The 64th Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (DORNBIRN GFC) took place from 10–12 September 2025 in Dornbirn, Austria. Over 500 participants from 35 countries and more than 260 companies have attended, underscoring the congress’s position as the world’s leading platform for fiber, textile, and nonwoven innovation.
A Legacy of Excellence: About Dornbirn GFC
The Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress is the world’s leading platform for fiber, textile, and nonwoven innovation, sustainability, and cross-industry collaboration. Founded in 1962, it has become the key meeting point for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers driving the transformation of the global fiber industry.
Founded in 1962, the Dornbirn Congress has been at the forefront of global fiber innovation for more than six decades. What began as the “Man-Made Fiber Congress” with 130 participants has evolved into today’s DORNBIRN GFC – a truly global stage for all fibers and sustainable value chain solutions.
Highlights of the 2025 Congress
- 100 expert presentations across 2.5 days in three parallel sessions
- Four key themes:
- Work- & Protective Wear, Defence
- Carbon Stewardship: Harnessing Biomass, Recycling & Capture
- Fiber Innovations – From Production to Application
- Cross-Industry Insights
- New GFC Innovation Award – spotlighting disruptive business ideas with market potential
- MICRO|FORCE Initiative – a global collaboration addressing microfiber and microplastic challenges through science, industry, and policy
- Interactive formats with audience voting, live polls, and anonymous Q&A tools – Keynote speakers include:
- Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Rademacher on climate protection and prosperity
- Dalena White (IWTO) on natural materials and circularity
- TESA on embedding sustainability into adhesives innovation
- Lenzing on pioneering sustainability in fibers
Expanded Networking & Exhibition Opportunities
A newly designed “Meet & Discover Space” with exhibitors will offer an open, modern atmosphere for exchange and collaboration.
Quotes
Matthias W. Gluth, Managing Director, Austrian Fibers Institute:
“Our mission is to provide more than just a conference. We create a unique platform where industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers come together to accelerate the transformation toward greener, more resilient value chains. What truly makes Dornbirn GFC special are the personal meetings, the spontaneous discussions, and the chance to interact face-to-face. Attending in person is key — it is here that ideas connect, partnerships emerge, and innovation meets real business relevance.”
Robert van de Kerkhof, President, Austrian Fibers Institute:
“Dornbirn GFC has always been about connecting people and ideas. With nearly 500 participants for 2025, the message is clear: the global fiber and textile community is eager to collaborate, innovate, and tackle today’s most pressing challenges. The congress is not only a showcase for technologies but a catalyst for real-world solutions.”
Strong Industry Engagement
With global spending becoming increasingly cautious, the Dornbirn GFC 2025 demonstrates exceptional resilience and relevance. The congress is set to welcome close to 500 participants from around the world, reflecting the industry’s strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
A recent participant survey showed an NPS of +43, signaling strong satisfaction and loyalty, with many attendees already committed to returning in 2025.
Save the Dates
• Dornbirn GFC Asia (India): 18 November 2025, Mumbai
• 5th Dornbirn GFC Asia (Korea): May 2026
• 65th DORNBIRN GLOBAL FIBER CONFERENCE, Dornbirn, Austria: 16 – 18 September 2026
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