From the Sector

At Carrington Textiles, we are pleased to announce the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, showcasing another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across our global operations.

The report reflects continued investment in technologies and initiatives that improve environmental performance while supporting long-term business resilience. From renewable energy and water stewardship to circular economy projects and product innovation, sustainability remains embedded in how we operate across the Group.

Among this year's highlights is the completion of a new wastewater treatment plant in Pakistan, significantly strengthening water treatment capacity at CTi ahead of becoming operational later this year. The site has also expanded its circular economy initiatives through the reuse of biomass and coal ash in brick manufacturing and projects that support local biodiversity.

At MGC in Portugal, investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency has continued, with solar generation capacity increasing to 8.3 MW and further projects underway to reduce natural gas consumption and carbon emissions. At Pincroft in the UK, continued progress has been made through Combined Heat and Power (CHP), the ongoing development of its Carbon Roadmap and wider decarbonisation initiatives.

The report also highlights how the RTS Textiles Group continues to expand the use of innovative fibres and technologies that combine comfort, protection and performance with a reduced environmental impact, supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives.

John Vareldzis, CEO of RTS Textiles Group, said: "Building on the foundations established in previous years, this report highlights our progress and reaffirms our commitment to responsible manufacturing, innovation and transparency across our global operations."

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, in partnership with the Business Coordination House (BCH), will welcome filtration professionals from across the world to FILTREX™ India 2026, taking place on 7–8 October 2026 at the Eros Hotel, New Delhi. 

Recognised as one of the leading meeting points for the filtration industry in the region, FILTREX™ India brings together decision-makers, technical experts, researchers and innovators from across the entire filtration value chain. The two-day conference and tabletop exhibition will provide a platform to explore technological advances, market developments and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping the future of filtration. 

Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 conference will feature a comprehensive programme covering some of the industry's most pressing topics, including filtration standards and regulations in India, automotive filtration, industrial filtration, clean water and clean air. The event will also provide extensive networking opportunities, enabling participants to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and discover new business opportunities. 

The programme includes keynote presentations and technical sessions delivered by internationally recognised experts from leading organisations, including MANN+HUMMEL, Ahlstrom, Camfil, Hollingsworth & Vose, UY Trienviro and Schlegel und Partner. Topics will range from next-generation filtration materials and air quality solutions to wastewater recycling technologies and the implications of evolving European chemical compliance requirements for international markets. 

"Launched in Europe in 2004, FILTREX™ has grown into a recognised international platform for knowledge exchange within the filtration industry," said Murat Dogru, General Manager at EDANA. "The Indian market continues to play an increasingly important role in the global filtration landscape, making FILTREX™ India an ideal forum for bringing together international expertise and local innovation to address shared challenges."

As global demand for effective filtration solutions continues to grow—driven by challenges related to air quality, water treatment, industrial processes and sustainable technologies—FILTREX™ India 2026 will offer participants valuable insights into the innovations and collaborations shaping the industry's future.

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.

A Cornell researcher’s bold new redesign of firefighter gear – which hasn’t significantly changed in decades – is more versatile and better adapted to their actual work, only a small fraction of which involves actually fighting structure fires.

Heeju Terry Park, the Vincent V.C. Woo Professor in the Department of Human Centered Design in the College of Human Ecology, and his lab developed the new two-piece, Velcro- and zipper-equipped suits after interviewing more than 50 firefighters. 

“I was asked to design new turnout gear for better thermal management and work efficiency,” Park said. “Current turnout gear has been used for decades with modest changes of design and materials despite increasing fire service roles for handling more wildland fires and emergency rescue operations.”

Huieun Do, M.A. ’25, a member of the Performance Apparel Design Lab, works with a prototype of the redesigned fire gear the lab is developing in coordination with professional firefighters.

Park’s yearlong redesign project – which included Huieun Do, M.A. ’25; Albert Lin, M.A. ’23; and Kim Phung Nguyen, all doctoral students in apparel design – was supported by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The project was in collaboration with International Personnel Protection Inc., a private consulting company, as a subcontractor to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the union representing more than 360,000 professional firefighters and paramedics in North America. This work was undertaken as part of a Department of Homeland Security grant to the IAFF.

The term “firefighter,” while technically accurate, doesn’t paint the full picture of what these men and women do on a daily basis. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 60% of fire department responses are for medical aid calls. Firefighters respond more to false alarms (8%) than to actual fires (3.9%).

