From the Sector

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued a statement mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and expressing sincere condolences to his family, staff, and the people of South Carolina.

“The U.S. textile industry is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend and tireless advocate for our industry and workforce. To say this is a profound loss is an understatement. He was a personal friend to so many in our industry – walked through our plants, engaged with our workers – and never forgot where he came from. He was dubbed by many in Congress as the ‘textile Senator’ and he wore that label so very proudly and he earned every bit of it.  Just last week, he pushed to try to advance two amendments to ensure that U.S. government uniforms are fully made in America. His advocacy on behalf of U.S. manufacturing and workers was a top priority, simply because it was a core belief of his. We want to extend our profound condolences to Senator Graham’s family and his incredible staff – who were his family – and to all those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.”

The undersigned associations, representing several European industrial sectors, call on EU institutions to maintain the current legal text of the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD), adopted in 2019. While the signatories recognise the importance of ensuring that the SUPD delivers measurable and meaningful environmental outcomes, reopening the Directive now will create legal uncertainty, add disproportionate burden for economic operators that are already navigating partial and often divergent national transpositions, and increase the risk of regulatory overlaps or contradictions with existing and upcoming legislation. Moreover, there is currently insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of the current SUPD to justify a revision, as described below: 

• Insufficient evidence to inform a revision of the SUPD. 
  An impact assessment of the SUPD cannot be carried out at a moment when several of its provisions are not yet in place. While a first report on the state of implementation of the SUPD was published in April 2026, it remains partial, and reporting is not harmonised, preventing meaningful comparison of data across countries. Taking the example of consumption reduction targets, Member States and other EEA countries only reported data on SUP products placed on the market in 2022 and, even for this report, did so using different indicators. Crucially, since the target on consumption reduction is set for 2026, no data are yet available on whether that target has been achieved. In summary, the partial application of the SUPD and the limited data available suggest that a revision of the SUPD would be premature at this time. 
• Preventing further fragmentation and gold-plating. 
  The transposition of the SUPD has produced significant regulatory fragmentation, uneven enforcement, and widespread instances of gold plating, creating persistent uncertainty for companies active across multiple Member States. The result is a patchwork of national rules that undermines the integrity of the Single Market, inflates compliance costs, and fails to deliver proportionate environmental benefits. These structural shortcomings must be fully recognised in the evaluation of the SUPD and effectively addressed prior to considering a reopening of the Directive. 
• Ensuring legal certainty for economic operators. 
  A revision of the SUPD would create legal uncertainty for companies and Member States that are still implementing several of its provisions. While the SUPD entered into force in mid-2021, the date of application for most of its provisions is at a later stage. Furthermore, the EU Commission has only recently adopted some of the implementing decisions and guidelines on the current SUPD. Any change to the SUPD at a moment when companies are still adapting to new obligations, and Member States are still in the process of implementing some key provisions, would create legal uncertainty for economic operators who do not know whether targets or the scope of the SUPD may change. Legal uncertainty carries significant economic costs for economic operators, notably in terms of investment delays likely to persist throughout the entire SUPD revision process (2–3 years). 
• Avoiding overlaps with other legislation. 
  Revising the SUPD while the Ecodesign and Packaging Regulations are still being implemented, and as negotiations on the Circular Economy Act (CEA) begin, increases the risk of regulatory overlaps and contradictions. These frameworks cover intersecting areas and a revision of the SUPD in parallel with the CEA would almost inevitably lead to duplicative or conflicting provisions. Even if the EU Commission ensured full coherence in its proposal, the co-legislators could still introduce provisions that diverge from or contradict the SUPD framework, further undermining legal certainty and the functioning of the Single Market. 

At a time when EU leaders have made regulatory simplifications and a fully integrated Single Market central to Europe’s competitiveness agenda, we urge EU policymakers to focus legislative efforts where they are most needed and avoid reopening a framework that has yet to deliver concrete results.

The Textile PRO Forum has published a new analysis highlighting the need for greater harmonisation of textile Extended Producer Responsibility systems across Europe. New analysis shows strong differences in registration, reporting and invoicing requirements for textile producers.

The document, Toward harmonised Textile EPR Systems in Europe: analysis and recommendations, presents the results of work carried out by Workstream 1 of the Textile PRO Forum, led by Dr. Eng. Viola Corbellini, Strategic Development and Innovation Expert at Erion Textiles, and Eng. Luca Campadello, General Director at Erion Textiles. The workstream focused on reducing administrative burden for textile producers by identifying areas where procedures could be better aligned across countries.

The analysis is based on input from 12 Producer Responsibility Organisations covering 11 countries. It compares how emerging and existing textile EPR systems deal with producer registration, reporting of products placed on the market, invoicing, payments, producer identification and the role of digital tools.

