From the Sector

The Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) was created in January 2010 as an outgrowth of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009, declared by the United Nations General Assembly. DNFI is an organization that works to further the interests of natural fibres by serving as a platform for information exchange and by raising awareness of the benefits of natural fibre industries to the world economy, environment and consumers. 

Celebrating Breakthroughs in Natural Fibre Innovation – DNFI Award 2025 
The DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2025 shines spotlight on groundbreaking developments in the world of natural fibres. Its mission: to highlight innovative achievements, amplify the work of leading researchers, innovators and producers, to create new pathways for commercial impact. From sustainability to smart materials, the award honors those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with nature’s finest resources. 

The DNFI Award 2025 will be judged across three categories: Innovative products, components or applications; innovative processes or procedures; and research and science projects. Entries will be evaluated based on outstanding scientific work and technical feasibility, the extent to which the innovation improves or increases the effectiveness of existing products or processes, and its potential to open up new markets or sectors for products made from natural fibres.

Candidates for the DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award 2025 are requested to send the application with the appropriate submission form by email to: Secretariat[at]dnfi.org.
 
Entries will be accepted until 30th September 2025. The winner will be announced in a press release in October 2025 and invited to attend the DNFI plenary session on 14 January 2026. The award ceremony will take place the following day, 15 January 2026, at the Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The 2025 award will once again be sponsored by the DNFI member organisation The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF).

The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, reported both revenue and earnings growth year-on-year in the first half of 2025. In the second quarter, however, international tariff measures and the resultant uncertainty led to tangible stress along the textile value chain and slowed the Lenzing Group’s recovery. Market prices remained at a low level while costs for raw materials, energy and logistics continued to be high. 
 
The Lenzing Group generated revenue of EUR 1.34 bn in the first half of 2025, which was higher than in the same period of the previous year. The operating earnings trend benefited significantly from the positive effects of the performance program. EBITDA grew by 63.3 percent to EUR 268.6 mn, which included positive exceptional effects from the sale of surplus EU emission allowances amounting to EUR 30.6 mn and the valuation of biological assets amounting to EUR 12.5 mn. The EBITDA margin rose from 12.5 percent to 20 percent. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) amounted to EUR 109 mn (compared with EUR 18.9 mn in the same period of the previous year), which corresponds to an EBIT margin of 8.1 percent (compared with 1.4 percent in the same period of the previous year). Earnings before tax (EBT) amounted to EUR 22.1 mn (compared with minus EUR 22.3 mn in the same period of the previous year). Earnings after tax improved significantly to EUR 15.2 mn (compared with minus EUR 65.4 mn in the same period of the previous year).  
 
“Lenzing made further progress on its path to operational recovery in the first half of 2025. Our performance program is making a clear contribution to earnings improvement. At the same time, we are seeing tangible effects from the growing uncertainties in international trade in the second quarter – particularly as a consequence of the aggressive tariffs policy. These developments not only affect our visibility, but also our earnings. For this reason, we are all the more determined to continue our measures to secure our turnaround in the long term and further strengthen our margins,” notes Rohit Aggarwal, Lenzing Group CEO.  
 
The Lenzing Group’s performance program is comprehensively geared towards strengthening long-term crisis resilience and enhancing agility in the face of market changes. The aim is to sustainably improve EBITDA and generate free cash flow through increased profitability and consistent cost excellence. Measures such as acquiring new customers for key products and expanding into smaller markets were implemented in order to strengthen sales activities and thereby revenue growth. At the same time, Lenzing is implementing measures to significantly improve its cost structure, which are being reviewed and further developed on an ongoing basis. Over EUR 130 mn in cost savings were already achieved in 2024. Progress was made especially in terms of product costs and product quality. The Managing Board also expects further efficiency gains in the coming quarters, especially in production costs and overhead functions. The ongoing improvements in structures, processes and personnel expenses are expected to lead to an increase in both revenue and margins. The Managing Board anticipates cost savings of in excess of EUR 180 mn in the current financial year.  
 
Lenzing has also successfully strengthened its capital structure over the course of the year to date. A syndicated loan of EUR 545 mn was concluded in May. The structure of the loan comprises a EUR 355 mn term loan with a three-year term and a revolving line of credit of EUR 190 mn, also with a three-year term and extension options totaling two years. In addition, a new EUR 500 mn three-year non-callable hybrid bond was successfully placed on the market. With these measures, Lenzing secures its financing until 2027 and can continue to focus fully on implementing its successful performance program to enhance margins and free cash flow as well as to improve the cost position. 
 
