From the Sector

An EU-wide targeted enforcement project checking imported substances found that one out of three of substances in mixtures was missing a REACH registration. In addition, restricted hazardous substances were present in some of the imported consumer products above the allowed limits.

Inspectors in 29 EEA countries performed 2 603 targeted controls to check imports for compliance with the registration, restrictions and authorisation requirements of the EU chemicals legislation REACH. 

Enforcement actions and recommendations  
Henrik Hedlund, Chair of the Enforcement Forum’s working group, said:
“Many inspections were conducted in cooperation with customs and national enforcement authorities, helping us to develop the most appropriate methods for controlling compliance of imported products with EU chemicals legislation. This will strengthen future controls and make them more efficient.

“Through such coordinated enforcement, we protect health and the environment by preventing non-compliant products from entering the EEA market. This also helps to safeguard the European single market from unfair competition, contributing to a level playing field for companies.”

Results of the project show the importance of a well-informed and well-designed sampling and targeting strategy for performing enforcement activities. The results also show that importers need to become aware of REACH duties before imports take place. They should acquire analytical reports or other evidence proving compliance with REACH. These and other recommendations are available in the report.

Almost all detected non-compliant products checked before the release for free circulation were either not allowed to enter the EEA market or allowed to enter only after corrective measures were taken. 

Registration requirements
When checking substances and mixtures for compliance with registration requirements, inspectors found that one out of three of the checked substances in mixtures was missing the required registration. For substances imported on their own, registration was missing in 7% of the cases. These non-compliance rates are higher than what has been detected in past projects. 
The Forum found that importers of mixtures containing unregistered substances often did not know what substances they were placing on the market. 
  
Restriction requirements
Inspectors also checked over 1,300 imported mixtures and consumer products for compliance with REACH restriction requirements. They found that 16% contained restricted hazardous substances breaching the conditions of the restriction – for example, the substance was present above the allowed concentration, which entails risk to human health. Most controls were on imported jewellery, checking for the presence of nickel, cadmium and lead, but many controls targeted also toys and textiles. The Forum did not see improvement in jewellery compared to earlier findings. The results show that imported jewellery persistently contains restricted heavy metals, especially nickel.  

Enforcement authorities also checked REACH authorisation duties for imported substances of very high concern which are subject to authorisation. Inspectors checked 21 such cases, and authorisation was missing or expired in four cases. 
The controls in this project were targeted at products where non-compliance was expected to be found. Therefore, the results do not directly reflect the overall non-compliance rate of products imported to the EEA market.

Background
The aim of this enforcement project was to strengthen REACH controls on imports by developing and applying a systematic use of customs data from import declarations and enhancing cooperation between national REACH enforcement bodies and customs authorities. 

ECHA did not collect the information about individual inspected products, as the objective of these projects is to enforce compliance and harmonise controls rather than collect information on individual cases. National enforcement authorities have the full details of inspections completed

• New technology removes barriers to recycling polyester-based garments at scale
• System combines Meltem Kimya’s patented molecular recycling and Kipas’ thermomechanical recycling to remove colours and accessories
• Platform cuts emissions by 73 percent

KIPAS Textiles, Europe's largest fully integrated textile manufacturer, is launching fibR-e, a new recycling platform designed to finally tackle the hurdles that have stopped polyester from becoming truly circular.

Every year, the fashion industry produces millions of tonnes of polyester-based clothing. Less than 1 percent is recycled back into new garments. Most ends up in landfills or incinerators. It is a waste crisis hiding in plain sight.

Fashion is now facing a reckoning. Regulations across Europe and other regions will require brands to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products, and consumers are asking harder questions about sustainability.

fibR-e gives brands a credible way forward. Meltem Kimya converts post-consumer garments containing 70 per cent or more polyester, including polyester-elastane blends, as well as any other polyester-based mixed-fibre blends. Items with trims still attached and mixed-colour feedstocks are converted into high-quality GRS-certified rTEX Chips. KIPAS Textiles then turns these into certified, high-quality filament yarns and staple fibres ready for new collections.

The platform removes accessories during processing rather than through manual sorting, cutting labour and bottlenecks. It decolourises blended fabrics to produce cleaner outputs. At its core is a patented molecular recycling technology developed by Meltem Kimya that breaks polyester down to its building blocks and rebuilds it without creating microplastics, allowing repeated recycling without loss of quality.