Firefighters don’t always need their bulky turnout gear, which creates additional physiological stress due to heat and restricted movement. Additionally, some of the materials these protective suits contain or are treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known carcinogens dubbed “forever chemicals.”

Park’s Performance Apparel Design Lab’s modernized gear, inspired by the suits worn by Formula 1 racecar drivers, can be adapted to the task at hand, and uses noncarcinogenic materials.

In interviews, the researchers identified three primary problems with firefighter suits:
•    These suits are designed mainly for thermal protection – understandable, but since less than 4% of firefighter calls are for fires, firefighters are often overdressed. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the main cause of on-duty firefighter death is cardiovascular in nature, triggered by heat stress;
•    A growing number of firefighters are women (approximately 9% of all firefighters, paid and volunteer), and clothing generally designed for men don’t always work if they’re just made smaller; and
•    The PFAS chemicals used to treat suits pose a significant health risk. According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, firefighters are 9% more likely than the general public to be diagnosed with cancer, and 14% more likely to die from it.

Traditional fire suits are multilayer, heavy-duty coats and pants featuring three layers of material – a flame- and puncture-resistant outer shell, made from a blend of Kevlar (Para-aramid) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) or Nomex fibers; a moisture barrier, typically made from heat-resistant breathable film material laminated to an aramid substrate; and a thermal barrier to provide additional thermal insulation. 

The main difference between current firefighter clothing and the Park lab’s redesign is versatility. The new clothing strikes a balance between a one-piece coverall concept and the more traditional two-piece design. Lin said that in interviews with firefighters, a one-piece coverall wasn’t well received.

“The firefighters were very hesitant to accept a coverall design,” Lin said, “so we had to navigate creating something that has the level of protection that a coverall provides, but in a design where firefighters will be more accepting of it.”

The new design is two pieces, which can be connected with zippers and Velcro to function as a coverall. The protective outer layer of the top can be unzipped and secured around the waist or completely removed when not needed, a feature similar to the suits worn by F1 racers.

“This unique design feature will enable firefighters to quickly cool down their body in non-firefighting situations,” Park said. In particular, the upper portion of the redesigned gear promotes effective heat release; more than 60% of perspiration occurs in the head and torso.

Additionally, the top features dual vertical zippers, for ease of donning and removal; a detachable front panel, convenient for bathroom breaks; two-way zippers to allow for ventilation; and a lower collar to reduce skin irritation and improve breathability.

The detachable front pocket of the redesigned fire suit features compartments so tools can be custom-organized by the firefighter. 

Another improvement is the front pocket, which typically stores the tools a firefighter needs. To facilitate quick access, the new design’s pocket features compartments so the tools can be custom-organized by the firefighter for ease of access in stressful situations.

The pocket is also detachable, and can be secured in front to accommodate either right- or left-handed people, and so access is not restricted, for example, by the straps of an oxygen tank.

Considering the significant concern over PFAS chemicals, the new gear Park’s team designed were prototyped using PFAS-free fabrics for the outer shell and moisture barrier. Recently, some U.S. states have moved toward banning turnout gear with PFAS; Canada and the European Union have moved toward banning PFAS in all goods, including turnout gear.

In the U.S., PFAS bans are mostly enacted at the local and state level; what few federal proposals there are only fund research into PFAS replacements, but not regulation. State-level bans have been enacted, but are not yet in effect, in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Illinois, and California; disclosure laws also have been enacted in Rhode Island.

Most state-level PFAS bans restrict buying of turnout gear with PFAS; however, they do not fund the replacement or purchase of new turnout gear.

Park is hoping to secure additional funding to enable further testing of the updated fire suits, with firefighters in Ithaca as well as at the New York City Fire Department training facility on Randall’s Island.

“I want to test whether this is really better designed to handle all the stressful tasks,” he said. “We want to see how quickly they can put it on and take it off, and how quickly they can reach the tools without dexterity issues, and how they feel about the new design aesthetically, culturally, psychologically, and whether it works for men, women, tall people, small people. That’s the next step.”

As global demand for high-performance materials evolves, Cinte Techtextil China is set to steer the industry’s next growth phase by driving the convergence of global expertise, specialised zones, and forward-looking tech and insights. Building on its diverse scope, the upcoming edition will especially spotlight critical sub-sectors such as Medtech & Protech, Indutech and Buildtech. The offering will be augmented by the well-received Mobiltech and Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zones, alongside the high-calibre German and European Zones. Beyond the booths, the fringe programme structured around four core pillars will chart a definitive roadmap for technical textiles and nonwovens.

