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EDANA Innovation Forum Photo EDANA
EDANA Innovation Forum
18.06.2025

EDANA Innovation Forum 2025: Serendipity, AI and Circularity

EDANA’s Innovation Forum 2025, held on 11–12 June in Station F, Paris, brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry leaders, researchers, startups and innovation experts to explore the dynamic evolution of the nonwovens sector. With a rich two-day agenda that combined high-level keynote addresses, thematic sessions, research showcases and networking events, the Forum served as a hub for ideation, collaboration and inspiration around the sector’s most urgent challenges and exciting opportunities. 
 
“Innovation is a key factor to stay competitive — but more than that, it’s the foundation for resilience and long-term relevance. By embedding sustainability, digitalization and collaboration into the core of our innovation culture, we’re not just keeping pace with change — we’re shaping the future of our industry.” said EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru in his opening address. 
 

EDANA’s Innovation Forum 2025, held on 11–12 June in Station F, Paris, brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry leaders, researchers, startups and innovation experts to explore the dynamic evolution of the nonwovens sector. With a rich two-day agenda that combined high-level keynote addresses, thematic sessions, research showcases and networking events, the Forum served as a hub for ideation, collaboration and inspiration around the sector’s most urgent challenges and exciting opportunities. 
 
“Innovation is a key factor to stay competitive — but more than that, it’s the foundation for resilience and long-term relevance. By embedding sustainability, digitalization and collaboration into the core of our innovation culture, we’re not just keeping pace with change — we’re shaping the future of our industry.” said EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru in his opening address. 
 
Speakers explored how textile waste can become high-value products, how fibrelevel modelling replaces costly prototyping, and how AI enables more autonomous and sustainable manufacturing. “Nonwovens are robust and can tolerate stress. This gives an opportunity in the recycling textile to tackle the textile tsunami.” - Maria Ström, CEO of The Loop Factory. 
 
The Forum also welcomed nature-powered innovations set to transform the fibre landscape. “What if we made fibres from agricultural waste? Natural fibres are extraordinary, and we wouldn’t even have to use the leaves that are grown, but the ones already on the ground and that are now considered waste.” - Dr. Carmen Hijosa, Founder & Creative Director of Ananas Anam. 
 
The afternoon turned its spotlight on research institutes from across Europe, examining how their strategic priorities align with industry needs. “It is crucial that people in the nonwovens industry understand what’s going on on the other side of the fence and to understand what R&D people are doing”, said Matthew Tipper, CEO of Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute (NIRI). “We need collaboration between the real needs of the industry and research institutes.” 
 
Towards the end of the first day, the EDANA Innovation Forum featured a workshop on capturing serendipity. “Not all progress is planned”, said Dieter Eichinger, CEO & Founder of Eichinger. “Some of the most transformative ideas are born from surprises, and we need to make space for it to imagine the imaginable”. 
 
The first day ended with a cocktail dinner aboard the Excellence, gliding through the heart of Paris on the River Seine, admiring the beauty of the City of Light and its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. 
 
Day two began with a provocative and practical keynote on AI as a creative partner in product development. “AI doesn’t replace creativity,” said Oliver Breucker, CoCEO & AI Consultant at Roover Consulting. “It amplifies it. It clears space for us to think bigger, iterate faster, and design better — with the customer always at the centre.” 
 
Moreover, sustainable innovation is no longer confined to early-stage R&D. From fibre-based packaging to carbon-zero superabsorbents, speakers showcased products ready to hit the market, each with compelling environmental and commercial benefits. “It’s not about choosing between performance and sustainability anymore,” said Alexandros Skouras, Director of Hygiene Sector at Paptic. “The next generation of materials offers both.” 
 
The forum also invited Walter Johnsen, Venture Science Associate at Marble Studio, who offered a strategic lens on how deep-tech entrepreneurship can fast-track climate progress. In addition, four startups took the stage to showcase how they’re transforming diapers, textiles, fashion and chemical processes. “Innovation is not about making things slightly better,” said Miki Agrawal of Hiro Technologies. “It’s about asking: what if we start completely differently and solve the root problem instead of patching the old one?” 
 
To end the second day, Maxime Guillaud, CEO of INSKIP, mapped out how startups and ecosystems are evolving — and what the nonwovens industry can learn from other sectors. “Innovation doesn’t just come from technology — it comes from how we organise people and capital around ideas,” said Maxime. “That’s where ecosystems matter.” The event concluded with a guided visit to Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, reinforcing the importance of ecosystems in scaling transformative ideas. 
 
EDANA extended its heartfelt thanks to all speakers, moderators, partners and participants whose energy and insight made the Forum such a success. The connections made in Paris will continue to drive meaningful progress in the months and years ahead! 

Source:

Edana

Photo: Garment Tech İstanbul Exhibition
12.06.2025

Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition hosting Technologies that shape the Garment Industry

The countdown has begun for the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition. The ready-to-wear and garment sector, which has a significant share in Turkiye's exports, will come together at the Garment Tech Istanbul Garment, Embroidery Machines Spare Parts and Sub-Industry Exhibition to be held at the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM) between June 25-28. The latest technologies used in all stages of the production processes, from sewing to embroidery, from cutting to ironing systems, from packaging to denim, will be exhibited at the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition.

The countdown has begun for the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition. The ready-to-wear and garment sector, which has a significant share in Turkiye's exports, will come together at the Garment Tech Istanbul Garment, Embroidery Machines Spare Parts and Sub-Industry Exhibition to be held at the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM) between June 25-28. The latest technologies used in all stages of the production processes, from sewing to embroidery, from cutting to ironing systems, from packaging to denim, will be exhibited at the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition.

Companies will Have the Opportunity to Modernize Their Production Processes
The exhibition, which will host professional visitors and global buyers in Istanbul for 4 days, wants to announce Turkiye's leadership in garment and ready-to-wear to the whole world and will be the center of innovation. The exhibition, where innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence-supported production systems, automatic sewing, embroidery, cutting and spreading machines, automation systems, ironing and pressing solutions and packaging systems will be exhibited, claims to shed light on the garment technologies of the future. The exhibition will provide companies operating in the garment and ready-to-wear sector with the opportunity to modernize their production processes and gain competitive advantage.

Turkiye's textile and ready-to-wear sector has been experiencing a serious recession due to economic difficulties, especially in the last two years. The Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition will be a turning point for the sector to rise again during this difficult period. The world's and Turkiye's leading ready-to-wear technology manufacturers will have the opportunity to come together with global buyers, establish new business connections and bring dynamism to the sector. The companies participating in the exhibition, which will be equipped with innovative machinery and production systems, will have the chance to increase their export volumes and gain a stronger position in global markets.

Source:

Garment Tech İstanbul Exhibition

Manfred Hackl, CEO of the EREMA Group (right), and Gerold Breuer, Head of Marketing Photo Erema GmbH
Manfred Hackl, CEO of the EREMA Group (right), and Gerold Breuer, Head of Marketing
04.06.2025

K 2025: EREMA redefines plastics recycling

The company launched the "Edvanced Recycling - EREMA Prime Solutions for Advanced Recycling" campaign at an exclusive press conference at the beginning of June as a preview to K 2025. 

"The technologies used in plastics recycling have evolved very fast. Over the past few years, we have repeatedly set milestones and have been a driver of innovation. At this year's K, we will again be presenting multiple new solutions designed to keep even more plastics in circulation," said Manfred Hackl, CEO of the EREMA Group, in his opening presentation at the K Preview Press Talk, which was held at the beginning of June at the company's headquarters in Ansfelden near Linz in Austria. EREMA provided a first glance of selected innovations that the company will be presenting at K 2025 in Düsseldorf. 

New technologies open up more applications 
Two new machine types will celebrate their début at K 2025: 

The company launched the "Edvanced Recycling - EREMA Prime Solutions for Advanced Recycling" campaign at an exclusive press conference at the beginning of June as a preview to K 2025. 

