Center Textile Logistics CTL

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A warm welcome!

The Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) in Dortmund have joined forces to form the Center Textile Logistics (CTL). Two teams cooperate under the joint leadership of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet, one in the office in Mönchengladbach and one in the office in Dortmund. There are currently four scientific research assistants in Mönchengladbach and three in Dortmund.

Under the motto "Logistics for textiles - textiles for logistics", the CTL aims to bundle its expertise to apply innovative solutions in practical applications. The CTL works on innovative solutions to be transferred into practice as well as on current research topics in the field of textile logistics in the Lower Rhine region. The two working groups in Dortmund and Mönchengladbach complement each other and contribute their respective strengths and expertise.

The optimization of logistics processes in the textile industry on the one hand and the application of textile technologies for production and logistics on the other are strived to be achieved. Focus is laid on five lines of research:

  • sustainable textile logistics
  • textile logistics of the last mile
  • intralogistics and IT in the textile chain
  • textile logistics for intelligent clothing
  • high-performance textiles in production and logistics

Head of the institute

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet
Head of Center Textile Logistics CTL Textile Logistics

Fraunhofer IML

 

"Logistics is a decisive success factor in the textile industry. This has to do with rapid seasonal changes, the high import quota, returns in online retail and a variety of other aspects. Logistics is an essential core competence for textile companies. This is where science can provide crucial support to the economy."

 

PROF. DR.-ING. MARKUS MUSCHKIET
Head of theCenter Textile Logistics at the Fraunhofer IML and the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences

Publication of the SRH Textile Guide
Textile purchasing and disposal guide

To mark World Recycling Day, Stadtreinigung Hamburg, the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer IML presented Germany's first guide to the purchase and disposal of textiles.
Fast fashion is contributing to the fact that textiles are being disposed of faster and faster and the amount of used clothing is growing. Against this background, the purchasing and disposal guide for textiles was created, which provides tips on purchasing, using and disposing of textiles. It also rates different fabric fibres in terms of their sustainability using a traffic light system.

Sven Winterberg, Head of Sales at Stadtreinigung Hamburg: "Textiles should be attractive, but they should also last a long time. As Stadtreinigung Hamburg, it is important to us to reduce the amount of waste and close cycles in the best possible way. However, this is being counteracted by phenomena such as online shopping and fast fashion. It is therefore important to us to raise consumer awareness of the sustainable consumption of textiles and to impart skills. In collaboration with the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer Institute, we have therefore developed a guide that, in addition to the environmental properties of different textile fibres, also deliberately provides information on the care, repair and correct disposal of textiles. In this way, we want to help ensure that textiles are not only seen from a fashion perspective, but that it is also recognised that they cause a large consumption of resources that needs to be reduced."

Prof. Dr. Markus Muschkiet, Head of the Center Textile Logistics at the Fraunhofer IML and the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences: "To create the guide, we used our expertise in textile technology to pass on tips for conscious purchasing decisions and the use phase of clothing products - for example through repair and care tips - in the spirit of holistic sustainability. In order to promote the long-term potential recyclability of textiles through utilisation and recycling processes, practical disposal and take-back instructions have been added."

Dirk Zimmer, Head of Recycling Centres & Managing Director of STILBRUCH: "At our recycling centres, we notice that customers are often unsure about the correct disposal of used textiles in particular. That's why we want to use the Textile Guide to highlight and encourage the fact that many used textiles can be turned into something new. Collection at our twelve recycling centres ensures that used textiles are subsequently reused or downcycled and thus returned to the cycle. Customers can also hand in their well-preserved clothing at STILBRUCH, SRH's second-hand department stores. We offer them for sale there as second-hand goods at favourable prices. Today, the used clothing collections from the two recycling centres at Krähenweg 22 and Feldstraße 69 already go directly to STILBRUCH and are therefore partly reused."

v.l.n.r. Dirk Zimmer, Sabrina Mauter, Prof. Dr. Markus Muschkiet sowie Sven Winterberg
Re3Tex - Multimedia Handbook

This multimedia handbook is the first published output as part of the project "RE3TTex- Structural changes for circular economies in the textile and clothing industry using the example of a model implementation" funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). The RE3Tex project is based on the goal of initiating structural changes in the clothing industry that strengthen a circular economy and thus enable a significant increase of sustainability in the industry. Part of the project is the development of a multimedia handbook to increase repairability and recyclability and its implementation for clothing manufacturers. The handbook contains images and videos to illustrate textile repair processes and recycling procedures.

Table of contents

After the introduction in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 outlines the textile and clothing industry in Germany and explains the textile value chain so that all process steps are clearly defined. The environmental impact of the industry is then discussed, which leads to the need for a resource-conserving and recyclable supply chain. The principle of closed-loop management is thus explained and reiterates the objective of the RE3Tex project to initiate structural changes in the clothing industry that strengthen a circular economy.

Chapter 3 focuses on existing take-back systems for textile repair processes and recycling. A distinction is made between take-back systems for repair and take-back systems for recycling. Chapter 4 then presents repair and refreshing methods, such as detaching or sewing repairs. The textile product properties that influence the potential for reprocessing and repair are also discussed. Chapter 5 uses the same approach to describe textile recycling processes for a closed cycle. First, the methods of textile recycling are explained and then the textile product properties that influence the recycling potential are discussed. This results in recommendations for action to increase the reparability and recyclability of clothing are discussed in Chapter 7. Insights into the consumer perspective are presented in Chapter 6. The handbook concludes with a summary and an outlook on future developments.

