The nova-Institut GmbH hosted its second edition of nova talks on May 12, 2026, focusing on textile recycling under the theme “Quo vadis? Just a hype or the next big thing?” The session explored whether current recycling innovations represent a genuine systemic shift toward circularity or risk fading before achieving large-scale impact. 

Event Overview
Organizer: nova-Institut GmbH

Date: May 12, 2026

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Format: Interactive online session with expert panel discussions

Theme: Textile Recycling – Quo vadis? Just a hype or the next big thing?

Key Speakers
Heli Kangas (Valmet)

Development Manager at Valmet, a global leader in process technologies for pulp, paper, and energy.

Shared insights on industrial-scale recycling, fibre processing, and circularity.

Melina Sachtleben Dahlmann (Institute for Textile Technology, RWTH Aachen University)

Research Assistant at ITA, one of Europe’s leading textile research centres.

Provided a research-oriented perspective on advanced fibres, sustainable textile solutions, and recycling innovation.

Dr. Asta Partanen (nova-Institut GmbH)

Senior Expert at nova-Institut, moderated the session.

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Highlighted the institute’s mission to defossilise carbon-dependent sectors and enable a circular carbon economy.

Discussion Highlights
Circular Textile Economy:  
The panel examined whether textile recycling is moving beyond hype into a systemic transformation.

Industrial vs Research Perspectives:

Valmet emphasized resource efficiency and industrial solutions for fibre recycling.

ITA showcased academic research linking high-performance fibres and smart textiles to sustainability goals.

SUSTAINABILTY

Technology & Innovation:

AI-driven sorting and fibre recovery technologies are emerging as enablers.

Integration of recycling into mainstream production remains a challenge.

Sustainability & Policy:

Recycling is critical to reducing textile waste and carbon emissions.

CREDITS: YouTube link shared by Verena Kuhlmann <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> an official id. The content has not been edited and reviewed by us.

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