"The technologies used in plastics recycling have evolved very fast. Over the past few years, we have repeatedly set milestones and have been a driver of innovation. At this year's K, we will again be presenting multiple new solutions designed to keep even more plastics in circulation," said Manfred Hackl, CEO of the EREMA Group, in his opening presentation at the K Preview Press Talk, which was held at the beginning of June at the company's headquarters in Ansfelden near Linz in Austria. EREMA provided a first glance of selected innovations that the company will be presenting at K 2025 in Düsseldorf. 

New technologies open up more applications 
Two new machine types will celebrate their début at K 2025: 

  • TwinPro is a high-performance twin-screw technology in which the proven EREMA Preconditioning Unit (PCU) is coupled directly to a twin-screw extruder. The new system is particularly suitable for the highly efficient homogenisation in just one step of complex film waste with low bulk densities. 
  • AGGLOREMA technology is particularly interesting for preparing feedstock materials for chemical recycling. This robust and energy-efficient system produces agglomerates with a high bulk density on a large scale from heavily contaminated post consumer material.

The focus is also on the increasing demand for recycled pellets made from post consumer materials in sensitive applications and secondary packaging. For example, EREMA is launching a more compact INTAREMA® TVEplus® 2021 and, together with Lindner Washtech, is presenting the optimum match of washing system and extruder that achieves a balanced overall process. Live recycling demonstrations in the outdoor area will show how different waste streams are processed. Visitors can see the results for themselves in the exhibition of products at the Edvanced Recycling Centre, which range from technical components to cosmetic products and food packaging. 

Digitalisation increases uptime
Digital solutions play a decisive role in achieving the circular economy and handling plastic waste material in a sustainable way. At K, the PredictOn family is growing to include AI-supported in-depth data analysis for monitoring the main drives, and a new Condition Monitoring System for the plasticising unit. Both modules can be seen in action at the show, where an INTAREMA® TVEplus® DuaFil® Compact is equipped with the latest intelligent assistance systems. The results can be seen live on the displays of the BluPort® online platform at the EREMA trade fair stand and at the outdoor Edvanced Recycling Centre.

Edvanced Recycling: The campaign with a recurring effect
"For a more circular economy in the plastics industry, recycling has to be consistently integrated along the entire value chain. Edvanced Recycling shows how we are working together with our customers to sustainably increase the proportion of recycled plastics used in new products," says Gerold Breuer, Head of Marketing at the EREMA Group. The year-long campaign focuses on the full range of EREMA solutions, from technologies proven in practice to innovative new products, with a first highlight at K 2025. "And yes, it really is spelt that way," adds Gerold Breuer, "because the E stands for EREMA. After all, advanced plastics recycling is inextricably linked to our name."

Source:

Erema GmbH

28.05.2025

Indorama Ventures expands deja portfolio boosting textile industry sustainability

Introducing PET fibers and filament yarns made solely from discard textile waste, lower carbon bio-fibers, and more, Indorama Ventures expands dejaTM portfolio to boost textile industry sustainability:
The company expands its fiber and filament yarn portfolio called dejaTM to boost sustainability. The goal is to actively drive circularity and decarbonization efforts in the global textile industry and to prepare for supporting the upcoming European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

Three key offerings add to the company’s deja portfolio, addressing customers’ main sustainability challenges:

Introducing PET fibers and filament yarns made solely from discard textile waste, lower carbon bio-fibers, and more, Indorama Ventures expands dejaTM portfolio to boost textile industry sustainability:
The company expands its fiber and filament yarn portfolio called dejaTM to boost sustainability. The goal is to actively drive circularity and decarbonization efforts in the global textile industry and to prepare for supporting the upcoming European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

Three key offerings add to the company’s deja portfolio, addressing customers’ main sustainability challenges:

  1. On-demand solutions for textile circularity, providing deja PET fibers and filament yarns made solely from enhanced recycled textile waste that was being discarded. Products available on customers’ request are high-tenacity yarns and cords for technical applications like airbags and seat belts, as well as fibers and filament yarns for lifestyle applications, such as apparel and home textiles. Customers interested to drive circularity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while keeping performance equal to standard solutions, are encouraged to request more information at enquiry.fibers@indorama.net.
  2. deja Bio: Solutions to help customers reduce their carbon footprint. Thanks to its fully integrated, in-house PET supply chain, Indorama Ventures can deliver high-performing deja PET yarns out of Europe and Asia that have a substantially reduced carbon footprint. All of them comply with the accounting methodology of the ‘Together for Sustainability’ industry initiative.

Indorama Ventures takes a mass balance approach to increase the use of renewable sources, benefitting from eleven ISCC+ (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) certified sites across its entire business, including PTA, PET chips, fibers, and technical fabrics. The mass balance approach is a chain-of-custody method that allows manufacturers to mix sustainable and conventional inputs like renewable and fossil-based materials in a shared production system, while still allocating the environmental benefits of the sustainable inputs to a portion of the output.

High-tenacity yarns and tire cord fabrics available in the bio-based deja portfolio allow for a progressive bio-content introduction into customers’ products. Customers can benefit from avoiding or simplifying qualification procedures and receive the same performance as from fossil solutions. Further, these products can be given new life through mechanical or enhanced recycling.

  1. deja Enhanced: Products that give hard-to-recycle packaging and textile waste new life. In close collaboration with like-minded partners along the value chain, Indorama Ventures is also looking at ways to convert hard-to-recycle packaging into fibers and yarns through enhanced recycling. These solutions are readily available at similar level of performance as fossil solutions. In future, these products will also be supplied with flexible proportions of reprocessed textile feedstock to accommodate customers’ circular targets.
  2. Customers and brand owners are invited to take a closer look at what the expanded deja™ fibers & yarns portfolio offers during Textiles Recycling Expo on June 4-5 in Brussels, booth no. 1825. As one of the leading events dedicated to textile recycling and circularity, this expo brings together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to shape the future of sustainable textiles.
  3. Claire Mattelet, Global Sustainability Program Head for Indorama Ventures’ Fibers Business, says: With the expanded deja portfolio, we are turning ambition into action – empowering our customers to meet their circularity and decarbonization goals through innovative, high-performance PET fibers and yarns made from textile waste, bio-based inputs, and hard-to-recycle materials. This is how we shape the future of sustainable textiles without compromising on quality or performance.”
  4. With most of the textile waste globally being incinerated or landfilled, the global fashion industry accounts for an estimated 3 to 8 percent of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to recent reports1,2, the industry’s emissions are expected to increase by about 30 percent by 2030 if no further action is taken1. In response, Indorama Ventures has set a 2030 target of 40% of recycled and bio-based feedstock of its current commodity feedstock. Taking a leading role and collaborating along the entire value chain to drive sustainable practices in the man-made fibers industry is at the core of Indorama Ventures’ commitment to shaping the future of textiles.
Source:

Indorama Ventures

World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference 2025 Graphic INDA
28.05.2025

Conference Program for the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference 2025

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has published the full conference program for the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place July 21–24, 2025, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio.

This year’s theme, “Wipe to Win: Innovating for a Sustainable and Profitable Future,” brings together industry leaders to address pressing challenges and opportunities across the wipes value chain. Program topics will include U.S. manufacturing threats, tariff and regulatory impacts, fiber sustainability, consumer perceptions, fragrance trends, slitting advancements, plastic-free wipe innovations, sports hygiene, and flushability.

Conference Sessions Include:

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has published the full conference program for the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place July 21–24, 2025, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio.

This year’s theme, “Wipe to Win: Innovating for a Sustainable and Profitable Future,” brings together industry leaders to address pressing challenges and opportunities across the wipes value chain. Program topics will include U.S. manufacturing threats, tariff and regulatory impacts, fiber sustainability, consumer perceptions, fragrance trends, slitting advancements, plastic-free wipe innovations, sports hygiene, and flushability.

