International Fiber Journal – Issue 3, 2025 by indamedia

FIBERS, FILAMENTS & PROCESSING SOLUTIONS

ifj.com Issue 3 2025 SHOW PREVIEWS

Dornbirn 2025 CAMX 2025

Can MMCFs Rise to the

SUSTAINABLE

CHALLENGE? Plus: Leader-Speak

Rohit Aggarwal, Lenzing

Murat Dogru, EDANA

Tony Fragnito, INDA

Vipin Kumar, Indorama Ventures

COMPOSITES

Natural Fiber Moves Towards the Mainstream

E-TEXTILES

Innovation is on Display at LOPEC

WORLD OF WIPES

North American and European Directives to Note

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Showcase Your Company at the Heart of Nonwovens: Join INDEX™26! With 40% of participants coming from outside of Europe, this is truly a global event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the world’s most diverse and influential gathering in the nonwovens industry. From machinery, raw material suppliers, producers to converters, this event gathers every key player in the value chain. Expand your network, foster partnerships, and explore new opportunities with professionals across the entire industry spectrum. Access up to 13,000 business professionals from over 100 countries, representing a large range of applications in automotive, construction, filtration, food & beverage, geotextiles, hygiene, medical, packaging, and wipes. These decision-makers are on the lookout for creative and pioneering suppliers – make sure you’re one of them ! For more information, come and visit us on our EDANA/INDEX booth #2342 at IDEA®25.

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CONTENTS MAY-JUNE 2025 | VOL 39 | ISSUE 03

FEATURES

12 17 20 23 27 31

CEO INTERVIEW

Making Sustainability an Industry Standard – Rohit Aggarwal, Lenzing By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer & Publisher

Au Naturale En Masse

By Adrian Wilson, International Correspondent

Why Cellulosic Fibers?

By Jason Chen, China Correspondent

Fossil-free Fibers Have a Long Way To Go By Geoff Fisher, European Editor

E-Textiles Accelerated

By Marie O’Mahony, Smart & Advanced Textiles Correspondent COO INTERVIEW

Ready When They Are – Vipin Kumar, Indorama Ventures By Arun Rao, Correspondent to India

34 36 38

FOCUS ON NONWOVENS

Europe (EU and UK) and Wipes Policy Update – What Should We Know? By Brieuc Lits, Public Affairs Director, EDANA

A Look at the Latest on Wipes Policy: The WIPPES Act, Flushability, and More By Sean Grossnickle and Wes Fisher, Government Affairs, INDA CEO INTERVIEW

Moving Forward Stronger

Interview with Tony Fragnito, INDA, and Murat Dogru, EDANA

By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer & Publisher

What’s Good at WOW – Plus: Good360 Accelerates Sustainability in the Nonwovens Industry

SHOW PREVIEWS:

2 IFJ ISSUE 3 2025

45 Dornbirn 2025 47 CAMX 2025 COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

5 Viewpoint 6 Tech Spotlight Nature is in Style

By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer & Publisher

Microban Launches AkoTech Umbrella of Advanced Multifunctional Coating Technologies

7 Tech Notes 10 Smart Talk 49 Movers & Shakers

Latest Technology Briefs NEW COLUMN!

Elastic Inks for Textile Integrated Electronics By Marie O’Mahony

Industry News and Notes

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CONTRIBUTORS | ISSUE 3 2025

Caryn Smith

Geoff Fisher

Marie O’Mahony

Adrian Wilson

gfisher@textilemedia.com +44 1603.308158

marie.consultant@gmail.com

adawilson@gmail.com +44 7897.913134

European Editor

Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media csmith@inda.org +1 239.225.6137

Smart & Advanced Textiles Correspondent

International Correspondent

Arun Rao

Brieuc Lits

Wes Fisher

Jason Chen

arun@tauruscomm.net

brieuc.lits@edana.org

wfisher@inda.org T: +1 919 459 3726

jasonchen200501@hotmail.com

Correspondent to India Owner, Taurus Communications

Public Affairs Director EDANA

Director of Government Affairs INDA

International Correspondent, IFJ

Advertise in 2025 & REACH THOUSANDS GLOBALLY International Fiber Journal reaches a vast network of qualified professionals who employ fibers,

nonwovens, technologies, equipment and more to optimize operations. With readers in markets that have strong crossover, IFJ offers print and digital opportunities to maximize marketing investments with a range of solutions based on true thought-leadership platforms. IFJ subscribers are in 67 countries. There are 17 countries with significant readership (print and digital) that include USA, Hong Kong, Germany, China, India, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Belgium, Japan, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Switzerland, Brazil, and Taiwan. Don’t Leave Your SUCCESS to Chance. Get a Media Kit: Advertising@inda.media today!

2025 CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Have you got something to say? International Fiber Journal is actively seeking contributed technical, educational, and thought leadership articles from qualified industry professionals and those allied to the fiber industry. If you would like to pitch an article for publication in IFJ, please contact Caryn Smith at CSmith@inda.org or +1 239.225.6137. Inquire to receive an Editorial Calendar of each issue topics. We are looking for individuals with their pulse on the marketplace. We are especially seeking viewpoints on technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, materials sourcing, innovation, institutional research, bio materials from all regions across the globe. Represent your marketplace in our pages!

4 IFJ ISSUE 3 2025

JOIN THE CIRCLE!

CSMITH@INDA.ORG +1 239.225.6137

VIEWPOINT CONTENT | EDITORIAL

CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER & PUBLISHER Caryn Smith Driven By Design LLC csmith@inda.org +1 239.225.6137 EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER Ken Norberg ken@ifj.com +1 202.681.2022 ART DIRECTOR Caryn Smith GRAPHIC DESIGNER Julie Flynn EUROPEAN EDITOR Geoff Fisher INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, EUROPE Adrian Wilson SMART & ADVANCED TEXTILES CORRESPONDENT Marie O’Mahony INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CHINA Jason Chen INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, INDIA Arun Rao

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International Fiber Journal is published by INDA Media, the b2b publishing arm of INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. +1.919.459.3700 info@fiberjournal.com | www.fiberjournal.com News & Press Releases to IFJNews@inda.media SUBSCRIBE: https://www.fiberjournal.com/subscription/ BUYER’S GUIDE: https://www.fiberjournal.com/buyers-guide/

INTERNATIONAL FIBER JOURNAL (ISSN: 1049801x) is published bi-monthly by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. Subscription price is $125 per year for non-U.S. subscribers. Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to International Fiber Journal PO Box 158 Cedar Rapids IA 52406-0158 USA.

MISSION

International Fiber Journal covers fiber-related trends and material science developments and how they impact the supply chain from raw material to end use. IFJ provides thoughtful insights and perspectives to global producers, users and business leaders who need to know about what’s next in fibers, filaments and processing solutions.

Nature is in Style “I think natural fibers look better over time. The more you wear them, they look even better.” — John Rocha, Fashion Designer his insight from John Rocha perfectly frames the evolving conversation in the fiber and textile industry – a sector where stylish tradition and innovation are increasingly intertwined with sustainability and circularity. As we present this issue of International Fiber Journal, we invite you to further consider how the enduring appeal of natural fibers is shaping the next generation of materials, products, and global policies. On page 17, Adrian Wilson delves into the growing role of natural fibers in composite textiles in “Au Naturale En Masse.” Once considered niche, the integration of plant-based fibers into composites is now gaining momentum across industries such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods. These materials offer a compelling blend of strength, lightness, and environmental responsibility. Yet, as Adrian notes, scaling up natural fiber composites requires overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring reliable, sustainable supply chains. The progress is tangible, and the potential for natural fibers to displace more carbonintensive materials is greater than ever. Turning to cellulosic fibers, Jason Chen addresses the question “Why Cellulosic Fibers?” on page 20. Derived from renewable plant sources, cellulosic fibers like viscose and lyocell are celebrated for their biodegradability and reduced environmental footprint compared to synthetics. However, as demand grows, so does the need for transparency in sourcing and processing. The industry must ensure that the promise of sustainability is matched by responsible practices, from forest management to chemical processing and wastewater treatment. Continuing the conversation on cellulose, on page 23, Geoff Fisher provides a candid

assessment from the Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 Conference in “Fossilfree Fibers Have a Long Way To Go.” While the ambition for a fossil-free fiber industry is clear, significant challenges remain. Technical, economic, and scalability barriers still stand in the way of widespread adoption. Yet, the conference highlighted a shared commitment to innovation and collaboration across the supply chain – a necessary foundation for progress toward a fossil-free future. This issue also spotlights the latest developments in wipes policy (pages 34 and 36), including updates on the WIPPES Act and flushability in the U.S., as well as the ever-evolving high standards in Europe. The shifting sands of regulatory efforts are shaping product design, labeling, and consumer education, emphasizing the need for harmonized standards and responsible manufacturing. INDA and EDANA are at the forefront and reporting on the lastest news you need to know! Finally, we feature exclusive interviews with industry leaders – Rohit Aggarwal (Lenzing), Vipin Kumar (Indorama Ventures), Tony Fragnito (INDA), and Murat Dogru (EDANA) – who share their perspectives on innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and the future of fibers. As you read, consider Rocha’s words: the true value of fibers is not just in their origin, but in how they age, adapt, and inspire us to build a more sustainable future – fiber by fiber, thread by thread, innovation by innovation. Keep innovating!

Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media, IFJ ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 5

TECH SPOTLIGHT

Microban Launches AkoTech Umbrella of Advanced Multifunctional Coating Technologies

The AkoTech umbrella of technologies.

AkoTech Formulations Combine Innovative Coating Technology with World-Class Microban Branding and Support icroban International, a leader in antimicrobial solutions, announced the launch of AkoTech, an advanced platform of multifunctional coating technologies that enhance and protect a broad spectrum of products. Easy to use and customizable for various manufacturing processes and end-use applications, AkoTech formulations can provide benefits such as excellent hardness, adhesion, water and oil repellency and chemical resistance. AkoTech’s multifunctional capabilities make it an ideal solution for flooring, exterior finish systems, touchscreens, countertops, furniture, and more. By integrating AkoTech, these surfaces benefit from enhanced durability, improved cleanliness, and long-lasting freshness, helping to maintain their appearance and performance over time. AkoTech is an umbrella of formulations that includes water-based and solvent-based solutions. The formulations can also use heavy metal–free antimicrobial technologies to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mold and mildew growth, leading to longer-lasting and more sustainable products. Backed by the power of Microban, AkoTech delivers cutting-edge performance that is bolstered by the suite of services that comes with the Microban brand, including formulation, sales, marketing and regulatory support. Multifunctional coatings are increasingly important in various industries because they provide multiple benefits in a single application. This multifunctionality offers several advantages over traditional single-function coatings, enhancing performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. By integrating multiple properties into a single solution, multifunctional coatings address complex

6 IFJ ISSUE 3 2025

requirements and contribute to the overall advancement of materials technology. “There are multifunctional capabilities under the AkoTech umbrella, with each iteration of the technology providing crucial versatility and functionality to different types of products,” said James Rapley, liquid formulations manager at Microban. “Customers have been asking for multifunctional coatings for years, and now this umbrella allows Microban and our partners to work together in delivering new and exciting technologies.” To make AkoTech easy to use for all kinds of applications, the technology is available as a starting-point formulation (used as is or customized if desired), a ready-to-use formulation

while making the integration as seamless as possible for our manufacturing partners.”

Microban International

Part of Barr Brands International, Microban International is home to the most trusted and well-known global brands in the antimicrobial, odor control and sanitization/disinfection markets: Microban® and Ultra-Fresh®. The organization has experienced over 100 collective years of growth and has revolutionized the industry. As the global leader, their proactive systems keep products cleaner and control odors better by preventing problems before they start. Microban International drives innovation by combining science and

AkoTech is integrated into the production, and protects the substrate, leading to a better surface.

or a liquid concentrate (requiring the addition of water). AkoTech is integrated into products during manufacturing using a coating application process such as roll coating or spray coating. “As the global leader in antimicrobial and odor control technologies, we are committed to the development of solutions that support product sustainability by extending their useful lifetimes,” said Microban President Michael Ruby. “We’re proud to launch a system of technologies that aids in this mission

creative solutions that enhance high-quality consumer, textile, industrial and medical products worldwide. Today, the Microban and Ultra-Fresh brands and their technologies are featured on thousands of products worldwide. The company is headquartered in North Carolina and operates in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

www.microban.com

For details on how to submit your company’s technology for consideration as a “Technology Spotlight” in IFJ, contact Ken Norberg at ken@ifj.com or +1 202.682.2022.

TECH NOTES

RE&UP and Marchi & Fildi to Develop Next-Gen Recycled Cotton Yarns

LebaTex, a prominent name in commercial textiles, has launched a new faux leather collection featuring over 100 unique colors and textures. This versatile range includes polyurethane, vinyl, and silicone fabrics, designed for both indoor and outdoor use in residential and commercial spaces. All 101 faux leather options offer exceptional durability and luxurious aesthetics, having undergone rigorous testing of 100K– 500K double rubs to ensure long-lasting comfort and visual appeal. In line with LebaTex’s commitment to sustainability, the collection is PFAS-free, meets ACT minimum standards, and complies with NFPA 260 and CAL 117-2013 safety regulations.

Marchi & Fildi

LebaTex Introduces Faux Leather Collection “I developed this new faux leather line to provide beautiful textile choices for designers across various industries,” said Stacy Garcia, CEO & Founder of LebaTex. “Observing trends and collaborating with designers, I recognized the need for durable materials that maintain their beauty and strength through multiple seasons.” With colors ranging from classic neutrals to bold reds, oranges, and blues, this collection is designed to elevate any space. Each fabric is crafted with LebaTex’s signature stain-resistant and antibacterial finish, ensuring lasting elegance and performance.

www.lebatex.com

Datacolor Launches Next Generation Precision Portable Spectrophotometers Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, announced the launch of the Datacolor Spectro P Series, a nextgeneration portable spectrophotometer platform engineered for demanding industrial environments where consistent color quality control (QC) is essential. Ensuring consistent color quality in plastic, automotive, textile, paint, and coating applications is challenging due to variations in manufacturing conditions, materials, and processes. The Spectro P Series addresses these challenges by providing highly accurate and repeatable measurements from the lab to the production floor, ensuring consistency across batches. The Spectro P Series debuts with two advanced models, the Spectro P200 and Spectro P300, designed to set new stan-

RE&UP announced a new partnership with Marchi & Fildi to co-develop a new generation of premium recycled cotton yarns. The collaboration – currently at pre-industrial stage – combines RE&UP’s cutting-edge textileto-textile recycling technology with Marchi & Fildi’s deep expertise in sustainable yarn development and manufacturing. With the goal of reaching all levels of the textile value chain, the project represents a key milestone in the evolution of circular innovation. The recycled cotton fibers used in the initiative come from RE&UP’s fully integrated process, which transforms post-consumer waste into high-quality raw materials ready for industrial application. As leaders in their respective fields, RE&UP and Marchi & Fildi bring together a powerful blend of innovation and excellence. This collaboration is driven by a shared belief: that circularity must go hand in hand with uncompromising quality. By combining RE&UP’s breakthrough recycling technology with Marchi & Fildi’s expertise in premium yarn development, the two companies are laying the groundwork for scalable, high-performance solutions that can elevate the entire textile value chain. www.reandup.com

dards in portable spectrophotometry for precise and consistent color quality control. The Spectro P200 delivers dependable performance with a single-aperture design, Bluetooth connectivity, and rugged durability for daily QC tasks. For advanced capabilities, the P300 offers dual-aperture flexibility, UV calibration, gloss assessment, WiFi connectivity, and capturing and storing sample images for enhanced traceability. www.datacolor.com ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 7

Ahlstrom Launches an Advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery Separator Platform Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, announced the launch of a new Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery separator platform, manufactured at a state-of-the-art facility in Turin, Italy. It reinforces Ahlstrom’s position as a trusted partner to battery manufacturers, delivering high-performance, customizable AGM separator solutions for the growing global demand for reliable and efficient energy storage solutions. As the demand for high-performance energy storage solutions accelerates, AGM lead acid batteries continue to be a cornerstone of high-performance power solutions. They enable rapid charge and discharge cycles across automotive, renewable energy, telecommunications, and industrial power backup applications. AGM separators – essential to battery safety, efficiency, and longevity – are evolving to meet the industry’s growing need for higher energy efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Next-generation AGM separators deliver unmatched product uniformity, optimized fiber dispersion, and superior electrolyte

Solid-state lithium battery cell with cathode, anode and separator layer, typical of the battery type currently employed for electric vehicles. iStock/Black_Kira

retention, which ensure low electrical resistance and enhanced charge acceptance for maximized battery efficiency and lifespan. The new flexible platform allows customization from 100% micro glass to advanced micro glass-synthetic fiber blends, which enables battery manufacturers to tailor separator properties to specific battery needs. www.ahlstrom.com

Xenia® Unveils New Ceramic Thermoplastic Composites Xenia Materials, global player in engineering and manufacturing reinforced thermoplastic composites, announces the launch of XERAMIC™, an innovative range of ceramic thermoplastic compounds developed to deliver high performance combined with refined aesthetic appeal. XERAMIC ™ materials are formulated by combining selected base polymers with a precisely engineered ceramic filler. XERAMIC ™ is now available on a bio-based PPA polymer matrix, in the PURE version charged with a high level of ceramic content, and in the CORE version, which combines carbon fibre with ceramic reinforcement. Thanks to its ceramic content, Xenia’s XERAMIC™ range offers high thermal conductivity, enabling efficient heat dissipation and a cold-touch surface, as well as high density, making it a distinctive addition to Xenia’s typically lightweight-focused portfolio. XERAMIC™ | Pure is formulated using a bio-based PPA polymer matrix and a high content

of engineered ceramic filler. This combination delivers a unique balance of performance, thermal conductivity and aesthetic refinement, making it ideal for applications where surface quality and high properties are both essential. XERAMIC™ | Core builds on Xenia’s expertise in fibre-reinforced composites by combining ceramic filler with carbon fibre reinforcement. Based on a bio-sourced PPA polymer matrix, this innovative formulation merges the distinctive characteristics of ceramic reinforcement with the mechanical properties of carbon fibre. With the launch of XERAMIC™, Xenia further consolidates its commitment to the development of advanced thermoplastic composites, combining exceptional mechanical performance with refined aesthetics to address the growing demand for solutions where both technical excellence and design value are essential.

www.xeniamaterials.com

Freudenberg Performance Materials Unveils Fine Denier Spunbond Nonwovens for Diverse Uses Freudenberg Performance Materials unveils versatile innovative fine denier spunbond nonwovens for applications in construction, filtration, coating and other industries. The unique fine filament nonwoven technology is made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications – from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf. www.freudenberg.com

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Circulose Partners with Tangshan Sanyou to Boost Textile Circularity