Early analysis shows that producing polyester entirely from textile waste through fibR-e cuts emissions by nearly 74 per cent compared with virgin production. "Recycling has barely scratched the surface of the polyester problem," said Halit Gümüser, CEO of KIPAS Textiles. "With fibR-e, we can take real post-consumer waste in all its complexity and return it to the market as certified, high-quality filament yarns and staple fibres. This is how the industry moves from linear to circular, not through pilots but through commercial scale."

fibR-e is built on a multi-year partnership between KIPAS and specialist companies, with Meltem Kimya providing the molecular recycling expertise that underpins the fibR-e platform.

As a global yarn and fabric producer, KIPAS will channel fibR-e materials directly into its own supply chain, enabling bulk production at competitive pricing. The outputs are traceable, performance-tested and designed to meet commercial quality standards while helping brands reduce virgin material use and prepare for stricter regulations.

fibR-e marks a turning point. It shows that closing the loop on polyester waste can now move from ambition to industrial reality.

December 9, Lenzing AG announced that Rohit Aggarwal, Managing Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Lenzing AG, has informed the Supervisory Board of his decision to resign from his position due to personal reasons, effective 31 January 2026. To support a smooth transition, Mr. Aggarwal will remain with Lenzing AG as an advisor to the company until end of September 2026. 

Following Mr. Aggarwal’s departure, Lenzing AG will be led by a three-member Managing Board. As part of the company’s continued organizational development and in support of its refined premiumization strategy, Lenzing AG will establish an Executive Committee (ExCo) consisting of six members. The ExCo will include the three members of the Managing Board and will be complemented by Lenzing's senior commercial managers Patricia Sargeant (Nonwovens Fibers), Yann Lepage (Textile Fibers) and Anton Putz (Pulp). The introduction of the ExCo is designed to support Lenzing’s strategic focus on commercial opportunities in high-performance fiber segments with the objective of reinforcing the company’s position as the leading integrated premium supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers. 

The process to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer has been initiated by the Supervisory Board and an appointment will be announced at the appropriate time. 

Patrick Lackenbucher, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, comments: “On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Rohit Aggarwal for his commitment and for the progress achieved under his leadership, including the successful execution of the performance program, a sharpened strategic focus, and improved profitability. Structural profitability remains a key objective, and the Managing Board will continue its relentless focus on improving Lenzing's competitive position, its financial performance and long-term value creation in order to strengthen Lenzing’s position as a global market leader in sustainable cellulosic fibers.” 

Based on the business performance to date and the current market outlook, the Managing Board confirms the EBITDA guidance 2025 and expects year-on-year growth in EBITDA in 2025.

Autoneum today announced it repays in full its 1.125% fixed-rate bond due December 8, 2025, with a nominal value of CHF 100 million. The Swiss franc public bond was issued in 2017 and served, among other purposes, to finance the company’s medium-term growth.

Autoneum repaid the bond using existing credit lines on favorable terms. The repayment reflects a sustainable reduction of the company’s net debt over recent years, driven by significant free cash flow generation.

“With the repayment of this bond, we reaffirm our financial solidity and our clear commitment to further reducing debt in the future,” says Bernhard Wiehl, CFO Autoneum. “We thank our bond investors for their long-standing trust in Autoneum.”

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces the hiring of Rachael Davis as the new Publisher / Chief Content Officer for INDA Media, effective January 5, 2026. Davis will provide strategic leadership for the International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News, guiding the publications into their next phase of growth, engagement, and industry impact.

Davis brings a strong blend of technical expertise, editorial leadership, and deep knowledge of the fibers, textiles, and nonwovens sectors. Before joining INDA, she served as Executive Editor for Textile World, Textile World Asia, and Textiles Panamericanos within the Textile Industries Media Group, LLC. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, she holds a Bachelors of Applied Science in Polymer and Textile Chemistry and began her career working directly in the textile industry before transitioning into publishing. Over the past two and a half decades, she has advanced through a variety of editorial roles, earning a reputation for clarity, accuracy, and thoughtful industry reporting.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rachael to INDA,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “Her combination of technical understanding, editorial excellence, and industry insight makes her the ideal leader to guide INDA Media’s publications into their next chapter. As INDA expands its global collaboration as a founding member of GNA, and the industry continues to innovate and evolve, Rachael’s vision and experience will help us build on the strong publishing foundation already in place.”