The findings show that textile EPR systems are developing at different speeds and with different operational models across Europe. Registration may take place through online portals, direct contact with PROs, public authority systems or mixed models. Reporting frequencies also vary significantly, ranging from annual to monthly declarations. Requirements for Placed on the Market data, product categories, reporting units and invoicing practices are not yet aligned.

This fragmentation risks creating additional administrative complexity for companies operating in several European markets, especially SMEs, cross-border sellers and online operators. It may also reduce data comparability and make enforcement more difficult.

The analysis identifies several priority areas for harmonisation, including a minimum common EU-aligned dataset for registration, more consistent reporting calendars, clearer rules on producer identification, simplified reporting options for small producers, predictable invoicing and payment rules, and interoperable digital systems.

The Textile PRO Forum stresses that harmonisation does not mean eliminating all national specificities. Rather, it means defining a common core of rules, data and processes on which coherent national systems can be built.

The findings will be discussed at next week’s Textile PRO Forum plenary meeting, where participating PROs will take stock of the work carried out so far and consider next steps towards practical guidance and recommendations.

“Textile EPR is becoming a reality across Europe, but implementation must be workable for producers and effective for authorities. This analysis shows that harmonisation is not an abstract policy goal; it is a practical necessity to reduce administrative burden, improve data quality and support a well-functioning Single Market” says Anais De Bergeyck, Policy Officer at EURATEX.

June 15 marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." 

The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo. 

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widely prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide across all age groups, with an escalating incidence among older demographics. As global populations age and lifestyle-related risk factors such as obesity and reduced physical activity continue to scale up, the need for reliable, long-term care management frameworks has never been more pressing. This new landmark report provides an essential, multi-dimensional analysis of how Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs), and more specifically, continence products, act as a vital lifeline for individuals, macro-economies, and public healthcare systems alike. 

Urinary incontinence is a complex condition 
The report establishes that UI is a deeply nuanced clinical reality. It primarily manifests in three main forms—urge, stress, and mixed incontinence—each driven by distinct physiological mechanisms. Other variations, such as functional incontinence caused by cognitive or physical mobility impairments, further highlight that UI is not a single, uniform issue but an intricately layered medical challenge. 

Urinary incontinence has a major impact on society 
Driven by global aging trends, rising obesity rates, and the expansion of chronic diseases, the global footprint of UI is growing rapidly. Beyond the estimated 465 million adults currently affected worldwide, the macro-economic burden is staggering. Unmanaged UI accounts for billions in direct healthcare costs and tens of billions in indirect costs, creating massive financial strains due to reduced workplace employment, elevated absenteeism, and heavy institutionalization burdens. 

People with urinary incontinence manage their condition in a variety of ways 
A clear majority of individuals manage UI privately due to lingering social stigma, with up to 80% navigating symptoms without ever consulting a clinician. For those who do seek formal primary care, assistance is not always guaranteed. Clinical pathways dictate a stepwise management sequence—ranging from lifestyle adaptations to specialized surgeries—but for the millions who cannot be fully cured, daily containment remains the primary solution. 

Absorbent hygiene products have a significant part to play in managing urinary incontinence 
AHPs are heavily proven, effective tools that directly elevate health-related quality of life and preserve user dignity. These purpose-made products are regulated medical devices engineered to the highest performance standards specifically to handle urine loss. Clinical evidence demonstrates that the utilization of high-quality bodyworn AHPs drastically reduces caregiver laundering demands, supports professional workforce participation, and cuts the risk of secondary medical complications like pressure ulcers by up to 67%. 

Absorbent hygiene products are a worthwhile expenditure for the public payer 
By keeping individuals socially and economically active while preventing severe skin breakdowns or unnecessary hospitalizations, disposable AHPs deliver exceptional socio-economic returns. Public healthcare systems across nations like the UK, the Netherlands, and Australia actively endorse this value by integrating these essential containment products into official public reimbursement and payment schemes. 

Industry initiatives are reducing the environmental impact of absorbent hygiene products 
The report highlights ongoing sector-wide efforts to lower the ecological footprint of these vital solutions. Through continuous material science innovation and cradle-to-grave Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs), products have become lighter and down-gauged via advanced superabsorbent polymers (SAP), optimizing resource efficiency while strictly maintaining skin safety. Concurrently, various exploratory initiatives are evaluating mechanical separation, chemical recycling, and anaerobic fermentation pilots to help advance scale-level circular economy solutions for the end-of-life stage.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced that registration and exhibit reservations for Hygienix™ 2026 are now open. Hygienix will take place Nov. 16-19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas.

