From the Sector

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.

On May 23 and 24 an Open Day will be held in Rome at the Centro Apostolato Liturgico Largo Brancaccio 57, run by the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. The event will unveil the first collection of chasubles (vestments worn to celebrate Holy Mass) made with Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei.

The POPOLO IN CAMMINO – ON THE OCCASION OF THE JUBILEE 2025 – PELLEGRINI DI SPERANZA collection features liturgical vestments including chasubles, dalmatics and copes. During the event, Ettore Pellegrini, Marketing & Sales Manager of Asahi Kasei Fibers Italia, and Junshu Furusawa, Sales Manager & Board Member of Asahi Kasei Fibers Italia, will be present and will welcome all guests.

The choice of Bemberg™ - the brand of cupro fiber by Asahi Kasei, a regenerated cellulose fiber obtained from the closed-loop process using cotton linters -  was the result of a journey that began with a visit to Milano Unica (Italy’s premier textile trade fair) and continued with several presentations of the material in Rome. Bemberg™ stood out for its uniqueness and circular economy footprint. Thanks to its transparent and traceable supply chaih, it offers certified sustainability credentials and premium quality. The fiber respects form and drape, with a truly unique and precious feel: cool in summer, with excellent moisture control, offering superior comfort and a soft, impalpable touch on the skin.

The collection is a testimony to the Church’s commitment to sustainable conversion, made possible thanks to the work of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, a religious congregation of nuns who, with experience, skill, and creativity, design and craft liturgical vestments and a variety of  handcrafted items, including iconography, sculptures and ceramics. Their work is dedicated to serving the Church’s liturgy, guided by the principles of liturgical renewal: noble simplicity, dignity, and beauty in sobriety (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 34; 122; 124).

The fabric used for the vestments in this collection was designed by the Sister Disciples themselves and produced with textiles supplied by Brunello.

The Sister Disciples of the Divine Master present their creations through the Apostolato Liturgico, a retail point with an online shop offering religious articles—from sacred vestments to other liturgical items. Following the launch on May 23, the Apostolato Liturgico stores in Milan, Bari, Palermo, Florence, Cagliari, Rome, and others will feature window displays dedicated to the collection for the next three months.

In response to Mali’s escalating environmental crisis, three organizations— Ayuda en Acción, Indorama Ventures, and IMG Group —have joined forces to launch ‘Bamagreen,’ a transformative recycling and reforestation project in the capital city of Bamako.

This initiative is the first under the Plastic2Prosperity program, developed through the adaPETation® network by IMG Group. The project will strengthen plastic circularity while generating tangible socio-economic benefits, particularly for vulnerable communities including conflict-displaced populations, women, and young people. This partnership aims to demonstrate how recycling not only benefits the environment but also generates socio-economic opportunities in complex settings.

Creating Jobs and Regenerating Communities
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to inclusive development. Bamagreen will directly engage around 1,950 individuals—40% of them women—in stable, dignified employment opportunities through recycling and environmental awareness efforts. In addition, more than 100,000 people are expected to benefit from city-wide reforestation and waste education campaigns.

The program will bolster the recycling capabilities of local social enterprise ECOBUILD and introduce integrated environmental education to reduce the impact of unmanaged plastic waste in Bamako, where open dumping and deforestation are accelerating pollution and desertification.

A Shared Vision for Circular Impact
“This agreement reflects our commitment to sustainability and to creating opportunities for the most vulnerable populations,” said Jean Christophe Gerard, Regional Coordinator for the Sahel at Ayuda en Acción. “We are not only addressing an environmental problem but also providing economic opportunities for those who need them most.”

“At Indorama Ventures, we believe that waste is not just a problem—it’s a powerful opportunity,” said Yash Lohia, Executive President and Chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical company. “By raising awareness and investing in circular solutions like Plastic2Prosperity, we can transform environmental challenges into engines of socio-economic growth. This project in Mali shows what’s possible when we work together to regenerate communities and our planet.”

Carlota Calonje, Social Impact Manager at IMG Group, added: “Bamagreen embodies everything we aim to achieve with adaPETation®: transforming environmental challenges into opportunities to empower people and rebuild communities. This is only the beginning—we aim to scale this model to other regions where plastic is part of both the problem and the solution.”

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.

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, has been honored with three prestigious awards at the 2025 Provincial Occupational Safety and Health (P2K3) Awards, recognizing its exceptional performance in workplace safety and employee well-being.

