With nearly 200 submitted presentations and growing multi-sector participation, the congress underscores the industry’s drive to innovate and adapt. The program spans 2.5 days, covering four central themes: Work- & Protective Wear / Defence, Carbon Stewardship (from biomass to carbon capture), and Fiber Innovations from production to application. Short expert inputs followed by interactive panel Q&As encourage open knowledge exchange and fast learning.
Robert van de Kerkhof, President of the Austrian Fiber Institute: “Our industry is at a crossroads. The urgency to decarbonize, rethink systems, and deliver scalable circular solutions has never been higher. But as Churchill said, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’ - “At Dornbirn GFC 2025, we’re not just reflecting on the challenges—we’re spotlighting the solutions. This congress is a call to action for those ready to move from intent to impact.”
Among the highlights:
a dedicated REHUBS session showcasing fiber-to-fiber recycling strategies and infrastructure progress
the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award, where startups pitch live to jury and audience,
the launch of MICRO|FORCE, a multi-stakeholder initiative tackling microplastic pollution in partnership with TU Crete, TU Wien, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Find out more in the current press release:https://www.dornbirn-gfc.com/en/press/press-releases
