Clothing often quickly becomes disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns often end up in the trash after just a few uses. This is particularly frustrating because fossil-based materials are still typically used in their production today. This is exactly where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in. Under the title “DisAPPrint,” the Institute of Materials Science (ifm) at the Münchberg campus is collaborating with Willy Maisel GmbH in Konradsreuth (Hof district) to develop an innovative, bio-based textile coating—derived from waste materials from mushroom production.
The goal of the project is to conserve textile resources while simultaneously creating an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional print coatings.
A growing problem: short-lived textiles
Whether it’s a concert T-shirt or a promotional giveaway—many printed garments are worn only a few times. The result: increasing amounts of textile waste and an additional environmental burden from fossil-based materials in print coatings.
“We see enormous potential here to conserve resources while simultaneously exploring new avenues in textile finishing. The need for sustainable alternatives is particularly great in the area of short-lived textiles.”
Alexandra Luft, research group leader at the Institute of Materials Science at Hof University of Applied Sciences (ifm)
The solution grows in secret: chitosan from mushrooms
The researchers are relying on an unusual raw material: mushroom waste from food production. In Europe, this waste accumulates in large quantities—and has largely gone unused until now. In Bavaria alone, there are dozens of mushroom producers capable of supplying such waste materials. As part of the project, chitosan is extracted from these byproducts—a bio-based substance that is extracted in powder form. In an acidic solution, this forms a gel-like mass that can be applied to textiles as a thin film.
“What makes this special is that we are using a raw material that is already available and has so far seen little value-added processing. This allows us to lay the foundation for a solution that is both sustainable and economically viable.”
Dr. Katharina Wellmanns (Research Associate)
From theory to practice: Tests under real-world conditions
Whether this new coating actually proves itself in everyday use is being thoroughly investigated as part of the project. This involves not only determining whether colors remain vibrant and prints are durable, but also assessing adaptability to different materials such as cotton or polyester, as well as various printing methods like screen or digital printing. Additionally, durability under real-world conditions is being tested. At the university’s own testing facility in Münchberg, researchers are examining how the coatings react to sweat, alcoholic beverages, and fruit juices, and whether they can withstand the stresses of everyday life.
An important partner in this effort is Willy Maisel GmbH from Konradsreuth in the Hof district, which tests the materials in real-world printing processes.
“For us, it is crucial that innovative materials not only work in the lab but also hold up in everyday industrial use. The project offers the opportunity to integrate sustainable solutions directly into existing production processes.”
Willy Maisel (Managing Director, Willy Maisel GmbH)
Interdisciplinary Research as the Key
The “DisAPPrint” project thus brings together several disciplines: chemistry, materials science, and textile engineering work hand in hand. While Hof University is responsible for the extraction, development, and characterization of chitosan, industry contributes its expertise in practical application. “Technology transfer between the university and small and medium-sized enterprises is a central component of this project,” explains Alexandra Luft. “This is the only way innovations can be brought to market quickly and effectively.”
Challenges on the path to market readiness
Despite promising approaches, the researchers face demanding tasks. Extracting consistently high-quality chitosan from biological waste materials requires processes just as precise as the development of coatings that are both stable and versatile. Adapting the material to different textiles and printing processes, as well as ensuring the right feel and comfort, are also crucial factors that will determine the innovation’s success. “The biggest challenge is balancing sustainability and functionality,” explains Luft. “Ultimately, the product must not only be ecologically sound but also meet our customers’ high quality standards.”
Creating New Value from Existing Resources
In addition to technical development, the project also pursues an economic approach: building a new value chain around mushroom byproducts. What was previously considered waste could become the starting point for a new line of business in the future.
Funding and Duration
The “DisAPPrint” project runs from January 2026 to December 2027 and is funded under the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM). In addition to Hof University of Applied Sciences and Willy Maisel GmbH, an external testing institute is also involved.
Outlook: Rethinking sustainable textiles
“Our goal is to create a genuine alternative to fossil-based coatings,” Wellmanns summarizes. “If we succeed, we will not only be contributing to research but also to a more sustainable future for the textile industry.”