Conference Sessions Include:

  • Panel Discussion: Navigating the Headwinds: U.S. Manufacturing Threats & Challenges in 2025
  • From Forest to Flush: Sustainability and Responsibility in Fiber and Wipes
  • Trends, Tushes & TikToks: The Rise of the Modern Wipe
  • Sniff, Save, Slice: Rethinking Wipes from Fragrance to Finish
  • No Plastic, No Problem: The Next Generation of Eco-Wise Wipes
  • Swipe Right: The New Faces of Specialty Wipes
  • Panel Discussion: The Great Regulatory and Tariff Pow-WOW

Conference Highlights Include:

  • WIPES Academy – July 21-22
    Led by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey, this 12-session course offers comprehensive training from concept to commercialization, including selection of fabrics, formulation design, and packaging considerations.
  • Tabletop Exhibits & Lightning Talks – July 22-23
    Explore the latest innovations from leading companies. Exhibitors will deliver five-minute product spotlights, followed by networking at the evening receptions.
  • Lunch Arounds – July 22-23
    Engage with peers, entrepreneurs, and industry thought leaders in small-group lunch discussions designed to foster collaboration and connections.
  • Pre-Conference Webinars
    More details will be released soon.
  • World of Wipes Innovation Award® – July 22 and 24
    Recognizing breakthrough innovations that utilize nonwoven technologies to enhance functionality and broaden application. Finalists will present on July 22; the winner will be announced on July 24.
26.05.2025

Georg Kasperkovitz new Chief Operations Officer at Lenzing AG

The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG has appointed Georg Kasperkovitz as a member of the Managing Board and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Lenzing AG with effect from June 1, 2025. Georg Kasperkovitz (58) brings more than 15 years of experience in various management functions in Europe, North America and Asia – Lenzing’s most important production regions and markets. During his career, Kasperkovitz has held positions including Business Unit CEO at the international packaging and paper company Mondi plc (2016-2019), CEO of Rail Cargo Austria AG (2012-2016) and at the international consulting firm McKinsey (1999-2012, most recently as a partner). Georg Kasperkovitz is a qualified mechanical engineer (Dr. techn., TU Vienna) and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

At Lenzing, as COO in the now four-member Managing Board, he will manage the company-wide fiber production sites and drive forward the ongoing performance program and, thus, operational cost excellence and the transformation of the entire company. He will also take over the management and further development of the site in Lenzing (Upper Austria).

The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG has appointed Georg Kasperkovitz as a member of the Managing Board and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Lenzing AG with effect from June 1, 2025. Georg Kasperkovitz (58) brings more than 15 years of experience in various management functions in Europe, North America and Asia – Lenzing’s most important production regions and markets. During his career, Kasperkovitz has held positions including Business Unit CEO at the international packaging and paper company Mondi plc (2016-2019), CEO of Rail Cargo Austria AG (2012-2016) and at the international consulting firm McKinsey (1999-2012, most recently as a partner). Georg Kasperkovitz is a qualified mechanical engineer (Dr. techn., TU Vienna) and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

At Lenzing, as COO in the now four-member Managing Board, he will manage the company-wide fiber production sites and drive forward the ongoing performance program and, thus, operational cost excellence and the transformation of the entire company. He will also take over the management and further development of the site in Lenzing (Upper Austria).

Patrick Lackenbucher, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG, comments: “Lenzing AG has been able to report a continuous increase in earnings in recent quarters – despite the difficult market environment. The current macroeconomic challenges, persistently high energy costs and intensified global competition continue to require full focus on the implementation and further development of the current performance program. Profitability is crucial for Lenzing in order to survive in global competition in the long term and to be able to continue investing in new products and markets. With Georg Kasperkovitz, we are therefore strengthening our Managing Board with sound operational transformation expertise – and relevant experience in the nonwovens market.”

Source:

Lenzing AG

21.05.2025

Peroxide binds incompatible polymers for recycling

Polyethylene and polypropylene account for two-thirds of the world’s plastics. But the polymers’ popularity has an equally large downside. Because they have similar densities and physical properties, the polymers are difficult – and expensive – to separate when mechanically recycled together. What results is a weak, degraded material that really isn’t good for anything.

Now, Cornell researchers have developed an inexpensive and potentially scalable approach that uses a commercially available peroxide to bind the polymers together, thereby creating a more useful, high-quality plastic recycling additive.

The findings were published May 19 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The co-lead authors were postdoctoral researcher Moritz Kränzlein and doctoral student Shilin Cui. The project was led by Geoffrey Coates, the Tisch University Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, the paper’s senior author.

Polyethylene and polypropylene account for two-thirds of the world’s plastics. But the polymers’ popularity has an equally large downside. Because they have similar densities and physical properties, the polymers are difficult – and expensive – to separate when mechanically recycled together. What results is a weak, degraded material that really isn’t good for anything.

Now, Cornell researchers have developed an inexpensive and potentially scalable approach that uses a commercially available peroxide to bind the polymers together, thereby creating a more useful, high-quality plastic recycling additive.

The findings were published May 19 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The co-lead authors were postdoctoral researcher Moritz Kränzlein and doctoral student Shilin Cui. The project was led by Geoffrey Coates, the Tisch University Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, the paper’s senior author.

In a way, the project is itself a recycled product. In 2017, Coates’ lab worked with collaborators from the University of Minnesota to create a multiblock polymer that could combine polyethylene and polypropylene mixtures. The new material was an important scientific achievement, according to Coates, but it proved difficult to scale up. It was also too expensive to be practical.

“We had to go back to the drawing board and think of the Venn diagram of what material would work and what synthetic methods would be affordable,” he said. “Why didn’t we just do that in 2017? Trust me, if it was easy, somebody else would have done this long ago.”

The key to developing their new polyolefin compatibilizer was to look for  existing polymers that, with the right processing, could do the job, rather than creating a new one from scratch. Kränzlein began by experimenting with the materials that were already in the lab, always with a few parameters in mind.

“Every second meeting, when I was giving Geoff an update, his first question was, ‘What’s the cost?’ There was always this line of price per pound that I shouldn’t cross,” Kränzlein said. “We tried to really keep that as a focus of this project. Instead of finding a very elegant or sophisticated solution, we tried to find a real-world solution that works.”

A year and a half – and more than 200 experiments – later, the researchers settled on an organic alkyl peroxide that, when heated, essentially plucks hydrogen molecules off high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) so they can be grafted together and form a copolymer material that can be added to a mechanical recycling process for HDPE and iPP mixtures, restoring their properties.

The copolymer can basically be thought of as “plastic soap,” Kränzlein said.

“When we have mixtures of commodity plastics like HDPE and iPP, those don’t mix very well, and those phases separate from each other, which makes the material properties of those mixtures pretty bad,” Kränzlein said. “This process adds in a third component that acts like a soap between those two phases, and that soap facilitates a better miscibility between the polymers, and that restores the physical properties of those mixtures, essentially.

“It took us a very, very long time playing around with all the different tuning points,” he said, “until we finally achieved something that that we were happy with.”

To better understand their compatibilizer’s properties and the grafting reaction, the researchers turned to Brett Fors, the Frank and Robert Laughlin Professor of Physical Chemistry (A&S), and doctoral student Jenny Hu, who conducted rheological characterization studies on it.

“So we’ve got the material,” Coates said. “The question is, now can you make larger amounts? We’re doing grams-at-a-time scale. Ultimately, you’d want to be doing dozens of kilograms. We’re confident it’ll scale, but there’s going to be a lot of work to get it there.”

Coates is hopeful that the compatibilizer could also lead to the creation of new polymer alloys that leverage the respective strengths of different waste plastics. There would be no need for giant million-dollar plants: Just take some preexisting polymers and add the compatibilizer.

“You could make a whole kind of pallet of alloys that might have better properties than either one of the pure polymers alone, just like stainless steel,” said Coates, who recently launched a startup that specializes in the compatibilizer technology through Cornell’s Praxis Center for Venture Development. “The dream is, if you can make a really rigid polymer that’s also really tough, then you can make packaging that uses less material, yet has the same sort of properties. That’s one of the other big applications for this technology.”

Co-authors include Fors, Hu and research associate Anne LaPointe.

The research was supported the Gerstner Family Foundation, with additional funding from the U.S. Department of Energy through Ames National Laboratory’s Institute for Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics, an Energy Frontier Research Center.

