Nonwovens for a Healthier Planet

IDEA®25 is the intersection of nonwoven materials & sustainability

DEA®25 highlights the industry’s leading innovators, including those making strategic investments toward eco-friendly engineered material solutions,” says Tony Fragnito, President & CEO of INDA – The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the show host.

The biggest show in North America for nonwovens is set for the Miami Beach Convention Center, in Miami, FL, April 29-May 1, 2025

“Attendees can learn and explore alternative production methods including the developments and incorporation of bioderived, recycled and biodegradable components. This event showcases the industry’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility in its operations and products,” says Fragnito. “INDA chose sustainability as its 2024-25 focus and is committed to representing the industry on this broad and important topic. While sustainability within individual organizations impacts many aspects of their business, INDA is most engaged on the topics which form our three pillars: Sustainable Sourcing; End-of-Life Solutions; and Industry Innovations,” he says.

With this focus, the IDEA®25 Show programming will be centered around this theme. Preliminary planning is still under way but what we know so far, the show is shaping up to deliver around 25 presentations, several expert panels and insightful sessions that target Sustainability Managers, Product Developers, and Regulatory Teams.

Some sessions include U.S., EU, UN regulation; Start-of-Life –Materials Sourcing, Natural Fibers, etc.; Product/Process Innovations; End-of-Life – Advances in Biodegradability/Compostability; and Next Life – Fiber-to-Nonwoven Recycling, Advanced Recycling, EPR.

“IDEA® has long served as a premier platform for engaging with the entire nonwovens supply chain – from resins and fibers to fabrics, films, and finished consumer products,” notes Matt O’Sickey,

Director of Education at INDA who is leading the effort to design a robust informational and educational program. “The dedicated two-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference follows this same comprehensive approach, covering responsible sourcing, processing, and converting, through to end-of-life and next-life solutions. Regardless of where your company operates within the supply chain, this conference offers invaluable insights to drive sustainability and innovation.”

Many attendees come for the exposition, which is already 95% sold out for both IDEA® and the colocated FiltXPO®, sharing the same show floor.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what our exhibitors come up with this year. This combined IDEA®/ FiltXPO® already has over 600 exhibitors (and it’s still growing) from 6 continents and about 40 countries. All in, we’re expecting more than 6,500 attendees to flow through. Exciting developments this year include the ‘Miami Vice Lounge’ – sponsored by Kimberly-Clark, which will be open for specialty drinks and snacks throughout the show. At the INDA booth, we’ll have a series of ‘Lightning Talks’ from industry leaders. To recharge your energy or your phone, there will be ‘Charging Lounges’ spread throughout the show floor, sponsored by BASF. They also make a great space for an impromptu meeting.” Other large corporate sponsors to note include Magnera, Stein Fibers, Cotton Inc. and Exxonmobil.

• Registration is now open at https://ideashow.org/register/ https://book.passkey.com/gt/219708785?gtid=647323b 9368b4e6c28de31bcf12229e6

• It is also encouraged to get your hotel soon to guarantee you have the location near the show you desire!

• To see the Expo Floor and Exhibitor List, visit https://inda.expocad.com/Events/ifx25/index.html

Leigh Fibers to End Nonwovens Production Amidst Restructuring

Leigh Fibers has decided to idle a nonwovens line in Wellford, South Carolina as part of a restructuring plan aimed at further integrating its businesses with ReVive Fiber which it purchased last year. In addition, the plan calls for the consolidation of the company’s operational footprint, a renewed focus on its core competencies and streamlining of its internal structure to position the company for profitable, long-term growth.

Leigh Fibers will retain a small presence in Wellford after consolidating the majority of this operation into ReVive Fiber’s facility, in Spartanburg. All office staff will be relocated to ReVive’s offices in Spartanburg. The Brownsville, Texas facility will continue to operate as is without any lost production capabilities.

