FiberFact Project Kicks Off in Enschede – Advancing Transparency in Circular Textiles

Press release
#01 from 15.03.2026

Sample product
On 10 March 2026, the FiberFact consortium officially launched its activities with a kick-off meeting at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede. Project part ners from Germany and the Netherlands, representing academia, industry, and sector organisations, came together to initiate their collaboration. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for partners to get to know each other, exchange expertise, and align on the project’s goals. A dedicated workshop helped refine the work plan, while dynamic discussions laid a strong foundation for effective cross-border cooperation throughout the project.

Addressing Key Challenges in the Textile Sector

The Dutch–German border region has a long and rich textile heritage. However, in recent decades, much of textile production has shifted to low-wage countries, while fast fashion has turned the industry into one of the most environmentally impactful sectors worldwide. At the same time, new European regulations are accelerating the transition towards a circular textile economy, requiring increased use of recycled materials. A major challenge remains: there is currently no objective and independent method to verify the actual share of recycled fibres in textile products. This lack of transparen cy complicates regulatory enforcement, enables greenwashing, and puts genuinely sustainable companies at a disadvantage.

Innovative Technologies for Verifying Recycled Content

The FiberFact project aims to address this gap by developing innovative analytical technologies capable of accurately determining the proportion of recycled fibres in textiles, as well as their origin. This includes distinguishing between pre- and post consumer materials and identifying whether fibres come from closed-loop or open loop recycling systems. Advanced data analysis, supported by artificial intelligence, will play a key role in enabling automated interpretation of measurement results.

From Research to Practical Application

The technologies developed within the project will be integrated into a prototype device, which will be tested on real textile products provided by industry partners. In parallel, the consortium will develop a roadmap for market implementation and work closely with policymakers to ensure practical applicability and regulatory relevance.

Strengthening a Circular and Transparent Textile Economy

By making recycled content measurable and verifiable, FiberFact contributes to reliable certification systems, strengthens sustainable SMEs, and enhances transparency across the textile value chain. At the same time, the project reinforces the Dutch–German border region’s position as a leading hub for green textile innovation.

Consortium and Funding

The FiberFact consortium consists of Saxion University of Applied Sciences, FH Münster - University of Applied Sciences, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Textechno Herbert Stein GmbH & Co. KG, Verband der Nordwestdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie e.V., Tailorlux GmbH, Textile4Ever, TextileLab (Nedlabs BV), and Frankenhuis Textielrecycling, supported by associated partners.

The FiberFact project is implemented under the Interreg VI programme Germany-Netherlands and is co-financed with €3,131,721.00 by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland.