International Fiber Journal – Issue 4, 2025

ADVANCED TEXTILES IN SPACE & OTHER COOL PLACES

Suresh Patel, Sidwin Fabrics,

Revolutionizing Crop Protection Through Use of Nonwoven Fabrics By Arun Rao, Correspondent to India

Correspondent Cars

Decarbonizing

International Correspondent

Correspondent to Africa

Cover: Getty Images Entertainment/Vincenzo Lombardo

Caryn Smith

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

Raymond Chimhandamba

Correspondent to Africa Handas Consulting ray@raychimhandamba.com

Geoff Fisher European Editor gfisher@textilemedia.com +44 1603.308158

Sanjay Wahal Founder Decarbonization, LLC sanjay.wahal@gmail.com T: +1 920.562.9639

Adrian Wilson International Correspondent adawilson@gmail.com +44 7897.913134

Wes Fisher Director of Government Affairs INDA wfisher@inda.org T: +1 919 459 3726

Arun Rao

Correspondent to India Owner, Taurus Communications arun@tauruscomm.net

David Oertel Principal Scientist Procter & Gamble oertel.dc@pg.com

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2025 CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS

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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.

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Textiles in Fashion and Function

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

— Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer

ashion and function are the future of textiles. While people love a great outfit for a special event, their daily go-to prioritizes comfort first, then fashion. This mindset is taking precedence in designer clothing decisions – function is truly the new black. Reasons include the work-fromhome and work-from-anywhere boom, an emphasis on sustainable and ethical fashion, and an increased focus on prioritizing physical and mental health. These are making way for trends in athleisure wear, relaxed fits, loungewear, and more. But don’t get me wrong, we all still want to look good, and we also want our living spaces to reflect our fashion sense, too.

FIn this issue, we see the yin/yang of fashion and function play out in the universe, quite literally. Adrian Wilson explores the brave new world where astronauts wear Prada on page 16. As space programs gain mainstream support, industries like fashion are following suit. Recently, a group of prominent women in the U.S. toured space in a commercial flight, yet captured more attention for their sleek blue astro-wear. Their suits didn’t require life support functions, allowing fashion sense to take the lead.

Now, in a historic collaboration, the design team at Prada have entered the spacesuit fashion show, taking a leading role in outfitting astronauts with functional, fashionable, and advanced high-tech fabrics featuring their signature designer details. Astronauts will be ready for prime time television as much as they are prepared to ‘boldly go into new worlds.’

Also in this issue, Geoff Fisher explores how the fashion vs. function mentality is redefining automobile interiors, on page 20. The future of car design is less about driving and more about living. As automation

advances, drivers will have time to relax, read, or browse devises in a personal space designed to enjoy. Interiors are being outfitted with luxurious textiles, distinctive seat designs, and high-end materials with refined finishes. Durability is blending with fashion to create very cool environments.

Tackling a growing problem, Sanjay Wahal, PhD shares research on “The Transformative Potential of Gene-Edited LowLignin Trees,” on page 24. The pulp and paper sector is a significant contributor to global industrial greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the energy- and chemicallyintensive process of lignin removal during pulping. The large-scale adoption of lowlignin trees could substantially reduce the carbon footprint of pulping operations.

Adrian Wilson also shares his review of the Kingpins Show on page 31, highlighting how jeans are evolving with innovation, such as graphic printing on denim and advanced recycling techniques. Sustainability remains top of mind for the supply chain, from eco-friendly dyeing processes to denim recovery for recycling.

Keep an eye on the emerging hubs of Africa (p. 34) and India (p. 12) as both regions are trending up with fascinating innovations in textiles and nonwowens.

End of year industry events are bursting with ideas. AT Expo, ITMA Asia + CITME, and OUTLOOK are establishing that they are must-attend for any company elevating their business. (See previews on p. 52.)

Until next time! Please don’t hesitate to contact me at csmith@inda.org with ideas, an article pitch, or thoughts on this issue!

Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media, IFJ

2025-26 BUYER’S GUIDE NOW UPDATED ON PAGE 55! https://www.fiberjournal.com/ buyers-guide/

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TECH

SPOTLIGHT

Performing Antiviral Tests on Protective Clothing for Infection Control

Textiles functionalized with antiviral agents are intended to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens, particularly in a medical environment. These antiviral properties must be carefully tested and verified in laboratory tests. The biological testing laboratory of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) has examined antiviral activities with coronaviruses as part of an interdisciplinary research project on textiles for infection control.

Viruses can survive on plastic surfaces or textiles for several hours to days. These surfaces therefore play an important role in the transmission of viruses as pathogens. Numerous studies were done on this topic during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Textiles treated with antiviral agents can help to reduce this risk of transmission. This offers added value, especially for textiles used in medical environments.

In order to confirm these antiviral properties, laboratory tests are the state of the art and help to minimize trials in a medical environment. However, working with viruses is very complex and elaborate, as viruses cannot be proliferated on culture media like bacteria. By definition, viruses are not living organisms because they are dependent on host cells to replicate.

For laboratory tests, this means that both technical expertise in microbiology and in cell culture technology must be combined for successful work. For laboratory activities involving human and animal pathogens, official authorization is required. The DITF biological testing laboratory is authorized for work with pathogens in accordance with the German Infection Protection Act and the Animal

Pathogens Ordinance up to risk group 2. These are microorganisms that can cause disease in humans or animals which can be well controlled generally.

Usually, test laboratories carry out antiviral tests with so-called bacteriophages because they are easier to handle. These viruses use bacteria as host cells to replicate. A different, more realistic approach was taken at the DITF as part of a research project. Here, antiviral activity was determined against a coronavirus.

With the MHV virus, a coronavirus was chosen that is genetically very closely related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and uses eukaryotic cells as a host. Eukaryotic cells are cells with a nucleus such as those found in humans and animals. The test procedure for determining the

the host cells are used to determine the number of viruses indirectly as they are not visible under the light microscope due to their very small size.

As part of the joint research project with Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG to develop antimicrobial protective clothing for infection control based on AGXX® technology, a test protocol was developed at the DITF biological laboratory to determine the antiviral activity against a coronavirus. A significant inactivation of MHV coronaviruses of more than 99 percent was demonstrated in textiles

finished with AGXX®. The tests on the antiviral properties of textiles against a coronavirus make an important contribution to the development and quality control of antiviral textiles.

antiviral efficacy against coronaviruses had to be adapted to both the viruses and the host cells. In case the host cells are infected by the viruses and used as a “replication machine,” these cells show damages, so-called cytopathic effects, which are clearly visible under the light microscope. The visible damages to

www.ditf.de

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.

Cell seeding of host cells to determine the number of viruses.

Cytopathic effects on host cells by viruses (100x). AImages

Intact host cells (NCTC) before virus contact (100x).

TECH

NOTES

Braskem and Ardent Advance Breakthrough Olefin Separation Technology

Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and Ardent Process Technologies, announced the successful completion of their joint development program for an innovative olefin-paraffin separation technology, marking a significant advancement in polyolefin production efficiency.

The collaboration, which began in November 2020, centered on the development and testing of Ardent’s Optiperm TM membrane technology at a dedicated demonstration unit within Braskem’s facilities. The rigorous development program satisfactorily met key performance metrics, including membrane efficiency, durability, and operational stability.

Following these results, Braskem has confirmed its intention to implement this groundbreaking technology across commercial facilities. Engineering and design work have already commenced for the first commercial installation.

“This technology represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions,” said Gus Hutras, Global Process Technology Director at Braskem. “The successful pilot results align with our vision of transforming the chemicals and plastics industry through innovation while advancing our goals toward carbon neutrality. We’re excited to move this breakthrough technology into commercial implementation.” www.ardenttechnologies.com

RE&UP Secures C2C Certified Circularity for All Products

RE&UP has become the first company in the textile industry to achieve C2C Certified® Circularity for all products. This certification, granted by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to RE&UP, is a gold-standard validation for designs that are prepared with circularity in mind.

The certification covers three RE&UP’s products:

• Next-Gen Recycled Cotton (Pre-Consumer) –Platinum level

• Next-Gen Recycled Cotton (Post-Consumer) –Platinum level

• Textile-to-Textile Recycled Polyester Chips –Silver level

The certification process evaluates materials based on their chemical safety, compatibility for recycling, end-of-life recovery systems, and inclusion of recycled content, among other criteria.