Circulose, a global leader in recycled pulp production, has reached a strategic partnership agreement with Tangshan Sanyou Chemical Fiber, a frontrunner in the cellulose fiber industry. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the commercialization and scaling of CIRCULOSE®, while also propelling Tangshan Sanyou’s brand toward greater international recognition. The two companies will work together to ensure that ReVisco™ fibers, produced using CIRCULOSE® pulp, meet market demands in terms of quality, supply capacity, and pricing, thereby advancing both brands in the high-quality and innovative development of circular and renewable materials. Recognized as a top-tier company in Canopy’s authoritative Hot Button Report, Tangshan Sanyou has gained international acclaim for its achievements in sustainability and circular development. Since the founding of Re:newcell, Sanyou has been a key strategic partner of Circulose and remains the world’s largest user of CIRCULOSE® pulp for fiber production. Now, with a renewed commitment to sustainability, Tangshan Sanyou is taking a leadership role in advancing large-scale textile circularity, setting a benchmark for both China and the global textile industry.

www.circulo.se

UNIFI, Makers of REPREVE, Launches REPREVE with CiCLO® UNIFI, Inc., the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, recently launched REPREVE with CiCLO® technology, recycled polyester and nylon embedded with a biodegradable technology that enables synthetics to break down naturally. REPREVE with CiCLO technology was created in collaboration with Intrinsic Advanced Materials, REPREVE with CiCLO® LLC, a joint venture between Park- Technology. dale Advanced Materials, Inc. and Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC. REPREVE with CiCLO technology is enhanced with a patented additive at the fiber level that allows synthetic yarns to more closely mimic natural materials such as wool. This will enable them to break down in environments such as soil and seawater without compromising performance, durability, and dyeability. These new offerings are designed to help tackle the environmental impact of microplastic fiber pollution from synthetic textile shedding.

www.unifi.com

ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 9

NONWOVENS COMPETENCE OUTSTANDING FUNCTIONALITY A role with infinite possibilities. No matter of the end use – diaper, wipe, filter, surgical gowns or geotextile – CHT finishes and DURON spin finishes offer a tailormade solution for every nonwovens application. Our modern processing auxiliaries provide process safety and a large range of functionalities. Soft and strong, hydrophilic or hydrophobic, antistatic – unwind our nonwovens expertise by yourself. Our application team for fiber auxiliaries is happy to help if you have further questions. Please contact directly fibreauxiliaries@cht.com

More about us at www.cht.com

SMART TALK

By Marie O’Mahony

Smart & Advanced Textiles Correspondent for the IFJ Dr. Marie O’Mahony is an industry consultant, author and academic, the author of several books on advanced and smart textiles published by Thames and Hudson. She is Programme Leader for MSc E-textiles and Wearable Technologies (launching 2026) at WSA, University of Southampton. Contacted her at marie.consultant@gmail. com or follow https://www. linkedin.com/in/dr-marie-omahony-94776836/.

he development of elastic conductive inks for textile-integrated electronics is challenging the dominance of conductive yarns and threads in the E-textile sector. In a survey of E-textile stakeholders conducted by IDTechEX (2023), 49% reported using conductive inks, while 78% worked with conductive fibres. A new development from researchers at the German Institutes of Textile and Fibre (DITF) addresses one of the key challenges: creating electrically conductive inks that are both flexible and stretchable, allowing them to stretch and move in tandem with the textile substrate. Dr. Reinhold Schneider is a Senior Scientist at the DITF, where he heads the Competency Center for Textile Chemistry, Environment, and Energy. He points to several challenges that we must overcome if the market share for printed electronics in E-textiles Is to increase substantially. “So far, most Smart Textiles are produced by using conductive fibers since this is a more reliable method compared to printing conductive patterns.” Reinhold comments, explaining, “This is due to the fact that there is a lack of elastic conductive printing pastes/inks that provide proper conductive properties or that printed conductive patterns provide harsh hand or that these prints are not resistant to washing.” To address this, the DITF is developing elastic conductive pastes and inks. “Mass production of Smart Textiles demands conductive pastes and inks due to economic reasons,” comments Dr. Schneider, who sees printing as having a lower

DITF, electrically conductive printing paste.

10 IFJ ISSUE 3 2025

DITF

Marie O’Mahony

Elastic Inks for Textile Integrated Electronics Reinhold Schneider at LOPEC, showcasing DITF developments in E-textiles that included conductive coatings.

cost because of reduced complexity when it comes to the mass production of E-textiles in comparison with conductive yarns. In the use of E-textiles for key markets such as wearables and automotive interiors, ensuring stable conductivity of the printed materials while maintaining the flexibility and softness of the textile is a primary consideration. A second issue is robustness and longevity, as frequent washing and mechanical stresses can reduce durability. In use, stretch and movement can cause printed electronics to break or tear, With the risk of compromised electrical conductivity if the stretching of the conductive layer is not reversible. Further technical issues include the adhesion between the textile and the printed electronics, which can also weaken with repeated stretching. Connections are a challenge across all E-textiles, and conductive inks are no exception. At the DITF, the Colour and Functional Inks Research Group, which Reinhold leads, is developing new water-based ink and paste formulations to address these challenges while also considering sustainability. They have developed a water-based conductive ink that can be cured using laser radiation. The conductive particles and elastic binders

DITF, applying the conductive layer with a squeegee.

DITF

used are designed to enhance the elongation of printed electronics while maintaining stable and durable conductivity. This ability of the material to maintain its properties under repeated strain or stress, hysteresis, is of central importance. Well-matched hysteresis supports the conductivity of printed structures even when it is subjected to continuous mechanical stress. When materials are suited, they can adapt to the movement of the textile without compromising conductivity. The researchers at the DITF are focusing on the auxiliaries and additives being used, as they are seen as determining the elastic properties of the binder, which is critical to the adhesion of the inks to the substrate. “ The ink needs to be adapted on the surface tension of the substrate,” explains Reinhold, with the wetting of the ink taking place so that it is comparable to the surface tension of the textile being wetted. This is done by adjusting the surface tension of the ink so that it can be guided by the surface of the substrate. This is an important step in addressing a concern of the printed electronics industry who often regard textiles as too rough.

Dr. Schneider points to the importance of the printing process favoring Chromojet technology because of its ability to enable the application of high ink add-ons that are needed to achieve a reasonable conductive layer: His research has shown that screen printing is capable of printing a conductive layer with a paste add-on of around 80 g/m2, with the conductive ingredient at about 40% by weight. In inkjet printing, the active ingredient he has found to be much lower so that several overprints can be needed to achieve the required level of conductivity. “Chromojet technology gives the opportunity to work with inks that have higher amounts of conductive ingredients compared to inkjet printing inks,” Reinhold comments, continuing, “The add-on in Chromojet printing is much higher compared to inkjet printing technology.” The DITF research is firmly focused on the interactions between conductive particles and binders, additives and textile auxiliaries in the development of highly conductive inks and paste. They believe this will make it possible to produce highquality, durable, and sustainable printed electronics suited to a range of textile substrates and applications. When might we see these developments in the E-textiles marketplace? “I expect that we will be able to provide elastic water-based electroconductive inks for printing conductive patterns/sensors/actuators within the next 3-5 years,” Dr Schneider believes. DITF, applying the conductive coating.

Let Fi-Tech Be

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DITF

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fi-tech.com +1 (804) 794-9615 sales@fi-tech.com DITF, dried conductive elastic layer on a textile surface.

DITF

ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 11

CEO Q&A

Making Sustainability AN INDUSTRY STANDARD New Lenzing CEO Rohit Aggarwal is Leading the Textile & Nonwoven Industry through the Headwinds of Change. By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer, IFJ

ith several decades of experience in various industries, including textiles and chemicals, Rohit Aggarwal, as of September 1, 2024, brings his extensive capabilities to Lenzing as its new CEO. He is an influential leader with an eye for detail and a genuine and sincere ability to connect with people at every level. He aims to move the needle on sustainability across the textile supply chain. Aggarwal is also a well-respected and accomplished strategic business economist and global leader. During his 33-year career, he held global management positions worldwide, gaining a sound understanding of the strategic development of international markets and the establishment of efficient management teams. Thanks to his experience in the global textile and fiber market, he is well-versed in Lenzing’s core business in all facets, content, and geography. Upon his announcement, the Supervisory Board at Lenzing Group commented, “With Rohit Aggarwal, we have gained an international leader with profound knowledge of the textile markets, from raw materials to the processing of environmentally friendly fibers. On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, we are pleased that we have successfully appointed Rohit Aggarwal Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group.” International Fiber Journal sat down with Mr. Aggarwal at the recent IDEA®25 Show, held in Miami , Florida , by

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Q+A IN THIS ISSUE:

ROHIT AGGARWAL CEO, Lenzing

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. While the show focus was on the nonwoven industry and sustainability, we covered various aspects of the supply chain with the leader, including his impressions of the company, the need for innovation and partnerships to drive material replacement and sustainable product development, and his hopes

for industry collaboration, standardization, and consumer awareness to achieve sustainable practices. International Fiber Journal: You have been in your role for nine months now. What about Lenzing has impressed you thus far? Rohit Aggarwal: Having watched Lenzing grow for many years, I admired its core focus and strategy and what it stood for – not just in efforts to drive sustainability forward but also in efforts to help the industry improve as a leader. It was an honor to be named CEO. It is an interesting discovery when one goes from being an outside observer to being inside the business. My perceptions were reaffirmed during the transition, while others were further amplified. I am struck by the depth of legacy and feeling of responsibility at the core of Lenzing’s DNA. It has been amazing to witness first-hand the quality and passion of the people, which has motivated me as well. I see a tremendous opportunity to continue building on our legacy and repositioning and refining it further. For example, in the last few days at IDEA®25, I have spoken to many people, and what struck me was that, especially on the nonwoven side, there’s so much work to be done. So much transformation is needed to develop more sustainable replacement materials, and it will only be driven by innovation and partnerships throughout the supply chain. No company can achieve it by itself.

Aggarwal: The environment of the last four or five years has been challenging for everyone. We experienced ‘black swan’ events, which you can’t predict, whether the pandemic or the hyperinflation and supply chain challenges thereafter. We are seeing an evolving geopolitical situation that creates challenges, not just in terms of the whole tariff discussion, but also what is occurring in Europe – particularly the energy crisis, which has driven up costs massively. Lenzing is well-positioned with a geographically diversified footprint that gives us resilience and strength. On the other hand, we also get exposed quickly, especially where the textiles business is linked to China, which we are working to address. That is where my job comes in. I reinforced to our team that we can control the controllable. Let’s keep our focus on

Lenzing AG/Franz Neumayr

Hackschnitzel

making the company agile and resilient so that we can act on any changes that occur. We could not control circumstances prior to this time, but we are in a better position now. We are investing more intentionally in our assets to create a much more resilient supply chain for our customers. We are focused on areas, such as nonwovens, where I spend much of my time. So that’s an important part. We are investing in alternate energy sources for the European side. So, yes, there are headwinds; we are committed to finding pathways to remain resilient and relevant to our partners. IFJ: You have broad experience in global textile nonwoven and fiber markets. Share about your background and how it can help Lenzing move forward to meet its goals. Aggarwal: For 33 years now in my career, I’ve had the privilege to work in various industry sectors, primarily in textiles and nonwovens for the last 15 years, and the chemical industry. My work assignments have taken me to work and live in Asia, Europe, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Indonesia. Prior to this assignment, I worked in the U.S. environment. This diversity of work has allowed me to gain a million degrees of experience through the good, bad, and ugly changes in the macro environment – having seen businesses go through challenges and transform. My experience today is the assimilation of all the learnings that I’ve had, which has allowed me to bring that to bear in how I can support Lenzing’s

Lenzing AG/Skyline Medien

endeavors and future. Yes, I understand the markets, the business, and our customers, but I can bring accumulated understanding on how to take Lenzing into this next level of transformation. And that's what I’m excited about. Lenzing is a great company, and we have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us. My question is: How can we unlock these opportunities with the extraordinary talent in the company, and how can I partner and work with our team to continue to stay on pace? IFJ: Can you think of a past circumstance that was a critical learning moment for you as a leader? Aggarwal: You know the biggest lessons happen during the most challenging environments. When things are steady and going well, you take for granted that they will stay like this forever. My first shock was the 2009 financial crisis. I was leading a business we had just acquired, and my job was to change and transform that company. When the financial crisis hit, we were in denial for too long that this would quickly tide over. Therefore, we didn’t do anything to protect the business. In hindsight, we lost cash equity, let employees down, and let our customers down. Therefore, I felt more prepared and proactive in managing every crisis thereafter. With current headwinds, it is more instinctive now to assemble and brainstorm together. Recently, at Lenzing, we established a war room to help us understand and advocate through all these changes and how the supply chains are

Pulp

Lenzing AG/Franz Neumayr

IFJ: You often mentioned the current market as facing ‘headwinds.’ What headwinds have you identified that Lenzing is currently tackling?

Fibers Lenzing AG/Franz Neumayr

Therefore, my message to everyone in the last couple of days, if you feel excited about it, let’s work on it in partnership. Lenzing is in a perfect position to support these efforts for two reasons. One, we understand sustainability. We have the credentials and continue to build, invest, and provide resources. Second, we very much focus on innovation. How do we create the materials? How can we find performance in various application areas? There is a tremendous opportunity ahead, and we are really excited about it.

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to consider about what our strategic positioning could look like in the next few years. Today, I call Lenzing an Austrian company with a global footprint. We are trying to make it more of a global company with an Austrian partner. IFJ: What is your bird’s-eye perspective on tariffs, and how is Lenzing planning to manage the situation?

currently configured. We want to learn how to support our partners and customers better. So yes, those hard learning moments resulted in many sleepless nights. IFJ: Why were you selected to spearhead one of the industry’s largest legacy companies? Aggarwal: Maybe with Lenzing’s legacy and rich history, as well as its strong portfolio of capabilities, sometimes companies

like this may need some rewiring and rethinking. Why? Because the world around Lenzing is changing. What we did 10 years ago, we probably cannot do for the next 10 years. So, how are we going to change to fit the changing environment? That is really the question. We see that the competition has scaled to a different level. We see that life cycles are changing. Innovation needs are different. Partnerships are going to be evolving. There is much

Lenzing AG/Skyline Medien

Fiber Dryer

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Aggarwal: Tariffs themselves are not a problem. We have had them on and off over the years, and businesses adjust to managing those situations. This time, it’s different. The quantity of the tariffs is what is difficult, particularly in several of the supply chains, which is creating a bigger challenge for them to understand and readjust. The greater challenge that I see is that in the industry that we participate, the overall margins are end-to-end in the supply chains, and parts of the chain cannot offset or absorb the level of tariffs that are being put on them. Therefore, the U.S. is an important market for our business, for our industry, for our supply chains. They will have a profound impact which can happen in a couple of ways. On the positive side, it is allowing us in the boardroom to discuss how we will allocate capital going forward, and that could allow for some activity by way of capital moving back into the U.S. I think for us, this is a good thing to shorten the supply chains, make them more resilient, make them better, but it will take time for the capital to come. That could be painful, which is what we are concerned about. Discussions over the last two days are centered around minimizing that possibility. If the industry cannot absorb it, it will be passed to the consumer level. That’s where the concern lies. What would that do to consumer demand? Where will the discretionary spending change, and which categories will the consumer support continue? The larger question, which brings about my darkest moments in leadership right now, would be whether that dips

Lenzing AG/Skyline Medien

Lenzing AG/Robert Pichler

Lenzing Austria

Bale Storage the balance, where demand goes down significantly, which could lead to a much bigger challenge globally, even leading to recessionary conditions. From a Lenzing perspective, I currently have more calls from our partners and customers than I would have in the last two years. Everybody wants to make sure that we are well aligned. So, reliability and certainty are at a premium right now. We are confident that because of our asset base, we can serve our customers much better than most, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re working to provide assurance that we are there for them, and we will mitigate problems as best as we can, but it’s a real challenge that the world has not faced in a while.

IFJ: Let’s shift the focus to the Lenzing 2024 Sustainability Report. You've mentioned before that the global textile and nonwoven industry must successfully transition to more sustainable production. What is your view on sustainability and circularity, and what is needed to attain sustainable production? Aggarwal: There are two aspects to it. One is the technology, so obviously, it is not the issue of availability or know-how. The short term is about balancing the industries’ need to stay on course for stability and ensuring that the economics allow you to fund change for sustainability. We are committed to continuing to bring more sustainable fibers to market.

We are investing in newer technologies for next-generation fiber technologies. For example, we announced a stake in a company called TreeToTextile recently. It is focused on developing sustainable fashion and has developed innovative processes for using recycled and sustainable materials in textiles. We are investing in efforts internally and also scouting technologies outside. Our value is continuing to bring the world next-generation fibers. Regenerated cellulose fibers are a way to think about anything; anything regenerated is good for sustainability. Next comes the processes, and I think the industry has to do a lot more work on those. The value and supply chains are long, fragmented, and complex, and therefore, there needs to be more standardization and awareness. However, the pressure points must come through regulation or consumer awareness. We are currently assessing how we can achieve consumer awareness, whether through B to B or B to C channels. We're moving more and more from B to B into B to C messaging because it will have a resounding effect if it's the right message in the store. I remain very optimistic. A few years back, there was much talk but little action. Now, I see a lot more action and much more awareness. I speak to brands and retailers; I feel more commitment there. ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 15

Lenzing AG/Skyline Medien

passed to consumers. So, how does the industry overcome it? Greener solutions have a long way to go.

Recycling Are we there yet? No. But the pathway is visible, and it is a one-way street. The question is, how fast you can get there? It's a challenge. We have to allow for change in each segment of the fiber supply chain, creating a significant problem for the textile industry. Encouraging consumers to buy more expensive clothes or goods due to sustainability is proving difficult. I keep reminding the brands to go back a few years when they were only making synthetic or non-synthetic pure fiber products, which allowed for recycling opportunities. When you mix fibers, you create more complexity. There’s also much to be done in terms of education.

I am very encouraged to live in Austria. Today, I see that 100% of the paper we use to package sweets is recycled. I have no issues with having more because it will return to circular usage. So they are doing a lot of running. What Europe is considering, where retail companies would be responsible for collection, could change many things. So let’s see.

IFJ: There are many problems with fashion textile waste. What are your thoughts?

Aggarwal: Some of our partners are requesting data from us for site level, fiber level, and carbon footprint data. They are engaging in their drive towards doing business; therefore, the collaborative approach is the only way to achieve it. The first trigger will always be what I call a ‘spearhead.’ There will be a few companies that will ensure there is a way that the business model can absorb it to attain more sustainable outcomes. If that happens and people see the company as successful, it brings everyone else into the fold.

