Despite the pandemic, Belgian companies, universities and research institutions filed almost as many patent applications with the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2020 as they did in 2019.

Recticel invented and patented an improved method to recycle and reuse PUR materials.

From 1 March 2021, SMEs can apply for 50% of the fees for applying for trademarks and designs (valid in 2021 only!)

Patent news: Ontex has invented a substrate, absorbent article and method for wetness monitoring that can be easily incorporated in production lines, that saves time and money (childcare and elderly homes) and enhances comfort!

Duratex focused on the development of Eco-friendly water and oil repellent textiles for building and architectural applications. Research results are now published!

The European Commission has tasked VITO, eco-logic and CENTEXBEL to organize a study on the Technical, Regulatory, Economic and Environmental Effectiveness of Textile Fibres Recycling.

Launched on May 5th, the "Covid-19 approved by Centexbel" is being issued to an ever growing number of companies

The invention by Milliken & Co generally relates to creating magnetic scrims for easier processing for molding applications.

At the beginning of July last year, a number of amendments came into force under the REACH legislation and the POPs Regulation (read more). It is now announced that a very important exception is foreseen for medical devices, which will allow certain companies to continue to use these components up to a certain level. But for medical devices only!

New Regulation 2016/26 on nonylphenol ethoxylates in water-washable textiles was published 13/01/16 and enters in force as from 03/02/21. The regulation sets the limit value of NPEO in washable textiles at 100 mg/kg.