Eco Intelligent Growth (EIG), an accredited thirdparty assessment body, conducted the evaluation. www.reandup.com

Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), an industry leader in the design, development, and manufacture of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, highlights its innovative Vectran® webbing product line, which continues to revolutionize safety-critical applications across multiple industries. This high-performance material offers exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to extreme conditions, making it ideal for demanding environments.

Manufactured from liquid crystal polymer, Vectran® webbing features high tensile strength for superior load-bearing capacity, excellent resistance to flex fatigue, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. One of its key characteristics is very low creep, resulting in minimal elongation under stress over time, as well as low elongation and dimensional stability under continuous load.

Industries benefiting from this advanced material include PPE protective textiles, inflatables, and tensile structures in both specialty commercial and aerospace sectors.

These characteristics make Vectran ® webbing particularly wellsuited for applications where maintaining structural integrity is crucial.

BRM’s Vectran ® webbing finds applications in various safety-critical systems, including inflatable systems for aerostats and space habitats, harness and bridle applications for aerospace deceleration systems, safety restraints, and tethers and bridles.

In a collaboration with Luna Innovations, BRM demonstrated the versatility and advanced capabilities of its Vectran® webbing by weaving Luna’s embedded fiber optic sensors into the material. The webbing was subsequently integrated into an inflatable test article that was evaluated at NASA Johnson Space Center, highlighting the potential for Vectran® webbing in advanced aerospace applications, particularly in the development of inflatable habitat structures for future space missions. www.ballyribbon.com

Pilot membrane module used for olefin separation technology development.

Bally

RE&UP and Marchi & Fildi to co-develop a new generation of premium recycled cotton yarns.

Researchers Develop AI-Based Textile Recycling System

A research team at Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) is developing a fully automated system to identify, sort, and disassemble garments at high speed and in high volume, for textile recycling in efforts to address a critical global waste problem.

Led by program manager Mark Walluk, the team, consisting of staff engineers Ryan Parsons ’17 (mechanical engineering), Nick Spears ’24 (robotics and manufacturing engineering technology), Sri Priya Das, Ronald Holding and Christopher Piggot ’91 (computer engineering and technology), as well as associate research professor Abu Islam, is using an automated system to detect and remove these non-recyclable elements to enable higher-value material recovery.

Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer Ryan Parsons, right, calibrates a laser safety tube for an AI-guided robotic arm while associate research professor Abu Islam, back left, oversees the performance. The machine uses machine learning and laser technology to identify and remove non-recyclable material. Carlos Ortiz/RIT

The process begins with a conveyor-fed imaging station where three specialized cameras generate a high-resolution, multi-dimensional map of the garment which allows for fiber composition analysis down to the millimeter level. The system then leverages artificial intelligence and machine vision to identify and remove non-recyclable elements from clothing, which proved to be a unique challenge for the team.

Though still in the pilot phase, the technology is already attracting interest globally from recyclers in the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and Latin America. The team anticipates transitioning the system to its partners for continued testing and potential deployment later this year. www.rit.edu

SCHÜTZ

New Bike Backpack with Polyamide From BASF

The new TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+ bike backpack from VAUDE, the leading manufacturer of sustainable outdoor clothing and equipment, sets new standards in collaboration with BASF.

For the manufacturing of the backpack, VAUDE uses BASF’s innovative Ultramid® ZeroPCF, a polyamide (PA) 6 with a product carbon footprint (PCF) of zero.

For the production of Ultramid ZeroPCF, BASF uses renewable electricity from the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm and attributes biomethane and bio-based feedstock from used cooking oil instead of fossil raw materials. The methodology follows an ISCC+ certified mass balance approach. The mass-balanced product has the same properties as the conventional product but outperforms it in terms of sustainability.

