From the Sector

all
Corona
Sustainable
Textile Business
Textile Machinery
Fibres, Yarns & Nonwovens
Technical Textiles
Interior Textiles
Clothing
Companies
Exhibitions & Events
Trade
Associations
People
Archive
Reset
Chairman and CEO of Genesis Energy, Mr. Akinwole II Omoboriowo
Chairman and CEO of Genesis Energy, Mr. Akinwole II Omoboriowo
12.03.2026

Developing One of Africa’s Largest rPET Production Facilities

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, together with Nigerian Breweries Plc, the foremost brewer in Nigeria, and Genesis Power & Energy Solutions Ltd, a leading African clean energy infrastructure development and asset management company, have entered a strategic partnership to establish one of Africa’s largest state-of-the-art recycled PET (rPET) production facilities in Nigeria, based on planned production capacity. The landmark collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening circular economy infrastructure and sustainable packaging value chains across the region. 

Located in Lagos, the site represents an investment to develop a facility capable of producing up to 45,000 tons of food‑grade rPET resin annually, with start‑up targeted in the first half of 2027. By converting post‑consumer PET bottles into high‑quality recycled material for packaging applications, the initiative aims to meet fast‑rising demand for recycled content, reduce plastic waste, and create local value through improved collection systems, job creation, and increased participation across the recycling value chain.  

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, together with Nigerian Breweries Plc, the foremost brewer in Nigeria, and Genesis Power & Energy Solutions Ltd, a leading African clean energy infrastructure development and asset management company, have entered a strategic partnership to establish one of Africa’s largest state-of-the-art recycled PET (rPET) production facilities in Nigeria, based on planned production capacity. The landmark collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening circular economy infrastructure and sustainable packaging value chains across the region. 

Located in Lagos, the site represents an investment to develop a facility capable of producing up to 45,000 tons of food‑grade rPET resin annually, with start‑up targeted in the first half of 2027. By converting post‑consumer PET bottles into high‑quality recycled material for packaging applications, the initiative aims to meet fast‑rising demand for recycled content, reduce plastic waste, and create local value through improved collection systems, job creation, and increased participation across the recycling value chain.  

The partnership brings together complementary strengths across the PET value chain. Indorama Ventures, the world’s largest recycler of PET for beverages, contributes expertise in sustainable materials development. Nigerian Breweries, a Heineken operating company, provides strong local market insight and engagement across Nigeria’s beverage ecosystem, while Genesis Energy supports the initiative with sustainable infrastructure and energy expertise. The project is expected to support recycling capacity in Nigeria, subject to regulatory approvals, technical validation, and operational implementation. Together, the partners aim to establish commercially viable rPET operations that enable responsible growth and longterm environmental impact. 

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, introduced in 2020 to strengthen collection, recycling, and circular economy solutions, with the goal that all plastic packaging be recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, or reusable by 2030. Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, provides a strategic base to develop recycling infrastructure capable of serving both national and regional demand. 

Commenting on the landmark partnership, Yash Lohia, Executive President of Petchem and Chairman of ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, said, “This partnership marks a defining milestone in our global recycling journey. By establishing our largest recycling facility to date and one of the largest rPET sites in Africa, we are bringing Indorama Ventures’ global expertise, proven technologies, and long-term vision for circularity to a region with immense growth potential. This investment reflects our belief that scaling sustainability solutions locally is essential to building resilient, sustainable packaging systems that deliver lasting environmental and economic value.”  

With a global recycling footprint spanning 20 facilities across 11 countries, Indorama Ventures has recycled more than 160 billion post-consumer PET bottles into high-quality recycled materials. The Nigeria facility represents the company’s first recycling investment in Africa and the largest recycling plant Indorama Ventures has ever built, underscoring the scale of the company’s long-term commitment to circular infrastructure, advanced recycling technology, and partnerships that strengthen collection, education, and innovation across the value chain. 

Genesis Energy supports the partnership by enabling sustainable infrastructure and energy solutions that underpin low carbon industrial development and circular economy systems across Africa. The company operates across 11 African countries, with utility-scale generation projects of more than 780MW in operations, ongoing construction, and advanced development in Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mali and United Kingdom, as well as a project development pipeline north of 4.5GW. It deploys solar, wind, battery storage, and natural gas solutions, and is pursuing an ambition to allocate up to $2 billion annually over the next five years, with a targeted 10 GW of installed and contracted capacity.  

Speaking on the partnership, Chairman and CEO of Genesis Energy, Mr. Akinwole II Omoboriowo, said, “This compelling initiative demonstrates Genesis’ commitments to deploying capital to climate resilient investments by leveraging clean energy as a strategic nexus to advancing viable economic opportunities. The investment is also a testament to how cross-sector partnerships can enable sustainable industrial development. By combining circular economy principles with resilient infrastructure and energy solutions, the initiative supports long-term environmental impact and local value creation.”  

Beyond industrial investment, the project is expected to contribute to broader environmental and socioeconomic objectives through increased PET collection, diverted plastic waste away from landfill, and sustained engagement with local communities to promote best practices in waste collection and recycling.  

The signing of the partnership agreement represents the first milestone in a longer-term development roadmap and reflects a shared commitment by the partners to invest responsibly, support sustainable packaging solutions, and contribute to Nigeria’s transition toward a more circular and resource-efficient economy. 

More information:
rPET Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited Nigeria recycled PET Genesis Energy Nigerian Breweries Plc PET bottles
Source:

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

print close
more
11.03.2026

Successful World Pultrusion Conference 2026

The 18th World Pultrusion Conference (WPC) took place in Valencia, Spain, from 5 to 6 March 2026. Pultrusion, also known as the pultrusion process, is a highly efficient method for manufacturing fibre-reinforced plastic profiles for various applications in the construction, infrastructure and transport sectors.

Around 120 participants from all over the world attended the conference. A total of 27 speakers gave 26 presentations on the latest developments, technologies and applications relating to pultruded fibre composites. The international audience consisted of experts from industry, research and application.

The 18th World Pultrusion Conference (WPC) took place in Valencia, Spain, from 5 to 6 March 2026. Pultrusion, also known as the pultrusion process, is a highly efficient method for manufacturing fibre-reinforced plastic profiles for various applications in the construction, infrastructure and transport sectors.

Around 120 participants from all over the world attended the conference. A total of 27 speakers gave 26 presentations on the latest developments, technologies and applications relating to pultruded fibre composites. The international audience consisted of experts from industry, research and application.

The lecture program covered a wide range of topics, including current market developments, innovative applications and new material and process developments. There was a particular focus on sustainability aspects, the further development of pultrusion processes – especially in the field of thermoplastic systems – and new applications for the technology, for example in construction, infrastructure and high-tech applications. The conference thus provided an important platform for professional exchange on trends and future prospects in the pultrusion industry.
 
As the largest event in Europe on the subject of pultrusion, the English-language conference takes place every two years in a European country of significance to the pultrusion industry and is organised by the European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA) in cooperation with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA).

The 19th edition of the WPC will take place in Istanbul (Turkey) in 2028.

More information:
World Pultrusion Conference fibre-reinforced plastics fibre composites
Source:

AVK - Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe e. V. 

print close
more
10.03.2026

Lenzing Group: Bio‑based materials a strategic asset for Europe’s economic security

The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, hosted a high‑level roundtable in Brussels to discuss how bio‑based materials can strengthen Europe’s economic security and support the shift toward a fossil‑free future. Organized in cooperation with Euractiv, the event brought together representatives of the European Commission, the UK Mission to the EU, academia, civil society, and industry. 
 
Speakers included Aurel Ciobanu‑Dordea, Director for Competitive Circular Economy and Clean Industrial Policy at the European Commission’s DG Environment, Dr. Daniel Bradley, Deputy Counsellor & Head of Climate and Environment at the UK Mission to the EU, and Patricia A. Sargeant, Executive Vice President Nonwovens Commercial at the Lenzing Group. 
 