Table of contents

Download (in German)

New blockchain study

Content
This study was developed in cooperation between the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML and The Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. It aims to identify specific potential for the use of the blockchain technology in textile logistics. Therefore, current trends and developments in the textile and clothing industry are highlighted and the current status of digitalization in the sector is shown by various examples. An environmental analysis shows the political, legal, economic, ecological, social and technological influencing factors that are potentially relevant for the use of blockchain technology or that could influence its penetration on the market. Specific potential and future applications for the blockchain technology in textile logistics are identified and summarized in a vision for the future.

The Center Textile Logistics wishes you an enjoyable read!

Table of contents

Download (in German)

Blockchain Navigator

The Blockchain Navigator Series
The Blockchain Navigator publication series provides insights into current research results from Blockchain Europe, a project to establish the European Blockchain Institute in North Rhine-Westphalia. It presents scientific insights as well as practice-oriented guidelines and methods as a toolbox to enable the effective and targeted use of the blockchain technology in the business processes of various industries - from the initial consideration to the actual introduction of it. The studies also identify the potential for the use of the blockchain technology in various logistics areas and thus provide exciting starting points for future research activities in the blockchain context.

Blockchain Navigator Series »

Sustainability on the "last mile"

  • Logistics of the future - futuristic means of transport in city centers
  • Small-scale distribution in fashion logistics
  • Characteristics and future strategies on the "last mile" of textile logistics in Europe (optionally Asia, USA, ...)
Natalie Fohrer, M.Sc.
Center Textile Logistics CTL

Circular economy and recycling

  • Market analysis: proportion of raw materials used in the textile and clothing industry and their origin
  • Analysis of the useful life of textile (clothing) products including a consideration of the use phase
  • Examination of the motives/motives for the disposal of clothing products using the example of used textile collection with a specialisation in durability
  • Analysis of research and practical textile test results to evaluate the durability of clothing products
  • Analysis of the materials and yarns available on the international market with recycled content from pre- and post-consumer textile waste
Sabrina Mauter, M. Sc.

Packaging in online retail

  • Alternative packaging systems (replacement of polybags)
  • Optimization of shipping packaging
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Marija Meyerhoff
Center Textile Logistics CTL

Passive climate control in containers

  • Comparison of passive (textile) systems for air humidity regulation
  • Comparison of active and passive climate control during the transportation of textiles
  • Requirements for non-securing textile aids in a container

Textile circular economy

Contact person: Sabrina Mauter

Textile recycling

The current value chain of the textile and clothing industry, with its linear orientation, generates large quantities of used textiles and has a negative impact on the environment through the use of water, chemicals and pesticides, among other things. With the introduction to a textile circular economy, resources can be saved and the consumption of chemicals, pesticides and other inputs can be reduced. The aim is to start the textile chain from the beginning by recycling used textiles in order to close the loop. The circular economy model is aimed at combating the waste of resources and environmental pollution and supports measures to prevent climate change.

The recycling of used textiles faces many challenges and is exposed to various influencing factors. Measures to improve the used textiles market need to be researched.

Ecodesign and durability

The production volume of textile fibers has roughly tripled since 1975. The largest increase can be seen in the synthetic polyester fiber. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation found out that more than half of the "fast fashion products" produced are disposed of in less than a year. The use of clothing, i.e. the average number of times an item of clothing is worn before it is no longer used, has decreased worldwide.The environmental impact of the production and disposal of textiles associated with increased consumption has a significant global impact on people and the environment.

In order to reduce the negative impact of clothing textiles on people and the environment, our research projects focus on the eco-design of products. Ecodesign is a systematic and comprehensive design approach for products in order to reduce environmental impacts over the entire life cycle through improved product design.

Used textile sorting analyses

Used textiles sorting analysis 2021

The recycling of textiles is increasingly becoming important in terms of a sustainable circular economy. The Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences Center Textile Logistics and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML are carrying out analyses of used textiles for this purpose. Used textiles are one of many basic building blocks for the implementation of textile recycling. The return of existing raw materials to the material cycle promotes the conservation of resources and the reduction of ecological environmental impacts.

During the used textile sorting analysis, the used textiles are sorted into up to three differentiation levels. The first differentiation level is made up of the following three main groups: Miscast, textiles for recycling, textiles for reuse. In addition, the used textiles are sorted according to their original use (e.g. women's outerwear, children's clothing, household linen, etc.) and material composition.

The analysis enables important data to be collected in relation to downstream recycling. In this way, fundamental factors influencing collection quality and recycling can be identified and optimized.

Video about the CTL's used textile sorting analysis

Link to the press release

Small-scale distribution in fashion logistics

Contact person:Natalie Fohrer

Sustainability on the "last mile"

Due to the growing e-commerce, the volume of goods and transportation in inner-city conurbations is rising sharply. Courier, express and parcel service providers (CEP), which specialize on the small-scale distribution of consumer goods, are therefore confronted with the dilemma of urban logistics: With around 6 to 10 % of the traffic volume in city centers, they contribute significantly to higher external costs of traffic, such as emissions, congestion, noise or traffic accidents (cf. Logistik Knowhow 2017). At the same time, there is a need to shift traffic, as urban infrastructure is often already at its capacity limit. CEP services are also pursuing the ambition of reducing delivery costs on the "last mile" and meeting the increasing demands of consumers for time slot delivery or same-day delivery through optimized performance. The transportation of clothing can generate additional challenges, such as the handling of hanging garments. Innovative delivery concepts are needed that promise success for CEP and at the same time create sustainable added value for city logistics.