Hygienix will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and business professionals from across the absorbent hygiene products (AHP) industry for expert-led conference sessions, product showcases, networking opportunities, Lifetime Service Awards, and the presentation of the Hygienix Innovation Award™.

Hygienix Program Highlights
Attendees will gain valuable insights across key areas driving the future of hygiene:

• Industry collaboration or “coopertition”
• Market intelligence and global economics
• Regulatory and trade environment
• Innovation in products, materials, and processes
• Sustainability and end-of-life solutions
• Consumer and end-user insights
• Startups, entrepreneurs, and emerging technologies

Business Opportunities and Networking
The Exhibits will showcase the latest innovations in the absorbent hygiene industry, offering a platform for companies to demonstrate their products and services to potential partners and clients.

Hygienix 2026 will once again feature Lightning Talks—a series of fast-paced, five-minute presentations by nearly 20 companies scheduled for Nov. 17-18 in the afternoon.

Hygienix Innovation Award™
Recognizing breakthrough products, technologies, and solutions that are making a significant impact in the hygiene sector, the Hygienix Innovation Award will be awarded at the event.

Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 14th. Finalists will present their products on Nov. 17, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 19 to close the event. Last year’s winner was Confitex Technology for their Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads, the world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs.

Lifetime Service Award Recipients
Carl Cucuzza and Pricie Hanna are receiving the Lifetime Service Awards. Both industry veterans are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA. Cucuzza and Hanna will accept their awards Tuesday, November 17th at 4:30 pm.

The nonwovens industry has officially crowned its new winners. Today at the opening of INDEX™ 2026, five companies were honoured with the INDEX™ Awards, the industry’s highest accolade for technical excellence and forward-thinking design. 

From high-speed machinery to breakthroughs in molecular chemistry, this year's winners were selected for their ability to merge top-tier performance with the urgent requirements of a circular economy. 

Category: Nonwoven roll goods 
Winner: Lenzing - LENZING™ Dualwipe 
LENZING™ Dualwipe is a high-performance cleaning wipe crafted from regenerated cellulose using LENZING™ Nonwovens Technology. Its innovative dual-surface design integrates abrasion and absorbency in a single material, enabling efficient cleaning without relying on fossil-based synthetic materials, binders, or chemical additives. One side features a mechanically active surface for scrubbing away dirt, grease, and residues, while the other offers a soft, highly absorbent surface for liquid uptake and surface finishing. Designed for industrial, professional, and household applications, LENZING™ Dualwipe is compatible with existing converting and processing infrastructure, facilitating rapid adoption. 

Category: Finished products made from, or incorporating nonwovens - Single-use application 
Corman - Organyc brand "Personalized Protection" Light Incontinence Pads 
Corman’s new light incontinence pads deliver personalized protection through three key innovations. The Smart-Cotton™ cover with a citric acid buffer maintains an ideal skin pH of 5.5, reducing irritation. The patented Cotton-Balanced Absorbent Core channels liquid to superabsorbent polymers that lock in moisture and expand toward the body for superior leak protection. Natural odor control uses an organic ingredient to bind ammonia and slow odor formation, eliminating odor instead of masking it. Clinically proven, the pads address the three main concerns of light incontinence: leaks, odor, and skin irritation.

Category: Finished products made from, or incorporating nonwovens - Durable application 
Winner: Confitex Technology - Reusable Nonwoven Bed Pads 
This new Confitex technology has enabled the world’s first machine-washable and tumble-dryable nonwoven bed pads, opening a significant new application for nonwoven materials. Using a proprietary fibre-stabilisation bonding technique, the innovation allows absorbent nonwoven structures to withstand more than 30 machine wash and tumble-dry cycles while maintaining performance. The fully nonwoven construction combines a fast-wicking top sheet with a highly absorbent core capable of holding over two litres of liquid. In addition, a bonded frame structure prevents leakage across the entire surface, including the edges, addressing a common weakness of stitched textile bed pads. 

Category: Raw materials or components (e.g.polymer,fibre, binder, film, tape) of special relevance to the nonwovens and related converted products industry 
Winner: Bostik - Kizen™ Miles 9.0 
Bostik - Kizen™ Miles 9.0 Bostik’s latest innovation, Kizen™ Miles 9.0, is the first adhesive designed for disposable hygiene article construction, that offers the unique feature of debonding on demand: when exposed to a specific chemical key, combined with controlled temperature and mechanical stress, the adhesive allows clean, rapid separation of plastic components in minutes. This process keeps the adhesive material on the substrate, preventing contamination for cleaner, more efficient hygiene article recycling. But during the lifetime of the hygiene article, this new material, based on up to 75% renewable materials, delivers exceptional bonding across a wide range of substrates—including PP, PE, and PLA—while maintaining stable performance over time and under wet conditions. 