The awards were presented by the Banten Provincial Government to PT. DyStar Colours Indonesia - Gabus Plant, the company’s largest manufacturing plant in Indonesia. DyStar received the following accolades:

• Platinum Award for Zero Accidents (2018–2024)
• Gold Award from the Committee of Occupational Safety & Health Development (P2K3)
• Silver Award for HIV & AIDS Prevention Program

Mr Clement Yang, Vice President of DyStar Global Manufacturing said, “DyStar is honored to be recognized for our collective commitment to health and safety. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our employees in upholding the highest safety standards as we pursue manufacturing excellence in a safe and responsible environment. Safety is a core value embedded in our global culture—one we consistently uphold across all our operations.”

Mr Sunarto Djuardi, Regional Vice President for DyStar Southeast Asia said, “Health and safety have been our highest priority since we commenced production at Gabus in 1997. These awards underscore DyStar’s ongoing commitment to fostering a proactive safety culture, adopting innovative risk management strategies, and maintaining consistent compliance with the highest occupational health and safety standards.”

The Platinum Award was granted in recognition of DyStar’s outstanding achievement of 3.1 million work hours assessed between 2018 and 2024 without a single accident. This remarkable record reflects the company’s disciplined safety culture and its dedication to protecting both employees and contractors.

The Gold Award, presented by the Committee of Occupational Safety & Health Development (P2K3), acknowledges DyStar’s success in maintaining an effective internal safety and health committee at the Gabus Plant, in compliance with national OHS regulations.

DyStar also received the Silver Award for its extraordinary efforts in promoting HIV/AIDS prevention programs in the workplace, reinforcing its commitment to creating not only a safe and pleasant working environment but also one that is inclusive and free from health-related discrimination.

As a company at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, these awards further highlight DyStar’s ongoing investment in employee well-being and strengthen its leadership in the global chemical manufacturing sector.

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, announced the cessation of manufacturing operations at DyStar Hilton Davis with partial integration of production within DyStar LP in Reidsville, North Carolina.

The latest integration will impact the production facility of DyStar Hilton Davis, which primarily manufactures Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Dyes (FD&C), Drug and Cosmetic Dyes (D&C), Lakes, Technical Dyes, and Pigment Dispersions. As part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate and optimize our manufacturing footprint (MFO) in Americas, the facility will cease production operations on 30 June 2025.

Following the final instalment of the Group’s consolidation plan, DyStar’s Americas will focus our main production activities at the sites in Reidsville, North Carolina, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Mr. Xu Yalin, Managing Director and President, DyStar Group said, “We believe that the success of the strategic plan will position DyStar to decisively respond to the fundamental changes taking place in the industry and enables us to improve profitability while maintaining strategic product development capability, and to accelerate growth over the long-term.”

Mr. Clement Yang, Vice President, Global Manufacturing, DyStar Group said, “The overall plan builds upon our global capabilities and resources, and it reinforces DyStar’s strong commitment to strategic investments, product and service excellence, as well as productivity improvements that will drive our Company, customers and industry forward.”
DyStar remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders, including affected employees, customers, suppliers, and partners to minimize the impact on business operations and to ensure a smooth global transition. We will treat all affected parties with due respect and dignity, adhering to company policies, collective bargaining agreements and regulatory requirements.

The company will support affected employees with necessary resources during this transition, including resources and opportunities for employees to apply for open positions at other DyStar locations in Americas.

In celebration of Earth Day, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) announced the development of a new film series produced by BBC StoryWorks, the award-winning commercial content division of BBC Studios.
 
GFA launched Fashion Redressed in 2023, a series showcasing innovations that aim to advance sustainability in fashion and the inspiring stories of the changemakers behind them. Launched on BBC.com, the series spotlighted creative solutions driving social and environmental progress – from silk-inspired scientists in Helsinki to cultural appreciation in Arizona.

With over five million video views and record-breaking engagement on social media, the series resonated globally. Showcased at Global Fashion Summits in Copenhagen and Boston, it sparked vital conversations on fashion's future, blending storytelling with industry innovation.

Now, as the highly-anticipated forum for sustainability in fashion, Global Fashion Summit, approaches, a new season is set to explore an industry amid transformation, as it moves from commitments to urgent implementation and adaptation.

With education and awareness of current barriers at the core, the series will bring to screen the stories of organisations and trailblazers working to close the loop on the circular economy, drive greater social equity through collective courage or seek to redesign fashion futures with new technologies and innovations.
 