Source:

David Nutt, Cornell Chronicle

Photo DePoly
07.05.2025

DePoly: 500-tonne-per-year Showcase Plant giving yesterday’s plastics a new purpose

Every year, millions of tons of PET and polyester waste end up in landfills or are incinerated, yet sustainable recycling solutions remain limited. DePoly - a leading sustainable PET-to-raw-material recycling company – announced the upcoming launch of a 500-tonne-per-year showcase plant in Monthey, Switzerland this summer, representing a critical step in the company's journey from laboratory breakthrough to industrial-scale implementation.

The facility will demonstrate DePoly's proprietary process that converts PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials without fossil fuels. Imagine a world where discarded items – from polyester shirts to water bottles – are not wasted anymore but resources transformed back into the building blocks for new products. After all, revolutionizing an industry isn't just about creating new technology – it's about proving it works at scale.

Every year, millions of tons of PET and polyester waste end up in landfills or are incinerated, yet sustainable recycling solutions remain limited. DePoly - a leading sustainable PET-to-raw-material recycling company – announced the upcoming launch of a 500-tonne-per-year showcase plant in Monthey, Switzerland this summer, representing a critical step in the company's journey from laboratory breakthrough to industrial-scale implementation.

The facility will demonstrate DePoly's proprietary process that converts PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials without fossil fuels. Imagine a world where discarded items – from polyester shirts to water bottles – are not wasted anymore but resources transformed back into the building blocks for new products. After all, revolutionizing an industry isn't just about creating new technology – it's about proving it works at scale.

DePoly’s technology has already demonstrated its commercial impact through collaborations with some of the world’s leading companies—not only in fashion, like Odlo, but also in cosmetics and the broader consumer goods industry, including innovators such as PTI. Through these partnerships, DePoly has validated the quality of its recycled monomers by transforming PET waste into new bottles, high-performance textile fibers, and cosmetic packaging. This proves that DePoly’s recycled materials can meet, and even exceed, the highest standards of purity and performance across a wide range of industries.

By delivering oil-equivalent monomers, DePoly’s technology sets a new benchmark for circularity, offering a genuine alternative to virgin materials.

DePoly is ramping up with world-class innovators, bold thinkers and cutting-edge know-how—taking their pilot victory to industrial scale demands nothing less than unstoppable ambition. The company is planning to build a commercial plant in 2027 that will process significantly larger volumes of PET and polyester waste – a major leap in redefining recycling and advancing the circular economy, as DePoly strives to become the global leader in sustainable, circular plastics.

To further accelerate this expansion, DePoly has secured a total of $23 million in seed funding with MassMutual Ventures joining a second closing of its round. The expanded investor base positions DePoly as one of the biggest recycling technology companies in Europe, with more than $30 million raised across two rounds and grants. MassMutual Ventures joins existing investors, including Founderful, ACE & Company, Angel Invest, Zürcher Kantonalbank, BASF Venture Capital, Beiersdorf Venture Capital, and Syensqo.

More information:
PET polyester DePoly monomers
Source:

DePoly

Examples of PET fine denier spunbond nonwovens (c) Freudenberg Performance Materials
23.04.2025

Freudenberg Performance Materials: Fine denier spunbond nonwovens for industrial applications

The fine filament nonwoven technology from Freudenberg Performance Materials is made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications – from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf.

Freudenberg’s innovative fine denier spunbond materials rely on flexible manufacturing capabilities, which enable a high level of customization. They can be made of PET, PE or PP, not only as 100% composition but also in many different combinations, e.g. PET/PE, PET/coPET or PET/mPP, using mono or bico fibers with titer ranging from 2.5 to 3 dtex. The material weight spans 17 to 140gsm. The nonwovens are strongly bonded thanks to thermal bonding provided either by flat calendering or point sealing. The technology enables lightweight solutions with high tensile and tear strength, as well as a smooth and uniform surface.

The fine filament nonwoven technology from Freudenberg Performance Materials is made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications – from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf.

Freudenberg’s innovative fine denier spunbond materials rely on flexible manufacturing capabilities, which enable a high level of customization. They can be made of PET, PE or PP, not only as 100% composition but also in many different combinations, e.g. PET/PE, PET/coPET or PET/mPP, using mono or bico fibers with titer ranging from 2.5 to 3 dtex. The material weight spans 17 to 140gsm. The nonwovens are strongly bonded thanks to thermal bonding provided either by flat calendering or point sealing. The technology enables lightweight solutions with high tensile and tear strength, as well as a smooth and uniform surface.

Advantages for the construction industry
Suited for construction applications such as roofing & facade membranes, vapor barriers and house wrappings, Freudenberg lightweight fine denier nonwovens complement the well-known Terbond®, Texbond® and Colback® solutions for the construction market. They deliver mechanical strength and, in particular, a high nail tear strength as required by the market. Moreover, they have high UV and temperature resistance and stability thanks to the PET composition.

Filtration applications
The fine denier technology is also marketed under the Filtura® brand, specifically suited for liquid filtration, e.g. coolants & lubricants. The technology provides high efficiency and a regular surface, as well as new capabilities with PET-PA and PET-PE nonwovens. Support media applications for glass fiber, nano and activated carbon also benefit from the lightweight fine denier nonwovens as protective layers.

Packaging and coating: Efficient converting and high durability
The fully synthetic PET/PE fine denier materials are ideal for packaging applications such as desiccant bags and other dehumidifier products. They enable the efficient and fast production of such pouches due to their exceptional hot sealing capabilities, with no need for chemical binders or additional treatments. Freudenberg’s technology provides high strength, high abrasion resistance and high durability, allowing for long-lasting desiccant bags.

In the coating industry, too, Freudenberg’s fine denier spunbonds contribute to enhanced process efficiency. The materials are chemically resistant and have good thermal stability. High-quality coating results can be achieved by using these materials as coating substrates, thanks to their smooth and even surface. The material properties can be customized for coating, laminating and concealing applications thanks to different combinations of polymers, fiber types and bonding technologies. For example, a specific very lightweight flat bonded variant of the material is an ideal coating substrate for cold wax depilatory strips, providing the necessary high mechanical strength and material flexibility.

Other applications for Freudenberg’s fine filament technology are crop covers in agriculture, decoration applications and other industrial or consumer applications.

Source:

Freudenberg Performance Materials

INDA Honors Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly with 2025 Lifetime Service Awards Graphic by INDA
17.04.2025

INDA Honors Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly with 2025 Lifetime Service Awards

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, proudly announces Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly as the recipients of the 2025 INDA Lifetime Service Awards. Carl and Lynda are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA.

“I am thrilled to recognize Carl and Lynda for their exceptional dedication and impactful contributions,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs at INDA. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy play vital roles in shaping the future of the nonwovens industry. I am looking forward to seeing and giving them their Awards at Hygienix and IDEA®25.”

 

  • Carl Cucuzza will receive his award during the Hygienix™ Conference on November 18th at 4:30 pm.
  • Lynda Kelly will receive her award during IDEA®25 on April 29th at 4:45 pm.

Here are the Award recipients:

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, proudly announces Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly as the recipients of the 2025 INDA Lifetime Service Awards. Carl and Lynda are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA.

“I am thrilled to recognize Carl and Lynda for their exceptional dedication and impactful contributions,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs at INDA. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy play vital roles in shaping the future of the nonwovens industry. I am looking forward to seeing and giving them their Awards at Hygienix and IDEA®25.”

 

  • Carl Cucuzza will receive his award during the Hygienix™ Conference on November 18th at 4:30 pm.
  • Lynda Kelly will receive her award during IDEA®25 on April 29th at 4:45 pm.

Here are the Award recipients:

Carl Cucuzza: INDA Lifetime Service Award
“I am deeply honored and thankful to receive this Lifetime Service Award from INDA. It has been a blessing to collaborate with a close-knit community of dedicated professionals who continually innovate in ways that improve lives while protecting the environment. I’m grateful for the recognition and continue to be excited to see steady growth through the entrepreneurial spirit that is a hallmark of this industry.”