Packaging

Contact person: Marija Meyerhoff

Packaging in online retail

Plastic waste from packaging has almost doubled in the last 20 years. All types of packaging must be considered, i.e. sales packaging, shipping packaging, transport packaging and service packaging. Online retail is a driver for the increase in packaging waste in the textile industry.

There is change going on in the consumers' way of thinking! 85% of the end customers want sustainable packaging (according to a PwC study). The need for research into sustainable materials and alternative concepts is therefore also growing steadily.

Ongoing and completed projects

CR textiles

Project title:
New innovative materials for load securing textiles (CR textiles)

Description:
Improvements to standard materials in the field of load securing (LaSi)

  • through new designs
  • through innovative material combinations
  • through additional functionality

As part of the project, prototypes of various load securing materials are being developed.

Project partner / funding:

  • Westdeutscher Drahtseilverkauf Dolezych GmbH & Co. KG
    Hartmannstraße 8, 44147 Dortmund
  • Güth & Wolf GmbH
    Herzebrocker Str. 1-3, 33330 Güthersloh

Funded as part of the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection

Duration:
2 years, 01.09.2021 - 31.08.2023

Contact: inside

Marcel Beiß, M.Sc.
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Marija Meyerhoff
Center Textile Logistics CTL

RE³Tex

Project title:
RE³Tex - Structural changes for a circular economy in the textile and clothing industry using the example of a model implementation

Description:
The project "RE3Tex - Structural changes for a circular economy in the textile and clothing industry using the example of a model implementation" promotes the concept of a circular economy for textile products, exemplified in the field of outdoor clothing. The focus is put on the processes Repair, Reuse and Recycle (RE³) of clothing products.
As part of the research project, the modular structures of the respective recycling and reprocessing options are presented in the form of a multimedia manual and a guide in order to contribute to an increase of the reparability and recyclability of products.
The special feature of this project idea lies in the exemplary implementation of a take-back system for used clothes for repair processes and for the recycling of outdoor clothing. As part of the project, recommendations for action for the integration of sustainable recycling management within the textile and clothing industry are developed on this basis. New information and data for the return of textiles for repair and recycling are collected and made available to various interest groups. This will create innovative resources that will initiate sustainable management and structural changes for clothing manufacturers, primarily in the outdoor clothing sector.

Acknowledgements:
We would like to express our special thanks to our sponsor, the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). In particular, our contact person, Mrs. Verena Exner (Head of the Department of Environmental Communication in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises at the German Federal Environmental Foundation), has put in a lot of effort l to promote the project and is supervising it with professional competence. We would also like to thank our practice partners for their commitment to the topics of sustainability, recycling and circular economy in the textile and clothing industry. We would also like to thank our associated partners for their support.

Project partners / funding:
Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, funding amount € 124.467,00

Practice partner:

  • Maier Sports GmbH
  • Xiphoo GmbH
  • IQS Solutions GmbH
  • ALTEX Textil Recycling GmbH & Co.

Associated partners:

  • circular.fashion UG
  • General Association of the German Textile and Fashion Industry
  • Association of the Northwest German Textile and Clothing Industry e.V.
  • Association of the Rhineland Textile and Clothing Industry e.V.
  • Federal Association for Secondary Raw Materials and Waste Disposal
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
  • ZiTex Textile & Fashion NRW
  • Mönchengladbach Economic Development Agency

Duration:
2 years, 01.04.2022 - 31.03.2024

Contact: inside

Natalie Fohrer, M.Sc.
Center Textile Logistics CTL
Benita Rau, M.Sc.

Requirements for the ecodesign of textiles

Ecodesign Regulation

Project title:

The new Ecodesign Regulation: Requirements for the ecodesign of textiles and the possible transition to an ecodesign label (Refo-Plan project 2023-2025)

Description:

The production volume of textile fibers has approximately tripled since 1975. The largest increase can be seen in the synthetic fiber polyester (Textile Exchange, 2022).TheEllen MacArthur Foundation found out that more than half of the "fast fashion products" produced are disposed of in less than a year. Globally, the use of clothing - the average number of times an item of clothing is worn before it is no longer used - has fallen by 36% compared to 15 years ago (Ellen MacArthur, 2017). The environmental impact of the production and disposal of textiles associated with increased consumption has a significant global impact on people and the environment, and in order to reduce the negative impact of clothing textiles on people and the environment, the research project focuses on the eco-design of products. "Ecodesign is a systematic and comprehensive design approach for products in order to reduce environmental impacts over the entire life cycle through improved product design. " 88% of European citizens believe that clothing should be designed to last longer (German Environment Agency 2020; European Commission 2023).

The aim of the research project is to develop ecodesign requirements for clothing textiles in order to improve their technical and ecological properties through minimum requirements. Among other things, this will make the textiles more durable with the aim of reducing their environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. These minimum requirements and other requirements for optimized products are to be used to derive a Europe-wide ecodesign label for clothing. In particular, the technical properties of the products produced, such as a lack of strength or dimensional stability, as well as color loss during washing, are frequent reasons why textiles are disposed of prematurely. The durability of ingredients, such as zippers or elastic bands, can also make consumers want to dispose of clothing. The physical longevity or usability of textiles is one of various aspects that play a role in the necessary transformation to a textile sector oriented towards the goals of the circular economy. The research consortium is therefore also investigating other potential requirements for the eco-design of textiles, including reparability, recycled content, presence of substances of concern and environmental impact (including climate and environmental footprint). Solutions are also developed for dealing with conflicting objectives of various aspects to be addressed.