China’s technical textile and nonwovens industry continues to build positive momentum in early 2026 despite a complex external environment. According to China Customs, imports remained stable while the sector’s export value reached USD 7.7 billion during the first two months of the year, a YoY increase of 17.7%[1]. The upward trajectory is firmly rooted in a widespread push for tech and quality upgrades, as well as more precise requirements across critical application areas, namely Mobiltech, Medtech, Protech, Indutech, and Buildtech. In 2026, Cinte Techtextil China will bring these sectors to the forefront with exhibitors such as Dawnsens New Material, Picanol NV, and Zhejiang Jinda Coating.

During the fair’s networking event at Techtextil in April, Ms R.Lalitha, I.A.S., Commissioner of Textiles, State Government of Tamil Nadu, India, underscored Cinte Techtextil China’s direct relevance to global demands: “The fair’s focus on Indutech, Mobiltech, and Medtech aligns perfectly with Tamil Nadu’s automotive and medical textile strengths. As we encourage our industries to foray into high-value, sustainable technical textiles, this platform is vital for mutual cooperation and understanding recent developments in China. Cinte Techtextil China’s fringe event themes are also highly on point, capturing where the future of textiles lies.”

Specialised zones showcase growing sub-sectors and international excellence
In addition to the highly sought-after Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zone in Hall W5, the Mobiltech Zone in Hall W4 is expected to remain a top priority for global buyers. Reflecting the soaring demand for automotive textiles, the zone has consistently attracted leading buyers such as Hyosung, Hyundai, Li Auto, Mazda, SAIC-GM, SAIC Volkswagen, Tesla, and Zeekr. This year, one of the zone’s key exhibitors will be Shanghai Shenda, whose offering comprises automotive carpets, headliners, trunks, parcel shelves, wheel arch liners, dash insulators, and related acoustic components.

Europe remains China’s premier source for technical textiles, capturing a 26% share of import value in 2025[2].Showcasing the continent’s expertise with their own comprehensive rosters of pioneers, the German Zone and European Zone at the Overseas Zone (W5) will attract buyers sourcing high-tech, premium solutions, connecting them directly with manufacturers who shape the future of technical textiles and nonwovens. Featured participants include:

• Groz-Beckert: the world’s leading provider of industrial machine needles, precision parts, fine tools, and systems for the textile and nonwovens industries. With a global presence and strong local expertise in China, the company supports customers across all key sectors including knitting, weaving, nonwovens, tufting, sewing, and spinning.
• Swisstulle (Qingdao): owned by Swisstulle AG, the company specialises in high-grade fabric knitting, finishing and dyeing. Using imported raw materials and advanced Karl Mayer and Brückner machinery, Swisstulle delivers bespoke tulle across a diverse range of widths, colours, densities and styles.The company offers tailored solutions mainly serving the high-end lingerie, automotive sunshade, and home textile sectors.

Also in the Overseas Zone, the Nonwoven Federation of India (NWFI), the unified body representing the country’s regional associations of spunbond nonwoven fabric manufacturers, will give fairgoers efficient access to a wide range of India’s latest solutions and opportunities for collaboration.

Multi-themed fringe programme to shape industry horizons
Complementing the future-focused business exchange, the fair’s fringe programme will revolve around four core pillars: Industry Insights, AI, Innovation, and Sustainability.

At the heart of Industry Insights is the annual flagship conference – China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC) – plus a series of other sessions and end-use guided tours delivering critical information.

The AI-focused events will bring together experts to share advanced models and demonstrate how AI is actively empowering textile manufacturing and supply chains. Meanwhile, the Innovation pillar will highlight forward-thinking solutions, including exhibitor presentations and a curated project showcase from domestic and international textile students. Catered to the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, the Mobiltech display zone will present cutting-edge and sustainable advancements in automotive textiles, showcasing key products like interior materials, lightweight composites, smart-sensing fabrics, and acoustic insulation solutions.

Moving into the Sustainability frontier, the expert-led Econogy Tours will connect buyers with a select lineup of exhibitors who have passed the Econogy Check[3], providing direct insights into sustainable production practices and innovative, eco-friendly materials set to make an impact across the fairground.

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.

