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The Cell Solution® Clima fiber made by smartpolymer is certified to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 product class 1 – declaring as well harmless application for babies and toddlers up to 3 years.
One of the many negative impacts of climate change is the rising threat posed by often invasive biting or stinging insects. Native pests such as ticks and mosquitoes are now active for significantly longer periods and often transmit dangerous diseases. Asian tiger mosquitoes, for instance, have joined the fray, bringing tropical diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya fever in their wake. TITK - Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research e.V. in Rudolstadt, Germany, has developed a protective response to that health challenge.
The way it works: Lyocell fibers containing Permethrin
The active agent with Cell Solution® is permanently incorporated into the fiber matrix during the spinning process – without nanotechnology, without capsules, and without surface coatings. No microplastics are released. Because it is anchored deep within the fiber structure, a depot-and-release function is created. This means Permethrin is released slowly and steadily at low concentrations to the textile surface.
The depot-and-release function is incorporated into finished clothing products according to product specs, remains effective throughout the garment's or technical textile's lifespan, and stays effective even after 100 washes at 60 °C.
At the same time, the breathable, moisture-regulating cellulose base of Lyocell fiber ensures a comfortable skin climate and helps regulate temperature. Depending on the application, the Cell Solution Protection fiber can be incorporated into blended fabrics at a content of 5 to 10 percent.
Wide range of textile applications
Beyond apparel such as stockings and socks, various outdoor gear, and protective uses include medical apparel and hospital clothing, nursing gloves, and home textiles such as bedding, linens, and mattresses. In accordance with European certification EN 17487, Cell Solution Protection is approved for use in protective clothing designed to minimize the risk of tick bites. The functional fiber is classified as a treated article and is therefore not subject to the EU Biocidal Products Regulation. The technology, certified to Oeko-Tex Class 1, also meets the requirements of the German Armed Forces’ Technical Delivery Specifications (TL) for materials containing Permethrin.
Collaboration across 6,000 miles of distance
Since the end of 2025, a strong boundary between Kanto Gakuin University in Yokohama, Japan, and the Technical University of Ilmenau is in place, initiated by the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research Rudolstadt e.V. (TITK). The primary goal is to expand academic and educational cooperation and promote mutual understanding between the two universities. TITK has been affiliated with the Technical University of Ilmenau for many years and has worked with the Japanese university since 2006 under a cooperation agreement.
Meeting the Technical Delivery Specifications of the German Armed Forces for materials containing Permethrin. The Cell Solution Protection fiber also meets the requirements. © Bundeswehr/Marc Tessensohn
About TITK & Smartpolymer
Founded in 2014, Smartpolymer GmbH (= LLC) is a company spin-off of TITK Group Rudolstadt. It makes new developments from the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research e.V. (TITK) available to industry and markets, including polymer-based functional and construction materials and the products and processes developed from them.
Their portfolio includes filaments for grinding applications and piezoelectric sensor fibers. Smartpolymer also provides individual adaptation or new development of additives, compounds, and polymers, as well as their production and marketing.
Production takes place at several sites for selected individual customers, as well as for the broader market. According to its integration into TITK Group and its own statements, Smartpolymer guarantees a high level of innovative strength to implement customer-specific requirements excellently. The enterprise is certified according to (German/European) DIN EN ISO 9001 for the production areas of flocking and short-cut fiber.
TITK, as an industry-oriented research institute, among other advantageous developments, equipped sustainable Lyocell fibers with market-relevant additional functions by applying a patented process. This includes temperature-regulating (Clima), skincare (Cosmetical agents), and antibacterial or antiviral (Bioactive) fibers.