The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, hosted a high‑level roundtable in Brussels to discuss how bio‑based materials can strengthen Europe’s economic security and support the shift toward a fossil‑free future. Organized in cooperation with Euractiv, the event brought together representatives of the European Commission, the UK Mission to the EU, academia, civil society, and industry. 
 
Speakers included Aurel Ciobanu‑Dordea, Director for Competitive Circular Economy and Clean Industrial Policy at the European Commission’s DG Environment, Dr. Daniel Bradley, Deputy Counsellor & Head of Climate and Environment at the UK Mission to the EU, and Patricia A. Sargeant, Executive Vice President Nonwovens Commercial at the Lenzing Group. 
 
A key topic of discussion was the potential of cellulosic fibers as fully bio‑based, biodegradable alternatives in nonwoven applications such as wet wipes. While Europe has the industrial foundation to scale these fossil‑free materials, competitiveness is constrained by global regulatory and cost asymmetries. Lenzing identified clear, coherent policy signals – including possible updates to the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) –as essential for investment certainty and broader market uptake. 
 
“Europe has set ambitious goals for a clean‑industry transition. Our roundtable in Brussels showed that bio‑based materials are not a future vision – they are a practical, scalable reality today. As an integrated cellulosic fiber producer with deep European roots, Lenzing helps strengthen industrial resilience while accelerating the shift away from fossil‑based synthetic fibers,” said Georg Kasperkovitz, Member of the Management Board of Lenzing Group. 
 
Lenzing reaffirmed that industrial competitiveness and climate ambition can reinforce each other. Its specialty fibers, produced from renewable wood, offer lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to generic alternatives and are certified biodegradable and compostable. The company’s climate targets align with the 1.5‑degree pathway and have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. 
 
“Maintaining and expanding European production capacity is essential for supply‑chain resilience and strategic autonomy. Lenzing operates major integrated pulp and fiber sites in Austria, Czechia, and the UK, with Europe‑based R&D supporting jobs, innovation, and technological know‑how within the region. Cellulosic fibers play a critical role in single-use products for hygiene applications – underscoring the need to redesign products toward biodegradable material solutions that address SUPD concerns and microplastic pollution,” emphasized Patricia A. Sargeant. 

More information:
Lenzing Group cellulosic fiber lobbying Brussels
Source:

Lenzing Group

print close
more
10.03.2026

Solvay: New official partner of the Belgian Rugby Federation

Solvay has become the official partner of the Belgian Rugby Federation, joining forces in a collaboration built on shared values and a common vision: bringing people together and enabling human potential to flourish. 

For more than 160 years, Solvay has been guided by the humanistic principles of Ernest Solvay, who believed that progress begins with people - with education, inclusion and the strength of communities. These convictions remain at the heart of the Group’s sustainability roadmap For Generations and continue to shape its ambition to contribute positively to society worldwide.

Rugby is a natural extension of this vision. The sport is rooted in trust, teamwork and resilience - qualities that empower individuals while building something greater together.

“Rugby expresses a belief that Solvay holds deeply: people go further when they move forward together, the only ‘en avant’ that is allowed” said Philippe Kehren, CEO of Solvay. “This partnership celebrates Solvay’s heritage while opening new possibilities for connection - bringing colleagues and communities together around the world, especially when the national team competes abroad.”

Solvay has become the official partner of the Belgian Rugby Federation, joining forces in a collaboration built on shared values and a common vision: bringing people together and enabling human potential to flourish. 

For more than 160 years, Solvay has been guided by the humanistic principles of Ernest Solvay, who believed that progress begins with people - with education, inclusion and the strength of communities. These convictions remain at the heart of the Group’s sustainability roadmap For Generations and continue to shape its ambition to contribute positively to society worldwide.