Carl Cucuzza, prior to retirement, was President and Managing Partner of Teknoweb North America, a key supplier of converting equipment for wet and dry wipes, facemasks, and similar disposable products. He also partnered with his son in establishing the Hot Melt Supply Company, which provides service and support for adhesive applications in the disposables, product assembly, and packaging industries.

Prior to that, Carl was General Manager of Newco Enterprises, Inc. and Global Sales and Marketing Manager for the Nonwovens Systems Group of Nordson Corporation. In that role, Carl directly managed the North American and European sales efforts to disposables producers and personally coordinated hot melt systems sales and support activities for a major producer’s global baby diaper production expansion through the 1990s.

Carl is a past board member of INDA, Organizing Committee member, Moderator and Presenter for over 35 years at Vision, WOW, Hygienix, and various other domestic and international conferences. He has been recognized by the state of Georgia with the Award for Product Development and Management Excellence and has received seven patents for machinery and processes for the production of disposable products. He has also published numerous technical papers and articles, consulted on disposables projects, and acted as an expert witness.

Born and raised in Bradford, PA, and living in Monroe, GA, he and his wife Toni have been married for 47 years and have four children and four grandchildren,

Lynda Kelly: INDA Lifetime Service Award
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive the INDA Lifetime Service Award. Growing up in this amazing industry has been a remarkable journey, working alongside so many incredible colleagues across the globe to develop and sell unique nonwoven product solutions and technologies. As an industry, we have achieved so much over the decades, and I am proud to have been part of its evolution. It has truly been an incredible experience!

Lynda Kelly served as Senior Vice President, Americas & Business Development for Suominen Corporation until her retirement in 2023, due to health challenges. She dedicated nearly a decade to Suominen, where she led the Care team then transitioned to lead Americas sales team alongside global product and business development professionals. Under her leadership, the company successfully advanced its sales, market presence, and innovative products to achieve optimal profitability.

Lynda began her career at Kendall, which later merged into International Paper/Veratec and eventually became BBA Nonwovens. Throughout her tenure, she managed sales and marketing across various sectors, advancing into leadership roles. Early in her career, she embraced an expatriate assignment in Toronto, Canada, which provided her with early exposure to the rapidly growing spunmelt market.

In addition to her time at Suominen, Lynda brought deep expertise to the nonwovens industry through 11 years at First Quality Nonwovens, where she helped expand their spunmelt nonwovens offerings in the medical market. She also gained valuable insights into consulting during her two years with John Starr.

A devoted contributor to the nonwovens industry, Lynda remains a long-term supporter of INDA initiatives. She played a significant role as a key member of INDA’s AAMI medical disposable standards committee, helping to shape critical industry-wide guidelines. From 2019 to 2022, she served on the INDA Board of Directors, navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic and advocating for collaboration across the sector. While at Suominen, she championed wellness-focused events like the “Run or Walk with Suominen,” blending industry engagement with health, fun, and community.

Lynda’s passion for the nonwovens industry extended beyond her professional contributions. Known for her enthusiasm, she often turned personal encounters into learning opportunities. For example, she would often examine new nonwoven products in a hospital or doctor’s office to spark inspiration. This curiosity drove her to learn more, initiate meaningful conversations, and implement innovative changes within her own teams.

Above all, Lynda cherishes the relationships she developed throughout her career. From colleagues to friends, she believes the most rewarding part of her journey was the people who enriched it. For Lynda, the true heart of the nonwovens industry has always been the connections and partnerships that make it thrive.

Source:

INDA

Reifenhäuser EVO Ultra Stretch blown film lines (c) Reifenhäuser
Reifenhäuser EVO Ultra Stretch blown film lines
11.04.2025

Reifenhäuser at Chinaplas 2025: Recyclable packaging at competitive costs

At Chinaplas 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will present its latest technological innovations for the efficient and sustainable production of plastic films. The extrusion specialists will showcase at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from April 15 – 18 solutions that address the key challenges of today’s plastic industry: reducing resource consumption, increasing recyclability, and making production more autonomous and efficient. Meeting these demands requires advanced production technologies that Reifenhäuser already offers today.

A central focus at the show will be the use of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technologies for producing fully recyclable mono-material films with performance and cost-effectiveness equivalent to conventional multi-material structures.

At Chinaplas 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will present its latest technological innovations for the efficient and sustainable production of plastic films. The extrusion specialists will showcase at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from April 15 – 18 solutions that address the key challenges of today’s plastic industry: reducing resource consumption, increasing recyclability, and making production more autonomous and efficient. Meeting these demands requires advanced production technologies that Reifenhäuser already offers today.

A central focus at the show will be the use of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technologies for producing fully recyclable mono-material films with performance and cost-effectiveness equivalent to conventional multi-material structures.

Marcel Perrevort, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains: “In the flexible packaging sector, we are currently seeing a huge trend away from conventional and non-recyclable mixed material laminates towards fully recyclable mono-material composites, both for blown and cast films. Our state-of-the-art MDO stretching units enable enhanced mechanical properties for all-PE or all-PP films. Thus, PET films commonly used in material composites can be replaced. By downgauging, we also reduce production costs to a competitive level, making recyclable films a profitable choice.”

MDO for blown film lines
With the EVO Ultra Stretch MDO unit for Reifenhäuser’s blown film lines manufacturers produce all-PE mono films for applications such as high-barrier food pouches. Due to the stretch process film thicknesses of 18μm (with properties of a 25μm product) and less can be achieved, keeping production costs within the range of conventional films. With the patented integration of the MDO unit directly into the haul-off, the film is stretched in the ideal phase of the process – using the first heat – for maximum efficiency and film stability. Furthermore, the all-PE film achieves the required barrier effect with an EVOH content of less than five percent, fully meeting the criteria for recyclability. At the same time, Ultra Stretch enhances the performance of the EVOH barrier layer while reducing material usage, delivering cost and sustainability benefits.

Source:

Reifenhäuser

Freudenberg's wetlaid materials. © Freudenberg Performance Materials
Freudenberg's wetlaid materials.
08.04.2025

Freudenberg with high-performance solutions at IDEA Show 2025

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is presenting a wide range of advanced solutions for numerous industries and markets at this year's IDEA Show in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. These include innovative applications for filtration, construction, energy, cleaning, composites, printing and healthcare as well as for the packaging industry.

From surface nonwovens for improved corrosion resistance, battery separator solutions that increase the life cycle, performance and safety of energy storage systems to the innovative Enka® solutions for pre-vegetated green roof constructions.

Flexible wetlaid technology for filtration, building & construction, energy and packaging
One highlight of this year's IDEA Show are the many different applications of Freudenberg’s unique wetlaid technology, which allows for a high level of customization together with a wide range of technical possibilities in weights, types of fibers and compositions. Thanks to the high versality of its production lines and product range, Freudenberg can meet the needs of key wetlaid markets: filtration, building & construction, energy and packaging.

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is presenting a wide range of advanced solutions for numerous industries and markets at this year's IDEA Show in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. These include innovative applications for filtration, construction, energy, cleaning, composites, printing and healthcare as well as for the packaging industry.

From surface nonwovens for improved corrosion resistance, battery separator solutions that increase the life cycle, performance and safety of energy storage systems to the innovative Enka® solutions for pre-vegetated green roof constructions.

Flexible wetlaid technology for filtration, building & construction, energy and packaging
One highlight of this year's IDEA Show are the many different applications of Freudenberg’s unique wetlaid technology, which allows for a high level of customization together with a wide range of technical possibilities in weights, types of fibers and compositions. Thanks to the high versality of its production lines and product range, Freudenberg can meet the needs of key wetlaid markets: filtration, building & construction, energy and packaging.

The company will present its wetlaid solutions in the field of sound absorption in buildings, as well as for diverse markets such as energy, composites and horticulture. Battery separators based on wetlaid nonwoven technology increase the life cycle and safety of energy storage systems. In the composite industry, Freudenberg surfacing veils ensure abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, smooth surfaces, and enhanced mechanical strength for fiber-reinforced plastics. In addition, bio-based materials will be presented, which are ideal for biodegradable plant propagation systems.

Alongside the wetlaid nonwovens, the experts will also be showcasing their innovations in fine denier spunbond technology.

