There was a special distinction for two graduates from the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) during the farewell ceremony: they each received 1500 euros in prize money for their outstanding theses.

The TFN (Textile and Fashion Network e.V.) honored Luisa Verbocket, while the Verband der Rheinischen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie e.V. donated a further 1500 euros to Vivien Beckmann.

Luisa Verbocket (26), who completed her Bachelor's degree programme in Textile and Clothing Technology - Textile Technologies at HSNR with a Master's degree in Textile Products, chose the title "Analysis and optimization of the processing of recycled post-consumer textiles on a flat card" for her thesis.

Among other things, she developed a classification scheme with which the many different raw material components of mechanically recycled textiles can be systematized.

In tests on a flat card (carding machine), the Mönchengladbach native investigated the relationships between the machine settings, the processing behavior of the raw material components and the product properties.

For her master's thesis, she collaborated with the company Trützschler, where she has been working as a textile technologist in the field of recycling and sustainability since January 2024. Luisa Verbocket would like to go on vacation with the prize money.

Vivien Beckmann from Kirchhundem in the Sauerland region developed a modular outdoor jacket for the company FALKE as part of her Bachelor's thesis.

The 27-year-old, who completed the dual degree programme in Textile and Clothing Technology at HSNR with an area of specialization in product development, combines functionality with design in her prototype of an outdoor jacket. Various components can be exchanged, removed or added depending on taste and weather conditions for even more comfort.

The modular outdoor jacket made from high-quality materials consists of an outer jacket and two inner jackets for spring/summer and fall/winter. The inner jackets can either be connected to the outer jacket or worn separately. The outer jacket can easily be converted into a vest by removing the sleeves and the hood can be detached.

Vivien Beckmann already gained experience with production and manufacturing processes during her studies in FALKE's travel technician team. She has continued to work for the company since completing her bachelor's degree.

The 27-year-old would like to use the prize money to renovate her house.