Rugby is a natural extension of this vision. The sport is rooted in trust, teamwork and resilience - qualities that empower individuals while building something greater together.

“Rugby expresses a belief that Solvay holds deeply: people go further when they move forward together, the only ‘en avant’ that is allowed” said Philippe Kehren, CEO of Solvay. “This partnership celebrates Solvay’s heritage while opening new possibilities for connection - bringing colleagues and communities together around the world, especially when the national team competes abroad.”

As official partner, Solvay will support the men national teams including Rugby 7, the under 20 teams and the referee community, creating more opportunities for young people and local clubs to access the sport and grow within it.

The collaboration will also enable Solvay teams internationally to gather around major matches, strengthening ties with local partners and fostering a sense of shared purpose.

“The Belgian Rugby Federation is honored to welcome Solvay as its official partner,” said Michiel Leysen, President of the Belgian Rugby Federation. “This partnership will help expand the reach of rugby and inspire new generations of players.”

More information:
Solvay Belgium sportswear and athleisure Sponsoring
Source:

Solvay SA

print close
more
Tiafoe Tiafoe IWKit ShowZero; lululemon
09.03.2026

lululemon: First-Ever Sweat-Concealing Technology For High-Sweat Activities

lululemon announced the launch of its first-ever sweat-concealing technology designed for high-sweat activities. The new technology, which will live under lululemon’s ShowZero™platform, conceals higher volumes of sweat, while ensuring enhanced breathability, moisture management, and an incredibly lightweight feel, to support the most demanding, high-sweat activities. 

The new ShowZero technology was developed in collaboration with lululemon Ambassador Frances Tiafoe and will be featured in his custom kit for the BNP Paribas Open. The kit features a Burgundy Bay colourway, with a vertical stripe design on the shorts. 

lululemon's Product Innovation team began developing the new ShowZero technology in 2024, using insights from extensive in-lab and on-court testing and feedback sessions with Tiafoe. By analyzing Tiafoe’s sweat rate, on-court movements, and competitive environments, lululemon identified an opportunity to solve for an unmet need by evolving its ShowZero technology platform and developing a sweat-concealing solution for high-sweat activities like tennis. 

lululemon announced the launch of its first-ever sweat-concealing technology designed for high-sweat activities. The new technology, which will live under lululemon’s ShowZero™platform, conceals higher volumes of sweat, while ensuring enhanced breathability, moisture management, and an incredibly lightweight feel, to support the most demanding, high-sweat activities. 

The new ShowZero technology was developed in collaboration with lululemon Ambassador Frances Tiafoe and will be featured in his custom kit for the BNP Paribas Open. The kit features a Burgundy Bay colourway, with a vertical stripe design on the shorts. 

lululemon's Product Innovation team began developing the new ShowZero technology in 2024, using insights from extensive in-lab and on-court testing and feedback sessions with Tiafoe. By analyzing Tiafoe’s sweat rate, on-court movements, and competitive environments, lululemon identified an opportunity to solve for an unmet need by evolving its ShowZero technology platform and developing a sweat-concealing solution for high-sweat activities like tennis. 

“Our Ambassadors play a critical role in how we innovate, which starts with understanding how we can best solve for their unique needs. Frances competes with relentless intensity at the highest level, which means he needs gear that helps him feel, look, and perform his best,” said Yuki Aihara, Senior Director, Product Innovation, lululemon. “We’ve combined advanced sweat-concealing technology with our feel-first design approach to develop a high-performance tennis kit to keep him feeling confident and focused through even the most intense matches.” 

The new ShowZero is a yarn technology that changes how light interacts with the fabric and eliminates the absorption of light when wet, making sweat virtually invisible. In addition to concealing sweat, the technology offers enhanced comfort with its lightweight feel, breathability, and advanced wicking to facilitate quick drying. 

lululemon plans to bring new ShowZero products to guests later this year. 
The launch of ShowZero for high-sweat activities expands on lululemon’s sweat-concealing offerings. In summer 2024, lululemon introduced ShowZero for golf, in collaboration with PGA golfer and lululemon Ambassador Min Woo Lee. 

