From the Sector

Sports company PUMA and RE&UP Recycling Technologies have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to scale a fully circular textile solution, transforming textile waste into RE&UP’s Next-Gen Recycled Cotton Fibers and Recycled Polyester Chips.

Circularity is one of the focus areas of PUMA’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals and the company has already scaled up its RE:FIBRE textile-to-textile recycling program, producing millions of football jerseys made out of an increasing share of recycled textiles. RE&UP has become a key Next-Gen raw material partner in the RE:FIBRE program supporting PUMA’s ambition to reduce reliance on bottle-recycled polyester, enhancing true circularity while minimizing textile waste. Due to its previous success, this collaboration has now evolved into a broader global commitment to fully enabling circularity.

As part of the expansion, PUMA will introduce RE:FIBRE to the Americas, leveraging RE&UP’s recycled raw materials within its local supply chain. Both companies have a long-term commitment to scaling sustainable solutions in the textile industry. By 2030, PUMA aims to use 30% fiber-to-fiber recycled polyester fabric for its apparel products.

RE&UP’s revolutionary recycling technology is a key enabler of the circular transition of the industry, especially due to its unique capability to process diverse textile feedstocks, including post-consumer and post-industrial waste, as well as complex blended textiles like polycotton and polyester-elastane—materials, traditionally difficult to recycle. Powered with 100% renewable energy and leveraging advanced technologies such as decolorization processes, RE&UP sets a new benchmark for sustainable, low-impact recycled textile fibers.

In a strategic move designed to align a long-term vision, RTS Textiles Ltd (RTS) announced that all operations and joint venture partners are united as the RTS Textiles Group Ltd (RTS Group). This newly formed global powerhouse in the workwear and protective textiles markets will be led by RTS, with minority shareholdings held by TMG – Acabamentos Têxteis S.A. (TMG) and Sapphire Textile Mills Limited (STM).

Effective 24th March 2025, this merger marks the next step in a partnership that has developed over years of collaboration between RTS, TMG and STM. Initially starting as supply chain partners, in 2017 TMG and RTS entered into a joint venture as MGC in Portugal, and in 2021 STM and RTS entered into a strategic partnership under CTI in Asia. This new integrated strategic merger will further enhance the combined strength of all three companies offering greater innovation and operational efficiency, positioning RTS Textiles Group as a leading force in the market.

The group will encompass RTS' wholly owned brands and operations, including Carrington Textiles, Pincroft and Alltex, as well as full ownership of CTI, MGC and Melchior. The current management team at RTS will continue to lead the new entity, ensuring continuity and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Leveraging Expertise and Resources
The merger brings together the unique strengths of each organisation: RTS, known for high-performance flame-retardant (FR) fabrics for the PPE sector and rotary screen-printed fabrics for the military market, TMG - experts in weaving, dyeing and finishing high-quality fabrics, serving a wide variety of applications in the workwear sector and STM, specialised in vertical integration, with a focus on spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing workwear textiles.

CARBIOS, a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, announces the resignation of Philippe Pouletty from term of office as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director, as well as from his term of office as Chief Executive Officer, a position he had accepted on a transitional basis on 18 December 2024.
 
The Board of Directors has taken note of this decision and thanks Philippe Pouletty for his contribution to CARBIOS' development.

The Board of Directors has appointed Isabelle Parize as Chairwoman of the Board and Vincent Kamel as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
 
Continuing the work already undertaken, Vincent Kamel will focus on successfully executing CARBIOS' strategic objectives, including securing the additional financing needed to build its PET biorecycling plant in Longlaville.

Isabelle Parize is CEO of DELSEY. Isabelle Parize began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she held strategic positions in marketing and brand management for 13 years. She then joined Henkel as Vice President EMEA. On the strength of this experience, she became head of Canal Sat, the French media group. She then pursued her career in the beauty sector, becoming President of the Managing Board of Nocibé, one of France's leading perfume retailers, in 2011. In 2015, she was appointed Managing Director of Douglas AG, a European perfume giant, where she steered the company's expansion and modernization.
 
In 2018, she took a new role as CEO of DELSEY. Between 2021 and 2025, she will continue to support the Group as President of its Supervisory Board. Isabelle Parize has served on Coty Inc.'s Board since 2020.
 
Isabelle Parize has been a member of the CARBIOS Board of Directors since 2022.
 
