Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research

What Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research does

Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research (TITK) is a German non-profit research association (eingetragener Verein, e.V.) founded in 1992 and headquartered in Rudolstadt, Thuringia. Operating through four research divisions — Native Polymers and Chemical Research, Textile and Materials Research, Plastics Research, and Functional Polymer Systems — TITK develops, manufactures, and processes polymeric functional and construction materials for industrial clients. Its core technology spans direct dissolution and dry-jet wet spinning of synthetic and natural polymers, polymerization of polyamides/polyesters/polycarbonates, nanocomposites, fiber-reinforced composites, and functional polymer systems including piezoelectric, electrochromic, and antimicrobial platforms.

TITK's commercialized innovations include the Lyohemp sustainable cellulose fiber (hemp-pulp-based Lyocell), the Caremelt biodegradable hot-melt adhesive, automated stack production for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) automotive components, PTC-effect heating foils, PCM thermal storage systems, and PVDF piezo fibers. The institute generates revenue through five streams: SME membership fees, contract research services, specialty product manufacturing, government and EU grants (notably EUR 8 million in GRW/FTI funding from the Free State of Thuringia for the DICE center), and materials testing and certification. Its primary customer segments are German and European automotive OEMs and suppliers, medical technology companies, packaging manufacturers, textile firms, and SMEs requiring R&D access. Flagship enterprise relationships in textile circular economy include Adidas, Vaude, Continental, and Head.

In December 2025 TITK inaugurated DICE (Demonstration and Innovation Centre for Textile Circular Economy), a EUR 11.5 million facility focused on industrially scalable fiber-to-fiber recycling of cellulose and polyester, backed by 63 pre-committed industry partners. The institute operates as the TITK Group alongside wholly-owned subsidiaries OMPG mbH and smartpolymer GmbH, combining research, development, and manufacturing capability under a single roof in Rudolstadt, with affiliated-institute ties to TU-Ilmenau and a network spanning more than 40 industry associations.

Name

Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research

Legal name

Thüringisches Institut für Textil- und Kunststoff-Forschung Rudolstadt e.V.

Website

https://titk.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

TITK is a German non-profit polymer research institute in Rudolstadt that develops, manufactures, and tests functional and construction polymer materials for automotive, medical, packaging, and textile industry clients across five revenue streams including contract research, grants, and specialty production.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Polymer Materials R&D Services

NAICS

Textile and Fabric Finishing and Fabric Coating Mills (3133), Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252), Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (32522)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Plastic Material, Synth Resin/Rubber, Cellulos (No Glass) (2820)

akta.pro primary industry

Testing, Inspection, Certification & Commissioning (TICx) Technical Services (BPAHAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coated & Laminated Industrial Fabrics (Tarpaulins/Awnings/Inflatables/Architectural Membranes) (IMAOADAI), Protective & Safety Textiles (FR/Arc/Heat/Cut/Chemical) (IMAOADAA)

Keywords

• Polymer materials research
• Textile fiber development
• Contract research services
• Materials testing services
• Cellulose fiber production

Headquarters

HQ city

Rudolstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: TITK operates as a registered association (e.V.) offering membership to small and medium-sized enterprises, providing access to research results, expertise, and technical infrastructure.
2. Contract research services: Industry contracts for custom R&D projects, testing services, consulting, and expert opinions. Clients include automotive, medical technology, packaging, and consumer goods sectors.
3. Production of special products: Manufacturing of specialty polymer products for research and commercial purposes.
4. Government funding and grants: Research funding from government bodies including Free State of Thuringia, federal ministries, and EU programs. DICE project received EUR 8 million in GRW and FTI funding.
5. Testing and certification services: Materials testing services using modern technical infrastructure for quality assurance and compliance testing.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

TITK is an industry-oriented research institute that develops functional and construction polymers, cellulose-based fibers, smart materials, and composites for industrial clients. Operating a three-pillar model (Research, Development, Services), the institute delivers contract research, prototyping, pilot-scale manufacturing, testing, and transfer of technologies for the textile and plastics sectors. Its portfolio includes proprietary innovations such as Lyohemp cellulose fibers, Caremelt biodegradable adhesives, antibacterial surfaces, PVDF piezoelectric fibers, and electrochromic modules.

