FTILab+ develops innovative technologies and products for the processing and valorisation of locally grown bio-based materials for the textile, clothing and related industries.
Our current projects.
Skills4Circularity ('25-'29)
This project aims to train vocational and higher education students to meet the challenges of textile recycling. This will be achieved by developing a new training programme focused on textile recycling and the development of products made from recycled textiles.
Hemp4Textiles ('21-'24) en Flaxy-Hemp ('24-'28)
Hemp4Textiles is investigating how to improve the yield and quality of hemp fibres for high-value textile applications. The project focuses on optimizing cultivation techniques, harvesting methods, and the retting process. By increasing profitability at every stage of the value chain, its successor, Flaxy-Hemp, aims to make the cultivation of textile hemp more attractive to farmers and investors
SUSTEX ('20-'22) en SUSTEX 2.0 ('23-'26)
SUSTEX resulted in an online and physical catalogue of sustainable textile materials. During the project, hop, soya, and nettle stems were identified as fibre-rich crops with potential for textile applications. SUSTEX 2.0 focuses on improving the quality of fibres from these crops and evaluating their suitability for processing into yarns.
Valcelmat ('24-'28)
ValCelMat focuses on innovation in textile applications by transforming cellulose into high-value, sustainable materials. Through chemical modifications and eco-friendly processes, cellulose is given new functionalities, allowing it to become an essential ingredient for tomorrow's textile industry.
Our research output and publications.
Get in touch with our experts.
Jonas Van Rie
Cellulose chemistry, sustainable textile finishing, natural and synthetic fibres, electron microscopy, materials characterisation, fundraising
Simona Vasile
Textile technology, wearing comfort of clothing, quality control of textile materials, sustainability, project management, fundraising
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Alexandra Deraeve
Textile finishing, wearing comfort of clothing, sustainability, protective clothing, EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles, project management, fundraising, textile materials, product safety
Curious to learn more?
Do you find our research on bio-based materials interesting? Then be sure to visit the webpage of the FTILab+ and discover more research domains.