Dornbirn-GFC 2019 will focus on sustainability

The annual congress event will be hosted by Lenzing AG, the associations of European Fibre Association (CIRFS) and German Fibre Association (IVC). As generator of ideas and networks, the Dornbirn-GFC would offer its platform to rethink on climate change, eco-social imbalances on the globe and sustainable resource management, according to a press release by Dornbirn-GFC.

At the congress, American expert Sarah-Jeanne Royer will present new research results and solutions from the internationally renowned marine research centre ‘Scripps Institution of Oceanography’ in California.

Criteria like how to deal with ‘digital footprint’ or ‘Life Cycle Analysis’ - that are used in the very performance-driven textile and nonwovens industry will be completely re-introduced into the evaluation in the future.

Top expert Stefan Achleitner from Palo Alto Networks in California, will provide profound insights into ‘Cyber Security’ and how does the actual landscape look like.

The first Dornbirn-GFC Startup Days will take place on September 11 - 12, in cooperation with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) at the congress. Because of being characterised by a different development dynamic in comparison to established companies, startups often have to face failure. In spite of innovative ideas, gap closure between technology and the market are regularly missing in startups. The Startup Days will provide a networking platform for young companies in the areas of smart fibres, smart applications, smart sportstech and outdoor, smart sustainability and circular economy. Young scientists will discuss on the hot topic ‘startups’ guided by the industry consulting firm Syngroup.

On the opening day, a lecture will be given on ‘Man-made fibres in Europe: new as well as existing challenges in a politically changing environment’ by Necat Altin, CEO of CIRFS. Uday Gil, CEO of Indorama Ventures will profoundly explore the challenges of sustainability of synthetic fibres, as well as shed some light on future prospects in his lecture. Robert van de Kerkhof, CCO of Lenzing will address the topic from the perspective of the cellulose fibre industry.

A highly interesting discussion about ‘circular economy’ with the three worldwide biggest fibre producers will be held at the congress. Furthermore, there will be discussion on what does the rapidly growing sports brand Lululemon expect from the fibre industry and how will the EU Commission accelerate this concern. Speakers will try to provide insights and answers in regards to this future-oriented matter led by experienced industry consultant Walter Woitsch of Partner Syngroup.

Specialists with expertise and practical experience will elucidate whether digitalisation will boost innovation in the European economy. High-level representatives of the industry and IT will debate about the current situation on topics like ‘Can Europe compete with Silicon Valley in terms of innovation environment’, or ‘Is it already time for a Silicon Valley & beyond’. 

Robert Rosellen of Microsoft will show how technology from the software industry can make a positive contribution to recycling management and sustainability. The digitalisation expert will provide new aspects and innovations relevant to the field.

Furthermore, participants of the Dornbirn-GFC can expect more than 100 expert lectures on key topics including fibre innovations, circular economy and sustainability, digitalisation and smart textiles, sports and leisure wear, nonwovens and technical textiles.

A nice conclusion of the congress will offer all the participants the opportunity to socialise and network as well as exchanging know-how in a different light. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India