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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

North American Nonwovens Supply Report Photo INDA
21.05.2025

North American Nonwovens Industry’s Continued Growth with a Focus on Sustainability

The 12th annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report, released today by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, reveals continued growth and strategic transformation within the North American nonwovens industry.

For the second consecutive year, North American capacity continued to increase by over 100,000 tonnes, reaching 5.730 million tonnes in 2024, according to the report based on producer surveys and interviews.

Investments across all processing methods and diverse end-use sectors drove this expansion, according to the INDA findings. Production output continues to shift and slowed in 2024. The larger machine installations coming online promise future efficiency and capacity improvements.

The noteworthy trend is the installation of several new production lines, primarily in long-life sectors. This shift underscores the industry’s proactive efforts to achieve sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.

The 12th annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report, released today by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, reveals continued growth and strategic transformation within the North American nonwovens industry.

For the second consecutive year, North American capacity continued to increase by over 100,000 tonnes, reaching 5.730 million tonnes in 2024, according to the report based on producer surveys and interviews.

Investments across all processing methods and diverse end-use sectors drove this expansion, according to the INDA findings. Production output continues to shift and slowed in 2024. The larger machine installations coming online promise future efficiency and capacity improvements.

The noteworthy trend is the installation of several new production lines, primarily in long-life sectors. This shift underscores the industry’s proactive efforts to achieve sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.

Report Based on Producer Input
The annual INDA report delivers data to support industry growth and strategic planning, offering a detailed analysis of capacity, production, operating rates, and regional trade across North America, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Driven by extensive research, including producer surveys and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, the report provides a comprehensive picture of the nonwoven materials landscape, covering composites, roll and finished goods.

“As part of INDA’s role to be the industry’s trusted data source, this report offers valuable insights for benchmarking, strategic planning, and decision-making,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “This year’s findings highlight a resilient industry expanding capacity with ongoing investments across all regions and sectors, a strategic shift toward sustainable, long-life products, and a commitment to innovation and meeting rising demand across North America.”

The entire report is provided free of charge to producers who provided information. The Executive Summary from the annual Supply Reports, the quarterly INDA Market Pulse, and the monthly Price Trends Summary are provided to INDA members on a complimentary basis as part of their membership. The data gathered for this annual report is a springboard for the biennial Global Nonwoven Markets Report, published in November 2024.

Source:

INDA

20.05.2025

ECHA launches revamped Classification and Labelling Inventory

ECHA’s redesigned Classification and Labelling (C&L) Inventory is now available in the Agency’s new chemicals database, ECHA CHEM.

The C&L Inventory includes information on more than 4,400 EU-level harmonised classifications and seven million classifications notified or included in REACH registrations. Altogether, the inventory includes data on around 350 000 substances.

The integration of classification and labelling information into ECHA CHEM follows the initial launch of the database in January 2024, which featured information on over 100 000 REACH registrations submitted by companies. The new inventory is designed to help users easily locate the classification with the highest agreement and to bring clarity on the source behind the classification information. It incorporates recent regulatory developments, such as the new CLP hazard classes and is built with stability and growth in mind.

In this first version, the classification information is accessible in a visual format per substance with complementary approaches, such as application programming interfaces (APIs), being explored in future releases.  

ECHA’s redesigned Classification and Labelling (C&L) Inventory is now available in the Agency’s new chemicals database, ECHA CHEM.

The C&L Inventory includes information on more than 4,400 EU-level harmonised classifications and seven million classifications notified or included in REACH registrations. Altogether, the inventory includes data on around 350 000 substances.

The integration of classification and labelling information into ECHA CHEM follows the initial launch of the database in January 2024, which featured information on over 100 000 REACH registrations submitted by companies. The new inventory is designed to help users easily locate the classification with the highest agreement and to bring clarity on the source behind the classification information. It incorporates recent regulatory developments, such as the new CLP hazard classes and is built with stability and growth in mind.

In this first version, the classification information is accessible in a visual format per substance with complementary approaches, such as application programming interfaces (APIs), being explored in future releases.  

Mercedes Viñas, Director of Submissions and Interaction, said:
“This is an important milestone in further developing a comprehensive database for all chemical data gathered by ECHA. The redesigned C&L Inventory comes with an enhanced user interface and simplifies access to classification information for users.”

Mike Rasenberg, Director of Hazard Assessment, added:
“Hazard classifications are the cornerstone of regulatory risk management of chemicals. The redesigned C&L inventory improves the clarity on the current and upcoming mandatory classifications harmonised at the EU level, helping companies to prepare and implement the required safety measures.”