Aggarwal: We’re committed to repurposing fibers. We have a technology called Refibra™ which enables us to process post-consumer and pre-consumer cotton waste, like fabric scraps from garment production, into pulp and blend it with virgin wood pulp from sustainably managed forests. We face a significant burden because of the lack of availability of source material. It starts with collection and sorting. If the collection is mishandled, we can't scale recycled fiber solutions. All of these things in the ecosystem must come together.

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IFJ: ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance, is part of your company story. You share that ‘industry collaboration with binding commitments and concrete actions must be achieved to make a difference industry-wide.’ Were you talking about ESG here?

IFJ: The nonwoven industry is a serious waste and microplastic pollution offender. The hindering factors are the cost of production and materials and the cost

Aggarwal: When you have spent years building a brand, and your consumers are used to your products, you’ve provided some value proposition that the consumer has now accepted. Disruption of this creates elements of risk. These are not small brands. These are multi-billiondollar brands with an aversion to risk change. It is a massive strategic problem with many unknowns. Are there other materials that can deliver the same performance in terms of innovation? Can those materials be supplied at similar costs to maintain price points? If not, will the consumer accept the materials and price differences? The answers to all that now are yes, but they require strong collaboration. My message in the last few years is that knowledge sits with us as fiber producers. There's knowledge sitting with the converters. There's knowledge sitting with the brands and the retailers on consumer behavior and purchasing decisions. And all that needs to be brought to the table in one place to get that knowledge into fast-tracking distribution. So, industry collaboration, working through partnerships, sharing knowledge, and not holding knowledge back will allow the transformation to come faster. Otherwise, this could be a very long process. It’s possible to fast-track. People are talking more and more the same language. At this show, 15 of the most prominent names came together to discuss how we can collaborate and make the change. I haven’t seen that before, so there is a degree of self-motivation or pressure, or, in the case of looming regulations, there’s a drive motivating people to have this more intense conversation. I wish to see more fast-tracking on some of this change, but again, I’m hopeful. IFJ: It was wonderful talking to you, and I look forward to seeing what Lenzing does in the future. Aggarwal: Thank you very much.

HEMP & FLAX

Au Naturale En Masse Natural Fiber Composites Move Towards Mainstream Adoption By Adrian Wilson, International Correspondent, IFJ

he technical end-use applications for long fiber flax continue to expand, especially as reinforcements for composites. France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are responsible for threequarters of the world's annual production of 140,000 tons. At JEC World 2025 in Paris from March 4-6, the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp hosted the Natural Fibre Village, showcasing its latest technical developments and the products of a number of its member companies. The companies were Bcomp (Switzerland), Demgy (France), Depestele (France), EcoTechnilin (France), Emanuel Lang Composites (France), Flipts en Dobbels (Belgium), Libeco (Belgium), Linificio e Canapifi-

cio Nazionale (Italy), Norafin (Germany), Safilin (France) and Terre de Lin (France). “We are working together with our members towards a common goal – making flax and hemp the preferred sustainable fibers worldwide,” said Julie Pariset, Innovation and CSR Director at the Alliance. “Our verified scientific, economic and sustainability data combines to form support tools that empower industry decision making. Europe represents the lion’s share of global flax production, and we continue to expand our coverage in

terms of both hectares and production volume, integrating data accessibility, sustainable transformation and impact calculation tools that will meet evolving market and regulatory demands.”

Customized Cabins Materials on display throughout the Natural Fibre Village included new services and products developed specifically for key automotive, architectural and industrial

Pictured is Valentin Depestele, director of Depestele and president of the Technical Uses Section of the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, with Jan Paul Schirmer, director of Greenboats, Greenlander, and Circular Structures. A.Wilson

The new Cité Scolaire Internationale Jacques Chirac building in Marseille. Lisa Ricciotti

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design applications such as 2D woven flax reinforcements, rovings, flax-based thermoplastic tapes and flax reinforcements combining natural fibers and automotive industry waste. In addition, JEC World 2025 highlighted nonwoven reinforcements and bio-sourced flax fillers for automotive OEM structural parts. Customized cabin designs are a key part of automotive OEMs push to increase their market share, and Bcomp has been very active in this field recently, with a number of series production seats and interior trim packages introduced in the past year. Already in industrial-scale applications in Polestar and Volvo vehicles, at JEC World 2025, Bcomp showcased ampliTexPP fabrics, which are being employed in the Cupra Born VZ performance electric vehicles (Evs) as the first fully natural fiber bucket seats seen in the Cupra range. The seatbacks replace an earlier design that used carbon and glass fibers and reduce CO2 emissions by 49%. Bcomp’s patented range of flax-based reinforcement fabrics – powerRibs and ampliTex – can be used by OEMs as substitutes for standard materials like carbon, glass or plastic. In many applications they offer superior lightweighting and stiffness.

Advantages The Bcomp materials also offer distinct advantages including high vibration damping and enhanced safety because they will not shatter on impact. By adopting these sustainable solutions and achieving dematerialization through reduced material usage, it’s possible to decrease CO2 emissions across the entire lifecycle of products significantly. Bcomp has further developed in-house software that can show customer designers textures, patterns and colors and provide a realistic visualization of how the trim sections will appear, reducing development time while ensuring technical feasibility. This software is backed up by full color options and a range of standard and custom weave patterns that drop into existing production equipment and back-injection molding processes.

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Greenlander sold out the initial launch run of its flax composite-intensive Sherpa 4x4 and is now scaling production to cope with market demand. A.Wilson

Concept EV2 Subsequently, at Milan Design Week 2025 in April, Kia unveiled its new Concept EV2 demonstrating the potential for the largescale adoption of natural fiber-based composites in affordable EVs. Bcomp has worked closely with Kia’s European designers to develop a custom dark blue color, enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal with a vibrant colorway. The Kia team used ampliTex specifically in the back seat shell and front seat substructures of the Concept EV2. The model is scheduled to be launched in 2026 and represents Kia’s aim of redefining expectations for compact EVs via a winning blend of affordability, practicality, and innovative design features with a spacious, multi-configurable interior. “Our collaboration with Kia on the Concept EV2 is another step towards the mainstream adoption of natural fiber composites in automotive interiors,” says Nicolas Samson, sales manager at Bcomp. “Kia’s forward-thinking approach to mobility aligns perfectly with our mission to push the boundaries of sustainable interior solutions, and together, we’re proving that sustainable, circular materials can enhance both vehicle aesthetics and functionality at scale.”

Sherpa 4X4 Greenlander has meanwhile sold out the initial launch run of its Sherpa 4x4 expedition vehicle, which was one of the biggest and most attention-grabbing exhibits at

JEC World 2024. It is now scaling production to cope with market demand. The Sherpa was developed by partners Greenlander and Greenboats, both based in Bremen, along with investor and flax material specialist Depestele. Its construction is based on flax fibers and bio-based resins combined with sustainable core materials such as cork, wood and recycled PET foam to create durable and lightweight components. In addition to low impact materials, Greenlander also provides a unique business model, offering the composite items as a service and taking them back at the end of their life to be repurposed or recycled. Depestele’s acquisition of a minority share in Greenboats is another significant development in the forward motion of natural fiber composites. Managing 13,000 hectares of flax land in Normandy, family-owned Depestele has been a key player in the flax industry. It sources from more than 750 farmers across several regions and operates three scutching plants focused on the initial processing of flax fibers and combing and manufacturing units. “Our clients believe in our technology but have demanded a more reliable and scalable supply chain which is being established by our partnership with Depestele,” said Jan Paul Schirmer, director of Greenboats. “Further close partnerships are essential to ensure continued progress.” With its background as a supplier to the Marine industry, Greenboats is also

Microlino EcoTechnilin has also remarked on its progress in increasing the share of natural fiber composites in vehicles. In 2008, the Opel Insignia was one of the first vehicles containing EcoTechnilin’s nonwoven-based materials, with 2kg of its flax-based components per vehicle. By 2016, 6kg of natural fiber material was being included in the E-class Mercedes, primarily in door panels. Most recently, EcoTechnilin has provided more than 9kg of its materials for the interior of the Microlino electric vehicle developed by Swiss brand Micro. The two-person Microlino has been designed for ultimate convenience and practicality, taking up just a third of the space of a conventional car to enable it to be parked crosswise virtually anywhere. At the same time, it has a spacious trunk with plenty of room for luggage. It can also be charged just like a smartphone at a conventional socket in four hours, with a range of over 140 miles.

The Kia design team used ampliTex flax composites in the Concept EV2's back seat shell and front seat substructures.

A.Wilson

behind the Circular Structures B2B business for the off-the-shelf supply of natural fiber composite profiles made from flax rovings and plant-based resins. The combination of natural flax fibers and greener resins provides an optimized balance of lightness, stability and sustainability. In many cases, these composites are not just an ecological alternative to conventional materials but also offer similar or even better mechanical properties than competing products.

The new Kia Concept EV2 demonstrates the potential for the large-scale adoption of natural fiber-based composites in affordable electric vehicles. Kia

Customized cabin designs are a key part of automotive OEMs' push to increase their market share, and Bcomp has been very active in this field recently, with a number of series production seats and interior trim packages introduced in the past year.

The two-person Microlino has a spacious trunk and can be charged like a smartphone in just four hours.

10,000 Companies

Construction Flax is also contributing to some notable new architectural projects as the construction industry looks to embrace natural raw materials that can help off-set some of the negative contributions from its traditional material base. In France, for example, 880 cladding panels form the shading system for the new Cité Scolaire International Jacques Chirac business school in Marseille. These have been made from more than 8,000 square meters of Bcomp’s ampliTex flax, combined with a UV-resistant gel coat, fire-rated polyester resin, and glass fiber reinforcements. These panels are much lighter than alternative materials, enabling them to be quickly and easily installed on site with substantially less mounting hardware than is traditionally required. The ITECH Research Pavilion at the University of Stuttgart in Germany is meanwhile based on composite support beams reinforced with flax rovings supplied by Terre de Lin and Demgy’s Flaxcomp perforated flax composite sandwich base panels have been adopted for trials in green roofing modules.

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp is the only agro-industrial organization that unites the European flaxlinen and hemp value chains, uniting over 10,000 specialist companies across 16 countries – from growers to weaving mills. “The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp continues to drive the bioeconomy forward, reinforcing the role of flax and hemp as essential materials in the evolution of sustainable composites,” said Valentin Depestele, president of the alliance’s Technical Uses Section. “Our industry has reached new heights in competitiveness, performance and environmental responsibility thanks to the verified Masters of Flax Fibre standard, scientific validation and new tools that support our members. The technical flax and hemp sector now offers manufacturers unparalleled traceability and efficiency, meeting the demands of industrial markets while shaping a cleaner, high-performance future for composites.” Adrian Wilson is an international correspondent for International Fiber Journal. He is a leading journalist covering fiber, filtration, nonwovens and technical textiles. He can be reached at adawilson@gmail.com. ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 19

TRENDS

Why Cellulosic Fibers?

Cellulose-based textile fibers. Wikimedia Commons

Environmental Concerns Could Stall Growth, but For Now the Future are and Future By Jason Chen, China Correspondent, IFJ

etroleum-based fibers have led the race with renewable fibers in the last few years. In 2024, they dominated the fiber market with a share of more than 67%, sharply rising from 62% in 2018. The main reason for this rally is that their main competitor, natural fibers, stagnated with an annual output fluctuating around 330 million metric tons in this period, unable to satisfy the growing fiber demand – natural fibers’ market share dropped from 31% to 26%, and their loss is just what their competitor got. At the same time, cellulosic fibers, another renewable fiber category, could barely catch up with the fiber growth. With a compound annual growth of more than 5% yearly, they kept a stable market share above 6% in the past six years. As bio-based synthetic fibers are still in their infancy, with a market share of less than 0.5%, cellulosic fibers are currently the only significant player in the race to replace petroleum-based fibers with sustainable alternatives.

dustrial production of in 1905, cellulosic fibers had dominated the fiber market for six decades, until being surpassed by synthetic fibers in 1968. Then, after a long decline of nearly three decades, cellulosic fibers revived at the beginning of the 21st century, mainly driven by the demand for hiking in China. With a compound growth rate of more than 6% per year from 2000 through 2010, their output finally overtook the previous historical high in 1973. The success story continued in the following 14 years, partially due to the world’s hunger for green materials – cellulosic fibers are bio-based and biodegradable, which answer well to the world’s calls for sustainability and reduced carbon footprint. With a compound annual growth rate of more than

Why Cellulosic Fibers? Cellulose fibers are made from natural cellulose, which is part of all major plants and, consequently, the most widely available organic polymer on earth, with up to one trillion tons produced annually. The abundant and easily obtainable raw materials support the mass production of cellulosic fibers. Since their first in-

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Cell structure Hydrilla, view of the leaf surface showing plant cells under the microscope. iStockphoto/Sinhyu

5%, the global output of cellulosic fibers reached a new high of 8.3 million metric tons in 2024. This trend will likely continue in the following decade, as the industry is now working on new solutions to clear the hurdles that could hurt the future of cellulosic fibers.

Viscose Fibers: Environmental Hurdles Many hurdles could slow down or inhibit the growth of cellulosic fibers in the future. One significant obstacle is their environmental problems. Although cellulosic fibers are made from natural resources such as wood pulp and cotton pulp, their production is not necessarily “green” because the whole process may involve large water and energy consumption, the use of toxic chemicals, and wastewater and exhaust emissions. This is especially true in the production of viscose fibers, the first-generation cellulosic fibers. Today, more than 78% of the cellulosic fibers produced worldwide are still viscose fibers because they provide consumers with desirable performance at a relatively low cost. But it’s also wellknown that they could pollute a lot, which is the main factor that inhibits their growth worldwide and also results in rising regulatory pressure. For example, in May 2024, the Chinese government published a new regulation for viscose fiber production, setting stricter rules on the facility scales, sodium sulfate

recovery, water and energy consumption, recycling and treatment for wastewater and exhaust emissions, etc. As China produces more than two third of the world’s viscose fibers, this regulation holds the reins tighter against the pollution, and forces the industry to go for greener production. A significant step to solving viscose fibers’ environmental problems happened in 2017 when the Austria-headquartered Lenzing launched its EcoVero™, a viscose fiber that uses 50% less water and emits 50% less CO2 compared to generic viscose fibers. Similar efforts continue in other places in the world. This progress reduces the public discontent against viscose fiber facilities, thus helping viscose fibers continue their growth. Current research and development (R&D) for viscose fibers mainly focus on the further reduction of water and energy consumption, as well as the treatment of wastewater and exhaust emissions. For example, some producers have developed biological methods to remove carbon disulfide (CS2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from exhaust emissions. One of these producers is the China-based Hiest, whose method includes patented technology for growing microorganisms that naturally form a biomembrane system, capable of degrading more than 95% of H2S in the exhaust emissions from viscose fiber production.

Current research and development (R&D) for viscose fibers mainly focus on the further reduction of water and energy consumption, as well as the treatment of wastewater and exhaust emissions. Current R&D for lyocell fibers mainly focus on reducing the water and energy consumption in manufacturing process, which will make them even more environmentally favored. They actually gain more momentum – by late 2024, the lyocell fiber projects under construction totaled at around one million metric tons, which means that the manufacturers are very optimistic about the strong growth of production and consumption for the next few years.

Recycled Raw Materials: Green and Functional Manufacturers are also working on increasing cellulosic fibers’ environmental advantages by integrating recycled materials, such as waste plastics and textiles, into raw materials. Examples include

Lyocell: Booming Capacity Another method for removing environmental hurdles is to expand the capacity of lyocell fibers. As the third-generation cellulosic fibers, lyocell is made through a closedloop process, resulting in almost zero waste. With these environmental advantages, lyocell fibers grew much faster than viscose fibers in the past decade. In 2024, more than 600 thousand metric tons of lyocell fibers were produced, up more than 20% from the previous year, compared to the 5% growth from viscose fibers in the same period.

As compared with generic viscose, the production of Lenzing™ EcoVero™ has a substantially smaller environmental footprint. EcoVero™ is used in fashion are sourced from controlled or certified origins, meeting FSC® or PEFC standards. Lenzing

Lenzing’s EcoVera™ with Refubra viscose fibers, which use up to 20% of recycled raw material content from post-consumer textile waste, and the China-based Sateri’s Finex, short for “Fiber Next,” is a cellulosic fiber made from a mix of recycled pre- and post-consumer textile waste, as well as wood pulp from renewable plantations. Recycled materials can even go further for making cellulosic fibers with additional functions. For example, a research team from Donoghue University, led by Pro. Mao Zhiping, has developed a high-strength and electrically conductive cellulosic fiber from waste cotton with polypyrrole (PPy), which has a potential being used for making temperature sensors or electrically heating textiles.

Breaking the Limits Although they have environmental and many other advantages, cellulosic fibers also have some disadvantages that limit their applications to a bigger stage to compete with their petroleum-based counterparts. Examples include fibrillation, damage, flammability, and mildew. Solving these problems will help cellulosic fibers go beyond their limits and continue to tell the world a success story. One of the main disadvantages of lyocell textiles is that they tend to fibrillate in the wet state, limiting their use in many applications. In addition to using the fibrillation feature to create fabric with special effects, researchers are working on reducing the fibrillation in various ways and in various steps of the manufacturing process. For example, the China-based Transfar, a chemistry company, has developed a method that reduces fibrillation by deeply linking cellulose molecular ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 21

EcoVero™ fibers are available in black. They are produced in a special spin-dyeing process in which black color pigments are directly incorporated in the fibers to eliminate need for additional downstream dying steps. Lenzing

chains in the printing and dyeing. This invention solves the fibrillation problem without increasing the cost or complexity of the manufacturing process. Another disadvantage is that cellulosic fibers are usually very flammable, with a low limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 17-19%. LOI is used to measure the flammability of materials, and if it is below 21%, the material can burn easily in normal atmospheric conditions. Currently, there are three main methods for producing f lameretardant cellulosic fibers: blending modification, graft copolymer, and finishing. The bending modification method mixes f lame retardants with cellulosic solution, producing fibers through a wet spinning process. One of the current focuses for bending modification is to use bio-based flame retardants, which help the fibers maintain their advantages in sustainability while achieving the flameretardant goal. By far researchers have developed various types of bio-based flame retardants from starch, protein, lignin, chitosan, cyclodextrin, and other natural sources, which can raise the cellulosic fibers’ LOI to more than 35%, showing a great potential for further industrial production. Another disadvantage is that cellulosic fibers easily mildew, resulting in damage and color change on textiles. Therefore, researchers are developing antibacterial agents to help cellulosic fibers prevent the spread of mildew while providing additional health benefits to the textiles. One of the current focuses of R&D is bio-based antibacterial agents such as

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chitosan, sorbic acid, and hinokitiol. These natural antibacterial agents are safe and non-toxic with excellent biocompatibility, which makes the antibacterial cellulosic fibers made from these natural agents suitable for food, cosmetic, and medical applications.