The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

• INDEX™26 officially concluded at Palexpo as a successful edition, spread over a gross exhibition space of 50’000m2, the event featured 625 exhibitors from 44 countries, fully playing their part through high-quality, prestigious stands, confirming its status as a central hub for nonwovens innovation. 
• The event attracted 11,452 visits providing an important meeting place for global decision-makers to witness the industry's evolution toward high-tech, durable, and sustainable solutions. 
• A defining theme of the edition was the integration of technical excellence and environmental responsibility, with a major focus on circular design and carbon footprint reduction as primary performance indicators. 
• Beyond the exhibition halls, the strong response to the specialized seminar programme and new immersive experiences highlighted how global collaboration and smart technologies are helping to shape a path for a circular manufacturing landscape. 

INDEX™ 26, the World’s Leading Nonwovens Exhibition, officially closed its doors today at Palexpo. In a context marked by uncertainty and continued pressure, the 2026 edition of INDEX™ concluded successfully. With a diverse range of 625 exhibiting companies from 44 countries, an important number of visitors, and an expanded international reach, the event confirmed its role as a central hub for innovation and a representative showcase of the nonwovens ecosystem. 

Driven by the strong presence of exhibitors, the 2026 edition confirmed the continued relevance of the event. With 11,452 visits, the four-day event brought together a strong mix of global decision-makers and technical experts, who came to explore the sector’s evolution from mass-produced disposable items to high-tech, durable and sustainable solutions. The professional events were well attended, establishing the exhibition as an indispensable meeting place for sharing experience and passion for the industry. Magali Fakhry Dufresne, Director of INDEX™, noted: “Despite the current geopolitical context, affecting travel conditions and budgets, the industry demonstrated a strong commitment to attend. Participants were keen to meet in person, reconnect with their peers and advance discussions. INDEXTM is a great opportunity for the young generation to discover many innovations all gathered under one roof. Once again, INDEX™ confirmed its role as a key event for the global nonwovens community every three years.” She adds: “I also would like to thank the industry, and particularly the exhibitors, for their engagement and continued commitment. Exhibitors played a decisive role in the success of the edition, with high-quality, prestigious stands that reflected the strength and ambition of the sector.” 

The defining theme of the 2026 edition was the integration of environmental responsibility and technical excellence. Industry representatives demonstrated that sustainability and performance now form a unified mission that permeates the entire value chain. A key focus was the increasing significance of reducing the carbon footprint as the industry's primary performance indicator. Exhibitors presented the latest production technologies designed to increase throughput and produce finer fibres. Circular design was a major focus of these developments, with many new materials replacing complex multi-layer structures with recyclable designs made from a single material. Furthermore, the event showcased high-performance protective textiles that meet new safety standards without the use of PFAS. 

“The INDEX™26 seminar programme and products presentations showcased developments demonstrating how companies are achieving a competitive edge by going beyond regulatory compliance. It showed that it is vitally important for companies to adapt and be agile to successfully master new market challenges such as the Iranian and other crises”, added Pieter Meijer, Chairman of the INDEX™ Advisory Board. 

Networking and immersive experiences 
The exhibition offered a consistent experience-oriented approach, as evidenced by the numerous areas dedicated to innovation and technical demonstrations. The event also strengthened its networking dimension, introducing a unique 'Women's Networking Breakfast' to build mentoring networks for the future of the community. The new immersive experience, 'Nonwovens: In Every Layer of Life', was well received, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the integral role these materials play in modern society. Over four days, Geneva provided the setting for an exhibition that remains a place of discovery for current and future technologies. 

Looking to the future 
Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA concludes: “INDEX™26 had demonstrated how innovation in the industry is now being driven by global collaboration. The synergy between automated machinery, smart chemistry, and extreme weight reduction has pointed to a promising direction for a more efficient, circular manufacturing landscape. We are already looking forward to INDEXTM29 (15-18 May 2029), to discuss the latest developments.”

• B2B textiles are textile-based products used in commercial or industrial settings, rather than by consumers  
• While B2B textiles are considered better positioned for circularity than the B2C textile sector, solutions remain early-stage and have not yet scaled in line with the volume of waste generated 
• New research examines key barriers to circularity across five priority sub-sectors and the opportunities to unlock greater circularity  

Circular solutions for B2B textiles have yet to scale in line with the volume of waste generated, according to new research by Reconomy, the international circular economy specialist. 