More information:
ECHA
Source:

European Chemicals Agency

Designer Oscar Ouyang Photo via Menabo for Eastman
Designer Oscar Ouyang
20.05.2025

Naia™ from Eastman joined Challenge the Fabric 2025

Eastman Naia™ joined Challenge the Fabric 2025 as an official Innovation Partner, reaffirming its commitment to scalable sustainability through cross-sector collaboration. The event held May 13–14 in Milan, brought together leaders from fashion, textiles, and forestry to accelerate circular solutions and spotlight man-made cellulosic fibers.

A key highlight of the event was the CTF Award, a global competition pairing emerging designers with material innovators to co-create visionary garments. As part of the program, Naia™ collaborated with designer Oscar Ouyang and Italian mill Lady V to co-create a garment using NAIA/WO, a custom textile made from 50% RWS-certified virgin wool, 50% GRS-certified recycled wool, blended with Naia™ Renew fiber. “The esteemed Prato-based textile company Lady V have introduced Naia™ into their apparel by creating NAIA/WO. The fabric is finished using traditional wooden barrels, ensuring a soft, luxurious ‘lambswool’ texture without overfelting. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to creative, sustainable innovation in fashion,” said Cristiano Vieri from Lady V.

Eastman Naia™ joined Challenge the Fabric 2025 as an official Innovation Partner, reaffirming its commitment to scalable sustainability through cross-sector collaboration. The event held May 13–14 in Milan, brought together leaders from fashion, textiles, and forestry to accelerate circular solutions and spotlight man-made cellulosic fibers.

A key highlight of the event was the CTF Award, a global competition pairing emerging designers with material innovators to co-create visionary garments. As part of the program, Naia™ collaborated with designer Oscar Ouyang and Italian mill Lady V to co-create a garment using NAIA/WO, a custom textile made from 50% RWS-certified virgin wool, 50% GRS-certified recycled wool, blended with Naia™ Renew fiber. “The esteemed Prato-based textile company Lady V have introduced Naia™ into their apparel by creating NAIA/WO. The fabric is finished using traditional wooden barrels, ensuring a soft, luxurious ‘lambswool’ texture without overfelting. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to creative, sustainable innovation in fashion,” said Cristiano Vieri from Lady V.

Designer Oscar Ouyang reflected on the inspiration behind his piece: “It has been a pleasure working with the Eastman Naia™ fabric. The versatility and the sustainability of the MMCFs fabric is truly impressive. The combination of cutting-edge and traditional techniques behind the production of the fabric inspired me to create this shepherd's look,” said Oscar Ouyang.

At the heart of the textile is Naia™ Renew, Eastman’s cellulosic fiber made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified recycled waste, enabled by molecular recycling. “Challenge the Fabric is a unique event where we have real, action- and collaboration-based conversations,” said Claudia de Witte, Marketing & Sustainability Director at Eastman. “We are proud to have participated in the design competition and even prouder to see Oscar, his design, and how he showcased the versatility of our Naia™ Renew staple fiber.” De Witte also expanded on this vision during the CTF panel “From Ambition to Execution,” emphasizing the role of partnerships in scaling sustainable solutions.

EDANA expands Stewardship Programme CODEX™ (c) Edana
19.05.2025

EDANA expands Stewardship Programme CODEX™

An open and transparent process that goes beyond current EU and national legislation: EDANA announced the expansion of the Stewardship Programme CODEX™, a key part of their voluntary industry initiative to ensure product safety, transparency, and consumer confidence. This expansion increases the number of trace chemicals covered in the CODEX™, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to responsible stewardship and high safety standards.

The voluntary Stewardship Programme core is its CODEX™, which features:

An open and transparent process that goes beyond current EU and national legislation: EDANA announced the expansion of the Stewardship Programme CODEX™, a key part of their voluntary industry initiative to ensure product safety, transparency, and consumer confidence. This expansion increases the number of trace chemicals covered in the CODEX™, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to responsible stewardship and high safety standards.

The voluntary Stewardship Programme core is its CODEX™, which features:

  • An evolving list of trace chemicals, purposefully chosen by EDANA (including, but not limited to, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, furans, phthalates, formaldehyde, metals). These are not intentionally used to manufacture absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) but may be present in trace amounts.
  • Guidance values for each substance, based on existing related regulations, regulatory guidance, related existing standards or industry experience.
  • Standardized consumer relevant test methods to evaluate products for possible traces of substances.

