(translated with ChatGPT without further editing)
With more than 20 years of experience in the fiber and textile industry, Marina founded MCC Innovare, a company that takes a holistic view of innovation – from fiber development to market launch. In the Hot Seat, she talks about current projects, the major challenges of the industry, and her vision for a sustainable and competitive future.
Dear Marina, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to our Hot Seat. Could you briefly introduce MCC Innovare to us – what is behind your company and your portfolio?
MCC Innovare is the logical continuation of my professional career. After more than 20 years at Lenzing and Kelheim Fibres, I wanted to create an environment where I could support companies more flexibly and strategically.
My approach is: making innovation implementable. I support organizations along the entire value chain – from fiber development through nonwovens to applications in clothing, hygiene, or technical fields. In doing so, I combine scientific insights with market potential and translate regulatory and societal requirements into concrete innovation strategies.
The core of my work is a deep understanding of the fiber and its processing steps. Because only if we know how a fiber works can we design it in such a way that it makes the difference in application – whether soft on the skin, absorbent in a hygiene product, or high-performing in a technical composite. This knowledge is becoming rarer, but it is crucial to making innovation sustainably successful.
What are you currently working on most intensively?
At the moment, I am supporting companies in translating biobased materials and circular concepts into market-ready products. This includes technical development – such as optimizing wood-based fibers – as well as strategic preparation for upcoming EU regulations.
Another focus is the systemic perspective: I always start with the needs of the end application and “work backwards” to the fiber. This makes it possible to define exactly the properties that a product needs – whether in clothing, hygiene, or technical applications.
You are part of the BAMBI project – what role do you play there?
In the BAMBI project, I work in a large network of experts from very different sectors – from chemistry to wood technology to end applications. My role is that of a fiber and textile expert who speaks the language of the textile industry and brings this know-how into the interdisciplinary environment.
Concretely, this means: I contribute my deep knowledge of wood-based fibers, their properties, and the entire value chain – from fiber development through processing to application. In this way, I build the bridge between the innovative approaches we are exploring in BAMBI and the requirements of the textile and nonwoven industry.
In your view, what are the biggest challenges for the textile and fiber industry?
The industry is at a turning point:
An additional challenge I see is the loss of technical fundamental knowledge in fiber development and processing. This know-how is essential for shaping innovations in depth – and yet it is becoming increasingly rare.
What is needed to address these challenges?
We need a systemic approach: innovation must not take place in silos. We need collaboration along the entire value chain – from fiber chemistry to end application – and across industry boundaries, for example with health, mobility, or packaging.
Equally important: combining technical depth with regulatory foresight. Those who already understand how new materials fit into tomorrow’s frameworks have a clear advantage.
And – crucially – we need investment: in research, development, and the scaling of sustainable solutions. Without targeted financial resources, we risk losing our position in global competition.
Last but not least, we must preserve the knowledge of that “endangered species” that combines both: the fundamentals of fiber development and the ability to turn them into market-ready products.
What kind of questions can companies or partners best approach you with?
Which developments would you like to actively help shape in the coming years?
My vision is shaped by the guiding principle “Innovation with Purpose – Collaboration for Impact.”
I want to actively contribute to ensuring that Europe not only takes responsibility in sustainability, but also remains a leader in strategic agility, speed, and competitiveness.
This includes:
Finally: Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?
Innovation is not an option – it is the foundation of competitiveness. But it has to be meaningful: it should address real societal and ecological needs while creating economic value.
My advice: Be bold, seek cooperation, and think about innovation systemically. Those who bring together fiber, process, market, and regulation will actively shape the future – instead of just reacting.
Marina has nearly 25 years of experience in fiber and application development as well as in business development. Customer-specific and market-oriented solutions, cross-company collaboration along the value chain, and continuous monitoring of long-term industry trends – particularly in the fields of textiles and nonwovens – have shaped her career path and are key characteristics of her work. She is actively involved in European textile and nonwoven organizations and has an extensive network in the fiber, textile, and nonwoven industries. Her role as President of the Joint Research Centre and the Textile ETP (European Technology Platform) in Brussels, Belgium, gave her valuable experience in promoting joint research initiatives and advancing technological innovations in the textile sector. Her previous position as a board member of CIRFS (European Man-Made Fibre Association) also enabled her – and still does today through her broad network – to help shape industry policy and represent the interests of European textile manufacturers on a larger scale. In addition, her roles as Board Member Observer at EURATEX (The European Apparel and Textile Confederation) in Brussels, Belgium, and as a board member of the Forschungskuratorium Textil (FKT) in Berlin, Germany, provided her with valuable insights and active involvement in shaping international industry dynamics, textile strategies, and regulatory frameworks.