In order to do justice to the diversity of materials and uses of clothing textiles and to reflect the product-specific requirements, the requirements are prioritized. For this purpose, not only the fibers used and the specific product aspects are taken into account in order to generate product categories with similar requirements for the products, but also the potential use or recycling options for the respective product category are included in the sense of the waste hierarchy (EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC). A review of the minimum requirements developed using specific textileproduct examples and parameters is planned in order to check their feasibility as part of an ecodesign label for clothing products. The focus here is particularly on commercially and market-relevant products. As the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology developed by the EU Commission is specifically related to the development of potential ecodesign requirements for textiles, the Oeko-Institut e.V. will critically monitor the EU Commission's work on drafting the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for clothing as part of the research project. In order to check the applicability of the requirements developed for future products, expert discussions and workshops with manufacturers and distributors of clothing textiles are planned as part of the project.

Project partners:

The project is carried out by the Öko-Institut e.V., the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (CTL and FTB) and the Hof University of Applied Sciences. The project is managed by the Öko-Institut e.V.. Contact: Katja Moch, k.moch(at)oeko.de

Client:

Federal Environment Agency (UBA)

Contact: inside

Sabrina Mauter, M. Sc.
Benita Rau, M.Sc.

Used textile sorting analyses

The Center Textile Logistics at the Fraunhofer IML and the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences examines the quality and quantity of collected used textiles through ongoing used textile sorting analyses. The textile and clothing industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. By returning used textiles to the textile material cycle, resources can be conserved and negative environmental impacts reduced.

As part of three analyses of used textiles from container collections and textiles from household waste, data were collected on the material composition, the quality (recycling or reuse) and also the original qualities. This provided important information for downstream recycling processes.

Here is a YouTube video. Click on it to watch. The data protection regulations of google apply!
Video about the CTL used textile sorting analyses

2024

6th Textile Logistics Forum on June 19th 2024

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

On June 19, 2024, the 6th Textile Logistics Forum will take place at Borussia Park in Mönchengladbach under the motto"Logistics for Textiles and Textiles for Logistics - Circular Economy in the Textile and Clothing Industry" . We cordially invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to exchange ideas and network within the industry. Further details and the program will follow shortly!

2021

3rd Textile Logistics Forum

Logistics for textiles

16th Logistics Forum and 3rd Textile Logistics Forum Mönchengladbach

On September 9th, 2021, the 16th Logistics Forum and 3rd Textile Logistics Forum Mönchengladbach took place together at the Textile Academy NRW.

On the topic of News from (textile) logistics: Challenges for industry and research, 70 people were able to talk to each other on site against the background of the corona protection measures. Thanks to the hybrid format, there were also over 350 permanent participants in the live stream, enabling the forum to celebrate a record year in terms of participation numbers.

The practical orientation of the keynotes highlighted global trends in textile logistics and current research fields, sustainable automation solutions and the reshoring of textile production at the Mönchengladbach site.

The kick-off was opened by the mayor of Mönchengladbach, Felix Heinrichs, with the Managing Director of the WFMG, Dr. Ulrich Schückhaus, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet as head of the Center Textile Logistics and Peter Bimmermann as Deputy Regional Group Spokesman of the BVL Regional Group Ruhr. Peter Bimmermann then gave an appetizer for the following contents of the day with the point of view of the company Autostore.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet (head of Center Textile Logistics CTL at the Fraunhofer IML and the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences) spoke about current developments and perspectives in textile logistics and was supplemented by an innovative solution in the field of technical textiles by Arina Abel (research assistant at CTL). She presented a solution for greater safety for cyclists on public roads in interaction with trucks.

Jonas Tersteegen (Sales Manager, BEUMER Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG) looked at the challenges, solutions and success factors of omnichannel distribution centers in fashion logistics.

He was joined by Berthold Reinke (Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, Vice President Global Business Development), who highlighted the challenges of fashion logistics in special times. His keynote speech was all about customer expectations, sustainability and the right shopping experience.

This was followed by a champion from Mönchengladbach in the field of automation. Vanderlande is globally active, and not just in the tried-and-tested airport sector. Olaf Schulte (Sales Director) provided insights into the future-proof automation of logistics processes and took the participants on a short journey through time, showing the leaps that have been made in automation over the last 15 years. An outlook for the future naturally followed.

The forum concluded with another journey into the future. The Textile Factory 7.0 (T7) team (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries, ITA Aachen, Prof. Dr. Maike Rabe, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Detlef Braun, authorized officer Textile Academy NRW) gave a virtual tour of the Textile Factory 7.0 (T7). This is about innovative textile production at the location and thus reshoring textile production using high levels of automation and digitalization with a particular focus on the sustainability factor.

The logistics initiative LOG4MG (c/o WFMG), the CTL Center Textile Logistics and the BVL Regional Group Rhur acted as event partners.

The posters from 2021 can be made available on request.

2023

5th Textile Logistics Forum & Logistics Forum

Successful (textile) logistics forum - focus in Mönchengladbach on innovations and on sustainability in (textile) logistics

Mönchengladbach, June 15th, 2023

The "(Textile) Logistics Forum" in Mönchengladbach was a great success and offered the specialist audience from the logistics industry valuable insights into current developments and trends. The event took place on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, in a new location, for the first time, namely in the Hugo Junkers Hangar.