Davis shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I am very excited to take this next step in my career, and I am honored to join INDA and lead two publications that play such an important role in connecting and informing the global nonwovens and filtration communities. I will miss my colleagues at Textile World, but I’m excited to leverage my experience and help grow these INDA titles, deepen their technical and market coverage, and serve readers who rely on trusted, authoritative content.”

“Rachael has a broad range of textile knowledge and editorial skill and has been a significant member of the TIMG / Textile World team. Not only has Rachael written great stories about the US textile industry, but also has assisted TIMG to adapt to the many changes in print and electronic business media over the past 25 years. Everyone at TIMG and Textile World wishes her success and fulfilment in her new role — and I know INDA will offer numerous opportunities for Rachael to fully utilize her many talents,” said Jim Borneman, Editor in Chief, Owner, Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.

INDA extends its sincere appreciation to Caryn Smith, Principal at Driven by Design, whose leadership as Publisher / Chief Content Officer has strengthened the design, structure, and content of INDA Media’s publications. INDA thanks her for her leadership and commitment to affecting a smooth transition.  The association wishes her, and her firm, continued success. 

On 15 September 2025, the European Commission opened an Anti-dumping (AD) investigation into imports of PET spunbond from China following a complaint by the EU industry (AD738). 

On 2 December 2025, the Commission made imports of PET spunbond from China subject to registration. This is an important milestone in the proceedings. 

It means that as of 3 December 2025 all users must register their imports with the customs authorities who are carefully monitoring the import flows from now on. 

Having made those imports subject to registration allows the Commission to impose definitive AD duties with retroactive effect. 

The EU industry welcomes this step and thanks the European Commission for its efforts to re-establish a level playing field on the EU market.

The development of sustainable plastic solutions is rapidly gaining importance in light of global environmental pollution, dwindling fossil resources and ambitious climate protection targets. As part of the regional alliance RUBIO, which brings together 18 partners from central Germany and the Berlin-Brandenburg area, the bio-based and biodegradable plastic polybutylene succinate (PBS) was comprehensively investigated, starting with the raw material, through the manufacturing process, to industrial application. The aim was to evaluate the potential of PBS as an environmentally friendly alternative to polyethylene and to create the technological basis for new sustainable value chains. As a partner in the alliance, STFI was able to demonstrate that the bioplastic PBS is suitable for textile processing using the example of a net for straw bales. 

The starting point: bioplastics sought as a substitute for PE
Increasing reports of macro and microplastics everywhere on earth, the finite nature of fossil re-sources, EU climate protection targets, and the call for CO2 reduction compel all stakeholders, especially the plastics industry, to act promptly. Bio-based and simultaneously biodegradable plastics ap-pear to be valuable raw materials for many applications, ranging from the packaging industry to the textile sector and agriculture. The aim of this project was comprehensive investigation of polybutylene succinate (PBS) from raw material to its industrial applicability. In order to qualify the biopolymer as a substitute for polyethylene (PE), its material properties were tested and evaluated with regard to their suitability for a wide range of applications.

The textile processing of the bioplastic PBS
During project work, STFI main task was to explore opportunities and limits of technological processing of PBS materials (resins, film, nonwoven fabric, ribbons) into textile end products. Investigations were carried out on processing behavior of resins to nonwoven fabrics, followed by cutting processes into narrow ribbons, as well as studies on cutting and stretching PBS films and resins into ribbons. Subsequently, these ribbons were used to produce surfaces on knitting and weaving ma-chines. As a result, nonwoven fabrics, ribbons, and textile structures are available, which will be further optimized in subsequent projects. It has been possible to develop a knitted straw bale net that meets the requirements regarding mechanical properties of DLG (German Agricultural Society) for novel bio-based plastics.

Success and outlook
The results include spunbonded fabrics, ribbons and textile structures. A knitted straw bale net has been successfully developed that meets the requirements of the DLG (German Agricultural Society) for innovative bio-based plastics in terms of mechanical properties. 

