Thuringia opens circular economy innovation hub
08/01/2026
TITK specialises in natural polymers, and notably man-made cellulosic fibres. It has been investigating lower impact sources of pulp to make lyocell, including hemp farming waste and recycled hemp. At the World Expo in Osaka Japan last year, it presented a polo shirt made from triple-recycled hemp lyocell fibre, or Lyohemp.
DICE also intends to focus on recycling processes for mixed textiles. It believes the hemp recycling process can be applied to cotton, but also aims to develop solutions for textile waste (both apparel and technical) generated in the region. “Closed regional material cycles are our goal,” commented TITK Director Benjamin Redlingshöfer.
The institute said it was working with 63 partners in the industry, citing brands such as Adidas, Vaude and Head.
Funding for the new site was provided by the Thuringia state, which backed the total investment of €11.5 million.
Image courtesy of TITK.
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