Product overview

TITK (Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research) is an industry-oriented research institution offering a diverse portfolio of polymer-based innovations, research services, and specialized testing capabilities. The institute operates across four main research divisions: Native Polymers and Chemical Research, Textile and Materials Research, Plastics Research, and Functional Polymer Systems. Core product innovations include Lyohemp (sustainable hemp-based textile fibre), Caremelt (biodegradable adhesive), and various functional materials including antibacterial surfaces, heating foils with PTC effect, electrochromic modules, and PVDF piezo fibres. The recently launched DICE (Demonstration and Innovation Centre for Textile Circular Economy) represents the institute's flagship investment in textile recycling technology. Services include contract research, materials testing, patent support, expert opinions, and start-up incubation. The institute operates a scientific library with approximately 23,000 volumes and maintains extensive industry partnerships across automotive, medical, and consumer goods sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DICE: Demonstration and Innovation Centre for Textile Circular Economy - focuses on fibre-to-fibre recycling processes for cellulose and polyester fibres
• Lyohemp
• Caremelt
• Lyocell

Products and services

• Contract Research and Development Services Industry-oriented contract research, prototyping, and technology development for polymer and textile applications, delivered to industrial clients across automotive, medical technology, packaging, and consumer goods sectors.
• Materials Testing Services Certified materials testing, characterization, and quality assurance services for polymers, fibers, composites, and plastics, performed under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 quality and environmental management systems.
• Lyohemp Cellulose Fiber Proprietary cellulose-based fiber produced from industrial hemp using a Lyocell-type dry-wet spinning process, offered as a sustainable alternative for textile and composite applications.
• Caremelt Biodegradable Adhesive Plasticizer-free, biodegradable hot-melt adhesive developed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plasticizer-containing adhesives, suited for textile, packaging, and industrial bonding applications.
• PVDF Piezoelectric Fibers Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers with piezoelectric functionality for use in sensor, actuator, and smart-textile applications.
• Electrochromic Modules Electrochromic modules and devices that change color or transparency in response to applied voltage, developed for adaptive shading, display, and architectural applications.
• PTC Heating Foils Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating foils and modules that self-regulate their heating output, used for surface heating in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
• Antibacterial Surfaces Polymer-based surface treatments and material systems with built-in antibacterial functionality for medical, packaging, and consumer product applications.
• Phase Change Materials (PCM) Phase change materials (PCM) used for thermal energy storage and temperature regulation in textiles, building products, and industrial applications.
• DICE Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy Innovation center focused on textile circular economy, providing research, development, and demonstration infrastructure to advance recycling and circularity in the textile industry.
• Pilot-Scale Manufacturing Services Pilot-scale processing, compounding, and small-series manufacturing services for polymers, fibers, and composites, enabling technology transfer from lab to production readiness.