Vincent Kamel, with over 38 years' experience in the polymer and chemical industries, has held management positions in companies such as Rhône-Poulenc, Rhodia and Solvay, both in France and abroad (China, South Korea, Brazil), notably as General Manager of Solvay's polyamide division, Director of the Coatis business unit and Director for Asia in the engineering plastics sector.
 
Vincent Kamel has been involved in CARBIOS’ development since 2021 as a member of the company's Board of Directors, and since December 2024, as an advisor to CARBIOS’ executive management.

The statement in full:

EDANA, the leading global association representing the nonwovens and related industries, acknowledges the European Commission’s potential decision to implement countermeasures in response to the recently imposed US tariffs on EU steel, aluminium, and certain derived products. As the voice of over 250 companies in the nonwovens supply chain, we are closely monitoring the implications of these measures and their potential impact on our members.

Nonwovens are innovative, high-tech, engineered fabrics made from fibres. They are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products either in combination with other materials or alone. They provide essential materials for hygiene products, medical applications, filtration, construction, and automotive industries. They are critical in ensuring public health, safety, and industrial efficiency, with applications ranging from surgical masks and wound dressings to baby diapers, disinfectant wipes, and high-performance insulation.

While we welcome the intention to safeguard the interests of EU industries affected by the US tariffs, EDANA joins those already raising significant concerns about the potential unintended consequences of these countermeasures on our sector.

The EU’s relationship with the US is of critical importance, and we believe the primary focus should be on negotiations to reach a mutually beneficial resolution. It is essential to avoid escalating trade tensions that could result in long-term harm to industries on both sides of the Atlantic.

Negative effect on key raw materials
A particular area of concern is the potential effect of these countermeasures on critical raw materials, such as fluff pulp. Fluff pulp, or pulp-based fibres, are a natural raw material used in the absorbent core of absorbent hygiene products, this is due to their high absorbency rate. Baby nappies, menstrual products, and incontinence products all rely on fluff pulp to absorb and retain human fluids. In 2024, the US provided more than 80% of the fluff pulp imported into the European Union.

This is just one example of the broader impact these countermeasures could have on the industry. These measures could lead to increased production costs, higher finished product prices, supply chain disruptions, and a competitive disadvantage for European nonwoven manufacturers in global markets.

Conclusion
It is important to highlight that these proposed measures risk being unfair, as they will disproportionately impact the more vulnerable members of our society, including the elderly, hospitalised individuals, young families with children, and women. Any regulatory changes should carefully consider their social implications to avoid exacerbating inequalities.

Considering these concerns, EDANA urges the European Commission to carefully assess the economic impact on downstream industries, ensuring that countermeasures do not disproportionately impact sectors dependent on essential imported raw materials. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing consultation process and strongly advocate for a balanced approach that safeguards European industry while maintaining fair and open trade relations with the US.

The European Commission has the opportunity to prevent a harmful cycle of retaliatory tariffs that could have a net negative effect on both economies.

Through a nationwide network of charity shops, donation centres and clothing banks the Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL) work with community groups, large organisations, local authorities, schools, colleges and individuals - all with a shared aim to help others and help protect our planet.

SATCoL work in partnership with brands and retailers to accept excess, returned and end-of- line stock of clothing and home-goods to be resold in its charity shops across the country.

This partnership opportunity for brands helps them to save on additional storage costs, create more room in their warehouse for new stock and divert more items away from disposal.

By extending the useful life of products, Salvation Army Trading Company and its partners make a positive contribution to reducing unnecessary waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and raising vital funds for charity work. In addition to this, SATCoL’s investment in modern processing centres and new technology means they can offer new ways of reusing and recycling textiles on a commercial scale, never seen in the UK. The trading arm of the charity also support businesses to amplify the message around their sustainable collaboration by making the public aware of their partnership goals and aspirations to create lasting change.

As a call to action, SATCoL produced a photoshoot with leading fashion industry photographer Camille Sanson and Fashion Stylist Karl Willett whose work includes styling celebrities for The Grammy’s, The Met Gala, Vanity Fair magazine and more.

Karl shared “It was a pleasure to be part of the Corporate Donations shoot, a scheme that is contributing to positive change and sustainability for the planet by diverting more everyday items away from landfill.”

The stylish images demonstrate the potential of second-hand fashion, electronic devices and home-goods, all of which the organisation is keen to receive. The Salvation Army Trading Company has received industry wide recognition for their efforts to support brand and retailers to meet their sustainability goals and encourage second-hand shopping.