The company’s focus in the future will be on its engineered fiber business, global trading business and continued leadership in the second life and sustainability efforts being put into diverting post-consumer textile waste from landfills. www.leighfibers.com

Americhem Expands Research and Development Capabilities in India

Americhem, Inc. announced the opening of a new research and development center in Silvassa, India. This new facility, located at Olive Industrial Park, will enhance Americhem’s ability to provide faster and more localized service to customers throughout India and Southeast Asia. The 4000 square feet center will offer specialized testing services for masterbatch color development, particularly for melt spinning and textile manufacturing customers. Additionally, it will provide field and technical services to support customerspecific requirements.

tract new customers and industries that prioritize speed and efficiency in their supply chain.

The new laboratory aims to help Americhem expand into new markets and areas of business by offering enhanced capabilities for custom color matching and faster response times. This will at-

Textile Chemicals & Dyes Gets Separate Product Area at Techtextil

Techtextil will for the first time bundle the range of exhibitors in the field of Textile Chemicals & Dyes in an independent product area from April 21-24, 2026 in Frankfurt. The leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens is creating a central hub for suppliers and users.

The research and development center began operations in late 2024 and is strategically situated just 5 km from Bhilad Highway NH-48, with future access to the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway. www.americhem.com

It emphasizes the increasing demand and relevance of Textile Chemicals & Dyes for the global textile industry.

Techtextil is responding to the growing demand from users and the requirements of suppliers for a centralized and concentrated industry platform for textile chemicals and dyes, and Techtextil is creating new synergies with this future bundling.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes will be located in the same hall as Fibres and Yarns and Performance Apparel Textiles. Preliminary stages, suppliers and users will come together in the immediate proximity of each other. This makes it easier for them to communicate specific requirements and needs and find solutions more quickly.

Their growing importance of the segment is underlined by a 2021 analysis by the market research firm ‘MarketsandMarkets.’ According to the study, the global market for textile chemicals is expected to grow to a volume of US $33.1 billion by 2026. The study cites a number of factors as drivers of this growth, including the increasing demand for chemicals for the rapidly growing technical textiles market. www.techtextil.messefrankfurt.com

Indian Technical Textiles Startup Raises $4.2m Seed Funding

Whizzo, a Bengaluru, India-based startup specializing in engineered and technical textiles, has raised US $4.2 million in a seed funding round led by Lightspeed, with participation from Beenext.

The funding will be used to enhance research and development in materials science.

It will also help establish a design lab and strengthen supply chain infrastructure in India, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Founded in 2024 by Shrestha Kukreja, Whizzo creates customized textile blends using woven, nonwoven, and composite technologies for various industries.

The company is currently working with over 25 clients and plans to expand its customer base to over 100 in South America, West Asia, Africa, Europe, and Japan. www.whizzo.org

Courtney Harold Joins Green Theme Technologies as Head Of Marketing

Green Theme Technologies (GTT) announced the appointment of Courtney Harold as Head of Marketing. With over 25 years of experience in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, Courtney brings a proven track record of transforming complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that drive growth and product innovation.

“I am thrilled to join GTT and help lead the initiative to bring EMPEL’s innovative, waterfree, and PFAS-free DWR technology to market,” said Courtney Harold. “GTT’s commitment to surpassing industry standards is precisely the challenge fueling my passion for solving complex problems.

“I look forward to spearheading the marketing initiatives to position EMPEL as the leading brand in the DWR sustainable performance fabrics.”

As GTT continues to dominate the water-free and sustainable DWR space, Harold’s expertise in brand building, market entry strategies, and product innovation will be instrumental in positioning EMPEL for continued growth and success. www.greenthemetech.com

ANDRITZ to Supply Equipment to Juthor Paper, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

nternational technology group

IANDRITZ has received a major order for a tissue production line from Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., part of Middle East Paper Co. (MEPCO) Group, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Start-up is scheduled for 2026. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

The line will be equipped with the latest ANDRITZ technologies from stock preparation to the reel to ensure low energy consumption and high product quality. The tissue machine will be one of the world’s fastest high-capacity machines, with a design speed of 2200 m/min and up to 5.47 m width at the reel. A comprehensive automation and digitalization package will contribute to high performance and operational efficiency. www.andritz.com

High-speed tissue production with ANDRITZ PrimeLine technology.

