Happening on 8 May 2025, the INFOHappening Coating, Finishing & Printing took place in Centexbel facilities, located in Zwijnaarde, Belgium. Focusing on discovering innovative, environmentally conscious solutions in materials science and industrial technology, the event showcased a diverse range of innovations aimed at advancing sustainable materials and circular economy solutions.

Key topics included recent breakthroughs in coating and finishing technologies, such as the development of durable water-repellent and antimicrobial finishes for textiles, and eco-friendly flame-retardant coatings tailored for mycelium-based panels. They also explored the use of plasma technology to enhance textile functionality and adhesion, as well as smart textiles designed for harvesting waste heat. The programme also highlighted the use of renewable aromatics in textile coatings and the development of biobased, sustainable polyurethanes. Additionally, it delved into the transformation of large-format prints into clean resources through deinking technologies and examined the role of industrial symbiosis and extended producer responsibility (EPR) in fostering effective circular economy practices.

The RELIANCE project was featured in the conference through a presentation by project partner Centexbel. Brecht Demedts delivered a talk titled “Combined Durable Water-Repellent and Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles”, showcasing Centexbel’s cutting-edge research within the scope of RELIANCE. The presentation also explored the broader landscape of textile coating innovations, with a focus on the development of textiles that repel water and combat microbes using copper-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles. These advanced coatings are designed to provide both water repellency and antimicrobial protection, aligning with the RELIANCE project’s mission to foster sustainable and high-performance textile technologies.