Outlook
For 2025, the IMF forecasts global growth of three percent, followed by 3.1 percent in 2026 – marking a slowdown compared to the previous year (2024: 3.3 percent). The projection remains below the pre-pandemic historical average. At the same time, the IMF warns of persistently high risks to the global economy: a renewed escalation of trade conflicts, geopolitical tensions, or tighter financing conditions could dampen growth and reignite inflationary pressures.  
 
In an environment characterized by uncertainty and a persistently high cost of living, consumers are anticipated to remain cautious. This is exerting a lasting negative impact on their propensity to spend. Given the announced tariff increases, the rise in spending on apparel in the USA in the first half of the year is to be regarded as a temporary, one-off effect and is unlikely to continue over the course of the remainder of the year. 
 
The currency environment is expected to remain volatile in regions relevant to Lenzing.  
 
In the global bellwether market for cotton, market analysts’ current forecasts anticipate a slight increase in stocks to around 16.3 mn tons for the coming 2025/26 harvest season. 
 
Lenzing will continue to consistently implement its performance program and will conduct ongoing evaluations in order to leverage further cost potentials and further improve its revenue and margin generation.  
 
At present, the Lenzing Group confirms its guidance for the 2025 financial year of year-on-year higher EBITDA.  
 
The ongoing tariffs conflict and associated uncertainty are negatively affecting market expectations and are continuing to exert a very restrictive effect on earnings visibility.   
 
In structural terms, Lenzing continues to expect growing demand for environmentally responsible fibers for the textile and apparel industry as well as the hygiene and medical sectors. Lenzing is therefore very well positioned with its strategy and is pushing both profitable growth with specialty fibers and the further expansion of its market leadership in the sustainability area. 

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, an international sustainable chemical company, announced it has recycled more than 150 billion post-consumer PET bottles since 2011. This significant milestone underscores the company’s long-term commitment to circular economy practices and its sustained investment in global recycling infrastructure. 

With more than 20 recycling facilities across 11 countries, supported by strong business partnerships and optimized operations, Indorama Ventures collectively recycles 789 bottles every second — transforming used PET into high-quality recycled PET (rPET) resins and other circular materials. These are used across various industries globally, supporting Indorama Ventures and its customers in achieving their sustainability goals. 

Since beginning its recycling journey in 2011, Indorama Ventures has accelerated its impact. The company reached its first major milestone of 50 billion bottles recycled in March 2020 and doubled that figure to 100 billion bottles in 2023, just three and a half years later. Now the company has reached the 150 billion mark which reflects both growing global demand for recycled content and the company’s strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation to scale up recycling at speed. 

By recycling 150 billion PET bottles, Indorama Ventures has helped avoid an estimated 3.8 million tons of CO₂ emissions over the product lifecycle and diverted 2.8 million tons of plastic waste from landfills and the environment.  

By partnering with a wide network of collection organizations, Indorama Ventures ensures a consistent supply of high-quality post-consumer PET, supporting the integrity of circular supply chains. In parallel, the company works with leading technology providers to deploy advanced recycling solutions that improve processing efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 

As global demand for recycled materials grows, Indorama Ventures reaffirms its commitment to expanding recycling capacity, investing in innovation, and working with stakeholders across the value chain to accelerate the shift toward a circular economy. 

At Isomi, the company has defined their approach by an ambition to work with materials in their purest, most purposeful form. With the Knit One Chair, they are taking this commitment further exploring how 3D knitting technology can unlock a more resourceful, intelligent way to make furniture. 

3D knitting is, at its essence, a digital manufacturing process that transforms a spool of yarn into a fully formed, three dimensional textile shape created directly on the knitting machine, without the need for cutting, stitching or excess trimming. This precise method has already reshaped industries like sportswear and footwear, celebrated for its ability to produce complex forms with minimal waste and remarkable structural integrity. In furniture, however, the possibilities of 3D knitting are only just beginning to be realised. Traditionally, upholstery involves layering foams, fabrics and fillers, glued and stapled into place, a process that generates off cuts, requires multiple materials, and makes recycling complicated at best. Knit One rethinks this entirely.

The World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference brought the global wipes industry together for four engaging days of insights, innovation, and connections, July 21-24, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, in Ohio.

WOW featured expert-led sessions, over 50 tabletop exhibits, and the presentation of the World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The event garnered high praise from attendees for its valuable networking and content, as well as strong participation from across the global wipes supply chain.

