During the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) on 27 November 2025, Master's student Janne Warnecke and Bachelor's student Jasmin Roos received the Walter Reiners Foundation Promotion and Sustainability Awards for their innovations combining technical precision with recyclable material concepts.

Small tolerances, big impact

In her master's thesis, Janne Warnecke used finite element modelling to analyse the influence of mechanical tolerances in fabric take-up systems on tension distribution within woven fabrics. She demonstrated that deviations as small as one millimetre in roller geometry can lead to tension differences exceeding 600 percent. Her study enables weaving machine manufacturers to better evaluate and optimise the geometric design and tolerances of their systems. For her contribution to improving process reliability and product quality, she received the Promotion Award worth 3,500 euros.

A recyclable alternative to elastane

Jasmin Roos was awarded the Sustainability Prize, including 3,000 euros in prize money, for her work on recyclable alternatives to conventional elastane. Under the supervision of ITA scientist Ricarda Wissel, she investigated melt-spun yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). By blending TPC with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and successfully spinning the materials into yarns on laboratory and pilot scale, she demonstrated the potential for closed-loop textile recycling without the need for harmful solvents.

Advancing sustainable textile engineering

The research of both award winners reflects the ITA’s focus on combining technological excellence with sustainability. As part of the International Centre for Sustainable Textiles, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) conducts global research and training with about 400 employees. Together, these studies contribute to the transition towards circular, resource-efficient textile production.