Over 100 registered participants and eight exhibitors in the accompanying exhibition met to discuss innovative projects in textile logistics and sustainability in logistics construction. The agenda of the (textile) logistics forum, which was organized by LOG4MG - Logistikinitiative Mönchengladbach in cooperation with the Center Textile Logistics (CTL) and the BVL - Bundesvereinigung Logistik, offered a wide range of topics and speakers.

The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Ulrich Schückhaus, Chairman of the Management Board of the WFMG - Wirtschaftsförderung Mönchengladbach GmbH, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet, Head of the Center Textile Logistics, and Peter Bimmermann, Regional Group Spokesman of the BVL and Managing Director of AutoStore Systems. In their opening remarks, they emphasized the transformation of the industry at the location and gave an insights into current research fields. One key learning from the (textile) logistics forum was the growing importance of sustainability in the development of logistics real estate. The participants recognized that the combination of different uses plays a decisive role in creating sustainable and efficient solutions. This approach makes it possible to make optimal use of the scarce resources of land and achieve economic benefits at the same time. The energy use of existing properties was also considered with the "Power of Logistics" initiative. Experts Tim Beckmann (Intospace), Philipp Sonneck (Delta Development), Peter Küsters (Greenpass) and Tilo Nahrath (spokesperson for the BVL Power of Logistics topic area) took the stage with inspiring keynotes. Another key learning was in the area of textile logistics. There is a considerable need for research and development in order to meet current challenges such as the circular economy. The creation of a close ecosystem of universities, affiliated institutes, established companies and start-ups was seen as essential in order to develop innovative solutions and pragmatically advance the current challenges with concrete projects. Experts Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet, Sabrina Mauter, Natalie Fohrer (all CTL), Andreas Gade and Dr. Maximilian Austerjost (both Fraunhofer IML) as well as Rainer Mantsch and Dr. Sascha Feldhorst talked on stage in pitch formats and a discussion panel.

Dr. Ulrich Schückhaus expressed his delight of the success of the (textile) logistics forum on behalf of LOG4MG: "We are a logistics location from A to Z (Amazon to Zalando). Now it's all about transformation and sustainability in logistics, we want to make Mönchengladbach the center of innovation in the logistics sector." Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet added that "as a close partner in the field of application-oriented research and development, the Center Textile Logistics offers a wide range of solutions to meet the current challenges. In partnership with the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund, a real specialization with profile has been created in Mönchengladbach. The insight into the current scientific work also shows the diversity that is inherent in textile logistics." Finally, Peter Bimmermann reflected in his role as regional group spokesperson for BVL: "As a founding member of LOG4MG, I see the development of the industry at the location in a very positive light. There is a variety of institutions, including global players, that are developing solutions here. The Logistics Forum, this year in cooperation with the Textile Logistics Forum, brings these players together and thus provides fertile ground for networking and subsequent projects." The (textile) logistics forum in Mönchengladbach was therefore a successful event that not only offered valuable insights, but also networking opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to share their knowledge, make contacts and discover innovative solutions for their logistics processes. In addition to the partners Center Textillogistik (CTL) and BVL, noi! Event & Catering GmbH & Co. KG also supported the organization.

Photo: Carlos Albuquerque // It shows the speakers of the event (from left to right) Daniel Dieker (WFMG), Andreas Gade (Fraunhofer IML), Peter Küsters (Greenpass), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet (CTL), Dr. Maximilian Austerjost (Fraunhofer IML), Tim Beckmann (Intospace), Philip Sonneck (Delta), Peter Bimmermann (Autostore Systems), Dr.- Ing.Ing. Sascha Feldhorst (MotionMiners), Natalie Fohrer (CTL), Rainer Mantsch (EEDEN) and Sabrina Mauter (CTL).

2019

2nd Textile Logistics Forum

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet at the 2nd CTL Forum in Mönchengladbach

2nd Textile Logistics Forum in Mönchengladbach

On Wednesday, October 9th, 2019, over 45 representatives from textile and clothing companies and industry associations attended the second Textile Logistics Forum at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences on the Mönchengladbach campus. The forum provided a platform for the exchange and transfer of knowledge on current developments, innovations and challenges in logistics and textiles. The content was presented under the motto "Logistics for textiles - textiles for logistics".

The varied program consisted of keynotes on textile logistics, the research projects of the academic staff of the Center Textile Logistics as well as external specialist and keynote speeches.

Prof. Dr. Vossebein, Dean of the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and head of the Public Testing Center, warmly welcomed the participants to the campus. The specialist presentations focused on the specializations of digitalization, automation and sustainability in textile logistics. Detlef Spee, head of the Intralogistics & IT Planning department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, spoke about the digital infrastructure for artificial intelligence and the future of intralogistics systems. Lea Isfort (Fraunhofer IML) presented some insights into the results of the Fraunhofer study on returns in fashion e-commerce. Christel Habig, head of Zalando SE at the Mönchengladbach site, introduced participants to the efficiency-enhancing "bagsorter" from her warehouse. The keynote speeches also included a presentation by two Master's students from the university, who have built up their own start-up Marilis on a sustainable basis and are developing innovative cell phone chains and accessories. Cooperation with social institutions and transparent material sourcing are particularly important to the founders, Liliane Suda and Elise Esser.

During the final tour of selected research laboratories at the Mönchengladbach site, the participants were able to gain a practical insights into the faculties' activties of Textile and Clothing Technology. These include, for example, research in the field of smart textiles, projects investigating the problem of microplastics in household laundry, technical textiles and finishing, yarn production using ring spinning and textile printing.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet, head of the Center Textile Logistics at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics and the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, summarized: "With a balanced mix of research and practical application, the 2nd Textile Logistics Forum was also a complete success. This time, the focus of the research was on the activities of the team in Mönchengladbach. From a practical application perspective, there were insights from the start-up Marilis to Zalando logistics at the Mönchengladbach site. We are looking forward to the 3rd Textile Logistics Forum."

