“With WAVE, we are addressing a highly relevant topic that meaningfully combines ecological requirements, material innovation, and regional value creation,” explains Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Ficker, project lead and Head of the Institute of Materials Science (ifm) at Hof University of Applied Sciences.
Demand for environmentally compatible products in thermal insulation and acoustics is steadily increasing, as many conventional solutions are made from petrochemical raw materials, contain composite structures that are difficult to separate, and are often neither recyclable nor biodegradable. The market is therefore calling for a new generation of insulation products made from renewable or recycled resources, free from adhesives or critical additives, and recyclable or compostable—without compromising thermal or acoustic performance. This is precisely where the WAVE research project comes in.
“We see a clear market demand, but also enormous untapped potential in regionally available raw materials such as wool,” emphasizes Isabell Korn, research associate at the ifm and project manager. “Our approach is to make this resource functionally usable in a targeted way and to transfer it into a market-ready textile system.”
Innovative Solution: Textile 3D Panels Made from Regional Wool
The project’s objective is to develop a fully textile 3D panel system that combines both thermal insulation and acoustic effectiveness—based on regionally available wool fibers. In addition to high functionality, the textile structure promises design flexibility and mechanical stability that go beyond conventional insulation materials. The project not only addresses the functional requirements of modern insulation materials but also makes use of a locally available surplus raw material: wool that accumulates in the region and has so far rarely been utilized in functional construction products.
“Textile structures enable us to combine functionality, stability, and design within a single material system,” explains Corinna Anzer, Deputy Project Lead and Head of Weaving, Braiding, and Yarn Development at the Institute of Materials Science (ifm). “This opens up new pathways for sustainable insulation and acoustic solutions in interior construction.”
From Laboratory to Industrial Application
The development process includes an initial laboratory phase at the ifm, during which functional textile structures and filling concepts will be developed and tested. This will be followed by transfer to industrial scale at Möbelstoffweberei Reich e.K., accompanied by continuous knowledge exchange and evaluation. By the end of the project, a market-ready prototype is expected to demonstrate verified acoustic and thermal performance while meeting the requirements of modern interior construction solutions.
“For us, the close integration of research and practice is a key success factor,” says Claudia Schödel-Reich of Möbelstoffweberei Reich e.K. “Early involvement in the development process ensures that a good idea can ultimately become an industrially viable product.”
Opportunities for the Future of Interior Construction
The textile insulation panels developed within the project could in the future offer a sustainable alternative to conventional products in office, educational, or cultural buildings, contributing to improved room acoustics, thermal comfort, and environmentally responsible construction.
“Particularly in interior construction, there is growing demand for flexible, sustainable, and aesthetically appealing solutions,” adds Isabell Korn. “Textile panel systems can offer genuine added value here.”
With WAVE, an innovative solution is set to combine sustainable material use, regional value creation, and technological excellence—sending a positive signal for the future of the textile industry in Upper Franconia and beyond.
A Fortunate Coincidence at TextilTreff Oberfranken
The project idea originated from an encounter at “TextilTreff Oberfranken,” a networking event organized by Bayern Innovativ GmbH and the Association of the Bavarian Textile and Apparel Industry (VTB), which regularly invites stakeholders to exchange views on current trends and innovations in the textile industry. The discussions between representatives of Reich weaving mill, the ifm, and Felix Meier of neowistra led to the initiative for a joint research proposal and its subsequent approval under the ZIM program.
“The TextilTreff once again demonstrated how important personal encounters and open dialogue are for innovation,” emphasizes Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Ficker.
The innovative project strengthens the regional textile industry and promotes knowledge transfer between academia, medium-sized craft enterprises, and technology experts.
Contact for scientific information:
Prof. Dr. Frank Ficker
Corinna Anzer