Enka®Solutions: Adapting to the changing construction industry
Another highlight of Freudenberg’s portfolio at the IDEA Show are the Enka®Solutions applications tailored to the roofing and construction market. For example, the Enka® BioCarrier that is particularly suitable for green roofs will be on display. The carrier material from Freudenberg enables pre-vegetated green roof constructions and consists of 100% bio-based raw materials. Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous ecological and financial benefits.

Source:

Freudenberg Performance Materials

26.03.2025

Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Dynamic Development in the Sustainable Fibres Market

The Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 (CFC 2025), held on 12-13 March in Cologne, Germany, brought together industry leaders, innovators and researchers to explore the latest innovations and new technologies for fibres – in textiles, hygiene products and packaging. The conference has established itself as the leading international platform for the emerging cellulose fibre industry. Two days with high quality program and outstanding speakers highlighted the growing importance of addressing environmental concerns within the textile industry.

The main source for the production of staple fibres or filaments such as viscose, lyocell, modal or other types of new cellulose fibres is wood-based chemical pulp. At the same time, new sources such as agricultural wastes and fibres, paper grade pulp and recycled textiles are emerging on a global scale, with a variety of new sources and companies contributing new technologies, processing methods and ideas.

The Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 (CFC 2025), held on 12-13 March in Cologne, Germany, brought together industry leaders, innovators and researchers to explore the latest innovations and new technologies for fibres – in textiles, hygiene products and packaging. The conference has established itself as the leading international platform for the emerging cellulose fibre industry. Two days with high quality program and outstanding speakers highlighted the growing importance of addressing environmental concerns within the textile industry.

The main source for the production of staple fibres or filaments such as viscose, lyocell, modal or other types of new cellulose fibres is wood-based chemical pulp. At the same time, new sources such as agricultural wastes and fibres, paper grade pulp and recycled textiles are emerging on a global scale, with a variety of new sources and companies contributing new technologies, processing methods and ideas.

Biosynthetics, featured for the first time at the conference, drew significant attention. Experts discussed the challenges and opportunities of cellulose fibres and biosynthetics, with particular focus on scalability, biodegradability, and performance comparisons to conventional synthetic fibres from fossil origin.

Dynamic Engagement and Scientific Discourse
The CFC 2025 fostered discussions among attendees, with a strong emphasis on scientific advancements and sustainable practices. Participants actively engaged in sessions covering topics such as circular economy strategies fibre-to-fibre recycling from textile, marine biodegradability versus fibre microplastic formation, alternative feedstocks, and innovative technologies for pulp, fibres, biosynthetics, and yarns.

In order to support the development, innovation and market entry of cellulosic fibres, Dieter Eichinger, CIRFS (BE), presented a proposal for a new standard that includes all types of cellulosic fibres such as Viscose, Lyocell, Tencel, Modal, Cupra and new innovative fibres under the generic term "cellulose fibres". The proposal was widely supported by the participants. Anna Palmberg, IKEA (SE), also expressed a concrete interest in using more cellulose fibres in the future.

The event witnessed heightened activity on social media platforms, with delegates sharing insights, experiences, and key takeaways using the hashtag #CFC2025. This digital engagement extended the conference's reach, allowing a broader audience to participate in the discourse on sustainable textiles.

Innovation Award winner announced
The announcement of the "Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025" award winners was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the conference. Sponsored by GIG Karasek, the award recognises groundbreaking developments in the field. Every year, the award recognises the three most promising innovations in the field of cellulose fibres, highlighting groundbreaking advancements and their potential impact. This year, for the first time, the award also offered the opportunity to recognise innovations in the field of biosynthetics. The top three outstanding technologies were honoured this year for their remarkable advancements. These three pioneers will certainly pave ways in the future of the sustainable fibres industry:

  1. .SA-Dynamics (Germany): Cellulose Aerogel Textiles
    SA-Dynamics introduced revolutionary insulation materials made from 100% biodegradable cellulose aerogel fibres. These materials combine the flexibility of traditional fabrics with the superior thermal insulation properties of aerogels, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and animal-derived insulation materials in textiles as well as in construction.  
  2. Releaf Paper France (France): Releaf Fiber
    Releaf Paper France transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibres, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood pulp. Their proprietary low-temperature extraction process yields high-quality fibres ideal for packaging materials, aligning with circular economy principles by repurposing urban leaf waste.
  3. Uluu (Australia): Seaweed-Derived Biosynthetic Materials
    Uluu is set to replace plastics in textiles with natural PHA polymers, derived from farmed seaweed. In partnership with Deakin University, Uluu is developing textile fibres that perform like synthetic polyester but are biodegradable in various environments, eliminating persistent microplastic pollution in fashion. 
Source:

nova-Institut für politische und ökologische Innovation GmbH

tape winder model twinTAPE+ Foto (c) Starlinger & Co Ges.m.b.H.
tape winder model twinTAPE+
06.03.2025

Starlinger: With highly efficient PP tape production at Chinaplas 2025

Starlinger & Co GmbH puts the focus on its technologies for sustainable and efficient polypropylene tape production as well as food-safe recycled PET and polyolefins at Chinaplas this year.

With a maximum melting capacity of 1000 kg per hour and production speeds of up to 550 meters per minute, Starlinger’s starEX 1600 tape extrusion line unites high efficiency with resource-saving state-of-the-art design. It produces top-quality PP or HDPE/LLDPE tapes for high-performance packaging applications for dry bulk goods such as woven PP sacks or big bags. Specially developed and worldwide unique machine components such as the eqoSTRETCH stretching and annealing system ensure energy-saving production and uniform tape characteristics, while the eqoCLEAN filter system enables the processing of high shares of recycled polypropylene for producing more sustainable woven PP packaging.

Starlinger & Co GmbH puts the focus on its technologies for sustainable and efficient polypropylene tape production as well as food-safe recycled PET and polyolefins at Chinaplas this year.

With a maximum melting capacity of 1000 kg per hour and production speeds of up to 550 meters per minute, Starlinger’s starEX 1600 tape extrusion line unites high efficiency with resource-saving state-of-the-art design. It produces top-quality PP or HDPE/LLDPE tapes for high-performance packaging applications for dry bulk goods such as woven PP sacks or big bags. Specially developed and worldwide unique machine components such as the eqoSTRETCH stretching and annealing system ensure energy-saving production and uniform tape characteristics, while the eqoCLEAN filter system enables the processing of high shares of recycled polypropylene for producing more sustainable woven PP packaging.

“We have gathered decades of expertise both in woven plastic packaging production as well as in plastics recycling,” said Harald Neumüller, Chief Sales Officer at Starlinger. “By combining this know-how, we have developed technology that helps packaging manufacturers to establish closed packaging loops and make plastic packaging circular.” Starlinger has already realised lighthouse projects with customers in the FIBC sector, proposing a closed-loop economy for big bags made from rPP and rPET. “We consider used plastics as a resource, not waste,” Neumüller continued. “This is the only way to get a grip on the increasing amount of plastic waste worldwide. By collecting used plastics and reprocessing it we protect our environment, conserve natural resources, and at the same time save money that would need to be spent for waste treatment facilities and environment clean-ups.”

Precision to the core
With its high-speed winding technology, the twinTAPE+ automatic precision winder is Starlinger’s top-scale tape winder model. It ensures that the produced PP tapes from the starEX tape extrusion line are wound into perfect packages that improve productivity and fabric quality on the looms. The bevelled bobbin edges avoid that tapes come off during doffing, transport and handling and increase loom efficiency during weaving. The automatic bobbin change procedure of twinTAPE winders reduces operator work significantly, and the patented linear traverse system features an infinitely variable stroke, allowing a wide variety of bobbin designs. As the winder does not need lubrication, maintenance work is reduced to cleaning, which saves significant amounts of operator time.

Source:

Starlinger & Co Ges.m.b.H.

Capital Markets Day Photo Indorama Ventures
Capital Markets Day
05.03.2025

Indorama Ventures optimizes its business under IVL 2.0

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, is preparing for a new era of growth under its IVL 2.0 strategy as it outlined a new approach to partnering with major industry peers, positioning the company to capitalize on significant expansion and consolidation opportunities unlocked by fundamental shifts in global chemical markets.

