Whether for dyeing and waterproofing clothing or for producing fibres, the textile industry still uses fossil raw materials and chemicals that are harmful to both people and the environment. With a view to sustainability and resource efficiency, however, sustainable solutions are entering the market. Products made from recycled polyester fibres, waste materials from the food industry, high-tech fibres made from biotechnologically produced spider silk or dyes made from algae are just a few innovative examples. The International Competence Centre for Sustainable Chemistry (ISC3) wants to drive change in the textile industry. The fifth Innovation Challenge 2024 is therefore looking for start-ups and innovators from all over the world who offer solutions in the field of sustainable chemistry for textiles.

Promoting sustainable solutions for the textile sector

"Sustainable chemistry plays a crucial role in transforming the textile industry to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For this reason, we want to address, recognise and promote sustainable chemistry start-ups and their original solutions for the textile sector as part of this year's ISC3 Innovation Challenge," says Alexis Bazzanella, Director of the ISC3 Innovation Hub.

Environmentally friendly processes and materials

The competition focuses on the following topics: With a view to environmentally friendly production, ideas are sought that use new enzymatic processes to replace harmful chemicals in textile and leather production, use alternative fibre raw materials such as agricultural waste and recycled textile waste or offer new materials to replace synthetic fabrics or leather. Topics such as waste avoidance and minimisation as well as recycling are just as desirable as alternative business models that improve textile supply chains, secure jobs or address chemical leasing concepts for textile chemicals.