The joint project is part of the BMBF funding programme "Research for Sustainability" with the focus on "Integrated Environmental Protection in the Textile Industry" (announcement of 06.10.1998).
The research results obtained through an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to the textile value chain are intended to show manufacturers and distributors the potential for environmentally friendly innovations which are characterised, for example, by reduced use of materials and energy, lower environmental impact during product manufacture, processing and disposal. This can be achieved through the optimisation of technical processes and products, process innovations and environmentally conscious operational management. These product-related environmental innovations can also lead to greater economic efficiency and maintain the competitiveness of companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and save jobs.