In November, lululemon announced a multi-year partnership with the BNP Paribas Open, the largest combined ATP and WTA 1000 tennis tournament in the world, to become its official apparel and footwear outfitter. The collaboration will showcase lululemon’s athletic and lifestyle offerings at the BNP Paribas Open, including the company’s high performance, high style tennis gear that provide athletes with innovative on and off the court solutions. 

More information:
lululemon Sweat-Concealing Technology Tennis BNP Paribas sweat absobance moisture management
Source:

lululemon 

print close
more
Photo Sitip
09.03.2026

ROICA™: European Innovation and Japanese Craftsmanship at Performance Days

ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei will exhibit at Performance Days 2026 in Munich, presenting a curated selection of textile developments that highlight performance‑driven innovation and material expertise across regions. ROICA™ brings together leading European partners alongside two Japanese textile specialists, demonstrating how refined stretch performance enables diverse approaches to fabric design, construction, and application. From advanced warp‑knit–based structures and engineered developments to precision‑crafted materials, the ROICA™ booth offers a comprehensive view of how elastic functionality supports contemporary sportswear, active, and lifestyle textiles. 
 
Brugnoli 

ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei will exhibit at Performance Days 2026 in Munich, presenting a curated selection of textile developments that highlight performance‑driven innovation and material expertise across regions. ROICA™ brings together leading European partners alongside two Japanese textile specialists, demonstrating how refined stretch performance enables diverse approaches to fabric design, construction, and application. From advanced warp‑knit–based structures and engineered developments to precision‑crafted materials, the ROICA™ booth offers a comprehensive view of how elastic functionality supports contemporary sportswear, active, and lifestyle textiles. 
 
Brugnoli 
Brugnoli presents advanced fabric developments that redefine comfort and performance across ready-to-wear and sportswear applications. Highlighted is Explosive Cotton Plus, developed with Brugnoli’s proprietary Explosive Technology, bringing elasticity, muscle support, and comfort—traditionally associated with technical textiles—into premium cotton fabrics. Alongside this, Explosive Micromodal combines the same technology with TENCEL™ Modal to deliver a natural soft touch and effective moisture management. Selected articles incorporate ROICA™, including ROICA™ V550, to support reliable stretch performance and defined end-of-life considerations. Entirely Made in Italy, Brugnoli’s fabrics reflect a materialdriven approach to quality, innovation, and responsible textile development. 
 
Cifra 
Cifra, recognized as the “warp knit centre of excellence,” showcases its engineered knitting technology, developed to enhance design freedom and performance while improving material efficiency and waste reduction. Presented in collaboration with Wolford, the athleisure pieces integrate ECONYL® and ROICA™ V550, delivering comfort, stretch, and a refined aesthetic suited for both sports and everyday wear. Through its engineered technology, Cifra demonstrates how advanced warp knitting and ROICA™ work together to support functional, well-balanced garment design.  
 
Inter Jersey Milano 
Inter Jersey Milano presents Active, a collection of stretch fabrics developed for high-performance sportswear applications. The fabrics incorporate ROICA™ SP, a chlorine-resistant stretch fiber, to provide stable support, elastic recovery, and excellent comfort under relatively demanding conditions, including intensive training and swimming. Each construction is engineered for specific performance requirements, demonstrating how elastic functionality is integrated into fabric design to enhance garment quality. All fabrics in the Active selection are finished with Revecol® MS treatments, supporting moisture management through lower-impact processing methods. 
 
Penn Solutions 
Penn Solutions showcases advanced textile developments across sportswear, cycling, and intimate applications, built on tricot and lace constructions. By incorporating ROICA™ V550, the fabrics deliver elastic recovery, shaping performance, and comfort, while allowing extensive customization like 3D effects, engineered mesh zones, and non-slip surfaces. From lace-effect bi-stretch fabrics to compression-oriented structures and gripper bib straps, the collection highlights Penn Solutions’ ability to translate elastic functionality into refined, application-specific fabric design. Visit website. 
 
