In 2024, the classification of the presentations was revised so that even more specialist areas in the field of fiber innovations are now covered: Biopoymers, Biomaterials, High Performance, New Technologies, Natural Fibers, Surface Treatment, Raw Materials, Nonwovens and Circular Economy and Recycling.