Quantifiable outcome

• DICE inaugurated December 2025 after only 8 months from foundation stone to completion
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature15 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• DICE (Demonstration and Innovation Centre for Textile Circular Economy)coreOthers · 12 December 2025Newly inaugurated innovation center dedicated to textile circular economy research, particularly fiber-to-fiber recycling for cellulose and polyester fibers. The center has 63 committed industry partners including Adidas, Vaude, Continental, and Head. Focuses on developing industrially scalable closed-loop recycling processes.
• AdidasflagshipOthersMajor sporting goods company committed as partner in DICE textile circular economy research initiatives
• VaudeflagshipOthersOutdoor equipment company committed as partner in DICE textile circular economy research initiatives
• ContinentalflagshipOthersAutomotive components company committed as partner in DICE textile circular economy research initiatives
• HeadflagshipOthersSports equipment company committed as partner in DICE textile circular economy research initiatives
• Konrad Zuse e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Industrial Research Association Konrad Zuse e.V. - TITK is a founding member
• Forschungs- und Technologieverbund Thüringen e.V. (FTVT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and Technology Association Thuringia e.V. - TITK is a founding member
• OMPG mbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary company within TITK Group offering triple expertise at one location
• smartpolymer GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary company within TITK Group offering triple expertise at one location
• TU-Ilmenau (affiliated institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated institute providing application-oriented research complemented by basic research results
• IPHC TharandtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in Lyocell pulp development project
• NH DyeAGNOSTICS GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Lyosheep project for alternative uses of sheep's wool
• Competence Center Polysaccharide ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in polysaccharide research collaboration
• European Network of Excellence for Polysaccharide Research (EPNOE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean network of excellence for polysaccharide research
• FH-JenaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in research networks with universities of applied sciences
• FSU-JenaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in research networks with universities
• AVK-TV (Arbeitsgemeinschaft verstärkte Kunststoffe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical association for reinforced plastics - TITK participates in the working group on natural fiber reinforced plastics
• automotive thuringen e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive network in Thuringia for technology transfer and industry collaboration
• Allianz Faserbasierte Werkstoffe Baden-Württemberg e.V. (AFBW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance for fiber-based materials in Baden-Württemberg
• Carbon Composites e.V. (CCeV)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork covering the entire value chain of high-performance fiber composite materials in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Kooperationsnetzwerk BioPlastikminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation network for innovative bio-based and biodegradable products from biopolymers
• DECHEMA e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSociety for Chemical Technology and Biotechnology
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde e.V. (DGM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Materials Society for materials science collaboration

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IFTH (Institut Français du Textile et de l'Habillement): French technical textile institute providing testing, R&D and innovation services to the apparel and technical-textiles industry — directly comparable mandate and revenue mix to TITK.
• Centexbel: Belgian collective research center serving the textile and plastics industry with testing, certification and applied research — directly comparable in member-driven, industry-funded contract research model for European textile SMEs.
• Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) – RWTH Aachen: University-affiliated textile and fiber-composite research institute offering contract R&D, testing and pilot manufacturing across natural fibers, technical textiles and composites — highly comparable in mission and customer base to TITK.
• DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials: Leibniz Association polymer and materials research institute based in Aachen with a similar industry-contract model focused on functional polymers, coatings and fibers — direct academic-peer competitor for talent and grants.
• AITEX (Asociación de Investigación de la Industria Textil): Spanish textile research center offering testing, certification and applied research to textile manufacturers across Europe — close functional peer to TITK with similar industry-funded R&D model.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: State-owned contract research organization running applied programs in biomaterials, fibers and industrial polymer processing — comparable scale, funding model and customer base to TITK in the European R&D ecosystem.

Emerging players

• Stratasys: Industrial polymer 3D-printing company whose FDM/FFF technology overlaps with TITK's additive-manufacturing research line — adjacent commercial counterpart where TITK's polymer R&D and Stratasys's printers meet.
• NatureWorks: Specialty biopolymer manufacturer (Ingeo PLA) targeting sustainable textiles, packaging and consumer goods — adjacent commercial player leveraging bio-based polymer technology overlapping with TITK's sustainable materials portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Fraunhofer Institute (e.g., Fraunhofer IAP, IMWS, LBF): Germany's largest applied-research organization with multiple institutes covering polymer research, textiles, lightweight design and functional materials — directly comparable contract-research model competing for the same German industrial clients and public grants.
• TWI Ltd (The Welding Institute): UK-based independent industrial R&D organization offering contract research, testing and certification across materials and joining technologies — comparable in business model (membership + contract research + testing) though broader scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/titk_rudolstadt
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQthmodit-XZFDQvrevh80g
• Facebookfacebook.com/TITKRudolstadt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/titk-e.v.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research