Category: Innovation in machinery of special relevance to the nonwovens industry 
Winner: ZUIKO – Recloseable Baby Diaper Converting Machine 
ZUIKO - Converting machine for recloseable baby diapers 
ZUIKO has developed a converting line to produce adjustable pull on pant diapers that address the challenge of achieving a secure fit around a baby’s waist and legs while maintaining softness and stretchability. The design of such a diaper combines the adjustability of open diapers with the stretch characteristics of pant diapers. Unlike conventional pant diapers, which are processed symmetrically, ZUIKO’s recloseable diapers are asymmetric, requiring a precise, glue-less attachment process during folding. Central to the production is ZUIKO’s patented “Stretch Re-pitch Drum™,” which regulates elastic tension and product spacing, allowing panel folding in line with the machine’s flow. This system enables the production of over 700 diapers per minute without the need for multiple folding units.

In the first quarter of 2026, order intake for Italian textile machinery manufacturers recorded a decrease of 5% compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting a still challenging start to the year. The decline affected foreign markets (-7%), while the domestic market showed growth (+21%).

Compared with the previous quarter (October–December 2025), total order intake increased by 18%. The orders index for the January–March 2026 period stood at 37.3 points (base year 2021=100). In Italy, the index reached 35.3 points, while in foreign markets it stood at 37.6 points.

In the first quarter of 2026, the order backlog guaranteed a workload of approximately 4.5 months.

From a sector perspective, weaving and other manufacturing segments showed relatively more dynamic signals.

Forecasts for the second quarter of 2026 (compared with the previous quarter) indicate pessimism for the domestic market and stability for the foreign one.

Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, commented:
“It is encouraging to see the first positive sign in the domestic market, but forecasts still reveal a degree of pessimism. The difficult international context and the slow actions of government institutional representatives do not allow companies to plan investments. As an Association, we are working in close synergy with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) to strengthen promotional activities across several strategic markets. We also look with confidence to the upcoming ITMA 2027 in Hannover, which will represent an important opportunity to relaunch the sector, stimulate new investments, and strengthen the international presence of Italian manufacturers.”

ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) was established in 1945 with the primary aim of promoting the Italian textile machinery industry by supporting its activities both in Italy and abroad. ACIMIT represents an industrial sector comprising around 300 companies (employing approximately 12,500 people) and producing machinery with a total value of approximately €1.9 billion, about 86% of which is exported. Creativity, sustainable technology, reliability, and quality are the key features that have made Italian textile machinery a world leader.

The European Alliance for Thermoplastic Composites (EATC) has published a comprehensive study on the market, applications and prospects for thermoplastic composites. 

Thermoplastic fibre-reinforced plastics – also known as thermoplastic composites – are becoming increasingly important across a wide range of industries. From the automotive industry and aerospace to construction and sports and leisure products, they offer a compelling combination of high strength, low weight and good recycling prospects. As such, they are regarded as a key material for sustainable and high-performance lightweight construction solutions. 

Against this backdrop, the European Alliance for Thermoplastic Composites (EATC) has commissioned and provided technical support for a new market study on the European market for thermoplastic composites. The aim of the study is to provide a systematic overview of the current situation, developments and future opportunities within this dynamic materials segment. 

Focus on market structure, applications and growth drivers 
The study analyses the fundamental material properties of thermoplastic composites and highlights the advantages of using them over alternative materials. It also identifies differences between various material classes and outlines the historical development of their industrial applications. 

Particular emphasis is placed on analysing the current size of the European market and the application areas that dominate today. In addition, the study identifies future market potential based on relevant macroeconomic factors. 

In focus: LFT, GMT und CFRTP 
The focus is in particular on LFT (long fibre-reinforced thermoplastics), GMT (glass mat reinforced thermoplastics) and CFRTP (continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics). These material groups play a central role in modern structural components with high mechanical requirements. They combine the advantages of thermoplastic matrices – such as short cycle times, efficient processing and new manufacturing possibilities – with the performance of reinforcing fibres. 

A strategic material for European industry 
The findings of the study highlight the growing strategic importance of thermoplastic composites for Europe as an industrial hub. Particularly at a time when demands for resource efficiency, CO₂ reduction and the circular economy are on the rise, thermoplastic composites offer great potential for innovative product solutions. 

Now available
The study is now available in PDF format from AVK upon advance payment. EATC and AVK members can purchase the study for EUR 149,- (plus VAT); for non members, the study is available for EUR 349,- (plus VAT).