At the company’s annual Capital Markets Day in Bangkok, Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, outlined the significant potential for Indorama Ventures—now revitalizing itself under its 3-year IVL 2.0 optimization plan—to resume its growth journey as it pivots towards a future that is being re-shaped by macroeconomic forces such as China’s push for self-sufficiency in manufacturing, the uneven impact of Peak Oil across East and West, and India’s rapid economic expansion. A few days ago, on 26 February, the company posted improved full-year 2024 EBITDA as its focused management executed their plan to transform the business through decisive ‘self-help’ actions amid one of the most severe industry downturns in recent years.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, is preparing for a new era of growth under its IVL 2.0 strategy as it outlined a new approach to partnering with major industry peers, positioning the company to capitalize on significant expansion and consolidation opportunities unlocked by fundamental shifts in global chemical markets.

At the company’s annual Capital Markets Day in Bangkok, Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, outlined the significant potential for Indorama Ventures—now revitalizing itself under its 3-year IVL 2.0 optimization plan—to resume its growth journey as it pivots towards a future that is being re-shaped by macroeconomic forces such as China’s push for self-sufficiency in manufacturing, the uneven impact of Peak Oil across East and West, and India’s rapid economic expansion. A few days ago, on 26 February, the company posted improved full-year 2024 EBITDA as its focused management executed their plan to transform the business through decisive ‘self-help’ actions amid one of the most severe industry downturns in recent years.

Mr. Lohia told an audience of analysts and investors, “Today, Indorama Ventures is a fitter company than we were when we announced our IVL 2.0 strategy a year ago, and we are now able to compete with the best. Our plan is designed not only to help us re-tool and re-skill to navigate the current downturn—which is expected to persist—but also to restore our historical growth trajectory. As an innately entrepreneurial family business with global scale and deep expertise, we have always been able to take advantage of change to grow our unmatched model and generate increasing shareholder returns. I am excited by new opportunities to substantially expand our business as our industry undergoes seismic, generational shifts and consequently unlocks fresh growth potential.”

IVL 2.0 Progress
At the event, senior executives provided updates on their measures under IVL 2.0 to fortify the business against prevailing market headwinds and set a new course for enhanced, sustainable earnings growth. In a year of alignment, mobilization and launch, all segments recorded improved performances in 2024 as they took concerted management steps to refine their organizations, optimize assets, and transform their business processes through modern data-led toolsets and digital enterprise systems.

Still, in light of continued industry pressures, the company fell short on its deleveraging and cash conversion targets in 2024 and has determined that further management actions are necessary to sustain progress toward the company's objectives, building on the significant measures already taken.

Strategic Growth Plan
Indorama Ventures, as a mature company with more than three decades of successful growth, is fundamentally changing its approach to generating increasing returns as it prepares a next generation of leaders to operate in a vastly different environment. In a departure from the company’s previous M&A-led model, Mr. Lohia outlined several expansion projects currently in the pipeline, all involving complementary strategic partnerships with major industry peers. This new growth approach aims to leverage Indorama Ventures’ unmatched organization, platform, processes, and systems—revitalized under IVL 2.0 and the company’s “indispensable chemistry” brand—to consolidate dominant positions and grow scale in attractive growth markets, including India.

In February, the company bought a minority stake of ~24.9% of EPL Limited, an Indian specialty packaging company and the largest global manufacturer of laminated tubes. The transformation that Indorama Ventures is undertaking under IVL 2.0 provides a critical springboard enabling the new partnerships-led growth model, Mr. Lohia explained.

In addition, Indorama Ventures is planning spin-offs of its Indovinya downstream chemicals segment and its Indovida packaging unit—as flagged a year ago—to enable them to achieve their potential as independent high-growth businesses.

Source:

Indorama Ventures

(c) nova Institut
21.01.2025

Six Innovations nominated for Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025

It is getting exciting again in Cologne on 12 and 13 March for the cellulose fibres industry. Six new products have been nominated for the popular innovation award.

Every year, the conference organisator nova-Institute together with award sponsor GIG Karasek honours companies that impress with their creativity, technological progress and ecological impact. The aim of the award is not only to recognise the winners’ innovative products, but also to set an example for the courage to innovate.

The nominees’ presentations, the voting and the winner ceremony will take place on 12 March at the Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025. Participants of the conference can vote live for the three winners. More than 220 people are expected to attend.

The Nominees

It is getting exciting again in Cologne on 12 and 13 March for the cellulose fibres industry. Six new products have been nominated for the popular innovation award.

Every year, the conference organisator nova-Institute together with award sponsor GIG Karasek honours companies that impress with their creativity, technological progress and ecological impact. The aim of the award is not only to recognise the winners’ innovative products, but also to set an example for the courage to innovate.

The nominees’ presentations, the voting and the winner ceremony will take place on 12 March at the Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025. Participants of the conference can vote live for the three winners. More than 220 people are expected to attend.

The Nominees

Fibers365 (DE): Hemp365 – Agricultural Decorative and Carrier Material
The solution “hemp365” is characterised by the development of a cost-effective, plant-based decorative and carrier material through the chemical-free processing of a regional agricultural fibre and the use of resulting short fibres in a wet-laid process, allowing for a massive reduction in the amount of fossil based binders required for strength and functionality. The non fibre content is less than 7 % and is also made from biogenic and biodegradable material. Hemp365 is 100% natural and vegan. It has been designed for consumer (fashion) and industrial applications in cooperation with an automotive OEM.

Releaf Paper France (FR): Releaf Fiber – Eco-Friendly Paper from Urban Fallen Leaves
Releaf Paper France transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibres, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood pulp. Using proprietary low-temperature extraction, high-quality fibres with excellent paper-forming properties are isolated. With a cellulose content of 32-48 % and properties similar to hardwood, RELEAF fibres are ideal for packaging materials like corrugated paper, boxes, and bags. This innovative process, which requires minimal water and non-aggressive solvents, aligns with circular economy principles, repurposing millions of tons of urban leaf waste annually and supporting global brands in achieving sustainable packaging solutions.

SA-Dynamics (DE): Cellulose Aerogel Textiles – Next-Generation Insulation Materials
Cellulose Aerogel Textiles are revolutionary insulation materials made from 100 % biodegradable cellulose aerogel fibres. These combine the flexibility and ease of processing of traditional fabrics with the superior thermal insulation properties of aerogels by utilising a novel aerogel fibre process. Lightweight, highly efficient, and compatible with conventional textile machinery, they provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and animal-derived insulation materials. Fully recyclable and free from microplastic emissions, Cellulose Aerogel Textiles set a new benchmark for circular economy solutions in the textile and construction industries. Initial functional demonstrators were developed through two projects, funded by Biotexfuture and RWTH Innovation, respectively.

Sci-Lume Labs (US): Bylon® – Renewable Circular Fibres from Agricultural Waste
Sci-Lume Labs makes Bylon®, a scalable, circular, biosynthetic fibre. Using highly efficient chemistries to valorise agricultural waste, Bylon® seamlessly integrates into every step of the global value chain – from raw material production through textile manufacturing. Bylon® is distinct from incumbent and next-gen materials because it is simultaneously bio-based; waste-derived; degradable; recyclable; downstream-compatible; and melt-spinnable. Bylon® also offers a unique performance profile by combining the mechanical properties and tunability of traditional synthetics with the moisture properties and circularity of natural fibres. By not requiring changes to the supply chain, Bylon® empowers the industry to reduce its environmental impact – without compromising on quality, performance, or cost.

TMG Automotive (PT): REFIBER – Sustainable Automotive Surface Material
Textile-based composite solutions are a growing trend in the automotive sector, especially for decorative and functional interior applications. Innovative plant-based leather demonstrates this trend, combining sustainability with advanced performance. Developed from a biopolymer matrix combined with cellulose waste, this material transforms waste into a premium, eco-friendly solution. Its textile backing and non-woven laminate backing are also made entirely from cellulose fibres, creating a fully integrated bio-based composite. Designed for car interiors and more, this lightweight, durable and aesthetically versatile material sets a new standard for sustainable design, while satisfying the industry’s growing demand for circular and renewable alternatives.

