Over the last few years Dornbirn-MFC (16 to 18 September 2015) has developed into a global brand, witness not only the growing number of participants but also their international background.

More than 100 high-calibre presentations by international experts from industry and academic research make the Dornbirn-MFC a unique event. Sustainability – in its ecological, social and economic aspects – forms the thematic starting point of this year's meeting. Subjects of seminal importance to the field of “ecology and health“ all focus on this topic, which is sure to give rise to most interesting discussions.

Following the traditional opening of the Conference by the Managing Director, Friedrich Weninger, and the President of the Austrian-MFI, Robert van de Kerkhof, and words of welcome on the part of Karlheinz Rüdisser of the Vorarlberg Provincial Government, the meeting did feature the following plenary lectures:

CIRFS / Meiercord: “The European chemical fibre industry – global overcapacities and other challenges“- The paper did review the global situation, the strengths of European industry and the challenge of overcapacities.

Form TL, Ingenieure für Tragwerk und Leichtbau / Schmid: “Innovative supporting frameworks and building shells“ - The paper did present visionary designs covering issues such as building physics, statics and sustainability as well as shapes, colours and light effects.

Wood K plus – Competence Centre for Wood /Stern, Hesser: “Forest, wood and fibres from the angle of sustainability and communication“ - Wood as the material of the future – a holistic approach to life-cycle analysis .

This year won Dr. Wilhelm Steinmann, Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen (G) the award for his paper “Electrically conductive fibers from nanocomposites“. The Honorary Award is conveyed upon Dr. Klaus Opwis, Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West Krefeld (G) for his work on “Innovative textiles for the recovery of noble metals“.

For the 2016 the Conference Dormbirn MFC has succeeded in winning EDANA (International Association of the Nonwoven Industry) as a sponsor for nonwovens and automotive applications. Pierre Wirtz, General Manager of EDANA, is looking forward to cooperating with Dornbirn FMC, since innovations in the fibre sector are key to the nonwoven industry and Dornbirn MFC is a strong partner supporting industry in the field of innovation.

Next year’s Dornbirn-MFC (20. To 22. September 2016) will be devoted to the following focal points: Fibers and Textiles in Automotive, Fibers for Nonwovens, Fiber Innovations, Finishing and Functional Additives.

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