Shaunacy Burne, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Salvation Army Trading Company shared: “We are partnering with businesses to receive their obsolete, end of line and faulty stock to be reused or repurposed. Not only are we helping brands to meet their CSR goals with our sustainable solutions, but the donations we receive are sold in our retail outlets to help raise vital funds for our parent charity. We’re keen to explore partnership opportunities with retailers, together we can reduce waste and divert more items away from landfill. Please get in touch, we want to hear from you.”

Increasingly weaker demand from key sales markets over the course of 2024 is slowing SGL Carbon's sales and earnings growth. Group sales in 2024 amounted to €1,026.4 million, down slightly by 5.8% on the prior-year level (2023: €1,089.1 million). The group's adjusted EBITDA decreased by 3.3% to €162.9 million (2023: €168.4 million).

Despite the slight decline in sales, the adjusted EBITDA margin improved from 15.5 % in the previous year to 15.9 % in 2024. This is mainly due to positive price and product mix effects.

Declining demand from the key semiconductor and automotive markets, coupled with persistently unsatisfactory demand from the wind industry, led to a decrease in volume and sales in three of four business units. Only Process Technology was able to improve its sales and adjusted EBITDA.

Earnings performance in the past fiscal year was strongly affected by non-recurring items of minus €118.5 million (2006: minus €52.9 million). These mainly included the impairment of assets of the Carbon Fibers business unit totaling €91.2 million (previous year: €44.7 million) and expenses from restructuring measures in the Carbon Fibers and Battery Solutions business lines totaling €19.0 million. After deducting one-off effects and non-recurring items as well as depreciation and amortization of €58.7 million (2023: €58.9 million), EBIT amounted to minus €14.3 million in 2024 (2023: €56.6 million).

Taking into account the financial result of minus €32.6 million (2023: minus €34.2 million) and tax expenses of €32.5 million (2023: €19.3 million), SGL Carbon recorded a net loss of €80.3 million (2023: net profit of €41.0 million) despite the solid overall business performance.

In 2024, the Carbon Fibers (CF) business unit's sales continued to decline, decreasing by 6.7% to €209.8 million (2023: €224.9 million). The decline was due in particularly to the continued low demand from the wind industry and the increasing competitive headwind resulting from global overcapacity for textile and carbon fibers.

Adjusted EBITDA in the Carbon Fibers business unit decreased by €18.2 million year-on-year to minus €11.0 million (2023: €7.2 million). The lack of fixed cost absorption led to high idle capacity costs and combined with declining margins for our fiber products, had a negative impact on adjusted EBITDA. It should be noted that the Carbon Fibers business unit included the result of the equity accounted activities (mainly the joint venture Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes, BSCCB) in the amount of €15.8 million (2023: €18.3 million). Excluding the contribution from the equity-accounted BSCCB, the adjusted EBITDA of Carbon Fibers would amount to minus €27.0 million (2023: minus €10.9 million).

In February 2025, as part of the review of all strategic options for the Carbon Fibers, a decision was made to extensively restructure the Carbon Fibers business unit, which also includes the closure of unprofitable business activities. A complete sale of the Carbon Fibers activities was reviewed and is currently not considered feasible.

In the reporting period, sales in the Composite Solutions (CS) business unit amounted to €124.6 million, down 19.0% (2023: €153.9 million). The decline was due in particular to the premature expiration of a significant project-related supply contract with an automotive customer.

As a result of lower volumes and product mix effects, CS's adjusted EBITDA decreased by €4.0 million or 18.0% year on year to €18.2 million (2023: €22.2 million). It should be noted that the adjusted EBITDA includes a compensation payment of €3.0 million for a prematurely terminated customer contract. The adjusted EBITDA margin remained almost constant at 14.6% compared to the previous year (2023: 14.4%).

Forecast
For the year 2025, SGL Carbon expects different but overall challenging developments in their key sales markets. For the semiconductor industry and in particular for silicon carbide-based semiconductors, the demand is expected to remain moderate. The main reasons are lower than originally forecast growth rates for electric vehicles and continued high inventories at our customers site. At the earliest, demand could pick up in the second half of 2025. The company also expects a high degree of uncertainty combined with lower momentum for the automotive market segment.

The forecast for the current fiscal year 2025 takes into account all four operating business units, as they are still in the early stages of restructuring our Carbon Fibers business. Based on their assumptions regarding the development of the key sales markets, the managers expect consolidated sales for fiscal year 2025, including all business units, to be slightly below the previous year (2024: €1,026.4 million).

