The R&D activities of Centexbel-VKC support the textile, plastic converting and related companies with the explicit aim to reinforce the innovation capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and to assist the industry in its transition to a sustainable future. As a research institution created by and for the industry, we initiate and participate in publicly funded pre-competitive research projects and in market-oriented contract research projects.

To guarantee total impartiality and to avoid any conflict of interest, we explicitly exclude all product development in those areas covered by the CE certification scope for which we are accredited.

BIO4SELF aims at fully biobased self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPC). To produce the SRPCs two polylactic acid (PLA) grades are required: a low melting temperature (Tm) one to form the matrix and an ultra high stiffness and high Tm one to form the reinforcing fibres. To reach unprecedented stiffness in the reinforcing PLA fibres, we will combine PLA with bio-LCP (liquid crystalline polymer) for nanofibril formation. Further, we will increase the temperature resistance of PLA and improve its durability. This way, BIO4SELF will exploit recent progress in PLA fibre technology. We will add

The objective of FOCuS is the development of a new test method for the appearance change of rigid textile floor coverings.

In dit project, gesteund door Interreg V Vlaanderen-Nederland en de Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen, onderzoekt Centexbel de mogelijkheden om textiel blauw te verven op basis van natuurlijke verfstoffen uit micro-algen, ter vervanging van de kunstmatige verfstof Briljant Blauw (E133).

Expanding the possibilities of 3D printing by developing new bioased 3D printing materials

The aim of BIOHARV is to develop the necessary knowledge and expertise in the region to produce and characterise 100% polymer MER prototypes. The project will assist the local textile and plastic converting industries in implementing this technology.

The project intends to increase the product range of spun PLA yarns and blend yarns and to improve their properties. Only if high-quality biobased yarns are obtained with properties comparable to non-biobased yarns, an increase of the implementation of biobased spun yarns in a number of applications can be expected.

The CELFI trajectory aims to efficiently develop, produce, apply and recylce WPC (Wood Plastic Composites), the most important product group in the family of plastics reinforced by CELlulosic FIbres.

Researching the recyclability of PVB from industrial plane glass waste for new industrial applications.

TCBL Textile & Clothing Business Labs is building a multi-faceted business ecosystem of sector enterprises, innovation labs, service providers, and business advisors, all working together to transform the Textiles and Clothing industry.

The interest in the use of renewable raw materials continues to grow. In this project we will improve several properties to increase the number of innovative applications of biopolymers.