Uluu (AU): Replacing plastic in textiles with natural, seaweed-derived materials
Uluu is an Australian start-up set to replace plastics with natural polymers called PHAs. Uluu materials are made from a regenerative feedstock: farmed seaweed, thus ending reliance on fossil fuels and land crops. Uluu, in partnership with Deakin University, is developing textiles that perform like synthetic polyester but are truly biodegradable and biocompatible, thus eliminating persistent microplastic pollution in fashion. Importantly, Uluu materials are reusable, recyclable, and most importantly, compostable. They are naturally produced through a unique fermentation process that uses seaweed, saltwater microbes and seawater. Uluu pellets can be directly substituted for plastic (e.g., polyester, nylon) in existing melt spinning equipment, creating yarns that can be knitted or woven into textiles. In addition to fibre-grade pellets, Uluu is also producing other grades of pellets to replace plastics used in e.g., buttons, sunglasses, hair clips and packaging.

Coffee cup lids are one example of products made with DMF technology Foto Andritz AG
Coffee cup lids are one example of products made with DMF technology
11.12.2024

ANDRITZ: New pilot line for dry molded fiber production

International technology group ANDRITZ has inaugurated a new technical center in Montbonnot, France, dedicated to advancing solutions for dry molded fiber production.

Dry molded fiber (DMF) production uses a nearly waterless process to convert cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for sustainable packaging. Based on its strategic partnership with the Swedish DMF pioneer PulPac, ANDRITZ is now able to offer complete dry molded fiber lines.

The new technical center with its pilot line will support ANDRITZ’s development of industrial-scale solutions for high-speed, turnkey dry molded fiber production plants for the packaging industry. It will also enable customers to conduct trials, receive support on R&D projects, and create new products with customized shapes and barrier properties.

International technology group ANDRITZ has inaugurated a new technical center in Montbonnot, France, dedicated to advancing solutions for dry molded fiber production.

Dry molded fiber (DMF) production uses a nearly waterless process to convert cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for sustainable packaging. Based on its strategic partnership with the Swedish DMF pioneer PulPac, ANDRITZ is now able to offer complete dry molded fiber lines.

The new technical center with its pilot line will support ANDRITZ’s development of industrial-scale solutions for high-speed, turnkey dry molded fiber production plants for the packaging industry. It will also enable customers to conduct trials, receive support on R&D projects, and create new products with customized shapes and barrier properties.

Andreas Lukas, Senior Vice President of ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile, states: “Wood pulp processing has been a core competence of ANDRITZ for a long time. Our new pilot line is an important step in advancing our solutions for responsible convenience packaging from wood pulp. By combining ANDRITZ Dan-Web’s airlaid forming capabilities with PulPac’s molding technology, we are striving for the highest capacity, product quality and flexibility in this field.”

Source:

Andritz AG

Mark Ushpo Photo: Suominen
Mark Ushpo
05.12.2024

Suominen: Mark Ushpol new Executive Vice President, Americas business area

Mark Ushpol has been appointed Executive Vice President, Americas business area at Suominen. He will be a member of Suominen's Executive Management Team and report to President and CEO Tommi Björnman. Ushpol will start in his new position on January 6, 2025.

Mr. Ushpol joins Suominen from Ahlstrom, where he worked as Executive Vice President of the Food & Consumer Packaging division and as a member of the Executive Management Team.

“Mark has a strong experience in leading industrial business and operations. He also has industry knowledge and proven record in successfully executing company goals. I am sure he will be a valued member in our Executive Management Team and support us in our journey towards profitable growth,” says Tommi Björnman, President and CEO of Suominen.

Mark Ushpol has been appointed Executive Vice President, Americas business area at Suominen. He will be a member of Suominen's Executive Management Team and report to President and CEO Tommi Björnman. Ushpol will start in his new position on January 6, 2025.

Mr. Ushpol joins Suominen from Ahlstrom, where he worked as Executive Vice President of the Food & Consumer Packaging division and as a member of the Executive Management Team.

“Mark has a strong experience in leading industrial business and operations. He also has industry knowledge and proven record in successfully executing company goals. I am sure he will be a valued member in our Executive Management Team and support us in our journey towards profitable growth,” says Tommi Björnman, President and CEO of Suominen.

Source:

Suominen

20.11.2024

Progress update on PFAS restriction by ECHA and five European countries

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have released a progress update on the process to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe.

The five authorities (Dossier Submitters) and ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) continue to consider more than 5,600 scientific and technical comments received from third parties during the consultation in 2023.

This consultation input helps the Dossier Submitters to progressively update and improve the information on PFAS. It has also helped identify uses that were not specifically named in the initial proposal, and these are being incorporated into existing sector assessments or grouped into new sectors as needed. Examples include sealing applications, technical textiles, printing applications and other medical applications, such as packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have released a progress update on the process to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe.

The five authorities (Dossier Submitters) and ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) continue to consider more than 5,600 scientific and technical comments received from third parties during the consultation in 2023.

This consultation input helps the Dossier Submitters to progressively update and improve the information on PFAS. It has also helped identify uses that were not specifically named in the initial proposal, and these are being incorporated into existing sector assessments or grouped into new sectors as needed. Examples include sealing applications, technical textiles, printing applications and other medical applications, such as packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals.

Alternative restriction options, besides a full ban or a ban with time-limited derogations, are also being considered. An alternative option could, for example, involve conditions allowing the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS instead of a ban. This consideration is particularly relevant for uses and sectors where evidence suggests that a ban could lead to disproportionate socio-economic impacts.

These alternative options are being considered for uses including, but not limited to:

  • batteries;
  • fuel cells; and
  • electrolysers.

The proportionality of each alternative option will be evaluated and compared to the initial two restriction options of a full ban or a ban with time-limited derogations.
All this updated information is feeding into ECHA committees’ ongoing evaluation of the proposal.

Source:

European Chemicals Agency

13.11.2024

Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress 2025: Call for Papers

The Dornbirn GFC invites researchers, experts, manufacturers, and practitioners to submit papers for the 64th congress in September 2025, providing a platform for presenting innovations shaping the fiber and textile industries' future.

Submissions on the following topics are welcome:

Work- & Protective Wear & Defense

  • Smart textiles providing real-time data for first responders
    (e.g., firefighters, soldiers, police, industrial workers)
  • Flame-resistant fabrics for multi-risk environments, combining protection with flexibility and comfort
  • Sustainability in production, eco-friendly materials, and recycling innovations for workwear and protective apparel

Carbon Stewardship: Harnessing Biomass & Recycling & Capture for a Sustainable Future

  • Use of sustainable biomass in textile production
  • Innovations in post-consumer textile recycling and chemical recycling methods
  • Carbon capture technologies integrated across the value chain

Fiber Innovations: From Production to Application

The Dornbirn GFC invites researchers, experts, manufacturers, and practitioners to submit papers for the 64th congress in September 2025, providing a platform for presenting innovations shaping the fiber and textile industries' future.

Submissions on the following topics are welcome:

Work- & Protective Wear & Defense

  • Smart textiles providing real-time data for first responders
    (e.g., firefighters, soldiers, police, industrial workers)
  • Flame-resistant fabrics for multi-risk environments, combining protection with flexibility and comfort
  • Sustainability in production, eco-friendly materials, and recycling innovations for workwear and protective apparel

Carbon Stewardship: Harnessing Biomass & Recycling & Capture for a Sustainable Future

  • Use of sustainable biomass in textile production
  • Innovations in post-consumer textile recycling and chemical recycling methods
  • Carbon capture technologies integrated across the value chain

Fiber Innovations: From Production to Application

  • Biopolymer & Natural Fibers
  • Textile Processing & Application
  • Nonwoven Processing & Application

Cross-Industry Session

  • Energy Transition
  • Pulp & Paper & Packaging Innovation
More information:
Dornbirn GFC call for papers
Source:

AUSTRIAN FIBERS INSTITUTE