Milliken & Company Achieves EcoVadis Gold Rating

Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company announced that it earned a gold rating on its 2024 EcoVadis assessment. EcoVadis provides trusted business sustainability ratings for more than 130,000 organizations representing more than 220 industries. Milliken’s 2024 EcoVadis score, assessed across its chemical, textile, flooring and healthcare operations, again places the company in the top 5% of organizations rated. This is the third consecutive year that Milliken has earned a gold rating from EcoVadis.

“We are honored to receive a gold rating from EcoVadis once again,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO at Milliken. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and the significant strides we have made on our journey. Our dedication to promoting transparency and innovation is what drives us to continually improve and reach new heights in our sustainability efforts.” www.milliken.com

Mark Ushpol Appointed EVP, Americas Business Area at Suominen

ark Ushpol has been appointed Executive Vice President, Americas business area at Suominen. He will be a member of Suominen’s Executive Management Team and report to President and CEO Tommi Björnman. Ushpol will start in his new position on January 6, 2025.

Ushpol joins Suominen from Ahlstrom, where he worked as Executive Vice President of the Food & Consumer Packaging division and as a member of the Executive Management Team.

“Mark has a strong experience in leading industrial business and operations.

He also has industry knowledge and proven record in successfully executing company goals. I am sure he will be a valued member in our Executive Management Team and support us in our journey towards profitable growth,” said Tommi Björnman, President and CEO of Suominen. www.suominen.fi

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Vickie Smead SALES REPRESENTATIVE, NONWOVENS BUYER’S GUIDE

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry vsmead@inda.org | +1 919.549.3715

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MMI Textiles Inc. Acquires Jason Mills, LLC

M MMI Textiles Inc., a global diversified supplier of industrial and custom fabrics and textile components with military, tactical, medical, commercial, and apparel expertise, has acquired New Jersey-based manufacturer of knit textiles, Jason Mills, LLC. Effective January 2, 2025, the acquisition instantly expands the MMI Textiles product line, accelerating a key strategic growth initiative for the company.

“We have had the privilege of working with Jason Mills for many years and have tremendous respect for their approach to business, which aligns seamlessly with the culture we’ve built at MMI Textiles,” said Amy Bircher Bruyn, Founder, and CEO of MMI Textiles. “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow and strengthen our position in the textile industry. We are eager to integrate their expertise, resources, and innovation to better serve our customers and address the evolving needs of the market.”

Founded in 1976, Jason Mills is known for its high-performance knits and operates in several major markets, including recreational trade, occupational safety, aeronautical, automotive and marine, healthcare, filtration, and industrial textiles. www.mmitextiles.com

Drake Purchases PureCycle Resin Following Successful Production of Continuous Filament Yarns

PureCycle Technologies, Inc. announced the initial sale of nearly 500,000 pounds of resin to Drake Extrusion Inc. for the production of continuous filament yarns, which could be used to make items such as rugs, upholstery, and apparel. Drake is North America’s leading manufacturer of colored filament yarn, and staple fiber. The agreement comes after Drake’s successful production of continuous fiber using a compound that includes PureCycle’s PureFive™ resin. The resin was produced at Ironton, Ohio from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) feedstock and then developed into a compound by PureCycle’s Research & Development team in Durham, North Carolina.

Approximately 20% of the global virgin polypropylene (PP) supply is used for fiber and yarn. Until now, there has not been a reliable recycling alternative to replace virgin PP due to the complexity of the fiber manufacturing process. Polypropylene fiber is preferred for its light weight, durability, moisture and chemical resistance. www.purecycle.com

Filippo Silvera ITALY & SPAIN info@silvera.it | +39 02.284.6716

Zhang Xiaohua CHINA ifj_china@126.com | +86 13522898423

Dan Noonan DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT + EXHIBIT SALES

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry dnoonan@inda.org | +1 919.459.3754

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