Taking into account all four operating business units, an adjusted EBITDA in 2025 is expected to range between €130 million and €150 million. Furthermore, the assumption is that the free cash flow at the end of the 2025 financial year - excluding payments for the planned restructuring of the CF - will be below the previous year's level but still positive (2024: €38.7 million).

Restructuring Carbon Fibers
On February 18, 2025, the Board of Management of SGL Carbon announced a restructuring of the loss-making CF business unit. This includes a significant reduction of CF's business activities and a focus on a profitable core. SGL Carbon's group sales guidance for 2025 excluding the expected sales contribution from CF would be approximately €200 million lower. On the other hand, the adjusted EBITDA for the remaining businesses excluding the operating adjusted EBITDA of CF would be between 155 – 175 million €.

“In the coming months, our work will focus on restructuring the carbon Fibers business unit and safeguarding our profitability. This includes focusing on new sales opportunities to further utilize our production capacities and strict cost management. The major trends such as digitization, climate-friendly transportation and renewable energy sources remain intact and are the drivers for our key sales markets. SGL Carbon will benefit from these trends and the associated growth opportunities in the medium and long term,” explains Andreas Klein, CEO of SGL Carbon SE.

Fueled by robust demand, the fair wrapped up successfully on 13 March at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Over 370 exhibitors engaged with more than 25,000 visitors from 85 countries and regions, with total visitor numbers up by 8%, and the number of international visitors more than double that of the previous Spring Edition. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, buyers increasingly sought home products that harmoniously blend style, comfort and sustainability. This trend was evident throughout Hall 5.2, highlighted by the extensive mix of exhibitors and the accompanying fringe program focused on eco-innovation and smart sleep, reinforcing the fair as an important business platform for the advancing industry.

Speaking on the final day, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “The visitor flow throughout the hall clearly demonstrated the strong demand and recovery within the Chinese home textile market, with many exhibitors reporting high-quality leads. Notably, there was a significant increase in overseas visitors, highlighting the event's growing international appeal. We observed various trends, but prominent themes were sustainability and smart bedding solutions, as more exhibitors are increasingly incorporating technology and eco-friendly practices into their materials and production processes. Overall, the comprehensive selection of products catered to the varied interests of buyers across the industry.”

Eco-consciousness has evolved from being just a nice-to-have to becoming an essential aspect in the home textiles market. In the bedding sector, this has led to a growing emphasis on organic, reusable, and recyclable materials that are free from hazardous chemicals. Throughout the three-day fair, the fairground was abuzz with products that offered both comfort and environmental responsibility.

From smart bedding, featuring temperature regulation and antibacterial technologies, to sustainable home textiles using biodegradable and organic materials, exhibitors showcased a diverse collection of solutions designed to elevate the modern home. Particularly notable was CoolisT Life Technology Co Ltd, which displayed bio-based biodegradable sponges, including Zero Foam and Hydrophilic Foam. Renowned buying brands, including Sainsbury’s, Americana International, Li & Fung, and many more, proactively pursued technological innovations, sustainable solutions, and high-end products to better meet the demands of consumers.

The fringe programme also played a key role in driving industry dialogue around eco-consciousness and innovation. The Green and Low Carbon Forum explored sustainable textiles for bedrooms and homes, while the Sleeping Aid Summit 2025 discussed the integration of smart home technologies into bedding. Another event in the spotlight was Timeless and Transformative Colour: Celebrating the Rich Diversity of Modern Living for 2026, held by the Pantone Color Institute. At this event, participants discovered the vibrant colour palettes for home interiors that are expected to be popular trends in 2026.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with International Filtration News magazine, announces the finalists for the inaugural FiltXPO™ Awards. Recognizing outstanding achievements across the entire filtration value chain, the awards celebrate groundbreaking advancements that utilize nonwoven fabrics and technology.