The transfer of knowledge, the combination of research and practice and the opportunity to experience innovative logistics developments at first hand provided added value for the participants and is reflected in their positive feedback. From now on, the event will take place on an annual basis and will next take place on June 18th, 2020 at the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund.

1st Textile Logistics Forum

1st CTL Forum

1st Textile Logistics Forum in Dortmund

On March 14th, 2019, more than 40 company representatives from the textile and logistics industry met for the first Textile Logistics Forum at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML in Dortmund. Under the motto "Logistics for textiles - textiles for logistics", they learned about current trends and innovative developments in logistics and textiles.

With a varied program of specialist presentations, discussions, innovation pitches and a tour of the Fraunhofer IML research laboratories, the participants were able to take away new impulses for practical application. The participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas on industry-specific topics. In addition to an overview of current topics from the areas of the Center Textile Logistics, the innovation pitches focused on the topic of machine learning.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet, head of the Center Textile Logistics, emphasizes the exchange between companies and science: "I am delighted that the first Textile Logistics Forum was so well received. The networking and the combination of presentations provide added value for the textile industry and made this event unique in the sector."

In addition to presentations by Center Textile Logistics employees, two guest speakers also enriched the forum: Uwe Schöbel from Dolezych GmbH & Co KG offered participants an overview of how textiles can be integrated into logistics processes. Dr. Sascha Feldhorst from MotionMiners GmbH also expanded the research-related programme with the presentation of their software, which enables companies to analyze and optimize independent manual work processes in terms of efficiency and ergonomics.

The transfer of knowledge, the combination of research and practical application and the opportunity to experience innovative logistics developments at first hand made the first Textile Logistics Forum a complete success and will be held regularly from now on. The next Textile Logistics Forum will be held in fall 2019 at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences campus in Mönchengladbach.

2022

4th Textile Logistics Forum

On August 17th, 2022, representatives from the textile and logistics industry came together at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML in Dortmund. The 4th Textile Logistics Forum addressed current topics in textile logistics, such as trends, legal regulations and opportunities in the areas of returns, sustainability and smart textiles.

The Fraunhofer IML and the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences have been working together since 2018 as part of the Center Textile Logistics (CTL). Together, two teams at the Mönchengladbach and Dortmund sites are developing solutions for both industries under the motto "Logistics for textiles - textiles for logistics". The Textile Logistics Forum takes place alternately at the two locations every year.

"We see great potential for logistics through digitalization and automation. In order to be able to exploit this potential in textile logistics, the specific requirements and dynamics of the textile industry must be taken into account at an early stage in both science and business, and sustainability must be taken into account," says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Clausen, Institute Director at the Fraunhofer IML.

In his presentation, Dr. Thomas Grünewald, President of the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, emphasized the close ties between the Fraunhofer IML and the university and outlined the joint development of the textile industry in Mönchengladbach.

The industry and association representatives then addressed current topics using examples and projects from their work. Among other things, they discussed the challenges of textile processing in returns management, the increase in sustainability and the establishment of textile cycles, the change in the fashion industry due to the automation of conveyor technology and the question of how workwear can become sustainable smart textiles. Dr. Uwe Mazura, Managing Director of the Gesamtverband der deutschen Textil- und Modeindustrie e. V., provided a critical view with his presentation "Are we regulating ourselves to death? European legislation from the perspective of textiles + fashion".

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet, head of the Center Textile Logistics, summed up the event at the end: "I am extremely pleased that we were once again able to cover a wide range of current topics at the 4th Textile Logistics Forum, but were also able to provide an outlook on how the work of the CTL supports the industry."

2018

Opening of the Center Textile Logistics (CTL)

Opening CTL

Fraunhofer IML opens the Textile Logistics Center in cooperation with the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences

Mönchengladbach, October 22nd, 2018. The Center Textile Logistics (CTL) was opened today in the new Textile Academy on the Mönchengladbach campus of the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. The CTL is intended to be a driver of innovation for the region's textile industry. It was founded last year in cooperation with the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML.

University President Prof. Dr. Hans-Hennig von Grünberg opened the launch event with the words: "It is our declared goal to be perceived as the nationwide central training partner and innovation driver for the textile industry. With the founding of the Fraunhofer Center Textile Logistics, we have come a good deal closer to this goal. Today, it is hard to imagine a textile company not knowing us."

The new center is part of a textile portfolio at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences that is unique in Germany. In addition to the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, the largest of its kind in Europe, this includes: the Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB), the German Textile Research Center Northwest (DTNW), which is operated jointly with the University of Duisburg-Essen, training and continuing education as part of the Textile Academy together with two textile associations, two public testing centers for textile material testing of textiles and the Innovatorium, which is being created as part of the "Innovative University" excellence competition of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

"The textile and clothing industry was already living globalization before the term even existed," said Dr. Wilfried Holtgrave, President of the Association of the Northwest German Textile and Clothing Industry. "Today, logistics has become a decisive success factor in the textile and clothing industry. High-performance textiles are seen as a key technology for future logistics and mobility." Rapid seasonal changes, a high import quota, many returns in online retail and other aspects mean that logistics is becoming increasingly important for textile companies. Companies are to be supported by the new center on a scientific level.