The cycle of China-based Sateri’s Finex, a cellulosic fiber made from a mix of recycled pre- and post-consumer textile waste, as well as wood pulp from renewable plantations. Sateri (Nantong) Fibre Co., Ltd.

Another disadvantage is that cellulosic fibers are often easily damaged in the manufacturing process, for example, in the process of making nonwoven. The damage could cause surface problems and reduce the strength of nonwoven products. Specifically, tailored production equipment and machines are often required to facilitate the use of cellulosic fibers in these applications.

In 2023, Sateri commenced production of Lyocell fiber, adding another 100,000 tonnes to Sateri’s annual production capacity, bringing its total current capacity to 250,000 tonnes. Sateri Nantong is Sateri’s second lyocell mill in Jiangsu province, and is part of the Group’s plan to grow its annual Lyocell capacity up to 500,000 tons by 2025. Sateri (Nantong) Fibre Co., Ltd.

The Future Outlook Looking ahead, the future of cellulosic fibers will be shaped by how effectively the industry addresses its environmental and technical challenges. While cellulosic fibers have regained momentum thanks to their renewable origins and biodegradability, ongoing concerns about water and energy use, chemical pollution, and product limitations remain significant hurdles. Innovations such as closed-loop lyocell production, integration of recycled materials, and the development of bio-based additives for flame retardancy and antibacterial properties are already paving the way for a greener and more versatile fiber market. If these advances continue and scale, cellulosic fibers are well-positioned to play a leading role in the transition toward more sustainable textiles, offering a viable alternative to petroleum-based fibers while meeting the growing global demand for eco-friendly materials. Jason Chen is an international correspondent for International Fiber Journal. He is a leading journalist covering the fiber industry in Asia and a senior analyst who has published more than 50 books and reports for polymers, composites, and other advanced materials and technologies. He can be reached at jasonchen200501@hotmail.com.

CELLULOSE

Fossil-free Fibers Have a Long Way To Go Biosynthetics was Introduced as a New Topic for the Cologne Cellulose Fibers Conference, which Examined Bio-Based Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Resources By Geoff Fisher, European Editor, IFJ

nna Palmberg of IKEA said the Sweden-headquartered home furnishing products supplier is definitely interested in using more renewable and recyclable materials, including cellulose fibers, instead of fossil-based materials in the future. “However, affordability and sustainability have to go together,” she reminded delegates. Biosynthetics was introduced as a new topic for the Cologne conference. These bio-based polymer fibers, including CO2based polymer fibers, currently account

for less than 0.5% of total global fiber production, which is set to rise to 2% by 2029, according to the Nova-Institute. With the textile industry’s carbon footprint continuing to rise and concerns over climate change, marine microplastics, and low recycling rates, an increase in the use of renewable fibers would represent a major step in reducing dependence on fossil carbon, particularly crude oil. However, global cotton fiber production is stagnating due to issues over land utilization, irrigation, and pesticide use.

At the same time, the production of bast fibers, such as jute, hemp, ramie, and kenaf, will require major technological improvements, as these fibers are more difficult to process than cotton and, therefore, more expensive. With an ambition to replace most fossilbased synthetic fibers by 2050, man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCFs), such as viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate, and cupro, represent a promising long-term alternative for using renewable carbon from above-ground sources such as biomass carbon dioxide (CO2) and recycling.

Sweden-headquartered home furnishing products supplier IKEA has an interest in using more renewable and recyclable materials, including cellulose fibers.

IKEA

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A highly compatible blending partner, Lenzing™ Lyocell Fill fibers now include a finer variant and a broader range of cut lengths, diversifying innovative filled product designs while enhancing thermal comfort. Besides thermal comfort and moisture control, Lenzing™ Lyocell Fill fibers are produced with comparably less greenhouse gas emissions and offer an alternative to fossil-based materials, benefiting the planet, consumers and the value chain. Lenzing

To discuss these and other issues, the sixth Cellulose Fibres Conference held in March in the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, billed as the world’s only congress dedicated exclusively to MMCFs, attracted around 200 participants from 22 countries and 37 speakers from 13 countries.

Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 Innovation Award winners. Nova-Institute Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 Innovation Award winners (left to right): Michael Carus (Nova-Institute), Jens Hofer (SA-Dynamics), Valentyn Frechka (Releaf Fiber), Asta Partanen (Nova-Institute) and Philipp Mair-Zelenka (GIG Karasek). Nova-Institute

Bright Future for Lyocell

Wide Range of Properties and Applications The production of MMCFs has grown steadily in recent decades to a record 8 million tonnes in 2023 and is expected to rise further to 11 million tonnes in 2030. These fibers are bio-based and biodegradable and have a wide range of properties and applications, such as textiles, hygiene products and packaging. The raw materials for MMCFs include virgin wood and all types of cellulosic waste streams from forestry and agriculture and including cotton processing waste, textile waste and paper waste.

Cellulose – The New Unified Standard Dieter Eichinger of Belgium-based CIRFS, the European Man-Made Fibres Association, proposed “cellulose” as a unifying generic name for MMCFs to simplify the current fragmented landscape, as consumers do not readily identify this term with cotton. He explained that MMCFs, the oldest category of man-made fibers, are the only fibers that are generically defined by their processes, such as viscose, cupro

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and lyocell, or by their properties, such as modal. By contrast, all other synthetic generic fibers are defined by their polymer, such as polyester and polyamide. “By adopting the term ‘cellulose,’ producers can introduce new, eco-friendly fiber technologies without restrictive classifications,” said Eichinger. Andreas Engelhardt of The Fiber Year, Switzerland, pointed out that regenerated cellulosic fibers again showed the fastest growth rate in 2024, with doubledigit year-on-year gains for both modal and lyocell fibers, in particular. He reported substantial investment in new cellulosic fiber production plants, with around 200,000 tonnes of additional capacity annually. Anna Palmberg of IKEA said the Sweden-headquartered home furnishing products supplier is definitely interested in using more renewable and recyclable materials, including cellulose fibers, in the future instead of fossil-based materials. “However, affordability and sustainability have to go together,” she reminded delegates.

Discussing the lyocell market, Simone Seisl of Simone Seisl Consulting, Germany, noted that lyocell fibers represented 8% of the MMCF market in 2023, compared with 77% for viscose. Lyocell’s potential as a mainstream fiber has emerged after years of dominance by Austria-based Lenzing, which previously held the position as the sole global supplier with its production process protected by worldwide patents, said Seisl. As these patents have gradually expired, other companies, such as India’s Birla and Chinese players, have entered the market, boosting competition and availability. Investment in the sector has surged, with global lyocell fiber production growing from 200,000 tonnes in 2018 to an estimated 600,000 tonnes last year, with the market driven by rising consumer awareness and demand for sustainable clothing that maintains high performance standards. China alone has announced 800,00 tonnes of new lyocell capacity by 2028, with an additional 1 million tonnes under consideration. The Royal Golden Eagle group, through its affiliate Sateri, is driving the investment.

Dieter Eichinger of Belgium-based CIRFS, the European Man-Made Fibres Association, proposed “cellulose” as a unifying generic name for MMCFs to simplify the current fragmented landscape, as consumers do not readily identify this term with cotton.

lar type of fiber. It also offers the possibility of modifying the properties of the cellulose in the final product, tailoring it to customers’ needs. “This flexibility allows cellulose fibers to be reintroduced with the highest possible added value, either as new textile fibers or for other applications,” said Sanchis. “Further, the synthetic fibers present in the raw material are obtained in a controlled and purified way, making it possible to establish synergies with collectors of these materials.”

Biosynthetic Alternatives

The sixth Cellulose Fibres Conference held in March in Cologne, Germany, attracted around 200 participants from 22 countries. Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 panel discussion. Nova-Institute

These investments in new capacity could double the size of the global lyocell market by 2028 and help address many of the current growth bottlenecks. Meanwhile, increased investment in spinning and dyeing facilities will result in a broader range of lyocell yarns becoming available in the market and a more consistent inventory. Lyocell is, therefore, likely to gain wider market acceptance, particularly in blends with other fibers. With production costs declining, lyocell is forecast to become more competitive with both cotton and viscose, said Seisl.

Fiber-to-Fiber Recycling Finnish company Valmet, a supplier of process technologies, automation systems, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries, has chosen textiles as its new business area of focus. Based in Finland, the company aims to develop and commercialize fiber-to-fiber textile recycling processes and related process equipment, as well as processes and equipment to replace the traditional viscose process. Valmet has provided equipment for Circulose in Sweden to process pre- and

post-consumer polyester/cotton textile waste to be used in viscose and lyocell production, and also drying and heat recovery technology for Spinnova and Suzano in Finland to refine paper-grade pulp as micro-fibrillated cellulose to produce the novel Spinnova cellulosic fiber. The company is also active in several textile-related research and development projects, said R&D manager Shirin Asaadi.

Multi-Component Textile Waste Recycling Meanwhile, ShareTex and ENCE have started a collaborative project for the chemical recycling of multi-component textile waste material as part of efforts to reduce waste generation and increase recycling rates. The project aims to construct, start up and operate a pilot plant in Galicia, Spain, for the chemical recycling of textile waste and to scale up a novel process, explained Miguel Sanchis Sebastiá, chief executive officer of ShareTex, based in Sweden. The process allows the extraction of cellulose from different types of textile waste, either mono- or multi-component, so it does not depend on a particu-

Emerging as promising alternatives to traditional synthetic fibers, biosynthetic fibers were introduced as a new topic for the Cologne conference. These bio-based polymer fibers, including CO 2 -based polymer fibers, currently account for less than 0.5% of total global fiber production, which is set to rise to 2% by 2029, according to the Nova-Institute, which organized the two-day event in Cologne. The research and consultancy institute’s latest annual report on bio-based polymers indicates that installed capacities of biodegradable bio-based polymers will exhibit a compound annual growth rate of around 17% to 2029, even though current average capacity utilization is still at a moderate 65%. There are numerous options for biosynthetics, including polyester fibers (such as polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers), polyolefin fibers (bio-based or CO2-based polyethylene and polypropylene) and biobased polyamide fibers from castor oil. PTT, for example, is well established in the US carpet market and PLA is used in the hygiene market, according to NovaInstitute. And while all biosynthetic fibers are bio-based, only a few, such as PLA and PHA, are biodegradable under specific environmental conditions, explained Constance Issbrücker, head of the environmental department of Gesamtverband der deutschen Textil- und Modeindustrie (Confederation of the German Textile and Clothing Industry), Germany. ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 25

The production of MMCFs has grown steadily in recent decades to a record 8 million tonnes in 2023 and is expected to rise further to 11 million tonnes in 2030. Biosynthetics also include several carbon capture innovations emerging within the fashion, apparel, and textile industries. In principle, many fibers can also be made from CO2 but the technology and production capacity will need major development and investment and could take decades to become mainstream. Luna Aslan, co-founder and project manager of Noosa, Belgium, demonstrated the application of PLA textile fibers using the patented Noocycle chemical recycling process. Noosa PLA fibers, which are said to be “endlessly recyclable,” are available as staple fibers, spun yarn and filament yarn with applications including uniforms, wipes and tissues, curtains and bedding, teabags, T-shirts, socks, military fabric and pillow filling.

Innovation Award Winners A highlight of the conference was the announcement of the Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025 award winners with three projects recognized for their progress. In first place was SA-Dynamics, Germany, which has developed insulation materials made from 100% biodegradable cellulose aerogel fibers. These materials combine the flexibility of traditional fabrics with the superior thermal insulation properties of aerogels, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and animal-derived insulation materials in textiles and construction. In second place was Releaf Paper France, which transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibers, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood pulp. Then company’s proprietary low-temperature extraction process yields high-quality fibers

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Shares of the produced bio-based polymers in different market segments, 2024. Nova-Institute

Recycled viscose spun from post-consumer waste (left) and pre-consumer fabric (right). ShareTex

ideal for packaging materials, aligning with circular economy principles by repurposing urban leaf waste. In third place was Uluu, Australia, with seaweed-derived biosynthetic materials. The company aims to replace plastics in textiles with natural PHA polymers derived from farmed seaweed. In partnership with Deakin University, Uluu is developing textile fibers that perform like polyester fibers but are biodegradable in various environments, eliminating persistent microplastic pollution in fashion. In addition to the conference program, the event provided ample networking opportunities. A new matchmaking tool resulted in more than 50 meetings scheduled during the conference, encouraging collaboration and innovation among delegates.

Price is the Key Determinant Despite the positivity generated by the Cologne event, several speakers noted that sustainable alternatives to synthetic

fibers are currently too expensive. If the textile industry considers using more non-food feedstocks, cost will inevitably drive production. At the same time, the cellulosic fibers industry needs to increase awareness at the consumer level and make these fibers cheaper than non-sustainable fibers: price remains the key determinant. Fossil-free textiles have a long way to go. According to Nova-Institute managing director Michael Carus and senior expert Dr. Asta Partanen, “The sustainable textile industry of the future will be built on a foundation of cotton fibers and fastgrowing cellulosic fibers, with the latter strongly supported by bio- and CO 2 based synthetic fibers and high recycling rates for all types of fibers. This combination can eventually replace most fossilbased synthetic fibers by 2050.” The next Cellulose Fibres Conference will again take place in Cologne, Germany, on March 4-5, 2026.

Geoff Fisher is the European editor of International Fiber Journal and editorial director of UK-based Textile Media Services, a B2B publisher of news and market reports on transport textiles, medical textiles, smart materials and emerging markets. He has more than 35 years of experience covering fibers and technical textiles and can be contacted at gfisher@textilemedia.com.

ELECTRONICS

E-Textiles

Accelerated Printed Electronics and Flexible Hybrid Electronics Innovation on Display at LOPEC By Marie O'Mahony, Smart & Advanced Textiles Correspondent, IFJ

he annual LOPEC conference and trade show has become a mainstay in the Printed Electronics and Flexible Hybrid Electronics industry calendar. Held in Munich in late February, it attracts global stakeholders over three days of workshops, conferences, and trade shows. This year, it ran February 25-27th and attracted around 170 exhibitors from 29 countries, with about 2,400 visitors. “More and more industries recognize the potential of this technology to make existing products more sustainable and to create entirely new ones,” observes Exhibition Director Armin Wittmann, with exhibits and prototypes on display ranging from a special vest with printed coils to facilitate MRI scans for children, to smart OLED rear lights from Audi with integrated warning options, his enthusiasm is warranted. The role of textiles has been increasing steadily in markets such as wearables, where they offer an alternative and, most recently, an addition to more established E-textiles processes such as knit and em-

broidery that rely on yarns and threads. Key market sectors for printed E-textiles have expanded to include transport and displays. This review focuses on two topics. The first is design, which looks at wearables

An insole incorporating Platilon TPU film from Covestro and printed electronics responsive to pressure, with two layers of polyurethane film and sensing ink that respond to pressure and printed conductive circuits on the back of the insole to measure differences in force for gait and orthopedic applications.

Giovanni Nisato moderated the Design and Printed Electronics Panel at LOPEC2025 with panelists including Marina Toeters, By-wire.net, Pate Valianatos, E Ink Corp, Jurgen Westerhoff, SPGPrints and Marie O’Mahony, WSA University of Southampton. Messe Munich Wolfgang Mildner, General Chair, LOPEC expects the global Printed Electronics (PE) wearables market to reach a global value of $5 billion by 2032. Messe Munich

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and the importance of comfort, performance, aesthetics, and novelty. For the first time, this year marked the launch of the Design@LOPEC workshop, where participants from design, academia, and industry brought a rich mix of creativity and technical know-how on how designers might work with printed electronics and, conversely, the role of design in the industry. The second topic is advances in manufacturing to scale, a persistent question across all E-textiles and one on which important progress is being made, with the potential for new and expanded markets to open.

Design@LOPEC exhibit showcasing some of the outcomes from the 1 day workshop that invited designers to work with Printed Electronics.

The global Printed Electronics (PE) wearables market is one that Wolfgang Mildner, General Chair, LOPEC expects to reach a global value of $5 billion by 2032. In the short term, Mildner anticipates that we will see more flexible displays and hybrid integration of electronics and sensors in textiles. Medium-term (2026-2028), we should look out for more smart personal protective equipment, energy harvesting, and flexible Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) or Quantum Dot LightEmitting Diodes (QD-LEDs) integrated into textile clothing. That is a lot of technology, and it needs to be invisible to the wearer or, at the very least, be comfortable. Printed electronics offer several advantages over rigid materials for wearable devices, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) patches, which are flexible and skin-friendly properties needed for user comfort. Covestro has partnered with Really Flex Electronics and Beneware Medical Equipment to develop advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films with good printing properties to ensure signal accuracy on soft, biocompatible materials. Platilon TPU films with polypropylene (PP) provide temporary rigidity to the film during the printing process. The finished ECG patch is durable and stretchable, allowing the wearer to move about without compromising the accuracy of a wearable device. This is particularly important as wearables are increasingly being used for longer periods, which can

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Images from Messe Munich

Design

Design@LOPEC workshop participants, sponsors and organizers at the end of a very busy day.

Sampling and testing during the Design@LOPEC workshop. Messe Munich

leave the skin vulnerable to chafing and other discomforts. The TPU films are flexible, skin-friendly, and breathable, making the ECG patch and sensors comfortable to wear. Ethan Yin, Director of Hangzhou Beneware Medical Equipment Co Ltd is enthusiastic about the benefits of the partnership. “Our partnership with Covestro was key to the global success of Medical Printed Electronics, not only to film solutions but also by expanding business po-

tential to other countries.” Flexibility and stretch make the films ideal for printed circuits and senses, with excellent printability in high resolution with conductive inks. The biocompatible materials are breathable and ideal for skin contact medical applications, with good durability and resistance to oils, grease, and chemicals, ensuring longevity. LOPEC gave a strong platform to design this year, with a panel discussion moderated by Giovanni Nisato on Design and Printed Electronics and a Design@ LOPEC workshop organized by Marina Toeters and myself. Design@LOPEC was held for the first time this year and brought together designers, engineers, and industry experts to explore the intersection of printed electronics, flexible hybrid systems, and material innovation. The event sponsors, Covestro and SPGPrints, shared their insights into screen printing innovations, conductive textiles, and scaleable electronic materials with a multidisciplinary group of eleven

Marie O’Mahony

Large-area LED tiled lighting from Tracxon.