The focus for the future is on optimising textile production processes for the bioplastic PBS. The RUBIO2Value project was launched in December and will focus on applications such as injection-moulded reusable packaging, textiles and geotextiles, but also disposable packaging in upcoming studies by the consortium. At STFI, established textile processes are being converted to sustainable and renewable raw materials in order to use recycled or biodegradable materials for sustainable production.

Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical company, announced its Trevira CS® brand’s presentation at Heimtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany, from January 13 to 16, 2026. The theme of the show: “WE CARE.” 

“WE CARE”: A Focus on Community, Sustainability, and Craftsmanship 
Trevira CS®, alongside its partners, is transforming the traditional trade show display into an active, meaningful experience at the Trevira CS Joint Booth. The theme "WE CARE" embodies a commitment to the textile industry, fire safety, mindful resource usage, and social responsibility. 

“We care about the textile industry, fire safety indoors, the communities we operate in, the mindful usage of our resources, and about you and your loved ones. At Heimtextil 2026, we are completely shifting the focus from a passive display to an active, memorable, and meaningful experience,” says Svenja Fromm, Fibers Global Communication and Brand Manager. 

Experiencing the fabric: Sensory engagement and social impact 
The core of the "WE CARE" booth is an interactive activity designed to enhance sensory engagement and support a worthy cause: 

1. Sensory enhancement: Visitors, including interior designers, decorators, and media, will be encouraged to physically touch, feel, and work with the Trevira CS fabrics, enabling a deeper understanding of essential qualities like drape, weight, and texture. Trevira CS fabric donations from various partners have been turned into pillowcases. Partner in this craftsmanship activity is hum Kissen, Sulingen, Germany. Since over 20 years, hum stands for sustainable design, high quality, and fair cooperation for cushions. That's why they only use valuable, certified materials for their hum design and outdoor cushions, which are manufactured in Germany. Their value promise: feel good in any environment! Also, pillowcases from various displays and showcases have been submitted by Trevira CS partners – all awaiting the following next step. 
2. Memorable interaction & giving back: The WE CARE highlight activity invites Heimtextil visitors to stuff these pillowcases using permanently flame-retardant fibers provided by Indorama Ventures. This hands-on process allows participants to truly appreciate the fabric's "hand" and craftsmanship. 
3. One act of kindness: All cushions created during the show will be handed over to the Lions Club Wiesbaden. They will ensure that the finished cushions are distributed to those in need within the local community, supporting two initiatives: “Herzenswärme” (Warmth of the Heart) initiative and the „IFB“ (Inklusion.Förderung.Betreuung/Inclusion.Support.Care.) initiative, which focuses on the inclusion of children with disabilities. 

Trevira CS Joint Booth Experience: Innovations in Flame-Retardancy & Design 
The Trevira CS Joint Booth will feature a diverse collection of inherently flame-retardant products for the home textiles and contract market. The exhibiting partners will showcase products across all textile applications, from spun to fancy flame retardant yarns eligible for the brand Trevira CS to from lightweight curtains to upholstery fabrics, woven and knitted fabrics as well as interior solar shading solutions.

Dedicated gallery information walls will provide unique insights into the Trevira CS brand, its sub-brands, rigorous trademark testing, various application areas, and its path forward using advanced recycled materials. 

Exhibiting Partners at the Trevira CS Joint Booth (Hall 3.1, G95) 

• Baroni Filati S.r.l. 
• FILTRADING S.R.L. 
• ILCAT S.P.A. 
• TORCITURA LEI TSU S.R.L. 
• LODETEX S.P.A. 
• MOTTURA Spa 
• PIF sarl 
• Pugi RG S.r.l. 
• Tintoria filati Sala S.r.l. 
• Selvafil S.A. 
• Hum Kissen 
• The Lion Club Wiesbaden 

Deja™: Advancing Sustainability with Recycled Materials 
Demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable path forward, Indorama Ventures will also introduce the deja™ brand family. Deja marks fibers, yarns and technical fabrics made from what is already here, thereby significantly reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact while delivering virgin-like performance. 

This sustainable product family of staple fibers, filament yarns, and technical fabrics is suitable for a broad variety of applications, including home textiles, apparel, and automotive interiors. 

Indorama Ventures and Trevira CS® invite all visitors to experience the "WE CARE" concept, to stuff a cushion, and engage with the Trevira CS partners, and its brands Trevira CS® and deja™ at Heimtextil 2026.

