Researchers at the Institute for Technical Textiles (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University in Germany received two JEC Innovation Awards at the recent JEC World 2025 composites exhibition in Paris.

Carbon fibre stone (CFS), initially developed at ITA and now marketed by Paris-based TechnoCarbon Technologies, received the 2025 JEC Innovation Award in the Building and Civil Engineering category.

This material combines carbon-negative igneous stone with bio-based fibres such as a carbon fibre made from a PAN precursor derived from algae and is intended as an eco-friendly replacement for CO2-intensive concrete in house walls.

Each square metre of a CFS wall captures 59 kg of CO2, whereas traditional cement walls release 98 kg of CO2.

Within the DACCUSS (direct air carbon capture, utilisation and safe storage) project, the absorption and fixation of carbon dioxide into a CFS wall structure and biochar insulation for permanent carbon storage is being investigated by a muti-disciplinary research consortium led by the ITA.

In DACCUS, the efficiency with which CO2 can be filtered directly from the air has already been demonstrated, with CO2 sequestration in all components of the wall.

The design features stiffening structures creating a stable middle layer filled with carbon negative biochar granulate for insulation. The use of igneous stone in CFS boosts energy efficiency while ensuring access to cheaper and scalable materials.

Honey Roots Technology

ITA received its second award in the Sports, Leisure and Recreation category for the development of Honey Roots Technology (HRT) – a patented three dimensional structure of a honeycomb core and glass, flax or hemp composites.

This is now being exploited in surfboards, initially by German brand Kanoa.

The unique alignment of fibres and resin in HRT allows for superior mechanics and performance in surfboards while enabling some of the most sustainable combinations of materials available to date.

An HRT surfboard can be based on a 70% recyclable and 30% biobased wood content closed cell foam does not absorb any water.

A construction has been realised through a 3D laminate that is improving the mechanics of the finished part and eliminates the need for infusion consumables. The material choice can be biobased or recycled while maximising performance and minimising CO2 footprint.

With a layup consisting of lyocell and cellulose fibres, a lignin core and recycled content, the majority of the material composition is from wood origin. Thanks to the biobased and recyclable resin system the board demonstrates full recyclability. The final result is a long-lasting performance surfboard with a minimsed footprint designed for circularity.

www.ita.rwth-aachen.de