About 30 guests accepted the invitation from the “Association of Friends of the Internationalization of the Münchberg Textile Competence Center at Hof University of Applied Sciences” to attend a lecture on the future of renewable raw materials. Under the title “Fiber Plant Breeding: Reviving an Extinct Discipline in Germany and Europe,” Dr. Fred Eikmeyer, Managing Director of ESKUSA GmbH, spoke about the importance of fiber plant breeding for a sustainable and resilient supply of raw materials.
At the beginning of his presentation, Dr. Eikmeyer highlighted the increasing narrowing of the agricultural crop base. While cultivated plants serve humanity as sources of food, feed, fiber, energy, and chemical raw materials, the diversity of cultivated species is steadily declining. Today, for example, around 60 percent of the calories consumed worldwide come from just four plant species: rice, wheat, corn, and potatoes. In the field of natural fibers, cotton dominates with a share of over 80 percent.
This high concentration poses risks in light of future challenges such as drought, flooding, soil salinization, and rising temperatures. Diversifying raw material production is therefore no longer a niche issue but a central pillar for the industry’s future viability.
Potential of Renewable Fiber Crops
The speaker presented various fiber and industrial crops that can be grown in temperate climates and have the potential to strengthen regional value chains. These include:
- Russian dandelion as a sustainable source of natural rubber,
- flax (linen) as a traditional natural fiber with new potential,
- hemp as a versatile raw material,
- stinging nettle as a historic textile plant with modern applications.
Dr. Eikmeyer studied horticultural sciences at the University of Hannover and founded ESKUSA GmbH in Bavaria in 2010. The company specializes in the cultivation of specialty crops, including industrial raw material plants, medicinal and aromatic herbs, perennial biomass plants, and native wild plants for landscaping and insect conservation.
Discussion on Global Raw Material Sources
Following the presentation, a lively discussion ensued about plant-based raw materials from various climate zones. In addition to fiber crops that can be grown in Europe, the discussion also covered tropical and subtropical crops such as cotton and jute.
Prof. Oliver Lottes, chairman of the association, expressed great satisfaction with the event:
“We were able to bring people together, promote international exchange, and share knowledge—which is precisely the goal of our association. The in-depth discussion on plant-based raw materials from temperate as well as tropical and subtropical climate zones was particularly gratifying.”
Prof. Oliver Lottes
Investing in Resilience and Sustainability
The event made it clear that security of supply for raw materials and the preservation of biodiversity are closely linked. The revival of fiber crop breeding represents a long-term investment in resilient production and supply systems. At the same time, breeding goals must be specifically tailored to the requirements of the end use—for example, in terms of yield, fiber length, or fiber strength.
Specialized breeding programs can help secure both food systems and the textile value chain in the long term. Guests left the event with numerous new insights and a deeper understanding of the importance of plant diversity in a sustainable economy.