In line with the commitment signed on November 6, 2025, CARBIOS and Wankai New Materials, a listed subsidiary of Zhink Group, the 3rd largest PET producer in China and 4th worldwide, announce the signing of the definitive agreement establishing a strategic partnership for the large-scale deployment of CARBIOS’s PET biorecycling technology in Asia, with the first step being the construction of a PET biorecycling plant in China.
 
The two companies have signed on 2 December 2025 the shareholders’ agreement for their joint venture, dedicated to the construction and operation of a first PET biorecycling plant in China, with a processing capacity of 50,000 tons of PET waste.
 
Wankai will be the majority shareholder of this company with a 70% stake, while CARBIOS will hold the remaining 30%. The financing of the plant’s construction, estimated at €115 million, will be covered 30% by equity and 70% by debt, with all debt guaranteed by Wankai.
 
The plant will be located in Haining (Zhejiang province) on site provided by Wankai, which is already equipped with infrastructure (equipment, waste treatment, etc.), thus reducing the investment cost. Construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2026, with commissioning targeted by the first quarter of 2027.
 
CARBIOS and Wankai have also approved on 2 December 2025 the license agreement, which will be granted by CARBIOS to the joint venture upon its incorporation.
 
CARBIOS and Wankai have committed to a long-term partnership with the ambition to build and operate several PET biorecycling plants in Asia. CARBIOS agrees to exclusively license its PET depolymerization technology in Asia to Wankai for a period of three years, subject to signing licenses with the latter for at least 100 kt per year of additional capacity. This term will be extended in five-year increments if additional licenses for at least 200 kt per year of extra capacity are signed.
 
To strengthen the strategic partnership between the two companies, Wankai has committed to subscribe, before 2 June 2026, to a dedicated capital increase of €5 million in the share capital of CARBIOS S.A., paid on the basis of an issue price per share of €8.0947, corresponding to the volume-weighted average of the last five trading days preceding the 1st of December 2025, reduced by a 10% discount. 

Hygienix™ 2025 brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 11th annual Hygienix™ event, held November 17-20 in Orlando, Florida. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced Confitex Technology as the winner of the 2025 Hygienix™ Innovation Award™ for its groundbreaking Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads, recognizing exceptional innovation in absorbent hygiene materials, products, or technologies.

2025 Hygienix Innovation Award winner:
Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Making single-use reusable: As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

Finalists Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) and ZymoChem – BAYSE™ were also recognized for their significant contributions to advancing performance, sustainability, and consumer well-being in absorbent hygiene.

“The innovations presented this year demonstrate remarkable creativity and a clear focus on improving lives while advancing environmental stewardship,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “The level of collaboration and innovation seen at Hygienix continues to raise the bar for our industry.”

Networking and Collaboration Across the Hygiene Value Chain
The 2025 Hygienix™ Conference fostered meaningful connections through multiple networking formats, including:

• Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Encouraging mentorship, leadership, and collaboration among women in the industry.
• Lightning Talks – High-energy, five-minute presentations from exhibiting companies.
• Evening Receptions & Exhibits – Showcasing breakthrough technologies and supplier capabilities across absorbent hygiene.
• Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder, Planera – Sharing her start-up journey and sustainability vision.
• Welcome Reception – An informal kickoff Monday evening connecting industry peers and innovators.

Program Content: Insights Driving the Future of Absorbent Hygiene
The conference featured a comprehensive technical program and three Pre-Conference Workshops on absorption systems, menstrual care innovation, and baby and infant care market dynamics.

Throughout the week, attendees explored presentations and panel discussions on:

• Circularity and sustainable materials, including bio-based fibers, PFAS-free chemistries, and flushable packaging.
• Regulatory, testing, and consumer trends shaping product design and market growth.
• New applications such as pet care, eczema-friendly testing, and private label innovation.

Speakers represented a global cross-section of the value chain, including Absorbent Hygiene Insights, BAHP, Cycleology, Euromonitor International, Kuraray Europe, Lenzing AG, ProVerde Environmental, SmartSolve, Soane Materials, Trützschler Nonwovens, Woolchemy NZ, and many others.

Industry Momentum and Strong Attendance
This year’s event was well-received by all attendees, drawing global participation from brand owners, converters, material and equipment suppliers, and entrepreneurs committed to advancing performance and sustainability in absorbent hygiene.