The R&D activities of Centexbel-VKC support the textile, plastic converting and related companies with the explicit aim to reinforce the innovation capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and to assist the industry in its transition to a sustainable future. As a research institution created by and for the industry, we initiate and participate in publicly funded pre-competitive research projects and in market-oriented contract research projects.

To guarantee total impartiality and to avoid any conflict of interest, we explicitly exclude all product development in those areas covered by the CE certification scope for which we are accredited.

The EU-funded DigInTraCE project will use innovative tracking, sensing and sorting techniques to develop a transparent and interoperable decentralised traceability platform focusing on the pulp and paper and chemicals sectors.

The goal of the Living Lab Carpet is to give a second life to carpets by establishing the framework conditions for reuse, repair and refurbishing business models.

By creating a versatile hybrid plug & play wearable sensor technology platform, expertise in functional skin adhesives and smart textiles will be combined with the aim of making wearable technology more accessible to SMEs.

Blueprint to reduce textile waste by 80%

Bio-Uptake aims to promote the sustainable adoption (a 39% increase) of bioplastic composites in the European manufacturing industry through a combined green and digital transformation.

The ALIGNED project will deliver a modelling framework to assess and optimise the environmental and socio-economic performance of bio-based industries.

CISUTAC will find a solution to the current bottlenecks in the transition to circular and sustainable textiles and clothing.

SUINK will do away with large amounts of copper cables in millions of cars by replacing them with bio-based piezoelectric modules. It is a great example of how a novel technology can reduce the use of raw materials while increasing the bio-based and/or recycled content in the automotive sector.

Development of a test method to assess Non-Intentionally added substances

The TOOL4LIFE project manufactures tools in thermoplastic materials with hybrid technology (AM followed by milling and in-mould coating). The process makes it possible to use less polymer material, consume less energy and emit less CO2.