The Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) will return from 10–12 September 2025, gathering the international fibre and textile community in Dornbirn, Austria for what promises to be a focused and energising forum for real solutions and collaboration.

With almost 200 presentations planned across two and a half days, the 2025 edition comes at a critical moment as the industry faces mounting challenges, from urgent decarbonisation demands to shifting global markets and the need for scalable circular systems.

“Our industry is at a crossroads,” said Robert van de Kerkhof, President of the Austrian Fiber Institute. “The urgency to decarbonise, rethink systems and deliver circular solutions has never been higher, but as Churchill said, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’ Dornbirn GFC 2025 is not just about reflecting on these challenges – it is about spotlighting the solutions and moving from intent to impact.”

With a growing multi-sector audience, the congress will cover key themes including Work and Protective Wear and Defence, Carbon Stewardship – from biomass to carbon capture – and the latest Fibre Innovations. Each session will blend short expert presentations with interactive panels, creating opportunities for open exchange and practical dialogue.

This year’s venue concept has also been redesigned to foster more dynamic engagement. Replacing traditional booths, a modular open space built with natural materials will create an ‘experience zone’ to encourage informal networking and closer connections between global stakeholders.

“Dornbirn GFC brings together researchers, innovators and industry leaders from all continents,” said Matthias Gluth, Managing Director of the Austrian Fiber Institute. “By creating the right environment for open exchange and collaboration, we’re helping to accelerate fibre innovation and scale-up worldwide.”

www.dornbirn-gfc.com