World of Wipes Innovation Award®
The 2025 World of Wipes Innovation Award® was presented to Cookware Care Seasoning Wipes™, 100 percent viscose wipes that offer a convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Infused with non-petrochemical oils and beeswax through a proprietary waterless process, the wipes simplify seasoning while expanding nonwoven applications beyond traditional uses.

“Walking into WOW 2025 as a brand-new company, we didn’t know what to expect. From the moment we arrived, the encouragement, curiosity, and warmth of the industry made us feel truly welcome,” said Cookware Care co-founders Jordan and Blaire Burdey. “Connecting with so many knowledgeable and inspiring individuals made winning the World of Wipes Innovation Award® even more meaningful. This recognition validates two years of passion, late nights, and unwavering belief in our vision, and it motivates us to continue growing and getting Seasoning Wipes™ into more hands. We are deeply grateful to INDA and to everyone who showed us such genuine support.”

Fellow finalists Dude Products’ Dude Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes and Magnera’s Sontara® EC Green Cotton were also celebrated for their innovation and market potential. Nominations for the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Awards will open August 7, 2025.

Thoughts from Industry Leaders
“The content was comprehensive, timely, and engaging, making it a truly enriching experience for all attendees,” said Nick Santoleri, COO of Rockline Industries. “The venue (just a stone’s throw away from The Ohio State University) provided ample space for networking as well as private conversations, allowing for meaningful connections to be made. Additionally, the overall look of the conference and signage gave one the feeling of a world-class event. Kudos to the organizing, marketing, and creative staff at INDA for this year’s exceptional event!”

“This year’s WOW conference was a great opportunity to meet with several of our suppliers and customers in one place,” said Pramod Shanbhag, Vice President of Innovation and Technology at Suominen. “I loved the interactions at the tabletop events and hope to see even more tabletops next year.”

WOW Session Highlights
With the theme “Wipe to Win: Innovating for a Sustainable and Profitable Future,” WOW 2025 delivered a wide array of expert-led sessions and panel discussions, including:

• Global drivers for plastic-free wipes and machinery innovations for sustainable materials
• Consumer motivation, emotional product design, and social media impact
• Nanofibers, niche applications, and a licensing deal for sports wipes with the NBA
• Consumer perceptions, slitting advancements, and classic and innovative preservation strategies
• Expert panel addressing evolving regulatory legislation, trade and tariffs across the U.S. and Europe

Among the other key topics discussed were product responsibility, inflation, artificial intelligence, the California wastewater forensic studies, and sustainability.

The event opened with the WIPES Academy, held July 21-22 and led by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey. This 12-session course provided a comprehensive overview of wipes development, from concept to commercialization, covering materials selection, formulation design, and packaging considerations.

INDA announced that the next edition of the World of Wipes® Conference will take place June 29-July 2, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Noise pollution can cause stress and damage our health. Whether in restaurants, open-plan offices, or schools, we are confronted with loud background noise in our everyday lives. Sound-absorbing materials are used to reduce noise. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing a comprehensive system for measuring and predicting the acoustic properties of a wide variety of textiles. This research enables the development of a wide range of sound-absorbing or acoustically effective materials.

Currently, in addition to foams, nonwovens are mostly used as sound absorbers. However, these are relatively thick and not very stretchy. Textile fabrics such as woven or knitted materials are more elastic and flexible and are able to reduce noise more specifically in certain frequency ranges. This allows them to be individually adapted to existing or expected noise problems. However, these textile fabrics have rarely been used in acoustics to date.

In order to exploit this potential, research and development are encountering a problem: the measurement methods and simulation models used for nonwovens are not readily applicable to other types of textiles. Nonwovens consist of loosely arranged, interconnected fibers; they have what is known as a random fiber arrangement. In woven and knitted fabrics, on the other hand, the fiber arrangement has a recurring, non-random pattern. The different fiber arrangements result in significant differences in material properties. Due to a lack of alternatives, manufacturers of acoustic textiles still have to use these limited methods for their product development.

This is where the MetAkusTex research project comes in. Dr. Elena Shabalina, Head of the Technology Center E-Textiles & Acoustics at the DITF, explains: "In acoustics research, there is limited knowledge about the potential and diversity of textiles. As a textile research institute, we want to ensure that a wide range of textile structures, including 3D textiles, find their way into the world of acoustics. We are laying the necessary foundations for this." The DITF are developing new acoustic measurement and prediction methods that can be used to evaluate how different textiles interact with sound, whether they absorb, reflect, or scatter it. With the help of mathematical models, textile materials can be tested, adapted, and optimized for their acoustic effect as early as the design phase.

