From the Sector

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. 

At the upcoming Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam on May 5–6, BB Engineering will present its portfolio of PET recy-cling technologies. The German machinery manufacturer will once again focus on textile recycling and melt filtration.

Versatile Portfolio with a Focus on Textiles
The company’s product portfolio includes components and sys-tems for the production of films and synthetic fibers, as well as for PET recycling. With extruders, various filters, and complete spin-ning and recycling plants, the company possesses extensive ex-pertise in plastics processing and can offer comprehensive PET recycling solutions from a single source. Based on its experience in the synthetic fiber industry, BB Engineering places a special fo-cus on textile recycling (PET). BB Engineering will highlight its VacuFil® and COBRA® systems at PRSE.

VacuFil® Visco+ - PET LSP recycling 
The VacuFil® PET recycling plant combines gentle large-area fil-tration with precise IV adjustment, thereby ensuring consistently outstanding rPET melt quality. 

From bottle-to-bottle to 100% fiber-to-fiber: Thanks to its modular design, VacuFil® can be exactly tailored to individual requirements. A wide variety of PET feedstocks — such as flakes, textile waste, fiber waste, or start-up lumps — are processed reliably, while the IV is specifically adjusted to the desired end product.

At the heart of the system is the patented Visco+ component. Us-ing liquid-state polycondensation, it reliably removes volatile con-taminants and delivers an exceptionally homogeneous melt with a viscosity of ±0.01 dl/g — up to 50% faster than comparable LSP systems. Depending on the throughput, a viscosity increase of up to 30% can be achieved. 

Continuous process monitoring via an online viscometer ensures a stable and reproducible output. VacuFil® has a capacity of 150 to 4,000 kg/h.

COBRA® sets new standards in melt filtration
With the development of its latest melt filter COBRA® BB Engi-neering has created a clear solution to the growing demands of the recycling industry. The goal: to reliably handle even high levels of contamination, simplify filter changes and cleaning, and at the same time significantly reduce operating costs. 

The result is a high-performance system that combines continuous large-area filtration with automated, chemical-free intermediate cleaning. Two filter cartridges with automatic switching ensure stable, safe, and uninterrupted operation — even at high contami-nation levels where conventional candle filters or screen changers reach their limits.

A key advantage lies in the integrated cleaning system: it signifi-cantly extends the service life of the filter media while simultane-ously reducing operational effort, melt losses, and energy con-sumption — all without the use of chemicals. This not only en-hances process reliability but also sustainably lowers operating costs.

Thanks to its high flexibility, COBRA® is suitable for both coarse and fine filtration. In addition to its use in PET recycling, the sys-tem also offers great potential for increasing efficiency in other ap-plications, such as plastic spinning, and can be easily retrofitted there.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, today released its 13th annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report, offering a comprehensive look at the industry’s performance, challenges, and strategic evolution. The report reveals a complex landscape shaped by global trade uncertainty, including tariffs and geopolitical tensions, which are expected to influence industry growth and performance in the coming years. Production output slowed again in 2025, reflecting a cautious, “wait-and-see” environment across the sector.

Despite these headwinds, the industry demonstrates resilience. Key trends include moderated production levels paired with cautious optimism, as companies adapt to shifting market conditions. Sustainability and environmental stewardship remain central priorities, driving innovation and long-term strategic investments.

Report Based on Extensive Producer Input
Developed through extensive research, including producer surveys and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, the 2026 report offers a comprehensive view of the nonwovens landscape, spanning composites, roll goods, and finished products. This report provides an in-depth analysis of capacity, production, operating rates, and regional trade across North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“As part of INDA’s role as the industry’s trusted data source, this report delivers valuable insights for benchmarking, strategic planning, and decision-making,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “This year’s findings highlight a resilient industry that continues to expand capacity through ongoing investments across all regions and sectors. We are also seeing a clear shift toward sustainable, durable products, alongside continued innovation to meet evolving demand across North America.”

The full report is provided at no cost to participating producers. INDA members receive the report’s Executive Summary on a complimentary basis as part of their membership. Data from the Supply Report also informs INDA’s biennial Global Nonwoven Markets Demand Report, most recently published in November 2024.

“INDA remains committed to enhancing the quality and depth of our industry data and insights,” said Mark Snider, Chief Market and Industry Analyst. “Strong participation from suppliers is essential to that mission. As global supply chain pressures intensify, this report examines the key dynamics shaping the market and influencing future direction.”