E-ink has been used across various surfaces to create dynamic color change, such as the BMW car, and shows on top the E-ink material woven with leather for the Delvaux luxury bags. Messe Munich E-ink X Delvaux collaborating to bring together flexible electronics and traditional crafts for the luxury marketplace. Marie O’Mahony

participants from industry, academia, and design studios. Group exercises in trend analysis and technology mapping were combined with hands-on experimentation making and testing samples with printed electronics and additional graphene coated conductive fabric from Grafren. The participants went on to develop their individual or team concepts into real-world applications, presenting prototypes such as self-heating gloves, sensory-driven communication textiles, energy-harvesting wearables, and menstrual pain relief garments. The workshop concluded with interviews, networking, a trade show tour, and an exhibit opportunity, setting the stage for further research and industry adoption. Sponsor feedback was very positive with Daan de Kubber. SPGPrints was

impressed at how many ideas and prototypes could be developed over a short space of time, while Klas-Moritz Kossel from Covestro was interested to see how the company’s materials could be used to enable a more seamless integration of electronics while maintaining the fabric's flexibility and durability. The E-ink Corporation has pioneered the development of electronic ink, from e-readers to signage and dynamic surfaces for BMW cars. It has finally branched into the luxury fashion market in collaboration with the Belgian luxury leather goods brand Delvaux. The company’s core invention is several types of electrophoretic ink, or e-ink, with around 6,100 global patents filed around this. The ink can be laminated to a plastic film that is then adhered to electronics to create an electronic paper display or ePaper Display. The reflective display does not need blue or backlighting, it works by the movement of electrophoretic particles

under an electric field with no power required to sustain the image giving it a vital energy benefit over traditional display systems. Until now, the company has focused on flat screen or surface displays. The collaboration with Delvaux has moved the display to the haptic arena with a product that combines traditional luxury leatherworking with advanced electronics and dynamic color changes. For both companies, it has pushed the boundaries of innovation. “Commitment and collaboration pushed our two companies well beyond their comfort zones,” Comments Jean-Marc Loubier, CEO, Delvaux. “E-ink has explored how to integrate our films into textiles for several years,” adds Tim O’Malley, Associate Vice President of E-ink’s US Business Unit, who is delighted with the collaboration: “The resulting designs highlight how innovative materials like E-ink Prism can be seamlessly woven into a traditional material, honoring both history and the future.”

Manufacturing to Scale Fraunhofer IZM showcased a number of their innovations in printed and flexible electronics, many directed towards medical applications. In one development for a flexible pressure sensor for soft robotics, a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has been used as the substrate. Photolithographically structured copper is used to create meander-shaped stretchable conductor tracks. Manufacturing to scale is a challenge the whole E-textile industry faces, with printed electronics no exception. SPGPrints has launched Basalt, a highquality entry-level rotary screen printing line designed to offer a cost-effective solution for testing through to mid-length continuous production runs. It can manufacture RFID tags, sensors, antennas, and other electronic components. The intention is to bridge the gap between smaller-scale flatbed printing and highvolume rotary production and be affordable to SMEs and startups – essentially providing an entry-level point for rotary screen printing. It offers advantages over ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 29

Printed electronics offer several advantages over rigid materials for wearable devices, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) patches, which are flexible and skin-friendly properties needed for user comfort. flatbed printing for different markets. For example, continuous production allows for seamless designs with uninterrupted circuits that allow solar panels to create longer and more complex antenna without the need for breaks. There are new possibilities for customization and improved performance for printed batteries, LED strips and antenna. “Rotary screen printing with Basalt can be responsive, with users able to log, track, and control every stage of the process,” says Jurgen Westerhoff, Manager Strategic Marketing, SPGPrints, “This provides potential customers with confidence in quality at production volumes.” The Holst Centre is also addressing manufacturing bottlenecks, specifically in microLED-based display technologies That global market was valued at USD 623.6 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 77.4% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View research. Current state-of-the-art pick and place technology has the ability to process over 60,000 units per hour, however the process struggles to assemble micro components with dimensions smaller than 100µm with Holst predicting that speed of assembly is likely to become an issue in the near future as the number of components per circuit board increases. For example, a current high-end smartphone display that would need around 10 million microLEDs would take a week for a traditional pick and place machine to assemble. Holst are developing an innovative release stack that uses a low cost laser source to enable the fast release of

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InkSpace have developed lightweight and bodyconforming MRI coils using patented printed electronics technology to remove discomfort and reduce the need for costly repeat scans. Messe Munich In this development for a flexible pressure sensor for soft robotics a pressure- sensitive, resistively measurable silicon paste is being used as a sensor material. Marie O’Mahony

micro-LED components with an adaptive pitch and high selectivity scalable and flexible, it allows the transfer of both mini and micro-LEDs. RGB or monochrome LEDs are assembled using a special bonding machine, with printing playing a key role used in creating a conductive path, interconnectors and dielectric insulators. Tracxon is a spin-off from Holst, specializing in the manufacture of HPE using sheet-to-sheet (S2S) and roll-to-roll (R2R) printing and component assembly. The company is developing processes for integrating LED’s in large “endless” R2R printed foils with an ultra-thin form factor and flexibility. Tracxon is part of the open-access Patch Factory for massprinted electronics in Brabant and funded by Stimulus OPZuid and Co-funded by the European Union. The project TNO (represented by the Holst Centre in Eindhoven) finds collaboration with three innovative SMEs – TracXon BV, Salvia BioElectronics BV, and Elitac Wearables BV, and, additionally, the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM). The project aims to help acceler-

ate the manufacture of printed healthrelated electronic devices. Directed at wearables and other devices needed by the healthcare industry, it helps to address the lack of production capacity for high-volume manufacturing in Europe at a quality level that meets the European Medical Device Regulations and CE certification standards.

Dr. Marie O’Mahony is an academic, industry consultant and the author of several books on advanced and smart textiles published by Thames and Hudson. She is Programme Leader for MSc E-textiles and Wearable Technologies (launching 2026) at WSA, University of Southampton and can be contacted at marie.consultant@gmail.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marie-omahony-94776836/.

CCO INTERVIEW

READY WHEN THEY ARE Indorama Demonstrates an Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability and Circular Economy Practices By Arun Rao, Correspondent to India, IFJ

ndorama Ventures Public Company Limited, one of the world’s leading chemicals producers, is committed to sustainability and circular economy practices. This has been acknowledged through International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC+) across various sites, which offer a diverse range of recycled and bio-based products. Indorama Ventures’ subsidiary Avgol recently completed a $100 million investment in a new production line in Mocksville, U.S., which delivers cutting-edge Reicofil bicomponent high-loft spunlaid nonwoven capacity. This market-driven innovation aligns with current industry trends and helps customers respond to the needs of end-consumers in the baby diaper, adult incontinence, and feminine care sectors. Indorama Ventures has 45 fiber manufacturing locations in 18 countries including Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Israel, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, and the U.S. In addition, several countries like China, Germany, India, Indonesia, and the U.S have multiple production sites. IFJ spoke with Vipin Kumar, Chief Commercial Officer of Indorama Ventures Thailand, on their efforts.

International Fiber Journal: Please provide a history of your company. Vipin Kumar: Aloke Lohia started his entrepreneurial journey in Thailand in 1994 as a producer of worsted wool yarns. The company also started a polyethylene

Q+A

textiles, but later expanded the fiber portfolio into other industrial applications like mobility, hygiene, and nonwoven. Then there was a drive towards sustainability in the last 10 years at Indorama Ventures. So that's when we started not only providing sustainable products to customers, but also working to reduce our carbon footprint, water consumption and electricity consumption. IFJ: Please share details about the fiber manufacturing infrastructure?

IN THIS ISSUE:

VIPIN KUMAR

Chief Commercial Officer Fibers, Indorama Ventures, Thailand

Vipin Kumar: Indorama Ventures has 45 fiber manufacturing locations in 18 countries like Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Israel, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Russia, Thailand and USA. Several countries like China, Germany, India, Indonesia, and the U.S have multiple production sites. IFJ: What are the key business areas for textiles within Indorama Ventures?

terephthalate (PET) plant in the same location and, in 2003, made its first overseas acquisition in the U.S. By 2010, we achieved our ambition to become the global leader in PET. We listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. During this journey, Indorama Ventures also acquired plants producing polyester fiber. The first polyester fiber plant was acquired in 1997 in Thailand and then in other countries. Initially we began by producing only polyester staple fiber (PSF) and filaments, mainly for textile applications like apparel and home

Vipin Kumar: We have three business areas. We have three business areas: Nonwoven Fibers and Textiles, Mobility, and Nonwovens. Within Nonwoven Fibers, we deliver fibers for nonwoven applications in hygiene, industrial, filtration, and many other industries. These fibers can be either Mono Polyester, Mono PP or BiComponent. Within the Mobility business area, our core portfolio includes tires and airbags. For instance, high-tenacity yarns and tire cord fabrics are included. ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 31

Images Courtesy of Indorama Ventures

Within airbags, we produce yarns and fabrics, either polyester or nylon. One specialized product is our one-piece woven (OPW) for side airbags, which doesn’t require cutting and sewing of different layers but instead is made as one piece. We also manufacture yarns, which are used in industrial applications like conveyor belts or industrial fabrics like parachute fabrics. These are all high tenacity yarns which can be polyester, polyamide, rayon or Aramid. The third business area named Nonwovens is the Avgol business, headquartered in Israel, which we acquired in 2018. Here, we manufacture spunlaid nonwovens whose raw material is mainly polypropylene (PP). These fabrics mainly find application in the hygiene segment, particularly baby care and feminine care products. These nonwovens are also used in many other applications, including industrial filtration and medical textiles. We also supply laminated nonwoven fabrics, which are primarily used in medical textile applications. IFJ: Please share details of Indorama Ventures’ commitment to recycling. Vipin Kumar: Indorama Ventures has grown to be the largest PET recycler. Within Indorama Ventures’ CPET business segment, a majority of the products that we manufacture from recycled PET go into bottling applications because our customers, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle, etc., require it. We also manufacture fibers and filaments from recycled PET. However, both the beverage and textile markets have their individual sustainability requirements. While there is legislation in place that requires a certain amount of recycled content in PET bottles and packaging, similar legislation does not yet exist for the textile industry. Also, to produce consistent, highquality polyester fiber out of a mechanical recycling process, there is a need to do better cleaning of used PET bottles and larger lots are needed. This means an increase in the cost of recycled polyester fiber. The capability of clothing brands to pay a premium for these recycled fibers is limited. And so, while all top global brands

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talk about sustainability, very few are ready to pay a premium. That's why the industry needs to move towards circular textiles. Here, a lot of developments are happening. And that can only be done through advanced recycling, where the monomers of the polyester fiber are separated and returned into new fibers. However, since this is a chemical reacting process, the process is more energy intensive. The process, too, has many more steps because first depolymerizing needs to be done, after which repolymerizing is done. But of course, the feedstock is very sustainable compared to crude oil. And despite all the energy being consumed, it still has lower carbon footprint than crude oil, but comes at a higher cost versus fossil-based products. So, when you compare the cost of recycling PET bottles and the circularity of textiles, the cost of circular textiles is higher. Many clothing brands and Indorama Ventures, too, are collaborating and

engaging with several start-ups and scale-ups to boost advanced recycling. Indorama Ventures has a dedicated team, a venture group based in Milan, which scouts for scale-ups that are active in developing solutions or technologies in advanced recycling and the development of bio-based products, and also all kinds of sustainable feedstock for all businesses of Indorama Ventures including fibers. IFJ: Did recycling and sustainability become buzzwords due to regulations? Vipin Kumar: Everyone in the industry finds living up to their sustainability commitments challenging because of the cost issue. The industry is working hard to bring the textile recycling process to a commercial scale. Indorama Ventures is engaged in driving that development. Regulations will help the drive towards a circular textile industry, just as it helped the beverage industry in the past.

IFJ: Have any new fiber or nonwoven products been launched recently? Vipin Kumar: In nonwovens and specifically for our hygiene business area, brands seek softness, good absorbency and odor retention. Indorama Ventures’ subsidiary Avgol recently announced the startup of a nonwovens production line in the U.S, which targets high-loft nonwoven fabrics that respond to consumer needs for extremely soft, highly comfortable absorbent hygiene products. In addition, Avgol has installed a stateof-the-art 3-layer lamination line that further expands the company’s nonwoven composite capabilities. Engineered with precision temperature controls, high-speed bonding technology, and an integrated quality inspection system, this advanced machine efficiently fuses three layers to produce lightweight, durable composites with exceptional strength and consistency. Product development is a continuous process within one-piece woven technology. For tires, we have developed what we call single-end cords, where instead of producing a tire cord fabric from the yarn, the yarn can be directly used to manufacture the tire. Within construction applications, we are working on our mono PP fibers, which could be used to replace some of the existing fibers, which are not necessarily thermoplastic. They could be glass fibers or other fibers which can be used for reinforcement. We are also working on reinforcement by using our thermoplastic fibers. IFJ: Do you have innovation teams in each vertical or is there a common innovation team for the whole group? Vipin Kumar: We have a centrally driven R&D team, but we also have dedicated innovation teams for each business area because each business area is distinct. For example, a mobility R&D team cannot work on R&D in hygiene. IFJ: How important is the sustainability factor for your company?

Vipin Kumar: Indorama Ventures has successfully achieved International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC+) for four fiber plants. This marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. Across its entire business, a total of nine Indorama Ventures sites are ISCC+ certified, offering a diverse range of sustainable products, including PTA, PET chips, fibers, and fabrics. ISCC+ is a globally recognized standard for the sustainable production of biomass, and bio-based products, including recycled content. This certification ensures that materials are sourced and processed responsibly, reducing the environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. These certifications reinforce our commitment to expanding our portfolio of sustainable fibers for the tire and automotive industries, including airbags. Our new range of recycled and bio-polyamide and recycled PET will help our customers achieve their CO2 footprint goals with certified traceability of raw materials. IFJ: Can you let us know the key trends in consumer demand and the growth trajectory of the worldwide textile and clothing market, when concerning fibers? Also please share key trends in various nonwoven products Vipin K umar: We expect a demand compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. Megatrends differ from market to market. In Lifestyle (apparel, home textiles), urbanization and sustainability are key business drivers, while in Mobility the need for performance, safety and sustainability remains outstanding. Looking at the hygiene market, ageing populations across the world, drive growth, along with an increasing need, for wellbeing and special care. IFJ: Indorama's vision is to be a world-class, sustainable chemical company producing indispensable chemistry that touches billions of lives every day. How do you plan to achieve this vision?

Vipin Kumar: While we consider consistent product and service quality a must in everything we do, we go even further. We collaborate closely with key customers to drive profitable, market-led innovation for a fully circular economy and create strong bonds with partners along the entire value chain to give our products a new life. As a result, we bring affordable quality, safety, comfort, and wellbeing to billions of people globally every day, from newborns to the elderly. IFJ: What are your expectations for the future growth and opportunities in fibers, PET recycling, and nonwoven products in global markets? Vipin Kumar: In 2025, we are commercializing products from our new production line in Mocksville, U.S., which has given us new capabilities in super soft sustainable nonwovens solutions. More capacity expansions are planned for the coming year, for example in the airbag and highperformance tire sector. We also continue to invest in meaningful, market-driven innovations in close collaboration with strategic customers who are market leaders in their own space. Regarding recycling, we have put in place dedicated resources to screen the landscape of advanced recycling technologies. Our target is to play a leading role in driving the textile industry towards truly circular solutions with a focus on biobased and recycled solutions.

Arun Rao started his career in the textile industry and has worked across the segments of spinning and weaving production. He forayed into the sales function, beginning with selling branded innerwear and graduated to selling clothing of well-known brands. He then joined Fibre2fashion, a B2B textile website, as News Editor for seven years. Recently, he launched Taurus Communications, a PR & advertising agency focused on the textile industry value chain. With a love for journalism, he freelances for renowned textile magazines, along with managing the agency. He is the India foreign correspondent to the IFJ. ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 33

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Europe (EU and UK) and Wipes Policy Update

What Should We Know? By Brieuc Lits

How It All Began in the EU n June 2019, the European Commission passed the SingleUse Plastics Directive (SUPD), a key component of its broader Plastic Strategy to reduce plastic waste and tackle environmental pollution. The directive focuses on products commonly found in the environment. Certain nonwovens products, namely feminine hygiene products and wet wipes, known for their convenience and hygiene benefits, are essential products affected by the new regulations. EDANA, the global association of nonwovens, and the industry are engaging with the European Commission to ensure that the voice of the nonwovens industry is heard. The SUPD raises awareness about the fact that the products contain plastic and asks for producers to take measures and contribute to waste management. It particularly addresses the goal of reducing marine litter. It is based on a list of the ten most frequently found plastic items on beaches, which together account for 70% of all marine litter, as well as fishing gear containing plastic. At the time, the Commission proposed a variety of policy measures, ranging from bans and reduction targets to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. An EPR is a policy approach where producers are held accountable for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle, including costs associated with product disposal, recycling, and public awareness initiatives. In this context, producers contribute to the cleanup of waste and the promotion of proper disposal practices, helping to reduce the burden on public authorities and improve waste management systems. Unlike a regulation, which has direct applicability in all EU Member States, a directive requires national governments to transpose its provisions into national law, giving them some flexibility in how to implement it. Complementing the directive, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151, adopted on December 17, 2020, establishes more specific and detailed rules – such as harmonized marking specifications – for singleuse plastic products listed in Part D of the Annex to Directive (EU) 2019/904. As a regulation, it is directly applicable in all EU member states without the need for transposition into national law. Additionally, the European Commission developed guidelines for single-use plastic products, providing essential information on

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marking requirements and vector formats. These guidelines offer clear instructions for businesses to comply with the regulations.

Situation in the UK The situation in the United Kingdom differs from the European one. Post-Brexit, the UK took a proactive approach to managing the wet wipes market, choosing to address the issue independently from the EU’s SUPD. This initiative was part of a broader strategy to enhance environmental sustainability, with ongoing consultations, including those with the devolved nations, guiding the process. The previous UK Government under the Conservatives before the General Election of last July wanted to push through a ban on plastic in wet wipes, with the risk of no transition period, no clarity on whether viscose and lyocell would be allowed or whether plastic in B2B wipes would be allowed either. There was also the risk of different regulations in the four different nations of the UK and the risk that manufacturing for export could also be banned. That is one of the many reasons why EDANA created the EDANA UK Working Group for member companies who wanted to engage at national level, with consultants with advocacy skills and knowledge of the industry and contacts in the national governments. EDANA now does extensive work in the UK to produce clear policy positions backed by strong evidence, regular engagement with all relevant UK Government departments, the devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, industry groups, broader stakeholders, media etc. As a result, the UK’s approach now promises a clear path for the wipes industry, with legislation set to introduce important

The UK’s approach now promises a clear path for the wipes industry, with legislation set to introduce important regulations.

regulations. The focus on enabling a smooth transition, with clear exemptions for viscose and lyocell, a B2B exemption, exports to continue to be allowed, and an 18-month transition period, ensures that manufacturers have the time and clarity they need. This legislation is now all agreed but has yet to be introduced to the four Parliaments/Assemblies across the UK. It is currently expected to be brought forward this Summer and, in that event, then after the 18-month transition period, it would be in full force by the end of 2026 or early 2027. The UK government is working closely with industry leaders, including the EDANA UK Working Group, to ensure that the transition is as smooth and beneficial as possible for all stakeholders. The collaborative effort between industry, government, and environmental groups highlights a shared commitment to creating solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also secure the future of the wipes industry.