The project results will help companies make their product development processes more efficient and to design materials in a more targeted manner, for example, to make them sustainable. This will shorten time to market.

In addition to the development of new measurement methods, the acoustics laboratory at the DITF is being expanded. The measuring room with sound-absorbing walls and a sound-reflecting floor (semi-anechoic chamber) will be equipped with a modern data acquisition system. In addition to software, this includes various measuring microphones, loudspeakers, and a turntable to measure the sound quality of loudspeakers from different directions. The new acoustics laboratory will be used for research at the institute and will also be made available to industry for testing.
 
The MetAkusTex research project was funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism as part of the Invest BW - Praxissprints program.

With 12 exhibiting countries and regions so far confirmed, Cinte Techtextil China is poised to present a dynamic industry platform, bridging the gap between Asian and Western markets. From 3 to 5 September in Shanghai, the fair will feature a full spectrum of technical textiles and nonwovens for 12 application areas, with a key highlight being 2025’s debut product category and zone – the Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone. Meanwhile, domestic and international exhibitors with automotive applications can be found across the fairground, with the segment drawing strong interest globally. Also featuring a range of innovators in the reputable European and German Zones, the fair’s International Hall (W5) will offer valuable expertise and opportunities to trade visitors from China, Asia and beyond.

A strong combination of global exhibitors has already confirmed their participation this year, coming from Belgium, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. With the additional textile chemicals and dyes product category launched at the fair, new business avenues have been opened for renowned companies such as CHT Germany GmbH (Germany), Michelman Inc (USA), and more, who will convene at the debut Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone. The new category is suitable for a range of textile applications, such as for sports & leisure, safety & protection, industrial protection, construction and more.

European and German Zones to showcase continent’s industry excellence
With Europe’s production of technical textiles and nonwovens largely returning to pre-pandemic levels, the vast Asian market represented at Cinte Techtextil China has attracted leading companies to showcase their quality, high-tech products in the European and German Zones.

In addition to well-known returning brands, such as EMS-GRILTECH, Graf + Cie, Monosuisse, and Swisstulle from Switzerland, and Fibre Extrusion Technology from the UK, several new exhibitors are set to make their mark in the European Zone. 

Across the hall, the German Zone will also welcome a strong array of members, including Autefa Solutions, Mahlo, Reifenhauser Heinsberg, and many more, such as Brueckner Textile Technologies, Lindauer DORNIER or Wetekam Group (new).

Highlighted exhibitors featuring automotive textile solutions
Harnessing market demand, Cinte Techtextil China will feature a raft of global Mobiltech exhibitors, including Eastex Industrial Science And Technology and Oriental Industries from China, Picanol from Belgium, Rowa Group from Germany, and more.

The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.

Cinte Techtextil China will be held from 3 – 5 September 2025.
The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will showcase packaging materials combining high performance protection, CO2 emission reduction and waste prevention at Fachpack 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, from September 23-25. Evolon® packaging solutions offered by Freudenberg are particularly suited for packaging automotive components with sensitive surfaces. 

Evolon® packaging materials provide superior surface protection for a wide range of automotive parts, including molded plastics and painted elements. The high-end textiles make an important contribution to the quality goals of OEMs and tier suppliers by preventing damage to transported parts and lowering rejection rates.

Recycled content and low CO2 footprint
Evolon® textiles have a small carbon footprint because their manufacturing process uses low-CO2 energy, and the fabrics are lightweight and reusable. Furthermore, Evolon® packaging materials are made of up to 85% recycled content. “By replacing virgin raw materials with recycled content, we’ve been able to cut the carbon footprint of our fabric production by 35%. We are actively exploring the possibility of manufacturing Evolon® using 100% recycled content to drive CO₂ emissions down even further,” explains Jean-François Kerhault, Director Global Sales & Marketing General Industry at Freudenberg Performance Materials. 

Although Evolon® fabrics are lightweight – from 80gsm to 300gsm – they nevertheless still provide the high mechanical strength properties required for automotive packaging applications. This conserves raw materials and reduces the weight of transported loads. In particular, the new Evolon® Ultra Force is approximately 50% lighter than PVC-based materials with similar high mechanical strength, while containing a minimum 50% recycled content and no PVC.