A Voluntary Commitment to Safety and Transparency
The EDANA Stewardship Programme was created to provide science-based guidance on the safety of absorbent hygiene products, including baby diapers, menstrual products, and incontinence products. As a voluntary initiative, it reflects the industry’s proactive approach in going beyond regulatory requirements to enhance trust and transparency.

By broadening the CODEX™, EDANA and its members continue to support best practices in substance management and regulatory alignment.

Why This Expansion Matters

  • More Chemicals Covered – The CODEX™ now includes a broader list of substances not to be present in AHP in a higher concentration than the respective guidance value. These are not intentionally used to manufacture AHPs but may be present in trace amounts.
  • Enhanced Consumer Confidence – By voluntarily increasing substances, the industry demonstrates its commitment to ensuring safe and high-quality absorbent hygiene products. EDANA’s member companies keep safety at the very heart of what they do.
  • Alignment with Best Practices – The expansion reflects the latest scientific knowledge and supports companies in staying ahead of regulatory developments. The voluntary CODEX™ represents a living programme; it is a proactive work to keep adding substances.

The expansion of the EDANA Stewardship Programme CODEX™ is the result of ongoing collaboration with industry experts, scientists, and regulators, ensuring it remains a trusted reference for product stewardship.

Source:

Edana

19.05.2025

Change in the holding of Suominen’s treasury shares

Following the decision taken at Suominen’s Annual General Meeting on April 25, 2025, Suominen has transferred 36,013 shares to the members of the Board of Directors on May 16, 2025 as part of the remuneration of the Board. According to the decision taken at the Annual General Meeting, 25% of the annual remuneration is paid in the company’s shares.

After the transfer, the company holds a total of 496,103 treasury shares.
The resolutions of the Annual General Meeting were communicated in a stock exchange release on April 25, 2025.

Following the decision taken at Suominen’s Annual General Meeting on April 25, 2025, Suominen has transferred 36,013 shares to the members of the Board of Directors on May 16, 2025 as part of the remuneration of the Board. According to the decision taken at the Annual General Meeting, 25% of the annual remuneration is paid in the company’s shares.

After the transfer, the company holds a total of 496,103 treasury shares.
The resolutions of the Annual General Meeting were communicated in a stock exchange release on April 25, 2025.

More information:
Suominen shares
Source:

Suominen

09.05.2025

Lenzing with significant revenue and earnings growth in 1st quarter 2025

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, reports a continued improvement in its business performance in the first quarter of 2025, although the recovery of global textile markets remained very slow and uneven during the reporting period. While the positive trend in volumes sold continued, prices remained constant at a low level. Raw material, energy and logistics costs continued to be high.

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, reports a continued improvement in its business performance in the first quarter of 2025, although the recovery of global textile markets remained very slow and uneven during the reporting period. While the positive trend in volumes sold continued, prices remained constant at a low level. Raw material, energy and logistics costs continued to be high.

Revenue grew by 4.8 percent year-on-year to EUR 690.2 mn in the first quarter of 2025. The operating earnings trend largely reflected the positive effects of the performance program. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 118.8 percent year-on-year to EUR 156.1 mn. This also includes positive special effects from the sale of EUR 25.5 mn surplus EU emission certificates and the change in the fair value of biological assets in the amount of EUR 9.2 mn. The EBITDA margin in-creased from 10.8 percent to 22.6 percent. The operating result (EBIT) amounted to EUR 74.3 mn (compared with EUR 1.5 mn in the first quarter of 2024) and the EBIT margin amounted to 10.8 percent (compared with 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2024). Earnings before tax (EBT) amounted to EUR 35.1 mn (compared with minus EUR 17.8 mn in the first quarter of 2024). The result after tax also improved significantly and was positive again for the first time since the third quarter of 2022 at EUR 31.7 mn (compared with minus EUR 26.9 mn in the first quarter of 2024).

The Lenzing Group’s performance program is designed holistically with the overarching objective of significantly increasing long-term resilience to crises and greater agility in the face of market changes. The program initiatives are primarily aimed at improving EBITDA and at generating free cash flow through enhanced profitability, as well as sustainable cost excellence. Extensive actions are being undertaken to strengthen sales activities, such as the acquisition of new customers for the most important fiber types as well as expansion in previously smaller markets, which are exerting a positive impact in terms of revenue. The Managing Board also anticipates significant cost savings. Savings of over EUR 130 mn were already realized in the 2024 financial year. From the current financial year onwards, Lenzing is aiming for recurring annual cost savings of over EUR 180 mn.

Outlook
The IMF has significantly downgraded its growth forecasts for both this year and next to 2.8 percent and 3.0 percent respectively. The escalation of international trade conflicts and the risk of inflation returning are seen as major threats to global growth.