EDANA’s Commitment in the EU In 2007, EDANA introduced guidance for disposable products, specifically for the “Do Not Flush” label. During this period, EDANA actively promoted the “Do Not Flush” message. However, in 2019, the SUPD passed, and by 2021, the legislation required clear labelling for products containing plastic. And so, the "Do Not Flush" label was substituted by a new label. The new one featured a red toilet symbol and a blue turtle, indicating that the plastic in the product was harmful to marine life. This was accompanied by a clear message not to flush the product. There was some debate about sticking with the “Do Not Flush” label or using the new plastic-related label. The Commission wanted the label to indicate whether the product contained plastic. The updated label was designed with specific color choices and size dimensions to ensure it clearly communicated this information. A new challenge emerged with plastic-free wipes: how to label the ones that are still not flushable. The solution was to create a new label for plastic-free wipes on the left, which distinguishes them from those containing plastic. This label was developed after extensive discussions and careful consideration of design elements like the red toilet symbol. It was decided that this new label would not be used randomly but would serve as a clear, consistent indicator for plastic-free wipes. In the EU, both the left ( for plastic-free) and right ( for plasticcontaining) labels on wipes are used, according to whether they contain plastic or not, and both labels indicate the product is not flushable. In the UK, however, the “Do Not Flush” label may still be used, as UK legislation hasn’t fully aligned with European laws yet. In addition, since its introduction in 2019, EDANA has been committed to addressing key challenges surrounding the disposal of wet wipes. During discussions with the European Commission, EDANA made a commitment to raise awareness about wet wipe disposal behavior to help reduce litter. On behalf of its members,

EDANA, in 2021, pledged to run an awareness-raising campaign aimed at educating consumers on how to dispose of wet wipes correctly and helping them understand the meaning of disposal labels. To date, this commitment has resulted in a dedicated micro-site on the EDANA website, featuring infographics and videos on the proper disposal of wet wipes. The webpage emphasizes the importance of responsible usage and disposal to prevent blockages in sewage systems and environmental impact. The content showcases how companies in the industry have complied with these guidelines, actively engaging in awareness campaigns since their introduction. As a trade association, EDANA communicates primarily with all the companies from the value-chain and leverages their broad membership to reach out to consumers. However, the industry is committed to raising consumer awareness, and many members are adding content to their website in their respective language, to reach out to consumers and local authorities on the importance of proper wipes disposal. The work EDANA has done in developing the guidance documents and labels for wipes is crucial, and EDANA is considering adding more information to the microsite to help manufacturers and converters. This is intended as a technical resource for the industry but also considering ways to improve public awareness.

Looking to the Future of SUPD In the next phase, the European Commission is required to evaluate the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) by July 2027, with potential for revisions. This review is not only an opportunity to fine-tune and simplify the implementation of the directive but also a chance to make it more workable across all 27 Member States. A key part of this effort will be the harmonization of the SUPD, ensuring consistency in how the directive is applied and promoting an effective and unified approach to environmental goals. The Commission will soon launch a Call for Evidence, followed by a Public Consultation in Q4 2025, aimed at gathering input to inform potential changes. This revision process presents an important opportunity to simplify the regulatory landscape while ensuring the original objectives of the SUPD are met effectively. EDANA is fully engaged in these discussions, working as a proactive partner to the European Commission. Through our active involvement, EDANA aims to contribute to shaping a revised directive that is more cohesive, streamlined, and impactful for all the markets they represent. EDANA’s continued engagement will be essential in navigating these potential changes and ensuring the wet wipes sector is well-prepared for the evolving legislative landscape.

Brieuc Lits, Public Affairs Director at EDANA, brieuc.lits@edana.org

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A Look at the Latest on Wipes Policy:

THE WIPPES ACT,

Flushability, and More By Sean Grossnickle and Wes Fisher, INDA Government Affairs

The State of Wipes Labeling Laws n late March, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act, known as the WIPPES Act (H.R. 2269/S. 1092) was reintroduced in Congress, marking its third venture to the committees and floors of Congress. Since its initial introduction in the 117th Congress, INDA and its members have advocated for this bipartisan legislation. The WIPPES Act has already seen early success this session of Congress, advancing out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on a voice vote. Last year, supporters of the bill were pleased that the legislation passed the full House of Representatives on a wide bipartisan vote, however, there was not enough time for the bill to be taken up by the Senate before Congress adjourned. The WIPPES Act is the culmination of years of teamwork between the nonwovens industry and wastewater stakeholders, reflecting the success of similar "Do Not Flush" labeling mandates for non-flushable wipes already implemented in seven states, including California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington. A similar statelevel bill is pending in Hawaii as of April 2025. The WIPPES Act aims to preempt the growing patchwork of

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legislation at the state level by creating a consistent national standard that requires clear and visible “Do Not Flush” labeling on nonflushable wipe packaging. If signed into law, the WIPPES Act would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which would allow the Commission to consult with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or other agencies as needed. The FTC’s ability to enforce violations of the WIPPES Act would begin one year after the bill is passed. This crucial legislation will create positive outcomes for the environment, wastewater agencies, consumers, and manufacturers by mandating uniform “Do Not Flush” labeling for the covered products to be displayed on the principal display panel, with other highly detailed placement and size standards. This clear visual indication and strong consumer education initiatives, including those conducted by our friends at the Responsible Flushing Alliance, will raise awareness about the proper disposal of these items.

A Look Back at Proposed Wipes Policy The WIPPES Act garnered strong bipartisan backing during the 118th Congress. Last year, the bill was

favorably reported out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and subsequently passed on the House floor with a vote of 351-56. This decisive bipartisan vote demonstrates a shared commitment from both parties to enhance consumer guidance through standardized labeling requirements at the federal level, protect wastewater infrastructure, and encourage responsible disposal practices. Unfortunately, the legislation did not have a scheduled committee hearing in the Senate before the close of the 118th Congress. Back in 2022, Congresswoman Lisa McClain and Congressman Alan Lowenthal introduced the Protecting Infrastructure and Promoting Environmental Stewardship (PIPES) Act, which would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to establish standards for flushable wipes and require wipes that are marketed as being flushable to comply with those standards, including for civil penalties for noncompliance. The bill ultimately did not make it out of committee, but Congresswoman McClain continues to champion similar policy priorities in the WIPPES Act.

Flushability Since 2004, flushability has been an area of focus for INDA in North America and EDANA in Europe. The two associations formed industry-based task forces to address the flushability of nonwoven disposable products. Technical experts from member companies collaborated to develop a definition of flushability, a technical assessment, and test methods. The test methods were based on the combined experience of the nonwoven disposable products industry and drew upon expertise from academia, consultancy, and the wastewater industry. In 2008, both Associations issued the First Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products to help wipe manufacturers assess the flushability of their products into the wastewater stream. The second edition was published in 2009, the third in 2013, and the fourth in 2018. These guidelines’ latest version, colloquially known as “GD-4,” is available online through INDA and

EDANA’s websites. Increasingly, in the United States, manufacturers are utilizing a flushability specification authored by the International Wastewater Services Flushability Group (IWFSG) in 2020. This specification utilizes multiple tests from the INDA/EDANA GD-4 standard with a modified slosh box dispersion test. INDA and EDANA continue to work on flushability, particularly through a committee exploring flushability standards within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Importantly, the WIPPES Act and state-level “Do Not flush” legislation, while primarily focusing on non-flushable wipes, ensure that wipes containing plastic fibers cannot make claims to flush-

ability, reinforcing trust among consumers and wastewater operators that wipes marketed as flushable do not contain plastic.

What’s Next for the WIPPES Act? The reintroduction of the WIPPES Act symbolizes years of bipartisan backing in Congress and cooperative efforts between the nonwoven industry and wastewater agencies. This legislation, along with its corresponding bill, is on track to establish a unified federal standard for “Do Not Flush” labeling, ensuring that consumers across all markets are well-informed about the proper disposal methods for the products they purchase. INDA proudly continues its endorsement of the WIPPES Act, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024. Our industry is dedicated to responsibly managing wipes not designed for flushing, thereby protecting public infrastructure and the environment. INDA commends the sponsors for their comprehensive vision in tackling this issue, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration with the wastewater sector and other stakeholders to support the swift passage of this bill in Congress. During the 2025 INDA Advocacy and Fly-in Summit, more than a dozen INDA members joined our government affairs team in Washington, D.C., for two days of roundtable discussions, guest speakers, networking, and meetings on Capitol Hill with their members of Congress and their staff. During the day on the Hill, attendees met with eighteen congressional offices, promoting the WIPPES Act and establishing new relationships in the 119th Congress. The WIPPES Act was well received by both Democrats and Republicans, reiterating the bill’s bipartisan support. It can take several months to move a bill from one chamber to the other, yet if the support for the WIPPES Act from last year continues, we are optimistic about its prospects. Wipe manufacturers should not be subject to playing whack-a-mole as states roll out “Do Not Flush” labeling laws, and the WIPPES would work to preempt these laws and standardize labeling requirements nationwide. INDA Government Affairs publishes a bi-monthly newsletter for INDA members that covers the latest news on trade, tariffs, state and federal legislation, and a host of other policy issues relevant to the nonwoven industry. To join the mailing list for the “Washington Alert,” visit our website at https://www.inda.org/ news/newsletter-signup/. For more on Flushability, visit https://www.inda.org/issues-advocacy/ flushability/.

Wes Fisher is the Director of Government Affairs at INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. Reach him or Sean Grossnickle, Government Affairs Specialist, at wfisher@inda.org and sgrossnickle@inda.org. ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 37

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Moving Forward STRONGER The Intersection of Nonwoven Materials & Sustainability.

The Proposed INDA and EDANA Collaboration with Global Nonwoven Alliance Gains Traction Towards an Official Launch as a new Federation By Caryn Smith, Publisher & Chief Content Officer, IFJ

he future of the Nonwovens Industry was center stage at the IDEA®25 Show in Miami Beach, Florida, April 28-May 1. Yet, held off stage was the showstopper as the Board of Directors of INDA and EDANA continued progress toward a vision of broad collaboration for the benefit of the industry, detailed in a Letter of Intent signed by both organizations in September 2024 in Rome, Italy, at EDANA’s Outlook 24 event. The LOI mapped out four areas that could add value to the industry to explore if a more globally focused entity existed, including: • Enhance the scope and value to Members: The increased integration of resources will enable both organizations to deliver greater value to members, offering an expanded range of educational programs, enhanced networking opportunities, and access to a wider breadth of industry insights. • Joint Advocacy and Representation: The alliance will amplify both organizations’ collective voice, enhancing their ability to advocate for members’ interests at local, regional, and global levels, ensuring that their needs and concerns are effectively addressed. • Operational Synergies: The alliance will create efficiencies, strengthen the collective talent pool, and optimize the use of financial resources to support member and industry initiatives better.

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Q+A IN THIS ISSUE:

MURAT DOGRU General Manager, EDANA

TONY FRAGNITO President & CEO, INDA

• Innovation and Growth: The alliance will drive joint initiatives and projects that foster innovation, enhance industry leadership, and support the long-term growth and sustainability of the nonwovens industry. This work has progressed to include a recommendation to incorporate a separate tax-exempt federation, the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA), with INDA and EDANA as the founding members. The purpose of this federation is to provide international leadership for the representation and responsible advancement of the glob-

al nonwovens industry (“Industry”) while respecting and benefiting its Members. By aligning resources and expanding collaboration, GNA will deliver a more unified and coordinated strategy for the industry's issues and opportunities. GNA will enable enhanced program and service value, reach, and efficiency. These benefits will translate into increased local and regional benefits and drive innovation, operational efficiencies, and long-term industry growth. Under the proposed framework, INDA and EDANA will continue operating as independent legal entities, focusing on regional markets and advocacy. They will also serve as founding members of GNA committed to leadership, staff, and program coordination designed to enhance collaboration on cross-border industry priorities. While the INDA and EDANA boards are assessing some organizational details, transition provisions, and approval timelines, both have expressed their strong support for GNA's vision and purpose and are committed to responsibly advancing this initiative. International Fiber Journal spoke with Tony Fragnito, President and CEO of INDA, and Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA, to hear their thoughts on the joint board meeting held at IDEA®25, the approval of GNA’s Workforce Development Director, and their view of the future for the nonwovens industry considering the formation of GNA.

International Fiber Journal: With Global Nonwoven Alliance becoming a reality, how have you viewed your work over the last year, exploring common interests within the proposed GNA framework? Murat Dogru: I am more excited than ever. Over the past year, the Boards of Directors and Executive Committees of both INDA and EDANA have come together to shape a clear and compelling vision for what the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA) could become. What began as an exploratory dialogue has quickly gained momentum – faster than any of us initially anticipated. All potential opportunities of collaboration that we were considering and even dreaming of are proving to be possible.

between the two associations. In the future, inviting other entities to the table will broaden our scope and expand GNA’s capability to serve the global industry. Our volunteer boards are incredibly supportive and excited to continue this effort, and many have stated, ‘this should have happened a long time ago,’ speaking of the INDA/EDANA effort to work closely together. Dogru: The common thread is ensuring that everyone benefits from this strategic alliance, considering our commonalities and differences. We have found quick wins, easy wins, and significant ways to add value to benefit all the members. We are now seeking joint resources that

The Board of Directors of INDA and EDANA met during IDEA 25 Show held in May in Miami, FL, to continue progress that began in September 2024 toward a vision of broad collaboration for the benefit of the industry. This work has progressed to now include a recommendation to incorporate a separate tax-exempt federation, the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA), with INDA and EDANA as the founding members. The purpose of this federation is to provide international leadership for the representation and responsible advancement of the global nonwovens industry (“Industry”) while respecting and benefiting its Members. INDA

We’ve evolved from discussing a strategic alliance to defining the contours of a true federation, with INDA and EDANA as its founding members. There is strong alignment and commitment from both boards, and, to my knowledge, the level of exchange and cooperation between our two organizations has never been this strong. It’s a testament to the shared belief that by working together, we can deliver far greater value to our members and the broader industry.

will leverage common goals. For example, we have decided to hire together the position of GNA Workforce Development Director. This person will drive the training platform effort for GNA, whereas our individual associations will continue to direct training content relevant to our demographic needs.

Tony Fragnito: I am also happy to see this coming to fruition. We will continue to gain momentum and support from our leadership as we clarify the vision and opportunities for the industry. We acknowledge that the industry has challenges that can be better met by collaborating

Dogru: Two keywords guided the effort: transparency and openness. What surprised me most was how quickly we have been able to share information openly including at times quite sensitive organizational details, with a level of trust that’s rare in cross-organizational collaborations.

IFJ: This is a highly bold proposition, with many moving pieces. What has surprised you in this process?

We agreed at the onset to have a high level of openness, and that intention has been supported by our boards. This desire doesn't mean the board members have not been challenging us, sometimes looking for assurances, which we expected and appreciated, and acted upon. Fragnito: You never want to go into a new idea thinking everything will be easy. Murat and I knew we had to take our time to assimilate everyone to the opportunities. I was very encouraged that the Executive Committees saw the vision very early and said, ‘Yes, we see this.’ The boards were open to the conversation, and came to see the potential very quickly as well. We have very smart, business savy, people involved in our volunteer leadership and they asked good questions and challenged us in some areas to improve the concept. It was very constructive. We received feedback from the industry, and it was appreciated that we were communicating the vision and incorporating new information as appropriate. Both of our organizations have long and varied histories, and everyone agrees that it is time to look forward, which was encouraging. IFJ: What is the timeline now? What is still in development, and what obstacles are left to resolve? Fragnito: Both EDANA and INDA have their mid-year Board Meetings this summer. Both board meetings will include a motion to approve joining GNA as a founding member. We hope to accomplish that here in the next couple of months. As such, this enables our organizations to work together as Founding Members to refine and approve the new GNA Bylaws. I don’t anticipate that we will have challenges there, but it’s ultimately the board’s decision. We have been cautious not to get ahead of where our volunteer leaders are in the process. This effort is their journey. We will continue to onboard the GNA Workforce Development Director as part of that effort and identify a transitional provision to seat the founding board for GNA, which will be composed of six ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 39

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members from INDA and six members from EDANA by late summer. It is important to note that no one company can have double representation with participation on the INDA/EDANA Boards and the GNA Board. INDA and EDANA will identify the six directors from each organization. Then, we will begin developing our first consolidated budget for 2026. To be clear, INDA has its budget, and EDANA has its budget. Then, we will identify GNA's initial budgetary needs and how we’re going to support them as Founding Members. A great example, still being formulated, is the new GNA Workforce Development Director, a position tasked with creating, building, and managing a platform for training. This position is something both EDANA and INDA wanted to do, but separately, we did not have the resources and volume of work. The Founding Members will share the cost of that effort. This position will relieve internal bottlenecks and allow our organizational Directors to focus on content and education for our regions (North America and Europe, respectively). Also, some INDA/EDANA employees may allocate a percentage of their time to GNA activities, allowing us to leverage resources better and more effectively on every level. IFJ: Besides GNA, was there anything else noteworthy about the joint board meeting? Dogru: One thing to note: GNA has the potential to be much bigger than just EDANA and INDA. GNA includes the idea of “allied” members, which could be another trade association or associations dedicated to one product category in one application. This structure allows us to expand collaboration to other strategically aligned entities, expanding the scope and influence of GNA for the industry. We will ensure that whatever is decided with respect to adding other GNA members, the level of engagement and strategic alignment is evident. IFJ: How are you preserving the integrity of your current associations?

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(L-R) Tony Fragnito, President & CEO, INDA; EDANA Chair Mikael Staal Axelsen, CEO, Fibertex Personal Care, Denmark; INDA Chair Mark A. Thornton, Vice President, The Procter & Gamble Company; and Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA. While at Outlook 2024, in Rome, Italy, the organizational leaders celebrated signing the Letter of Intent to explore a strategic alliance. Caryn Smith

Fragnito: We will continue to operate as separate legal entities, with all our existing programs and services serving the local markets and the members we represent. Nothing will change that direction. Participation in GNA opportunities should be an added-value effort, as we can collaborate more effectively within the structure it affords. Going back to the Workforce Development position as an example, we both have one individual on our staff who is responsible for technical support, including resources, training, standards and test method development, and delivering in-person training. They have a full plate. We both saw the opportunity to have a resource coordinating these training efforts, working with subject matter experts to build a dynamic learning management system for the whole industry. Our current staff were already spread thin, and we lacked the volume of work and resources for a new full-time person. Sharing that cost under GNA, we are freeing our two in-house staff to spend more time on technical issues that will add value to our members, while improving the workforce development programs under the GNA umbrella. This effort is also a great way to maintain a competitive

workforce for the industry, not just within our existing markets, but globally. We can offer lifelong learning opportunities broadly through virtual, self paced offerings, expanding our reach. We have started these investments and expect a bigger impact coordinating through GNA. Dogru: It is important to note that the power remains in the hands of the INDA and EDANA Board of Directors. They elect who will represent them at the GNA level and authorize the projects and initiatives that would benefit from centralized coordination. Open communication, and balanced representation, will determine how GNA can maximize industry value. Fragnito: We must have an established flow of communication between GNA and the INDA and EDANA Boards. We believe we will achieve this by the GNA Board members being active participants in the INDA and EDANA Boards, respectively. GNA is the table where we consider industry topics from a global perspective, it is not designed to dictate or “approve” regional approaches, but to inform and consider the global industry implications from these regional forces.