B2B textiles include textile-based products used for commercial or industrial purposes such as soft furnishings, automotive interiors, agricultural textiles and construction materials rather than clothing worn by consumers. While these sectors are widely considered to be better positioned for circularity than the B2C sector due to established logistics and the fact that B2B textiles are typically more homogenous in material composition, solutions remain underdeveloped and have not yet scaled, leaving large volumes of material flowing into downcycling or disposal.   

The research examines waste flows and market dynamics across five priority B2B textile categories, including: soft furnishings; upholstery and furniture textiles; automotive textiles; agricultural textiles; and geotextiles and construction textiles. 

Across all five, the findings point to a common challenge, namely that while circularity is technically possible, it is impeded in practice by weak sorting, limited aggregation, poor data visibility and underdeveloped end-markets – meaning materials that could be reused or recycled are instead lost from the system. 

Within UK B2B soft furnishings, for example, the research found that products are dominated by bed, bath and table linen used by the hospitality and healthcare sectors which generate large waste flows. Despite the strong underlying recycling potential of these materials, reuse is structurally constrained by hygiene requirements and low unit value, resulting in most volumes sent to energy-from-waste facilities or landfill.  

The research identifies that the primary opportunity for the industry lies upstream, in improving sorting and aggregation at industrial laundries, which act as the key control point for circular and end-of-life material routing. 

The report comes amid rising waste volumes, with more than 6,000 tonnes of hospitality textiles lost each year in the UK and four million linen items lost annually by the NHS, including bed sheets, pillowcases and surgical gowns. 
 
Commenting, Aimee Campanella, Development Director for Textiles EPR at Reconomy, said: “While much discussion around textiles circularity has centred on apparel, non-apparel textiles represent a significant adjacent area that has been largely overlooked. Given our expertise in textiles for clothing and footwear, we commissioned this new research to provide the industry with greater clarity on the structural barriers holding circularity back, and what needs to change to accelerate circular models that reduce waste, cut carbon emissions and lower costs for businesses.”

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).

In the end, what matters is the result: a filter that performs reliably, a membrane that remains stable in storm conditions, a composite material with precisely defined properties. But the path to achieving this is demanding. In the production of technical textiles, numerous parameters interact – and even the smallest deviations can have major consequences. 

This very challenge shaped this year’s Techtextil. Many of the exhibiting companies face the daily task of producing complex materials while maintaining consistently high quality standards. It requires a finely tuned interplay of fibers, coatings, temperature, moisture, and tension. Whether it is protective textiles, technical filters, or carbon applications: precision is not an option, but a prerequisite. And monitoring these parameters is the key to success. 

Perfect Alignment for Woven Fabrics  
Companies such as Frenzelit, Freudenberg, Friedola, Getzner, Juta, Sattler, Swisstulle, and Toray demonstrated at the trade fair just how diverse the applications of classic woven fabrics can be. At the same time, it became clear that even the slightest distortion errors can lead to functional failure and therefore waste. Mahlo’s Orthopac systems ensure that fabrics remain perfectly aligned throughout these processes – continuously, reliably, and often unnoticed in the background. 

Consistent Quality in Nonwovens 
Nonwovens are no less complex. Manufacturers such as Alkegen (Gutsche), Dyneema, Filz Fulda, Freudenberg, Johns Manville, Lenzing, Norafin, Polyvlies, Pont Aurell, Tenowo, and TWE represent materials with a wide range of properties used in hygiene products, vehicles, filters, and medical applications. 

What matters most here is one thing above all: basis weight. Even minor deviations can determine whether a product meets the required specifications or not. With Qualiscan QMS, this crucial parameter is monitored continuously – and adjusted immediately when necessary. This ensures consistent quality, even at high production speeds. 

Coatings Under Full Control 
Another key topic at Techtextil was coatings. Multi-layer materials, complex constructions, and precisely defined properties are what characterize modern technical textiles. But the more complex a material becomes, the more sensitive it is to fluctuations in the process. 

This is where Mahlo sensors provide decisive insights: they detect early on when coatings become too thick or too thin, enabling immediate corrective action. Errors do not only become visible at the end – they are prevented from being produced in the first place. 

Moisture and Temperature: Invisible but Essential 
The same applies to moisture. It is invisible, but crucial for many processes. Whether in nonwovens, felts, or drying processes, precise control saves energy, stabilizes operations, and ensures product quality. IR and microwave sensors provide the necessary real-time data.
For sensitive materials such as prepregs or thermally stabilized fabrics, temperature control becomes essential. Systems such as Optipac and Ecopac ensure that materials are processed exactly within the required temperature ranges.