Rolf Königs, President of the Rhineland Textile and Clothing Industry Association, explained the inseparable unity of development, production and logistics along the entire value chain. "Textile logistics in particular has developed enormously and gained in importance in Germany and especially in the region in recent years. The timing, partners and location for the opening of the Center Textile Logistics (CTL) are a perfect match."

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Clausen, Director of Fraunhofer IML, said on the occasion of the opening: "For us logistics experts, the textile industry is very exciting due to its specific requirements and its dynamics. With the CTL in Mönchengladbach, we now want to take the opportunity to combine our ideas and textile expertise at the site for the benefit of our customers."

At least eleven people, from student assistants to academic staff, will conduct research and work on industrial projects for the CTL as it is established. The Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences will receive start-up funding for the CTL from the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, which is expected to amount to around one million euros until 2021.

The Fraunhofer IML will receive a grant of one million euros until 2022 as part of the Fraunhofer cooperation program with universities of applied sciences, after which the Center Textile Logistics will finance itself by attracting industry and research funding and thus become a permanent part of Fraunhofer, the university, the city and the region.

Head of the newly created center is Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet, Professor of Textile Logistics at the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. He sees his task as bringing together the topics of logistics and textiles. To this end, the newly created Center for Textile Logistics draws on the expertise of the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund in the field of logistics and the expertise of the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences in the field of textiles.

Publications

2023

  • Poster "RE³Tex - Structural changes for circular economy in the textile and clothing industry using the example of a model implementation", Fohrer, N.; Mauter, S.; Rau, B., Annual conference IN4climate.RR "Climate-neutral value creation in the Rhenish mining area", Grevenbroich, 06.07.2023.
  • Mauter, Sabrina; Muschkiet, Markus: Results of a mixed textile analysis of used textiles. In: Recycling Magazine, issue 05, 78th year. DETAIL Business Information GmbH. You can read the article here.
  • Muschkiet, Markus; Fohrer, Natalie in an interview with Sandra Lehmann. Logistics research: More than sweaters & co. In: Logistik Heute, May 2023 (No. 5), 45th year, p. 22 You can read the article here.
  • Muschkiet, Markus: Class instead of mass. In: Recycling Magazine, expenditure 03, p. 62-63. 78th year. DETAIL Business Information GmbH.

2022

  • van Bentum, N.; Gade, A.: Transport logistics in the textile industry. In: Logistra, No. 3-4, pp. 40-41. 34th year. Huss Verlag GmbH.

  • Brieger, I. M.; Fohrer, N.; Muschkiet, M.: RE³Tex - a project to enhance circular economies in the textile and clothing industry, exemplifying a modular implementation, iLetters - An Open Access Journal of Innovations, peer-reviewed, journal article, 12/2022.

2021

  • Brieger, I.-M.: Textile recycling - what needs to happen and what ideas are there to bring textiles into a real cycle in the future? TV report in: Consumer program "Markt", WDR, 12.01.2022.
  • Brieger, I.-M.; Muschkiet, M.; Jarmer, J.-P.: Recycling of used textiles - challenges in the textile circular economy. In: TEXTILplus, No. 9/10-2021, published on September 23rd, 2021.
  • van Bentum, N.: Interview in Bachelor's thesis "Fashion 4.0 - Digitalization in the fashion industry" by Carolin Brinker, European University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, p. 48 - 51.
  • Muschkiet, M.; van Bentum, N.: "Fashion retail at a crossroads." In: DVZ special "Retail logistics", published on March 17th, 2021.
  • Kücük, M.; Weber, M. O.; Bühs, C.; Muschkiet, M.: "A comparative analysis of green logistics activities in German and Turkish textile enterprises." In: Industria Textila Journal (INCSTP) Romania, Volume 72, Issue 1. p. 11-18.
  • Muschkiet, M.: Interview for the Funke Medien Gruppe. Article "Lockdown-Ende: Modehandel steht vor einer Rabattschlacht" Published in various publications of the Funke Medien Group, such as the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung in week 5 - 2021.
  • Muschkiet, M.: In conversation (interview). In: Kehrseite, No. 01/2021, p. 6.

2020

  • van Bentum, N.; Muschkiet, M: Effects of contactless delivery. In: Logistik Heute, No. 07-08/2020, p. 32f ,42nd year.
    You can read the article here.
  • van Bentum, N: "Lockdown was a test run for the Christmas business", Interview with Natalie van Bentum; In: Logistik Heute, No. 10/2020, p. 66, 42nd year.

2019

  • Muschkiet, M.; Schückhaus, U.: Requirements for retail logistics of the future. In: Retail with added value. Heinemann, G. et. al. (ed.). Springer 2019.

2018

  • Muschkiet, M.; Beuth, J.: Research for fashion. In: Logistics Today, No. 12/2018, p. 66.

Lectures

2023

  • Fohrer, N.: Digitalization in logistics for textiles - possible fields of applictaion for the Blockchain technology, International Textile Supply Chain Digitalization Conference, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Mönchengladbach, 07.09.202
  • Fohrer, N.: RE³Tex - Structural changes for circular economies: textile processing and recycling, KlarTEXt Kick-Off Meeting, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Mönchengladbach, 07.09.2023
  • Fohrer, N.; Mauter, S.; Rau, B.,: RE³Tex - Structural changes for circular economies in the textile and clothing industry using the example of a model implementation, Textile Logistics Forum, Mönchengladbach, 13.06.2023.
  • Mauter, S.: Investigations of used textiles to promote fiber-specific textile recycling, 10th International BVSE Used Textile Day, Nuremberg, 17.05.2023.
  • Mayer, S.; Fohrer, N.; Mauter, S.: How the recyclability and reparability of products can be increased - a new handbook should help, Sustainability Summit of the textile industry and dfv Conference Group, Frankfurt am Main, 18.04.2023.