In times of uncertainty and high living costs, consumers can be expected to remain cautious and thrifty, with negative effects on consumer sentiment and their willingness to spend.

The currency environment is expected to remain volatile in regions relevant to Lenzing.

In the trend-setting market for cotton, analysts expect a slight increase in stocks to around 18.8 mn tonnes in the current 2024/2025 harvest season, according to preliminary estimates.

Lenzing will continue to consistently implement its performance program and expects to leverage further cost potentials and further improve its revenue and margin generation.

Having weighed the aforementioned factors, the Lenzing Group confirms its guidance for the 2025 financial year of year-on-year higher EBITDA.

However, the current tariff dispute and the high level of uncertainty associated with it are dampening expectations and further limiting the visibility of earnings.

In structural terms, Lenzing continues to expect growth in demand for environmentally responsible fibers for the textile and apparel industry, as well as for the hygiene and medical sectors. As a consequence, Lenzing is very well positioned with its strategy and is driving ahead with not only profitable growth in specialty fibers but also the further expansion of its market leadership in the sustainability area.

Source:

Lenzing AG

09.05.2025

The 2025 IDEA® and FiltXPO™ Award Winners

The winners of the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards and FiltXPO™ Innovation Awards were announced during special ceremonies held April 29 and 30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Presented at the co-located IDEA®25 and FiltXPO™ 2025 events, the awards celebrate outstanding innovations driving progress in nonwovens and filtration. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, collaborated with International Filtration News for the FiltXPO™ Awards and Nonwovens Industry magazine for the IDEA® Achievement Awards.

IDEA® Equipment Achievement Award
Dilo Systems GmbH – MicroPunch
The rising energy costs and water shortages have led to a re-evaluation of production methods, with a stronger focus on environmental impact. With MicroPunch, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by approximately 75 percent compared with other consolidation techniques that produce lightweight nonwovens. This technology enhances efficiency and reduces the manufacturing costs and the environmental footprint.

The winners of the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards and FiltXPO™ Innovation Awards were announced during special ceremonies held April 29 and 30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Presented at the co-located IDEA®25 and FiltXPO™ 2025 events, the awards celebrate outstanding innovations driving progress in nonwovens and filtration. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, collaborated with International Filtration News for the FiltXPO™ Awards and Nonwovens Industry magazine for the IDEA® Achievement Awards.

IDEA® Equipment Achievement Award
Dilo Systems GmbH – MicroPunch
The rising energy costs and water shortages have led to a re-evaluation of production methods, with a stronger focus on environmental impact. With MicroPunch, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by approximately 75 percent compared with other consolidation techniques that produce lightweight nonwovens. This technology enhances efficiency and reduces the manufacturing costs and the environmental footprint.

IDEA® Nonwoven Products Achievement Award
Innovatec Microfibre Technology GmbH & Co. KG – InnovaWipe® Water-Soluble Nonwoven

This water-soluble nonwoven is completely biodegradable under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It offers excellent resistance to oils, greases and chemicals. It does not leave any microplastics behind, breaking down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. It also has no ecotoxic effects, is safe for the marine environment and does not cause fatbergs or blockages in wastewater systems – flushable and home compostable.

IDEA® Raw Materials Achievement Award
Woolchemy NZ Ltd. – neweFibre

Woolchemy’s neweFibre is the world’s first hygiene-grade wool, engineered for high-performance, sustainable hygiene products. This fully traceable, renewable fiber enhances moisture management, thermal comfort, and odor control. Seamlessly integrating into production, neweFibre powers innovations like neweFlex ADL for exceptional fluid distribution and skin dryness.

IDEA® Short-life Achievement Award
Egal Pads, Inc. – Egal™ Pads on a Roll

At Egal, we believe pads should be as common as toilet paper.  Our vision is that “pads on a roll” will be put in every toilet stall – where they are needed most – to ensure privacy and dignity to all who menstruate.  Egal pads are manufactured in roll form, 40 individually wrapped on each roll, so they can be mounted on existing toilet paper dispensers or in Egal’s custom-designed dispensers.

IDEA® Long-life Achievement Award
Magnera – Sontara® EcoRE Bag

EcoRE bags are produced entirely from cellulosic fibers, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic materials. Made with Sontara fabric certified by OK compost HOME, these bags maintain their durability and strength without the need for added binders, addressing a common concern with compostable goods. With plastic bag bans now in place in many states, Sontara offers a timely and eco-friendly solution for the retail and shopping market.