Waste prevention
Evolon® materials play an important role in decreasing waste when it comes to transporting automotive parts. Above all, the high-end materials provide superior surface performance which directly reduces scrap of transported parts. 
In addition, packaging waste is also prevented because Evolon® technical packaging textiles are designed for reusable packaging containers. Single-use packaging is avoided. Moreover, Evolon® packaging material lasts for the entire production cycle of a car model.

New Directors Bring Industry, Innovation and Leadership Experience to Advance Syensqo’s Evolution to a Specialty Chemicals Company.
 
SYENSQO SA announced the appointment of Dr. Cynthia Arnold and Augusto Di Donfrancesco as new members of its Board of Directors, effective July 17, 2025. 
They replace Matti Lievonen and Nadine Leslie who are stepping down from the Board to pursue other opportunities.
 
Dr. Cynthia Arnold brings more than 30 years of global leadership experience in technology and innovation within the materials and chemicals sectors. She previously served as Chief Technology Officer at Valspar Corporation and held senior roles at Sun Chemical, Eastman Chemical and General Electric. With extensive public company board experience, Dr. Arnold currently serves as an independent director on the boards of Cabot Corporation, Milliken & Company and Fluence Energy. She holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from the University of California,Berkeley.
 
Augusto Di Donfrancesco held key leadership roles in research & innovation, operations and transformation during a more than 35-year career at Solvay. As President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit, he led a period of significant organic growth, doubling net sales through customer-centric innovation. He was also a member of the Solvay Executive Leadership Team where he led group-wide strategic programs. Mr. Di Donfrancesco’s deep sector knowledge and track record in operational excellence and capital allocation will further reinforce Syensqo’s ongoing growth and transformation objectives. Mr. Di Donfrancesco holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Pisa University. 
 
Rosemary Thorne, Chair of the Board of Directors, said, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our gratitude to Matti and Nadine for their contributions to the Board during Syensqo’s formative period as an independent public company. As part of our Board succession planning, we are focused on maintaining the right mix of skills and expertise and are thrilled to welcome Cynthia and Augusto, who are proven leaders of the highest caliber and are poised to contribute their significant leadership, technology, innovation and operational experience to the Board. We look forward to benefiting from their respective knowledge and insights as we continue to focus on delivering shareholder value.”
 
“We are delighted to welcome Cynthia and Augusto to our Board,” said Dr. Ilham Kadri, Chief Executive Officer of Syensqo. “Their perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize innovation and operational excellence to capitalize on the meaningful long-term growth and value creation opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with them.” 
 
Dr. Arnold said, “Syensqo’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainability resonates deeply with me. I am excited to contribute to the Board’s work to advance innovation and operational performance, and to help shape the Company’s continued success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.” 

 
“I am honored to join Syensqo’s Board during this important period in the Company’s evolution to a Specialty Chemicals Company” said Mr. Di Donfrancesco. “Having spent my career driving transformation, innovation and growth within the specialty chemicals sector, I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the management team to help accelerate growth and unleash Syensqo’s potential.”

With its latest Joint Partner Project titled “Thermoplastic Pressure Vessel Production – Benchmarking of Design-for-Manufacturing Strategies to Optimize Material Efficiency and Cost,” AZL Aachen GmbH invites companies from across the pressure vessel and composite value chains to collaborate on the next step in sustainable high-pressure storage solutions.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Thermoplastic Composites
Thermoplastic composites are widely recognized for their potential to reduce processing times, offer alternative recycling routes, and improve design flexibility. Yet, when traditional thermoset vessel designs are simply transferred to thermoplastic manufacturing, cost and efficiency often fall short of competitiveness. The aim of this project is to rethink vessel design and production holistically – aligning thermoplastic material properties with optimized design- and manufacturing strategies to unlock their full economic and technological potential.

Collaborative Engineering for Scalable Solutions
Conducted as a Joint Partner Project, the initiative brings together companies with shared interests to co-finance and co-shape the project. The AZL Engineering Team will analyse current technologies, develop new design concepts for hydrogen and CNG vessels, and benchmark the resulting configurations in terms of weight, cost, recyclability and production KPIs. The consortium of participating companies will get access to simulation results, concept layouts, and comparative evaluations based on a unified framework.

Experience and Exchange Built In
The JPP format provides a platform not only for technical development, but also for strategic networking. Each partner can contribute input, benefit from consolidated expertise, and gain early access to the results. With more than a decade of experience managing such initiatives, AZL ensures a structured and result-driven collaboration.
The project will start on July 16th, 2025. All participants are invited to engage in an interactive Kick-off Meeting to define key priorities and present their internal perspectives.