LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf provided information about the new Josef Ressel Center at the Biotech Campus Tulln
St. Pölten (OTS) – A Josef Ressel Center was founded on the Tulln Biotech Campus, where researchers from the Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences are researching new utilization strategies for textiles in cooperation with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) and the Technical University (TU). At a joint press conference in the House of Digitalization in Tulln today, LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf presented this new center: “The Josef Ressel Center in Tulln allows Lower Austria to continue to grow as a science location. This new facility is financed with investments of 2.16 million euros by the Christian Doppler Society and three companies. Seven researchers will be led by Dr. Christian Schimper is researching better ways to recycle textiles.”
The fashion industry causes ten percent of carbon dioxide emissions and 35 percent of microplastics worldwide. And this global problem is not getting any smaller, because clothes are now being produced ever faster and worn for less and less time, Pernkopf spoke about the trend towards so-called fast fashion. And while recycling has long been standard for paper, metal, glass, etc., at least in Europe, this has not yet happened enough with textiles. “The recycling rate for textiles is one percent worldwide and 17 percent in Austria,” said Pernkopf, who also emphasized: “But we need the circular economy and not a one-way system. Therefore, we in Lower Austria are now researching solutions to this global environmental problem.” This new research center strengthens science in Lower Austria and also brings a direct benefit to the economy. In addition, young scientists are trained at the Josef Ressel Center in Tulln. “Six master’s students, the researchers of the future, study here every year. The research at the Biotech Campus Tulln protects the environment, benefits the companies involved and creates skilled workers for the future,” the LH deputy continued.
Dr. Christian Schimper, head of the new Josef Ressel Center, said: “The European Union has decided that textiles must be collected separately and recycled. However, textile recycling is technically very difficult, especially when it comes to separating different materials such as cotton and polyester. We will develop innovative technologies and contribute to the circular economy of textiles.”
FH site manager Professor Birgit Herbinger and FH managing director Armin Mahr explained: “Top research in the field of biotechnology has been carried out here at the Technopol Campus Tulln for over 30 years. The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, the Technical University and the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, among others, are cooperating. Many representatives of the European textile industry are waiting for our results.”
Professor Thomas Rosenau, head of the Institute of Chemistry at BOKU, said: “Cellulose fibers are valuable raw materials that we have to recycle from textiles. We are researching how these fibers can change or retain their properties.”
Professor Hubert Hettegger, head of a Doppler laboratory, addressed another aspect and emphasized: “Josef Ressel centers work in a very application-oriented manner. The processes and products that are developed here should also be used in business and by companies. Polyester and cellulose should be separated during recycling, fed into the circular economy and ideally used again for textiles. Instead of using textile scissors, we work with molecular scissors to separate polyester and cellulose so that the materials can be recycled.”
Further information: DI Jürgen Maier, press spokesman for LH deputy Doctor Stephan Pernkopf, telephone 02742/9005–12704, mobile number 067681215283, email [email protected]
Questions & Contact:
Office of the Lower Austrian State Government
State Office Directorate/Public Relations
Ing. Mag. John Seiter
02742/9005-12174
presse@noel.gv.at
www.noe.gv.at/presse
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