IDEA® Sustainability Advancement Award
KINDCLOTH™ – PURA HEALTH Insect Repellent – Water Dissolvable Wipes

This wet wipe combines water-dissolvable Hydropol™ technology with a natural formula featuring lemongrass and citronella. Designed for eco-conscious consumers, this innovative wipe provides effective insect protection while leaving no waste behind. Certified biodegradable, flushable, and designed not to create harmful microplastics, it safeguards fragile ecosystems and supports sustainability goals.

IDEA® Entrepreneur Award
Dude Products, Inc.

In less than a decade, the Dude Wipes brand has grown from an entrepreneurial concept conceived in a bachelor’s post-college apartment to a more than $200 million global brand. These flushable wipes have flourished in flushable wipes industry, successfully going head to head against multinational consumer product companies Kimberly-Clark, S.C. Johnson, and Procter & Gamble.

FiltXPO Air/Gas Filtration Award
Greentech Environmental LLC – Greentech Filters with ODOGard®

ODOGard® technology deeply integrates odor-neutralizing polymers into nonwoven and nanofiber filters, offering an innovative, non-toxic approach to indoor air quality. ODOGard® significantly enhances filtration durability and performance.

FiltXPO Water/Liquid Filtration Award
Ahlstrom – BioProtect™

Ahlstrom’s sustainable BioProtect™ material offers superior dye-catching performance for laundry applications. Manufactured from 100 percent naturally derived fibers and OC-Biobinder®, BioProtect™ is both biobased and home compostable, combining premium performance with environmental responsibility.

FiltXPO Filtration Equipment Award
Filtration Advice Inc. – FA-TCO Software

This cutting-edge software provides comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and predictive modeling for air filtration systems. FA-TCO enables data-driven decisions, extending filter lifespans, reducing operational costs, and enhancing overall sustainability in filtration management.

Source:

INDA

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

Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa © Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa
07.05.2025

Textile Institute World Conference 2025 in Porto

The 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC 2025) will take place at the Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa in Porto, Portugal, from October 7-10 2025.

Fibre to Future – Transforming Fashion and Textiles through Sustainability, is the theme of this event which will explore how sustainability and digitalisation are reshaping the industry – from fibre production and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life solutions.

The fast-emerging new approaches to addressing sustainability challenges and the digital technologies that are now enhancing efficiency and transparency will be explored over the four-day programme, with insights from leading academics, industry experts and policymakers. Actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact, minimising waste, and embracing zero-carbon solutions in line with global sustainability goals will be highlighted.

The 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC 2025) will take place at the Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa in Porto, Portugal, from October 7-10 2025.

Fibre to Future – Transforming Fashion and Textiles through Sustainability, is the theme of this event which will explore how sustainability and digitalisation are reshaping the industry – from fibre production and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life solutions.

The fast-emerging new approaches to addressing sustainability challenges and the digital technologies that are now enhancing efficiency and transparency will be explored over the four-day programme, with insights from leading academics, industry experts and policymakers. Actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact, minimising waste, and embracing zero-carbon solutions in line with global sustainability goals will be highlighted.

“A key aim of the TWIC is to foster collaboration between industry and academia, creating a shared vision for a sustainable and digital future in textiles,” says Textile Institute CEO Stephanie Dick. “This year’s conference is hosted by AQUITEX, an established Portuguese specialist in the development of chemicals and auxiliaries for the textile industry – the first time a company has hosted the event. Join us in shaping the next chapter of the textile industry and be a part of the global conversation on sustainability and innovation.”

Source:

AWOL for The Textile Institute

07.05.2025

ADD-ITC: Extended Call for Abstracts

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025 will take place on November 27-28, 2025 at the Eurogress Aachen.

Interested parties have the opportunity to contribute to the conference program and submit an abstract for a talk or poster presentation. Please note that the extended deadline for oral presentation abstracts is June 2, 2025. The Call for Abstracts for poster contributions is open until July 31, 2025.
The conference program includes plenary lectures and themed sessions in the areas of

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025 will take place on November 27-28, 2025 at the Eurogress Aachen.

Interested parties have the opportunity to contribute to the conference program and submit an abstract for a talk or poster presentation. Please note that the extended deadline for oral presentation abstracts is June 2, 2025. The Call for Abstracts for poster contributions is open until July 31, 2025.
The conference program includes plenary lectures and themed sessions in the areas of

  • Sustainable Textiles and Circular Textile Economy
  • Bio-based Fibers
  • Synthetic High-Performance Fibers
  • Artificial Intelligence in the Textile Sector
  • Textile Production
  • Smart Textiles & Applications
  • Textiles for Medicine & Health Care
  • Technology Transfer & Start-up Pitches
  • Fiber Composites and Lightweight Construction
  • Best Practices – Examples from Collaboration Projects between Academia and Industry
  • Functionalization & Finishing

Further information about the conference and the call for abstracts (including the submission form) can be found on the website.