BBC StoryWorks’ creative teams will work directly with selected partners to produce vivid, human-centric pieces of branded content for the campaign, and partners will be supported by BBC StoryWorks and the Global Fashion Agenda to promote the content through a variety of platforms.

The new series will go live on a dynamic, branded microsite on BBC.com in early 2026, engaging BBC.com’s 175 million monthly browsers, further amplified by GFA channels and its network.
GFA is calling on its ecosystem to share their stories for potential inclusion in the commercial series. If your organisation has a story to share, please submit your expression of interest by filling in the short form at www.bbcstudios.com/fashionredressed by 9th May 2025.

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.

BODICE, a contemporary Indian fashion label unveiled its much-anticipated collection as a runway show at the BODICE flagship store in New Delhi. Rooted in the idea of self-discovery, the collection embraces evolving identity through artisan-collaborations and intuitive design. The garments of this collection are made with fabrics using Bemberg™ yarn, which are produced in Surat and Varanasi, prominent textile centers in India.

The roots of this partnership between Bemberg™ and BODICE traces back to an inspiring journey that began in last November. Asahi Kasei invited BODICE’s founder & creative director, Ruchika Sachdeva, to Japan such as Kyoto, and Nobeoka city in Miyazaki prefecture where Bemberg plant is located. This immersive trip allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of not only the local craftmanship which has supported Japanese textile industry, but also Bemberg™’s heritage and its commitment to sustainability.

The next phase of the journey took Ruchika and BODICE’s team to two of India’s most renowned textile centers—Surat and Varanasi. In these bustling markets, they handpicked a curated selection of fabrics using Bemberg™ fiber.

Returning to the runway after a significant hiatus, BODICE’s latest collection is an ode to transformation—a narrative brought to life through an immersive experience that brings together textures, techniques, and silhouettes.

At the heart of the collection is a deep reverence for material and technique, drawing inspiration from Japan’s refined approach to craftsmanship. It features Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei, a regenerated cellulose fiber that resonates with BODICE’s commitment to sustainability and responsible design. BODICE’s signature brush-printing technique created with Jaipur’s block-printing artisans, adds depth and texture, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation. The collection also embraces upcycling through colour-blocking techniques, where fabric scraps are repurposed into dynamic, structured silhouettes. With a focus on longevity and wearability, each piece is designed to stay relevant and be timeless, while making way for a more responsible approach to fashion.

Takeshi Iitaka, General Manger, Bemberg Division of Asahi Kasei Corporation, Japan says” Bemberg™ has been operating its business with an eye toward coexistence with the environment since 1931, and is committed to collaborating with partners whose business philosophy aligns with this. From that perspective, this collaboration with BODICE is aligned with our business philosophy, and we are extremely honored that so many people will be able to learn about this collaborative event between our two companies, two countries, two cultures. We believe this collection which has innovative way of using fabrics made from Bemberg™ yarn will be exciting for all. “

The showcase unfolds as a refined interplay of movement and form. Set to evocative sounds in a lush spring landscape, the presentation reflects the collection’s core theme—transformation, balance, and evolving identity.

The GoodTextiles Foundation (GTF), in collaboration with its local partner Chetna, announces a new project at the Ashram Residential High School for Girls in Rasimetta Village, in the state of Telangana, India. The aim of the project is to empower over 545 female students by providing them with school supplies and digital access to education.

As part of this project, all pupils were provided with new school backpacks and reusable stainless steel water bottles. An additional 5% reserve was set aside for future enrolments. Another important part of the project was the complete refurbishment of the computer room. The existing 21 machines were extensively refurbished and returned to service. An uninterruptible power supply system (UPS) was installed to counteract the frequent power cuts in the region and to ensure smooth classroom operations.

In addition, an experienced computer teacher was hired for a two-year period. This teacher will provide the students with basic digital skills to improve their chances of further education and employment in the long term. These measures not only give students easy access to education but also provide them with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

The Ashram High School is located in a remote part of the state of Telangana. The GoodTextiles Foundation has been involved there for many years. In the past, 37 toilets have been renovated, access to clean drinking water has been provided and sports and recreation areas have been improved by levelling the ground.

With the current project, the GoodTextiles Foundation is sending out another strong signal of its commitment: sustainable support through education - with a long-term impact on the community. The GoodTextiles Foundation is supporting the project with around €14,840.00.