Techtextil 2026 strengthens Fibrenamics’ international visibility

Fibrenamics’ participation in Techtextil 2026, in Frankfurt, strengthened the Institute’s international presence within the ecosystem of technical textiles, advanced materials and high-performance solutions. As part of the ATP – Portuguese Textile and Clothing Association delegation, Fibrenamics presented, over four days, a range of developments that demonstrate the potential of applied research in creating concrete responses for industry and society.

At an event that brought together companies, research centres and leading organisations from different countries, Fibrenamics’ presence made it possible to strengthen international contacts, explore new opportunities for collaboration and showcase expertise in fibrous materials, multilayer structures, advanced composites, sensing, sustainability and protection.

Among the solutions presented were developments aimed at the defence and protection sector, including protective clothing against chemical and technological agents, ballistic vests and helmets, as well as other applications that demonstrate the role of fibrous materials in highly demanding technical contexts.

Image 1 - Pluriprotech

Sustainability also played a central role in the Institute’s participation. One of the projects that attracted significant interest from visitors was WasteFibres, dedicated to the development of new man-made fibres from natural raw materials derived from agroforestry biowaste, industrial waste and sustainable marine vegetables. The project aims to study experimental procedures for the sustainable and efficient extraction of these raw materials, while also exploring different production processes — such as melt-spinning, wet-spinning and electrospinning — for the multiscale manufacture of more sustainable fibres.

This approach, linked to the valorisation of alternative resources and circularity, opens up new possibilities for different application areas, including apparel, footwear, home textiles and other fibre-based products. For Fibrenamics, projects such as WasteFibres demonstrate how waste and undervalued resources can be transformed into materials with higher added value, aligned with the current challenges facing industry.

Image 2 - Waste fibres

The healthcare area was also highlighted through solutions that demonstrate the contribution of fibrous materials to well-being, monitoring and improved quality of life. Among the examples presented was Fibrenamics for No Pressure 960, a development focused on monitoring patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Solutions for underwear with high liquid absorption capacity were also showcased, designed to respond to situations such as incontinence, potty training or menstruation, reinforcing the potential of advanced materials in close-to-user applications with a direct impact on everyday life.

Image 3 - Pijama 4NoPressure

In the construction sector, developments were presented that explore the integration of intelligence and performance into materials. Among them was a panel with capacitive sensing, capable of activating functions by proximity, without the need for physical contact.

Fibrenamics also presented its work on composite rebars, designed as a lighter alternative to conventional structural elements such as steel. These materials are also being explored for the integration of sensors capable of detecting deformations in structures through the incorporation of conductive components.

Image 4 - BCRs

In the automotive sector, Fibrenamics showcased multilayer fibrous structures and approaches focused on the recycling of these materials. Ongoing work includes the development of processes and formulations that facilitate the separation of the different layers, contributing to more sustainable solutions aligned with the sector’s circularity challenges.

Image 5 - Drivolution

Fibrenamics’ participation in Techtextil 2026 thus made it possible to demonstrate the breadth of its activity and its ability to apply scientific knowledge across different industrial sectors. From defence to healthcare, from construction to automotive, as well as sustainability and technical textiles, the projects presented reflect a strategy based on collaboration, knowledge transfer and the development of innovation with real impact.

With a network of more than 500 partners and 45 formal associates, Fibrenamics continues to strengthen its national and international presence, positioning itself as a strategic partner for companies seeking to develop new materials, improve existing products or explore new market opportunities.

Fibrenamics returns from Techtextil 2026 with new contacts, promising opportunities and renewed motivation to continue transforming science into innovation with impact.

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