Source:

Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference

Ecodown Fibers Sync Photo: Thermore
07.05.2025

Thermore: New thermal insulation made of 100% recycled fibers

Thermore, a pioneer in responsible thermal insulation, introduces Ecodown Fibers Sync — a free fiber inspired by the physics of stellar fusion. This new development represents a perfect balance between high performance, luxurious touch, and mindful design. At the core of Ecodown Fibers Sync lies the power of dual-performance fibers, engineered to offer exceptional ultra-lofty softness and resilience. The result is a next-generation insulation with a cloud-like handfeel that resists clumping — a rare combination that ensures lasting volume, even after multiple washes.

This highly flexible insulation offers unmatched versatility, making it ideal for both streamlined for technical outerwear and voluminous for fashion silhouettes. Faithful to Thermore’s legacy, Ecodown Fibers Sync also marks a step forward in sustainable progress. Crafted entirely from 100% recycled fibers sourced from post-consumer PET bottles, it reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to a more responsible design. Every fiber tells a story of transformation — from waste to warmth, from plastic to purpose.

Thermore, a pioneer in responsible thermal insulation, introduces Ecodown Fibers Sync — a free fiber inspired by the physics of stellar fusion. This new development represents a perfect balance between high performance, luxurious touch, and mindful design. At the core of Ecodown Fibers Sync lies the power of dual-performance fibers, engineered to offer exceptional ultra-lofty softness and resilience. The result is a next-generation insulation with a cloud-like handfeel that resists clumping — a rare combination that ensures lasting volume, even after multiple washes.

This highly flexible insulation offers unmatched versatility, making it ideal for both streamlined for technical outerwear and voluminous for fashion silhouettes. Faithful to Thermore’s legacy, Ecodown Fibers Sync also marks a step forward in sustainable progress. Crafted entirely from 100% recycled fibers sourced from post-consumer PET bottles, it reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to a more responsible design. Every fiber tells a story of transformation — from waste to warmth, from plastic to purpose.

In line with Thermore’s quality standards, Ecodown Fibers Sync is certified GRS (Global Recycled Standard), confirming the authenticity of its recycled content and traceability throughout the production chain. Ecodown Fibers Sync is bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring that the product is free from harmful substances and meets the highest criteria for environmental and human safety. With this launch, Thermore redefines what thermal insulation can be — not just a functional layer, but a core element of a garment’s identity.

Source:

Thermore

06.05.2025

Rieter acquires Barmag to become a market leader in natural and manmade fibers

Rieter has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barmag from OC Oerlikon for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million. The acquisition will create a globally leading player in natural and manmade fibers, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, and is highly complementary to Rieter’s short-staple fiber business.

Barmag is a provider of filament spinning systems used for manufacturing manmade fibers, texturing machines, BCF1) systems, staple fiber spinning and nonwovens solutions and – as an engineering services provider – offers solutions along the textile value chain. In the financial year 2024, the company generated sales of CHF 734 million with around 2 600 employees.

Barmag comprises the established product brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven. The main markets for the Barmag product portfolio are China, India, Türkiye and the United States of America. The innovative and technologically advanced products are developed in Remscheid and Neumünster (Germany) as well as Suzhou and Wuxi (China).

Rieter has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barmag from OC Oerlikon for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million. The acquisition will create a globally leading player in natural and manmade fibers, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, and is highly complementary to Rieter’s short-staple fiber business.

Barmag is a provider of filament spinning systems used for manufacturing manmade fibers, texturing machines, BCF1) systems, staple fiber spinning and nonwovens solutions and – as an engineering services provider – offers solutions along the textile value chain. In the financial year 2024, the company generated sales of CHF 734 million with around 2 600 employees.

Barmag comprises the established product brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven. The main markets for the Barmag product portfolio are China, India, Türkiye and the United States of America. The innovative and technologically advanced products are developed in Remscheid and Neumünster (Germany) as well as Suzhou and Wuxi (China).

As fiber consumption is projected to rise, most of the growth is expected to come from manmade fibers. The increase of natural fibers such as cotton and linen is limited due to natural boundaries. Manmade fibers will help to meet expanding demand for clothing, technical and home textiles. The strategic acquisition of Barmag will transform Rieter into a leading supplier for converting natural and manmade fibers into yarn.

