The 56th International Dornbirn Man-Made Fibers Congress (Dornbirn MFC) held recently in Dornbirn, Austria, attracted more than 700 participants from 40 different countries. Organized by the Austrian Fibers Institute — formerly known as the Austrian Man-Made Fibers Institute — the event is held annually to support the launch of new fibers and fiber products, enable information and experience exchange, and to allow collaboration with organizations and universities with similar goals.
More than 100 expert lecturers from both industry and academia shared presentations at the event. In addition, the day before the congress began, 3 panel discussions, a workshop and forum were held to increase the learning opportunities.
Themes at this year’s congress focused on fiber innovations; fibers, textiles and nonwovens for hygienic and healthcare applications; fibers, textiles and nonwovens for protective applications; and fibers, textiles and nonwovens for sports and leisurewear.
During the event, the Paul Schlack/Wilhelm Albrecht Prize 2017 was awarded to two Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University employees — Dr. Gisa Wortberg for the “Development of Polyethylene-based Precursors for Thermochemical Stabilisation for Carbon Fibre Production,” and Dr. Andreas De Palmenaer for “Determination of Process Parameters for Continuous Production of Polyethylene-based Carbon Fibre.” The organizers appreciate the support and participation of the event sponsors including long-time supporters the City of Dornbirn and the Vorarlberg economic region; Austria-based Lenzing AG; the European Man-Made Fibres Association (CIRFS); EDANA – the Brussels-based international association serving the nonwovens and related industries; and Germany-based Industrievereinigung Chemiefasern Deutschland. More than 25 other companies and organizations also sponsored this year’s event.
Organizers report they have worked to strengthen the congress, and changes include incorporating natural as well as man-made fibers at the next event. The 57th Dornbirn congress will be held September 12-14, 2018. Topics to be covered at the event include fiber innovations, transport and mobility, recycling, energy storage, surface modification and additives, and additive technologies. Organizers now are accepting submissions for the 2018 event and interested parties may submit presentation proposals to the Austrian Fibers Institute.
November/December 2017