2022

  • van Bentum, N.: "Success factors for last mile fashion e-commerce deliveries." Presentation at the 61st Dorbirn Global Fibre Congress (DGFC) in Dorbirn, Austria, 14 to 16.09. 2022
  • Brieger, I. M.; van Bentum, N.; Muschkiet, M.: "RE³Tex - a project to enhance circular economies in the textile and clothing industry, exemplifying a modular implementation." Presentation at the 2nd Sustainable Textile and Fashion Congress (STFC), 28.07.2022, digital event.
  • Abel, A.; Muschkiet, M.: Use of EMS for the prevention of occupational diseases. Presentation at the 2nd Textile and Fashion Innovation Congress (TFIC), 22.04.2022, digital event.
  • Abel, A.: Intelligent safety clothing for cyclists. Presentation at the 2nd Textile and Fashion Innovation Congress (TFIC), 21.04.2022, digital event
  • Muschkiet, M.: Re3Tex- repair, reuse and recycle. Lecture at the European Resource Conference, 01.12.2022, digital event.

2021

  • van Bentum, N.: Success factors for last mile service providers based on the example of fashion e-Commerce deliveries. Presentation at the iCongress Sustainable Textile and Fashion Congress, 30.07.2021, digital event.
  • Beiß, M.; Muschkiet, M.; Kyosev, Y.: Reusing textile desiccant bags in container shipping of textile goods. Presentation at the iCongress Sustainable Textile and Fashion Congress, 30.07.2021, digital event.
  • Jarmer, J.-P.; Brieger, I.; Gade, A.; Muschkiet, M.: The challenges of textile collection and suggestions for an innovative data framework towards a sustainable textile circular economy. Paper and presentation at the "International Scientific Symposium on Logistics" (ISSL), 15.06.2021, digital event.
  • Brieger, I. M.; Jarmer, J.-P.; Muschkiet, M.: Coping with challenges of textile collection through an innovative framework towards a sustainable textile circular economy. Paper and presentation at the 4th PLATE 2021 Virtual Conference, 28.05.2021.
  • van Bentum, N.: Logistical challenges and structures for the future of the clothing trade in Germany. Presentation at the expert forum "Fashionlogistik im Wandel: Für die Zukunft aufgestellt", Huss-Verlag GmbH, 18.05.2021, digital event.

2020

  • Beiß, M.; Kyosev, Y.; Muschkiet, M: Climate conditions for the transport of textiles in a standard container. Clotech 2020, 10.09.2020.
  • Muschkiet, M: Buying textiles online: What happens after the mouse click? A look behind the scenes of online retail. Fall break campus, 22.10.2020.

2019

  • Muschkiet, M.: Keynote speech on textile logistics. Presentation at the INVESTMENTexpo, 23.05.2019, Berlin.
  • Muschkiet, M.: Keynote textiles logistics. Presentation at the Fashion Supply Chain Summit, September 2019, Frankfurt.
  • Beiß, M.: Passive climate control in the container. Presentation at the 2nd Textile Logistics Forum, 09.10.2019, Mönchengladbach.
  • van Bentum, N.: Sustainability on the "last mile" of textile logistics. Presentation at the 2nd Textile Logistics Forum, 09.10.2019, Mönchengladbach.
  • Brieger, I.: Circular economy in the textile and clothing industry. Presentation at the 2nd Textile Logistics Forum, 09.10.2019, Mönchengladbach.
  • Meyerhoff, M.: Packaging in online retail - approaches for more sustainability. Presentation at the 2nd Textile Logistics Forum, 09.10.2019, Mönchengladbach.
  • Muschkiet, M.: Keynote speech on textile logistics. Lecture at the TGW Fashion Day, 16.10.2019, Linz/Marchtrenck (AT).

2018

  • Muschkiet, M.: Textile logistics. Lecture at the Industry Club Düsseldorf, 16.05.2018, Düsseldorf.
  • Muschkiet, M.: Developments and trends in textile logistics. Lecture at the 14th Logistics Forum Mönchengladbach of LOG4MG and the German Logistics Association (BVL), 13.09.2018, Mönchengladbach.
  • Muschkiet, M.: The Center Textile Logistics. Presentation at the stand of the state of NRW at MEDICA and COMPAMED, 14.11.2018, Düsseldorf.

Head of the Center Textile Logistics

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Muschkiet
Head of Center Textile Logistics CTL Textile Logistics

Employees of the Center Textile Logistic

Natalie Fohrer, M.Sc.
Center Textile Logistics CTL
Sabrina Mauter, M. Sc.
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Marija Meyerhoff
Center Textile Logistics CTL
Benita Rau, M.Sc.

Address

THE HOCHSCHULE NIEDERRHEIN

Center Textile Logistics (CTL)
Center Textile Logistics (CTL)

Postal address: Webschulstr. 31
Visitor address: Richard-Wagner-Str. 140
41065 Mönchengladbach

Phone: 02161 186-6130
E-mail: ctl@hs-niederrhein.de
Fax: 02161 186-6013
Web: www.hs-niederrhein.de/ctl

Your contact to us!

Do you have a question about the CTL? Then write to us!

Please use the mailbox below. We will be happy to take care of your request.

ctl(at)hs-niederrhein.de