IFJ: Will GNA have an executive director? Dogru: We’re actively evaluating that option right now. I think we'll be ready to communicate something soon, but it is still under discussion. We have a clear direction that we could take towards that end, but we just want to make sure that the board supports and validates it first. IFJ: Shifting to current news items, do you have any comments on the significant focus and positioning on global tariffs? Dogru: Many of our members have an international supply chain. Components come from different places, and this is the reality of our industry. The strategic alliance is a great way to show that our industry is global and we seek a larger voice and more collaboration to fully support the industry and its sustained growth. Fragnito: INDA and EDANA just released a joint statement in which we expressed concerns regarding escalating trade tensions. We urged policymakers to prioritize negotiations and seek mutually beneficial resolutions. The supply chains are interconnected, and any situation that creates an unfair advantage for any player over another, whether regionally or in any other way, is just not good for the industry. Industry players should be able to operate in a competitive environment, not influenced by non-market influences. Both organizations are keenly focused on the challenges of unnecessary regulatory burden and the toll it places on manufacturers. We'll always try to minimize that burden through smart, efficient rulemaking. We released the INDA International Trade Handbook written in partnership with the law firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg P.A. and represents several months of work compiling U.S. trade and customs policy and compliance information impacting the nonwovens sector. It is available to our members, and we shared it with EDANA. It is more of an informational resource for members that discusses who the different agencies are, the tariff codes, and things like the import codes,

how to get information, what agencies handle what, etc. IFJ: What are the industry’s top regulatory issues right now? Fragnito: Labeling, product disclosures, extended producer responsibility. I will use labeling as an example. If there is a different product labeling requirement in 50 states, it’s not operational. Also, there are requirements in Europe that differ from those in the U.S. Our members will benefit from the work we do together to achieve consistency. The more we standardize and align frameworks the better for the efficiency of our members. Sustainability remains an important topic for all our members, not just their products, but also how they perform and end of life considerations. There is much focus on regulation either limiting or banning entire categories of raw materials. We need to continue educating regulators and investing in new technologies and processes to minimize the long-term impacts of our industry, something all responsible industry’s are working towards. Dogru: We have similar issues. EUDR, the deforestation-free supply chain regulations, are ones we currently face and must answer. Specific products are scrutinized. It is not the same scrutiny as in the U.S., but there is an added value to developing positions with a global mindset through GNA. It may be an issue in our respective countries at the moment. Now, we will work hand in hand on the 2.0 version and see what needs to be adapted, what needs to be endorsed in the U.S. and Europe, and what would be specific to each. IFJ: Will GNA host collaborative shows and events? Fragnito: I think there are opportunities for that. Several members mentioned it would be advantageous to have a longer planning window with a little more certainty about when the next INDA and EDANA shows will be held, so a joint industry calendar is one idea.

Dogru: We are not necessarily pushing for more but for better. I think we should first focus on ensuring that we provide the best events for the marketplace. I would like to emphasize how INDA and EDANA have collaborated to exchange information and ideas from our teams over the last year and a half. We consider ourselves colleagues now, which is nice to see. IFJ: Is there anything else you would like the industry to know? Fragnito: A significant benefit is having members from both organizations bring industry issues to the forefront. With these priorities we facilitate collaboration to find broadly supported industry solutions. These are often bigger issues than any one organization can manage. The Quality Assurance Programs (QAP) is an excellent example. Suppliers were undergoing multiple audits because the purchasing companies each had a different quality audit program. Everyone believed their version was unique and proprietary. When our members, through their industry association, decided to share their frameworks it was clear there were a lot of similarities in the programs. Supplier companies, and the customers, benefit because they adopted a common framework and criteria to assess quality measures. While this program was developed under EDANA, working together we have accelerated the acceptance of the program both in North America and in Asia. I hope our members will experience more examples of this through GNA, the opportunity to move forward and advance the industry efficiently and effectively. Dogru: For all the reasons Tony has outlined, there was a multiplicative effect when INDA joined the project and Asian partners joined us. GNA could fly much faster. INDA and EDANA remain committed to a transparent process, both for our members and the industry, and will provide regular updates as this work progresses. We encourage interested parties to visit the EDANA or INDA websites for GNA frequently asked questions. ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 41

XXX ON NONWOVENS FOCUS

WOW 2025

What’s Good at WOW By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer, IFJ

orld of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference is taking place July 21–24, 2025, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio. This year’s theme, “Wipe to Win: Innovating for a Sustainable and Profitable Future,” brings together industry leaders to address pressing challenges and opportunities across the wipes value chain. Program topics will include U.S. manufacturing threats, tariff and regulatory impacts, fiber sustainability, consumer perceptions, fragrance trends, slitting advancements, plastic-free wipe innovations, sports hygiene, and flushability. Panel Discussions Include: • Panel Discussion: Navigating the Headwinds: U.S. Manufacturing Threats & Challenges in 2025 – Moderator: Steve Gallo, CEO, Diamond Wipes International, Inc. Experts explore the key forces challenging U.S. manufacturing in 2025 – from ongoing supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs to the growing impact of inflation. They also dive into the complex role of trade policies and tariffs, which, despite their intent to support domestic industry, have led to increased costs and strategic pullbacks. In addition, they will examine mounting regulatory pressures – ranging from environmental compliance to shifting labor and safety standards – that are reshaping operational strategies across the sector and how industry leaders are adapting to stay competitive. Panelists include Jaren Edwards, Co-CEO/President, Everra; Ernesto Levy, Chief Growth Officer, Radienz Living; Deborah Steinke, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer, Nice-Pak; and Tobias Baumgaertel, Sales Director – U.S., Sandler Nonwoven Corporation. • Panel Discussion: The Great Regulatory and Tariff Pow-WOW – Moderator: Matt O’Sickey, Ph.D., Director of Education & Technical Affairs, INDA Panelists include Heidi van den Hul, Principal, FabriCreation; Wes Fisher, Director of Government Relations, INDA; Jon Devine, Senior Economist, Cotton Incorporated; and David Olave, Associate & Trade Policy Advisor, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. Conference Session Tracks Include: • From Forest to Flush: Sustainability and Responsibility in Fiber and Wipes • Trends, Tushes & TikToks: The Rise of the Modern Wipe • Sniff, Save, Slice: Rethinking Wipes from Fragrance to Finish • No Plastic, No Problem: The Next Generation of Eco-Wise Wipes • Swipe Right: The New Faces of Specialty Wipes

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Conference Highlights Include: • WIPES Academy – July 21-22 – Led by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey, this 12-session course offers comprehensive training from concept to commercialization, including selection of fabrics, formulation design, and packaging considerations. • Tabletop Exhibits & Lightning Talks – July 2223 – Explore the latest innovations from leading companies. Exhibitors will deliver five-minute product spotlights, followed by networking at the evening receptions. • Lunch Arounds – July 22-23 – Engage with peers, entrepreneurs, and industry thought leaders in small-group lunch discussions designed to foster collaboration and connections. •W orld of Wipes Innovation Award® – July 22 and 24 – Recognizing breakthrough innovations that utilize nonw oven technologies to enhance functionality and broaden application. Finalists will present on July 22; the winner will be announced on July 24. • Pre-Conference Webinars – Advanced Cellulosic Solution for Disinfection Wipes. Presenter Axel Russler, Ph.D., Project Manager, Lenzing AG. July 15 at 9:00 AM.

To view the full conference program, register, reserve a tabletop exhibit, or become a sponsor, visit: https://worldofwipes.org.

Good360 & INDA Work to

Accelerate Sustainability in the Nonwovens Industry New Partnership Will Support Industry-Wide Efforts to Drive Innovation and Divert Materials from Landfills n the Fall of 2024, Good360, the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, is announced its strategic partnership with INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, to support its ongoing sustainability initiatives. This collaboration will play a vital role in advancing INDA’s Sustainability Theme, which is the theme of its IDEA25 show, as well as its main initiative for 2024-2025. This collaboration will galvanize the industry’s efforts in driving meaningful environmental progress. INDA’s partnership with Good360 represents a key step in helping its members achieve their sustainability goals. Through Good360’s established network of nonprofit partners, INDA members will have the opportunity to donate surplus products and materials to communities in need, reducing waste and enhancing their contributions to environmental stewardship. This initiative encourages INDA members to integrate sustainable practices into their operations, creating a model for responsible corporate behavior.

It is estimated that 50 million Americans are affected by hygiene insecurity, having to choose between food and essentials over hygiene-related products. Good360 and INDA are partnering to encourage wipes and hygiene product manufacturers to donate excess goods that can help supply the items to those in need through the Good360 network. iStockphoto/Shinyfamily

Hygiene Insecurity Grows Good360 identified the nonwovens industry as a need when the organization’s nonprofit partners increasingly cited hygiene insecurity as a core challenge in their communities. As demand grew for items like wipes, personal care products, and cleaning supplies, they forged relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and associations across the hygiene and nonwovens sectors to create efficient, compliant donation programs with measurable outcomes – and a relationship with INDA was forged. “Partnering with Good360 is an important milestone for INDA and the entire nonwovens industry,” said Jessica Franken, INDA’s Sustainability Consultant. “It demonstrates our collective ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 43

XXX ON NONWOVENS FOCUS

commitment to not only reducing waste but also fulfilling their sustainability promise. Together, we are paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future, while supporting the communities that need it most.” INDA’s Sustainability efforts are centered around three fundamental pillars: Responsible Sourcing, Innovations in Sustainability, and End-of-Life Solutions. The partnership between Good360 and INDA directly contributes to this work, particularly in the area of Innovations in Sustainability, which focuses on groundbreaking advancements in sustainable practices, materials, and collaborations across the value chain. “INDA’s Sustainability theme is a powerful platform for driving transformative change in the nonwovens industry, and we are thrilled to support their efforts,” said Good360’s Chief Development Officer, Alison DeCoursey. “By working together, we can create significant environmental and social impact, supporting companies in finding innovative ways to donate products and materials that would otherwise go to waste. This partnership not only aligns with Good360’s mission of closing the need gap but also advances the nonwovens industry’s commitment to a more sustainable future.”

The Best of Good 360 and the Nonwovens Industry “Good360’s mission is to close the need gap by delivering critically needed goods to individuals facing challenging life circumstances,” says Tom Davis, Sr. Director of Corporate Partnerships. “We do this by partnering with socially responsible companies to source excess or purpose-driven products and distribute them through our network of 100,000 vetted nonprofit partners across the U.S. and internationally. Good360 regularly collaborates with regional nonprofits, schools, and mission-driven organizations to ensure that donated goods go where they are needed most. “For example, during recent wildfire and hurricane recovery efforts,” says Davis, “we worked closely with local relief agencies to provide hygiene kits, cleaning products, and household goods to displaced families. In underserved rural areas, we’ve also placed monthly shipments of personal care items directly with community hubs that support low-income families and veterans.” The benefits to partnering with Good360’s mission for corporations., they can meet their sustainability goals by donating goods that might end up in waste streams. By partnering with Good360, corporations gain a trusted solution to align excess inventory with social impact. “Our platform helps companies meet their ESG, sustainability, and CSR goals by diverting products from landfills and redirecting them into communities where they create real value,” says Davis. “We offer brand protection,

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transparency, and compliance throughout the donation process, while reducing storage costs, tax burdens, and waste. Our network allows for tailored distribution strategies – whether nationwide or hyper-local.” There are several pathways for partnership. Companies can donate product (one-time or recurring), co-create community engagement campaigns, support disaster relief efforts, or sponsor hygiene kit assemblies with our nonprofit network. Additionally, Good360 welcomes collaboration around innovation – such as limited-use or rebranded items that may not be retail-viable but are still highly needed in underserved populations. Ideal donations include new, unused hygiene, cleaning, and personal care items that are safe for consumer use. Once a company identifies eligible inventory, Good360 works closely to determine logistics – whether it’s direct shipping to nonprofits, placing product in our regional warehouses, or supporting customized distribution events. Every item is matched with a vetted nonprofit, and we provide reporting on distribution, impact, and compliance. Through INDA and similar industry platforms, companies have learned how to turn surplus inventory into meaningful impact, often converting materials previously destined for destruction into donated goods that improve lives. Several industry participants have used Good360 to pilot donation strategies, improve ESG reporting, and expand their social impact footprint through multi-state nonprofit placements.

How Good360 is Making a Difference In 2023 alone, Good360 moved over $3 billion in donated goods, diverted more than 150 million pounds from landfills, and impacted the lives of 26 million individuals. Our compliance team ensures full alignment with donation guidelines, while our network of nonprofits enables broad and targeted reach. The value of participating is both tangible – cost savings, waste diversion – and intangible – community goodwill, employee pride, and longterm brand equity. The organization is proud to celebrate 40 years of delivering goods for the greater good. “We believe the nonwovens industry has a unique opportunity to lead on hygiene equity and sustainability,” says Davis. If you’ll be at the World of Wipes (WOW) show, to be held at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, Columbus, Ohio from July 2124, 2025, a Good360 representative will be available to connect with companies looking to build a partnership tailored to the company’s values and goals.

Learn more at https://good360.org.

SHOW PREVIEW

High-Performance Textiles & Carbon Steward Registration Opens as Programming Unfolds

his year’s 64th presentation of the Dornbirn-GFC 2025 Congress, to be held September 10 – 12, 2025, in Dornbirn, Austria, will feature cutting-edge presentations exploring these themes: Sessions on High-Performance Workwear, Protective Textiles, & Defense explore the growing need for lightweight, high-performance materials that enhance protection against hazards such as heat, flames, electric arcs, and nuclear, biological, chemical, and ballistic threats. Presentations will focus on topics such as smart textiles for first responders, flame-resistant fabrics for multi-risk environments, sustainability in production, eco-friendly materials, and recycling innovations for workwear and protective apparel. Carbon Stewardship: Harnessing Biomass, Recycling & Capture for a Sustainable Future is a fast-trending topic in textile production. GFC 2025 aims to bring current news and views to the forefront regarding the use of sustainable biomass in textile production, innovations in postconsumer textile recycling and chemical recycling methods, carbon capture technologies integrated across the value chain, the development of carbon-negative materials, and the large-scale implementation of circular systems. Fiber Innovations: From Production to Application sessions will highlight three areas of importance: ■ Biopolymer & Natural Fibers: Innovations in bio-based polymers and natural fibers for textiles, packaging, and industrial applications, focusing on performance, sustainability, and scalability; ■ Textile Processing & Application: Advances in textile production techniques, dyeing technologies, and

sustainable finishing processes that reduce environmental impact; and, ■ Nonwoven Processing & Application: Innovations in nonwoven technologies for applications in filtration, hygiene, medical textiles, and construction, emphasizing sustainable production methods. A general Cross-Industry Session will round out the discussions to foster collaboration between the textile industry and other sectors. As focused themes, the GFC 2025 Congress will explore Energy Transition – Strategies for integrating renewable energy and improving energy efficiency in textile production, with case

studies on solar, wind, and bioenergy adoption; and Pulp, Paper & Packaging Innovations – Developments in sustainable cellulose-based fibers, the integration of recycled paper into fiber solutions, and advances in eco-friendly packaging material, as well as the development of cellulosic and synthetic-based fibers, integration of recycled materials into fiber solutions, advances in environmentally friendly packaging materials. Presented by forward-thinking thought leaders, still to be announced, these topics will stir the industry to expand upon prior Congress topics that can drive industry initiatives from concept to application.

INNOVATION MEETS HOSPITALITY at Dornbirn GFC ASIA

The Dornbirn GFC ASIA took place on April 3–4, 2025, at BEXCO, Busan, in collaboration with DYETEC, KOFOTI, and Textile TechForum. Busan proved to be a dynamic venue for innovation and a vibrant city worth visiting. The two-day conference featured powerful insights and inspiration from global speakers: ■ Christian Cavell (SYRE) demonstrated breakthrough solutions for textile recycling. ■ Kasper Nossent (DyeCoo Textile Systems B.V.) shared responsible dyeing innovations. ■ Isabell Sarah Karmel (RHEON LABS) presented advanced performance fiber technologies.

Dr. Byung Kab Song (Dyetec), Matthias W. Gluth (Dornbirn GFC), Prof. Thomas Gries (RWTH Aachen), and speaker from Kore Dr. Byung Kab Song, Dyetec, Korea

■ Prof. Kanji Kajiwara (Shinshu University, Japan) made a compelling collective call for innovation as the key to a better future.