The transaction is fully in-line with Rieter’s strategy and follows previous acquisitions, where Rieter complemented its portfolio in short-staple fiber machinery and expanded its footprint in components and machinery for manmade fiber production. The combined platform allows to leverage the recovery of global filament and short staple fiber spinning markets and to reduce cyclicality due to diversification of end-markets. The acquisition will further enhance Rieter’s position in the important Asia-Pacific region and provide access to Barmag’s filament expertise, which will help to further scale Rieter’s own capabilities and improve digitization solutions and product sustainability.

Rieter’s largest shareholder, Peter Spuhler (c. 33% shareholding) is supportive of the transaction and committed to participating in the rights-issue pro-rata by exercising its subscription rights as well as investing additional capital through the non-pre-emptive capital raise. After the capital increase, PCS Holding AG is expected to retain a shareholding of c. 33%.

Additionally, Rieter’s second-largest shareholder, Martin Haefner (c. 10%), also supports the transaction and has committed to participating pro-rata in the rights-issue by exercising its subscription rights and investing additional capital through the non-pre-emptive capital raise.

Source:

Rieter AG

04.05.2025

CARBIOS files its 2024 Universal Registration Document

CARBIOS, (Euronext Growth Paris:  ALCRB), a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, announces to its shareholders and the financial community that its 2024 Universal Registration Document including the annual report, the management report and the report on corporate governance was filed with the French Financial Market Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers) on April 30, 2025 under the number D.25-0354.

Copies of the Universal Registration Document are available in French free of charge, pursuant to applicable law, and can be downloaded from the Company's website at www.carbios.com under the “Investors – Regulated information” section, as well as on www.amf-france.org. An English version will follow shortly.

CARBIOS, (Euronext Growth Paris:  ALCRB), a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, announces to its shareholders and the financial community that its 2024 Universal Registration Document including the annual report, the management report and the report on corporate governance was filed with the French Financial Market Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers) on April 30, 2025 under the number D.25-0354.

Copies of the Universal Registration Document are available in French free of charge, pursuant to applicable law, and can be downloaded from the Company's website at www.carbios.com under the “Investors – Regulated information” section, as well as on www.amf-france.org. An English version will follow shortly.

More information:
Carbios
Source:

Carbios

30.04.2025

New strategic partnership between DiloGroup and Kansan

Dilo Systems GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer specializing in complete nonwoven lines, and Kansan Group, a Turkish manufacturer specializing in nonwoven converting lines, end-of-line solutions, and Wetlaid Nonwoven machinery, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to supply custom nonwoven lines. As part of this partnership, comprehensive solutions will be offered by integrating fiber preparation and carding equipment, wetlaid, hydroentanglement and needling lines, as well as converting and end-of-line equipment. Engineering work will be carried out by Dilo Systems GmbH as the main contractor.

Dilo Systems GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer specializing in complete nonwoven lines, and Kansan Group, a Turkish manufacturer specializing in nonwoven converting lines, end-of-line solutions, and Wetlaid Nonwoven machinery, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to supply custom nonwoven lines. As part of this partnership, comprehensive solutions will be offered by integrating fiber preparation and carding equipment, wetlaid, hydroentanglement and needling lines, as well as converting and end-of-line equipment. Engineering work will be carried out by Dilo Systems GmbH as the main contractor.

The collaboration primarily focuses on specialized nonwoven markets, particularly for hygiene, medical, and technical applications. The production of specialized nonwovens consisting of short and long staple fiber layers is the goal. These nonwovens are typically made from cellulose pulp and carded materials. In hygiene and medical applications, short-cut cellulose materials play a critical role in absorbing and retaining liquids. When the fiber length drops below 12 mm, the faster flushability of cellulose material offers a significant advantage in terms of waste management.

Wetlaid pulp can be hydrodynamically shaped using headbox technology (flowlip, inclined wire), which can be designed according to demand.

Wetlaid products can be further processed with carded web layers and hydroentanglement, integrating into different production processes.

Kansan Materials has successfully established a production line capable of processing hybrid raw materials developed based on the latest hydrodynamic simulation calculations. This line is equipped with advanced software technologies that assist operators in managing production processes in a fully automated, computer-supported mode.

As the main contractor, Dilo Systems GmbH aims to enhance the efficiency of nonwoven production for the hygiene and medical sectors by integrating Kansan’s wet wipe converting lines and end-of-line equipment. In this scope, the integration of materials produced with Dilo’s “CycloPunch” and “MicroPunch” needling machines into Kansan’s wet wipe converting lines is planned. Kansan is a strong partner in this field, with its expertise and leading position in the industry.