Presented at FiltXPO™, April 29-May 1, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida, these awards highlight exceptional innovations in three categories:

• Air/Gas Filtration Media
• Water/Liquid Filtration Media
• Filtration Equipment

Each nominated product has demonstrated creativity, uniqueness, technical sophistication, and the potential to significantly advance filtration performance and sustainability. Voting takes place on the International Filtration News website and the deadline to submit votes is April 18, 2025:

FiltXPO Air/Gas Filtration Award

• Hollingsworth & Vose – NanoWave® ESA
  Introducing NanoWave®ESA, an all-synthetic, 3D filter media free from PFAS. This revolutionary product enables production of highly efficient, comfortable, stretchable respiratory protection, suitable for various protective applications.
• Lanaco – EcoStatic® ML Series Filter Media
  Lanaco’s wool-based air filtration solution utilizes advanced electrostatic technology, providing exceptional efficiency and ultra-low pressure drop, even under challenging environmental conditions. USDA-certified as 100% Biobased, EcoStatic® ensures sustainability without sacrificing performance.
• 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% naturally derived fibers and OC-Biobinder®, BioProtect™ is both biobased and home compostable, combining premium performance with environmental responsibility.
• Periodic Products, Inc. – MetalXtract® Filter Media
  Using patented Chelok® Polymer Technology, MetalXtract® provides remarkable metal adsorption capabilities—100 to 500 times greater than traditional resins—across a wide pH range. Ideal for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation, this biodegradable solution effectively controls contamination at high flow rates.

FiltXPO Filtration Equipment Award

• Luwa America Inc. – Multi Cell Filter (MCV)
  The space-saving MCV significantly reduces required floor space by approximately 70% compared to traditional drum filters. Its intelligent PLC-controlled design optimizes filter cleaning cycles, reduces energy usage, and substantially cuts operational costs and carbon footprint.
• Oerlikon Neumag – hycuTEC
  Oerlikon Neumag’s innovative hycuTEC technology hydrocharges nonwoven filter media, achieving over 99.9% filtration efficiency with dramatically lower pressure loss and minimal resource consumption. Easy to integrate and retrofit, hycuTEC represents a breakthrough in high-efficiency filtration media production.
• 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.

Finalists will present their innovative solutions at FiltXPO, showcasing breakthroughs that elevate quality, efficiency, and sustainability across the filtration industry.

“We’re delighted to highlight these groundbreaking innovations that promise to reshape the filtration landscape,” said Matt O’Sickey, Ph.D., INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “FiltXPO provides the perfect stage to recognize the industry’s most significant advances and inspire future developments.”

Eastman, global specialty materials company and manufacturer of Naia™ Renew cellulosic fibers, unveiled the most comprehensive product application matrix of its Naia™ fiber brand at the China International Textile Fabrics and Accessories (Spring/Summer) Expo. Making its debut, the innovative “Naia™ On The Move” new blending solution concept offers a fresh take on active urban fashion, redefining comfort and versatility, and reinforcing Eastman’s commitment to driving sustainable innovation in the fashion industry.

Naia™ Renew is a sustainable circular fiber composed of 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified recycled* waste materials. Utilizing Eastman’s carbon renewal technology (CRT), this process breaks down hard-to-recycle waste material into basic molecules to make new cellulose acetate fibers without compromising quality. This innovation offers a scalable solution to two of the world’s most pressing environmental issues: waste pollution and raw material overconsumption.

At the expo, Eastman also highlighted Naia™ Renew staple fiber's application in denim, achieving a balance between comfort and sustainability in denim. Additionally, its use in woven woolen fabrics, ranging from structured shirts to tweed coats, showcases its versatility. The fiber’s integration into home textile fillings further embeds sustainability into everyday living, demonstrating its vast potential.

Five Years of Innovation: From China Debut to Global Expansion
“Since its initial successful adoption in the Chinese market in 2020, Naia™ staple fiber has embarked on a five-year journey of innovation and persistence. As a novel fiber, Naia™ staple has not only filled a market gap but has also become a key force in helping brands achieve their sustainability goals,” said Chad Doub, global segment leader of staple fibers for Eastman’s textiles division. “Over the past five years, Naia™ staple fiber applications have expanded from loungewear to casual T-shirts, knitwear, and beyond. At our booth, visitors discovered the latest applications in activewear, denim, woven fabrics, and home textile fillings – our most extensive showcase yet.”

Dibella has strengthened its sales team with a new sales representative since March 2025. The company is thus continuing its growth strategy and aims to further optimise its customer service.

Dennis Bujack, with over 20 years of experience in sales of contract textiles, will be available as a competent contact person for customers in future. Bujack will be responsible for exports and for the northern German region, where he will be responsible in particular for looking after existing customers and acquiring new business partners.

With his many years of expertise in advising and supporting business customers, Dennis Bujack has extensive knowledge of the requirements of the textile service sector. Most recently, he worked for one of the market-leading terry towelling manufacturers.