The event truly celebrated global collaboration, sustainability, and technological progress in the fiber and textile sector. https://www.dornbirn-gfc.com

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2025-26 BUYER’S

GUIDE

Your Complete Resource to Industry Companies Offering the Products & Services You Need! FIBERS, FILAMENTS & PROCESSING SOLUTIONS

ifj.com

Adobe stock/hathairat

2025

BUYER’S GUIDE YOUR RESOURCE FOR QUALITY SUPPLIERS

Find the Industry’s Best in the Next Issue of IFJ. Find Resources at www.fiberjournal.com/ buyers-guide 46 IFJ ISSUE 3 2025

GFC Collaboration with ReHubs of Brussels As a highlight of the event, Dornbirn GFC presents a lecture series in cooperation with ReHubs, a collaborative platform aiming to scale up textile waste recycling in Europe by promoting recycled fibres. The information presented will drive the shift toward a circular textile industry through cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Petra Schweiger, Project Consultant, says, “As a synergy-driven alliance, ReHubs is pleased to join Dornbirn GFC, together with our community partners, to showcase collaborative projects and case studies that advance circular business models and textile-to-textile recycling.” The lecture series features contributions from ReHubs members, including Recover™ Textile Systems (Spain), Resortecs (Belgium), Refashion (France), Rester & Touchpoint (Finland), and Rematrix & Rubber Conversion (Italy). Also at GFC, led by Prof. Thomas Gries from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, attendees will hear from scientists and industry leaders who will again present their joint innovations. These include:

■ Staler Anlagenbau GmbH, Germany, “Sorting It Out – Inspired by Waste.” Learnings from other waste streams help shape textile sorting technologies. High-preci-sion recognition, cross-sector collaboration, and enabling regulations are key for a functioning circular economy. ■ RWTH Aachen, Kira Heins, “The Journey of a New Material in the Construction Industry.” ■ LEIPA, Schwedt, “A Simulation-Based Path to Energy Efficiency in BCF Yarn Production.” This talk highlights how process simulations can lead to significant energy savings in yarn production. ■ OceanSafe, Switzerland, “coNea by OceanSafe.” A revolutionary, 100% bio-based filament and staple fiber, coNea is biodegradable, free from harmful substances, and based on lignin—a wood-derived polymer. It combines sus-tainability with excellent performance for both industrial and consumer applications. The annual exhibition and networking opportunities with global industry professionals make GFC a conference to attend in 2025. www.dornbirn-gfc.com

SHOW PREVIEW

We Form the Future AMX -The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo is North America’s largest composite and advanced materials industry expo and conference program, bringing together all aspects of the world’s composites and advanced materials communities. CAMX 2025 will be held September 8-11 in Orlando, FL. With 2024 attendees topping 6,300 attendees, CAMX brings together an incredibly diverse group of manufacturers, OEMs, innovators, suppliers, distributors, and educators as they present the latest advancements in composites manufacturing, product design, and materials engineering. From aerospace to automotive, construction to marine, industrial manufacturing to sporting goods, CAMX is the place to replace the materials of yesterday with more cost-efficient, highperformance composites that can form a brighter future. Attendees will see the latest products, gain solutions insight, and be empowered by knowledge in the composites and advanced materials industry. Jointly owned and produced by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), CAMX is a driving force in fostering collaboration and growth. CAMX offers a comprehensive education program for the composites and advanced materials industry, featuring diverse sessions led by industry experts. Aligned with the theme "combined strength, unsurpassed innovation," CAMX invites companies and individuals to submit abstracts for opportunities to present their latest products, applications, case studies, and research. As a speaker, you should be prepared to inspire and engage your attendees with proven and cited research, case studies, demonstrations, and an interactive discussion.

Keynote for 2025 CAMX organizers announced Sheryl Connelly, Leading Futurist & Global Consumer Trends Expert and former Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company, as the keynote speaker for CAMX 2025. The keynote, titled “Unlocking Tomorrow: How Innovation is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing,” will explore the transformative power of innovation across industries. Drawing on over two decades of experience guiding strategy and innovation in one of the world’s most complex industries, Connelly will provide attendees with actionable insights to navigate global trends, embrace uncertainty, and drive breakthrough innovation. “Innovation is at the heart of the

composites and advanced materials industries,” said Rebekah Stacha, CEO of SAMPE. “Sheryl Connelly’s unparalleled experience in translating future trends into actionable strategies aligns perfectly with CAMX’s goals of inspiring and empowering industry professionals to redefine what’s possible.” From lighter, stronger aerospace components to cutting-edge transportation solutions, composites and advanced materials are reshaping industries. In her keynote, Connelly will demystify the process of tapping into global shifts and provide attendees with tools to lead their companies into the next era of manufacturing excellence. Connelly’s tenure at Ford Motor Company included spearheading the automaker’s trend forecasting and scenario planning initiatives, enabling the company to anticipate and adapt to global shifts. Her expertise has been featured in major outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Fast Company. “Sheryl’s perspective on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and human behavior will resonate with all sectors of our industry,” said Cindy L. Squires Esq., President & CEO of ACMA.

CAMPFIRE SESSIONS

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The Expo Hall

EXPOSITION

“Insight on how these concepts fit with one another will not only inspire attendees but also provide them with ideas that could take their companies to new heights in an ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.”

Camx Tracks and Categories Speakers will present categories such as: ■ Additive Manufacturing ■ Bonding and Joining ■ Business, Regulatory, and Workforce Development ■ Design, Analysis, and Simulation ■ Green & Sustainability ■ Manufacturing & Processing Technologies ■ Market Applications ■ Non-Destructive Evaluation & Testing

Awards for Composites Excellence Awards for Composites Excellence (ACE), a prestigious composites industry competition, recognizes outstanding achievement and innovation in technology,

manufacturing, and product development. The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), host to the longstanding awards program, will present six awards in three categories at CAMX. Categories include: Design, Manufacturing, and Market Growth. The ACE Award provides industry recognition and prestige to deserving and groundbreaking industry work.

Outstanding Technical Paper Awards Outstanding Technical Paper Awards will be presented to researchers who put together well-written, interesting and groundbreaking Technical Papers that have addressed critical areas of importance to the composites and advanced materials industry from business, applications, and research perspectives. Winning Technical Papers will be granted one complimentary full conference registration. All accepted technical papers are automatically considered for this award.

Poster Session The Poster Session allows the next generation of researchers, engineers and industry professionals from universities and organizations around the globe to showcase their research and commercial applications of composites and advanced materials. Posters are displayed onsite and 3 entries are recognized for their research content and contributions, and poster creativity and design.

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The CAMX Exhibit Hall showcases a diverse array of businesses from industries including aerospace, automotive, architecture, 3-D printing, marine, transportation, recycling, wind energy, construction and infrastructure, sports and leisure, software, and academic research. Attendees had the opportunity to see cutting-edge solutions and network with key players shaping the future of composites. At the time of printing there are 440 exhibitors. “CAMX has firmly established itself as North America’s premier event for the composites industry,” said Rebekah Stacha, SAMPE CEO. “The depth and breadth of innovation on display made it clear that CAMX is well positioned to continue to push boundaries and drive progress with the innovations that shape the world around us.”

Conference Tutorials

n Mastering Material Reliability: Statistical & Physical Failure Analysis September 8th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Presented by: Dr. Felix Chen, Reliability Manager, Kymeta Corporation

n NDT of Composites and Advances in Manual Scanning Equipment September 8th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Presented by: John Register | President, R-CON NDT Inc.

n Hybrid Composite Materials: Innovations in Design & Manufacturing September 8th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Presented by: Dr. Vipin Kumar, R&D Staff Member, Composites and Fiber Manufacturing

n UV Curing for Composites: Faster, Cleaner, and More Efficient Manufacturing September 8th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Presented by: Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Technical Service & Business Development Manager, Allnex USA

Registration will be opening soon, so stay tuned for updates to secure your spot. Visit https://www.thecamx.org/ for more information as it is released.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Airtech Acquires UK-Based Cosmotec Nonwovens In Strategic Transatlantic Deal irtech Advanced Materials Group, a global supplier of high-performance materials headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, has acquired UK specialist manufacturer Cosmotec Nonwovens in a strategic move to expand its European footprint and broaden its product offering across multiple industrial sectors. Founded in Blackburn, Cosmotec Nonwovens manufactures needle-punch and air-bonded nonwoven textiles from its site in the heart of the UK’s historic textile manufacturing region. Its products serve geotextile, filtration, construction, and automotive markets, with a reputation for specialist engineering, agile lead times, and high-quality technical output. The acquisition represents a major milestone for Cosmotec, which will become an integral part of Airtech’s global operations. With a presence already spanning the US, Europe, and Asia, Airtech supplies advanced materials to the aerospace, composites, defense, and automotive industries. By integrating Cosmotec’s capabilities, Airtech will strengthen its European manufacturing base and enhance its ability to serve global customers with an expanded range of nonwoven solutions. airtech.com

B.I.G. Yarns Strengthens European Market Position I.G. Yarns, a leading designer and manufacturer of polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET) carpet yarns for commercial, automotive, residential, and technical applications, announced a significant investment of €25 million in its French yarn production site. This investment reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and European manufacturing. It includes the installation of cutting-edge BCF lines, enhancing B.I.G. Yarns’ leadership in one-step 3-ply yarns and further solidifying its position as a key player in the global market. bintg.com

Carolina Nonwovens Announces Key Executive Promotions arolina Nonwovens, a subsidiary of National Spinning Co. Inc. announced the promotion of Ed Hull to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Greg Gerald to Executive Vice President of Sales. Hull and Gerald have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of Carolina Nonwovens over the past 12 years, and these promotions reflect their continued dedication and leadership. Hull has demonstrated exceptional operational expertise and strategic vision, playing a crucial role in the company’s development. As COO, he will continue to drive operational excellence and innovation as the company scales its capabilities and extend its reach in the industry. Gerald’s leadership in sales has been pivotal in expanding our market presence and fostering strong relationships with customers. As Executive Vice President of Sales, he will spearhead the sales strategy, focusing on continued growth and customer satisfaction. Carolina Nonwovens is a leading producer of nonwoven fiber pads for the automotive, appliance, construction and bedding industries.

EDANA and INDA Advocate for Global Collaboration on Trade Policies DANA, the global association and voice representing the nonwovens and related industries, and INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, jointly expressed their concerns regarding escalating trade tensions. Both associations recognize the potential for countermeasures and reciprocal tariffs to negatively impact the nonwovens

industry globally. The nonwovens industry is a global sector, with many companies having significant operations worldwide, including in Europe and the United States. It is crucial to avoid a harmful cycle of retaliatory tariffs that could have a net negative effect on economies worldwide. Both EDANA and INDA urge policymakers to prioritize negotiations and seek mutually beneficial resolutions. “While we understand the need to address unfair trade practices, we urge regions to prioritize negotiations and seek mutually beneficial resolutions,” stated Murat Dogru, General Manager at EDANA. “Escalating tariffs create uncertainty and can disrupt supply chains, ultimately harming industries and consumers.” Tony Fragnito, INDA’s President & CEO added, “ The nonwovens industry supports fair trade and a level playing field. We encourage policymakers to consider the broader impact of trade measures and to pursue policies that foster collaboration and free trade.” www.inda.org ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 49

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Japan’s Carbon Fiber Makers at Risk From EU Crackdown he EU is reportedly considering a ban on carbon fiber used in the automotive sector. Japanese firms like Toray holds over 50% of the global market, and such restrictions could significantly impact Japan’s advanced materials industry, according to a report from MoneyDJ, citing Nikkei. As noted by the report, the EU is conducting an assessment due to concerns that carbon fibers released during disposal could pose health risks. The report points out that the EU is currently discussing revisions to the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive, which governs the recycling of scrapped vehicles. In the draft amendment presented by the European Parliament, carbon fiber has been newly added to the list of hazardous substances restricted for use in vehicles, and if the amendment is adopted, it would mark the first time globally that carbon fiber is subject to usage regulation. The virtual ban could take effect in 2029 if adopted, according to another report from Nikkei. However, due to strong opposition from affected industries, it may ultimately be withdrawn, the report adds. Carbon fiber, known for being stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum, is widely used in aircraft and other applications, and electric vehicles are expected to drive carbon fiber market growth, as minimizing vehicle weight is more critical for EVs than for combustion-engine cars. Automobiles account for 10% to 20% of all carbon fiber use, the Nikkei adds. www.asia.nikkei.com

Jones Family of Cos. taps Dennis St. Louis as Chief Sales Officer for Nonwovens Division ennis St. Louis has been named chief sales officer of Jones Nonwovens, a division of Jones Family of Companies. A seven-year veteran with the company, St. Louis will lead the company’s efforts to improve its sales approach and customer engagement model, focusing on expanding market presence and strengthening industry partnerships in bedding, furniture, automotive and specialty products. St. Louis has a proven track record in sales leadership, business growth and strategic planning. He joined Jones in 2018 as senior director of sales and was named senior vice president of sales for the bedding and furniture division in 2022. Prior to joining Jones, St. Louis was vice president for Creative Ticking for more than four years. He also held sales positions with Vita Nonwovens, Burlington House and Tietex International. The company said his industry expertise and market knowledge will be instrumental in maintaining the existing reputation of quality at Jones Nonwovens while fostering further growth and innovation. www.jonesfamilyco.com

DuPont Wins Four Edison Awards uPont announced that four of its innovative material technologies w e re re c o g n i z e d w i t h t h e prestigious 2025 Edison Awards™. Selected from hundreds of nominees, DuPont received two Gold awards, a Silver and a Bronze. The four DuPont innovations awarded this year include: • Gold – Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber won a Gold in the Critical Safety Material Advancements category. • Gold – Tyvek® Trifecta™ A2 breather membrane won a Gold in the High-Performance Engineering Materials category. • Silver – AmberLite™ P2X110 ion exchange resin won a Silver in the Energy Storage and Management category. • Bronze – DuPont™ Ikonic™ 9000 semiconductor polishing pad won a Bronze in the Semiconductor Innovations for AI & HPC category. Established in 1987, The Edison Awards™ recognize excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design, and innovation. www.dupont.com

Andrew Dailey Promoted to General Manager of Jones Sustainable Packaging ones Family of Companies, an industry leader in sustainable textile manufacturing, announced the promotion of Andrew Dailey to General Manager of Jones Sustainable Packaging (JSP). In this role, Dailey brings invaluable leadership experience and industry knowledge to support Jones’ expansion targeting sustainable solutions and innovation in cold chain packaging. Andrew Dailey is a long-time member of the Jones leadership team, playing a key role in establishing the reputation for innovation, quality, and sustainability that continues to define Jones today. He initially joined in 1991 as VP of Sales and Marketing and led sales at Jones Yarn for 25 years before transitioning to Nonwovens. Under Dailey’s direction, both the Yarn and Nonwovens divisions were able to expand into new markets and improve their product offerings all while fostering new and existing customer relationships in alignment with Jones’ customer-focused approach to manufacturing. www.jonesfamilyco.com

50 IFJ ISSUE 3 2025

Jieya to Build Wipes Plant With 12 Lines in Virginia ieya Biologic Technology, one of China’s leading suppliers of paper products, announced an investment of $85 million to build a new plant in the United States. The decision aims to strengthen its operations in the international market and respond to changes in global trade policies, according to news reports. The plant will be located in the state of Virginia and will have 12 production lines for small and large packaged products, with the capacity to manufacture 15 billion wet wipes a year. With the new plant, the company intends to improve service to current customers, strengthen its international expansion capacity and adapt to the global trade scenario. However, the plan is still subject to approval by the regulatory authorities in China and the U.S. Based in Tongling, China, Jieya operates under the original design or equipment manufacturing model, producing wet wipes and face masks for companies such as Woolworths, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, 3M and Rockline. It also sells its own brand products on a smaller scale.

INDA Announces Four Industry Leaders to Join 2025 Board of Directors INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the election of four industry leaders to its 2025 Board of Directors. The Board plays a vital role in guiding INDA’s strategic vision, ensuring responsiveness to evolving industry and member needs, and shaping policies and programs. “We are excited to welcome these exceptional professionals whose insights, extensive experience, and leadership will significantly enhance INDA’s initiatives,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA. “Their collective expertise will further strengthen our role as the leading resource for industry knowledge, technical innovation, workforce development, market intelligence, and sustainability within the nonwovens sector.” The newly appointed Board Members are: • Ginny Casstevens, Director of Sales – North America, Fibertex Nonwovens, Inc. • Aleksandra Kruszewska, Director R&D Business Development, Reckitt • Mark Tumelty, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Nice-Pak Products, Inc. • Mariagiovanna Ramini Vetere, Vice President Sustainability and Public Affairs, NatureWorks www.inda.org

INDA Honors Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly with 2025 Lifetime Service Awards

INDA Lifetime Awards 2025: Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly

NDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly as the recipients of the 2025 INDA Lifetime Service Awards. Carl and Lynda are recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA. “I am thrilled to recognize Carl and Lynda for their exceptional dedication and impactful contributions,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs at INDA. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy play vital roles in shaping the future of the nonwovens industry. I am looking forward to seeing and giving them their Awards at Hygienix and IDEA®25.” Carl Cucuzza will receive his award during the Hygienix™ Conference on November 18th at 4:30 pm. Lynda Kelly will receive her award during IDEA®25. www.inda.org

ITMA 2027 to be Held in Hannover he city of Hanover, Germany, is eagerly waiting to welcome participants of the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition – ITMA 2027. The exhibition will be held September 16-22, 2027. It is expected to gross 200,000 square meters, occupying 13 exhibition halls at the Messegelaende Hannover. Held once every four years since 1951, ITMA was last staged in the German city in 1991. The bid for ITMA 2027 was submitted by the venue owner Deutsche Messe in close cooperation with the capital of Lower Saxony and the office of the Lord Mayor. Belit Onay, Mayor and CEO of the City of Hanover enthused, “We are elated to have successfully bid for ITMA 2027. A bustling hub for trade fairs and congresses, the city looks forward to welcoming ITMA back to Hanover after more than 30 years. www.itma.com

ISSUE 3 2025 ifj.com 51

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Trelleborg Announces Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Nottingham Trent University

Beaulieu Announces the Sale of Beaulieu Technical Textiles

relleborg, a leader in engineered coated fabrics, announced a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Medical Technologies Innovation Facility. This collaboration, part-funded by Innovate UK, aims to expand Trelleborg’s capabilities in smart fabrics for healthcare applications through cutting-edge innovation and research-driven solutions. The partnership will propel the development of a smart mattress system designed to enhance patient care and reduce medical interventions, further cementing Trelleborg’s position as a leader in advanced medical textiles. Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Medical TechNottingham Trent University’s Medical Technolo- nologies Innovation Facility in UK. gies Innovation Facility accelerates the research, development and delivery of innovative medical technologies and services for organizations across the breadth of medical and health sectors, by widening access to world-class facilities, equipment and expertise. www.ntu.ac.uk

eaulieu International Group (BIG) has announced the sale of its European technical textiles division, operating under the name Beaulieu Technical Textiles (BTT). Beaulieu Technical Textiles will be sold to funds advised by Munichbased RCP, an independent, international private equity firm investing across industries in Europe. Its focus is on special situations and transformational environments, particularly corporate carve-outs. RCP actively develops and transforms businesses through performance improvements and buy-andbuild strategies. The local management of BTT will remain on board and the employees will be transferred under the same salary and working conditions. Beaulieu Technical Textiles is based in Komen, Belgium, and employs 194 people today. Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed. www.beaulieutechnicaltextiles.com

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Tracking Fiber Trends & Innovation, Material Science, & Supply Chain Impacts You Need to Know

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CHT..........................................................................cht.com.........................................................................................9 EDANA Index 2026.................................................indexnonwovens.com..................................................................1 Fi-Tech Inc................................................................fi-tech.com.................................................................................. 11 IFJ Buyer’s Guide.....................................................www.fiberjournal.com/buyers-guide.......................................46 ITMA Asia................................................................itmaasia.com/shanghai2026/index.html...................................3 Mozart.....................................................................www.fi-tech.com...................................................................... C2 World of Wipes (WOW)..........................................worldofwipes.org...................................................................... C3 Polytex Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd..................polytex.cc / e-plastmer.com..................................................... C4 IFC = Inside Front Cover | IBC = Inside Back Cover | BC = Back Cover

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