This joint development process and marketing efforts lay an excellent foundation for offering complete lines that can produce carded and needle-punched, carded and hydroentangled, carded and wetlaid nonwovens, as well as combinations of these techniques.

With a vision of offering innovative and sustainable solutions in the nonwoven sector, this partnership aims to increase production efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Dilo Systems GmbH and Kansan’s technical expertise provides faster, cost-effective production processes tailored to customer needs. Furthermore, solutions have been developed in line with sustainability goals, such as energy efficiency and the use of recyclable materials. This collaboration is designed to create new opportunities in global markets, particularly in the hygiene, medical, and technical sectors, while expanding our reach to a broader customer base.

Source:

Dilo Systems GmbH

29.04.2025

INVISTA will hold downstream nylon fibers business

Nearly one year after announcing its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its nylon fibers business, INVISTA announced it made the decision to hold the business following a thorough marketing process.  

The decision was shared in a message to all employees from INVISTA president and CEO, Brook Vickery, and EVP of Downstream Nylon Fibers, Jeff Kugele, in early April.  

“While there was significant interest in the business, we reached the conclusion that INVISTA can create the most long-term value for the company by retaining ownership, and we are excited about the future potential of the business,” Vickery said.  

The marketing process focused on INVISTA’s nylon fiber portfolio, which includes airbag and industrial fibers, the CORDURA® businesses, and five supporting global manufacturing locations: Seaford, Delaware; Martinsville, Virginia; Kingston, Canada; Gloucester, UK; and Qingpu, China.

Nearly one year after announcing its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its nylon fibers business, INVISTA announced it made the decision to hold the business following a thorough marketing process.  

The decision was shared in a message to all employees from INVISTA president and CEO, Brook Vickery, and EVP of Downstream Nylon Fibers, Jeff Kugele, in early April.  

“While there was significant interest in the business, we reached the conclusion that INVISTA can create the most long-term value for the company by retaining ownership, and we are excited about the future potential of the business,” Vickery said.  

The marketing process focused on INVISTA’s nylon fiber portfolio, which includes airbag and industrial fibers, the CORDURA® businesses, and five supporting global manufacturing locations: Seaford, Delaware; Martinsville, Virginia; Kingston, Canada; Gloucester, UK; and Qingpu, China.

More information:
nylon Invista
Source:

Invista

Board of Directors of INDA and EDANA Photo (c) Inda & Edana
Board of Directors of INDA and EDANA
28.04.2025

INDA and EDANA Recommend New Entity - The Global Nonwovens Alliance

The Board of Directors of INDA and EDANA met this week to continue progress toward a vision of broad collaboration for the benefit of the industry detailed in a Letter of Intent signed by both organizations in September 2024.
 
This work has progressed to include a recommendation to incorporate a separate tax-exempt federation, the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA), with INDA and EDANA as the founding members. The purpose of this federation is to provide international leadership for the representation and responsible advancement of the global nonwovens industry (“Industry”) while respecting and benefiting its Members.
 
By aligning resources and expanding collaboration GNA will deliver a more unified and coordinated strategy toward the issues and opportunities faced by the Industry. GNA will enable enhanced programs and service value, reach and efficiency. These benefits will translate into increased local and regional benefits as well as drive innovation, operational efficiencies, and long-term industry growth.
 

The Board of Directors of INDA and EDANA met this week to continue progress toward a vision of broad collaboration for the benefit of the industry detailed in a Letter of Intent signed by both organizations in September 2024.
 
This work has progressed to include a recommendation to incorporate a separate tax-exempt federation, the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA), with INDA and EDANA as the founding members. The purpose of this federation is to provide international leadership for the representation and responsible advancement of the global nonwovens industry (“Industry”) while respecting and benefiting its Members.
 
By aligning resources and expanding collaboration GNA will deliver a more unified and coordinated strategy toward the issues and opportunities faced by the Industry. GNA will enable enhanced programs and service value, reach and efficiency. These benefits will translate into increased local and regional benefits as well as drive innovation, operational efficiencies, and long-term industry growth.
 
Under the proposed framework, INDA and EDANA will continue to operate as independent legal entities, maintaining their focus on regional markets and advocacy. They will also serve as founding members of GNA committed to leadership, staff and program coordination designed to enhance collaboration on cross-border industry priorities.
 
While some organizational details, transition provisions and approval timelines are being assessed by the INDA and EDANA Boards, both have expressed their strong support for the vision and purpose of GNA and are committed to responsibly advance this initiative.
 
INDA and EDANA remain committed to a transparent process, both for our members and the industry, and will provide regular updates as this work progresses.

Source:

INDA