Sitip 
A performance-oriented textile specialist, Sitip showcases the collection developed with ROICA™ premium stretch fiber for sportswear and active applications. Lightweight warp knits and brushed thermal fabrics are engineered to balance stretch, support, and long-term comfort, enhanced by the reliable elastic behavior of ROICA™ V550 and ROICA™ EF. Proven in competitive environments and produced entirely in Italy, the collection highlights Sitip’s ability to translate technical expertise into dependable textile solutions. 
 
Tiba Tricot 
Tiba Tricot, a textile manufacturer with over sixty years of expertise, presents a selection of circular and warp‑knitted fabrics developed for sportswear, active, and technical applications. Based in Castellanza, Italy, the company specializes in circular knitting, three‑dimensional warp‑knit structures, and precise material engineering rooted in long‑standing Italian manufacturing know‑how. The showcased fabrics incorporate ROICA™ premium stretch fiber to support stretch performance, stability, and comfort across circular‑knit and 3D warp‑knit constructions. Balancing elasticity with controlled structure and surface expression, the collection highlights Tiba Tricot’s ability to combine refined knitting techniques with functional performance, expanding design possibilities for performance‑driven textiles. 

In addition to its European partners, ROICA™ highlights Japanese craftsmanship by introducing two textile specialists for this edition. Selected for their distinctive manufacturing philosophies and advanced material development, these partners represent a refined approach to textile innovation shaped by deep technical heritage. Their fabrics are presented exclusively at the ROICA™ booth, offering a rare opportunity to encounter Japanese-made textiles within a European exhibition context. 
 
Imai Kigyojo 
Imai Kigyojo, a warp‑knitting specialist with over seventy years of experience, presents advanced fabric developments rooted in precise engineering and material exploration. Based in Nanto City, Japan, the company is recognized for mastering complex warp‑knit structures and exploring challenging fibers through sophisticated multi‑bar knitting techniques. The showcased fabrics feature lightweight open constructions, refined surface textures, and bonded structures designed for breathability, moisture control, and comfort. All showcased developments incorporate ROICA™ premium stretch fiber to support stretch performance and adaptive fit, enabling expressions ranging from airy, linen‑like appearances to dimensional surface effects. Imai’s textiles reflect a quiet yet distinctive approach to innovation shaped by Japanese craftsmanship, and are presented only at the ROICA™ booth at Performance Days for this edition. 
 
Kawada Knitting Group 
Kawada Knitting Group, a tricot specialist with more than a century of manufacturing heritage, presents advanced tricot fabrics that redefine lightness, comfort, and versatility. Based in Johana, Nanto City—one of Japan’s leading tricot regions—the company is known for developing lightweight, breathable, and supple fabrics that support applications ranging from sports and swimwear to innerwear and uniforms. 

The showcased fabrics incorporate ROICA™ premium stretch fiber to deliver reliable stretch, recovery, and shape stability, combined with functional features such as quick‑dry performance, UV protection, and a smooth, refined surface. Also presented are the tricot materials used in the KAIHŌ Suit, a performance‑driven concept that translates sportswear‑level comfort and mobility into a clean, tailored appearance. These developments reflect Kawada Knitting Group’s ongoing pursuit of tricot as a material that bridges performance, comfort, and expressive design. The fabrics are presented only at the ROICA™ booth at Performance Days for this edition. 
 
Across Europe and Japan, the partners presented at the ROICA™ booth illustrate how stretch performance can be interpreted through different cultural, technical, and creative lenses. By supporting precision, comfort, durability, and expressive design, ROICA™ continues to act as a material enabler for its partners, combining regionally rooted craftsmanship with forward-looking textile innovation.

More information:
ROICA ROICA™ Performance Days stretch fabric Japan Europe
Source:

ROICA™

print close
more