BASF had already announced the expansion of its polyamide product portfolio to include Ultramid LowPCF and Ultramid ZeroPCF variants in October 2024. The VAUDE bike backpack is now the first product to use Ultramid ZeroPCF. www.basf.com

Frank Reil, Marcel Schmitt (both BASF) and René Bethmann (VAUDE) with the new TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+. BASF SE

COMPOSITES Presents Customized Lightweight Solutions

SCHÜTZ COMPOSITES presented one of the most versatile solutions for modern aerospace, vehicle construction and motorsport applications at JEC World 2025: the high-tech lightweight material CORMASTER®

For four decades, the name CORMASTER® has been synonymous with quality and innovation. The material combines outstanding mechanical strength with minimal weight and is made from aramid paper, which is shaped into a hexagonal honeycomb structure in a high-precision process. Thanks to its resistance to extreme temperatures, moisture, oils and paraffin, CORMASTER ® is suitable for demanding applications that require maximum resilience.

The SCHÜTZ COMPOSITES portfolio includes a wide range of product types – from honeycomb sheets, which are also available in both milled and thermally formed versions, to sandwich panels and

engineered panels. CORMASTER ® CN1 honeycombs are primarily used where the main requirements are maximum performance and low weight. CORMASTER ® C1 honeycombs are suitable for many important structural and sandwich applications in the aerospace industry. CORMASTER® C2 honeycomb is used in a range of structural and sandwich applications in industry and sports, such as in cars, trains, ships and high-performance sailing yachts.

In recent years the company has been upgrading the production facilities for its CORMASTER® products. A clean room with an area of over 1,000 m² in Siershahn (Germany) was added in 2021 to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness. This space allows the company to process exceptionally sensitive materials such as prepregs at the highest level and so meet even the most demanding quality requirements of its customers. www.schuetz.net

The systems produce honeycomb blocks in a highly automated process. SCHÜTZ

TECH

NOTES

BMW Found a Lighter Greener Material to Ditch Carbon Fiber

German auto maker BMW has unveiled a new lightweight material that could serve as a greener alternative to carbon fiber, offering reduced CO 2 emissions. After testing it in racing environments, natural fiber composites, made from renewable materials, are now ready to make their way into BMW production models.

Development of this material took several years and was a collaboration with Swiss clean-tech company Bcomp, which is also working with Porsche, Volvo, and Polestar. The goal was to reduce the carbon footprint of vehicle components without sacrificing performance.

The material is derived from flax seeds (the same plant linen is made from). This natural fiber composite is strong enough to rival carbon fiber, featuring a distinctive pattern that gives it a unique look. This makes it a solid choice for visible vehicle components, both inside and out.

BMW has already teased photos showing natural fiber composite parts on what appears to be a BMW M4 Coupe. These include the entire roof section, rear diffuser, and hood inserts. www.bmwgroup.com

Ekoten Tekstil Advances Sustainable Textile Manufacturing with AI-Powered Innovation

Microban Unveils PFAS-Free Water-Resistant Textile Technologies

Microban International, a leader in product protection solutions, announced the launch of H 2O Shield, a PFAS- and PFOS-free water-resistant finish portfolio for textiles. This technology represents Microban’s first expansion outside of its traditional antimicrobial and odor control offerings, marking a significant growth of its capabilities.

H 2 O Shield is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance textile finishes and offers a consumer-friendly alternative for brands phasing out harmful chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This includes the class of chemicals, PFOS, well-known for their extensive use, persistence in the environment and potential health concerns.

The technology is customizable, offering four distinct repellent options tailored to meet specific aesthetic and performance needs of manufacturers and brands:

• WR1000: Best suited for overall water repellency in lowtouch applications such as shower curtains, awnings and tents.

• WR1001: Optimized for wicking performance for athletic and sweat-resistant apparel such as performance jackets, ski jackets and running fabrics.

• WR1002: Formulated to address chalking defects and color shift issues on dark-colored fabrics prone to scratches, such as hiking gear and gloves.

• WR1003: Helps to prevent tearing and is best suited for applications where seam slippage is a concern, such as backpacks and tents.

Ekoten Tekstil, a subsidiary of Sun Tekstil, a leading global textile manufacturer, is revolutionizing fabric production with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) applications designed to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality control. Ekoten Tekstil sets a new benchmark for precision in textile manufacturing by integrating AI-powered real-time defect detection into its production lines.

One of the most significant sustainability challenges in textile manufacturing is water consumption, particularly in dyeing and finishing processes, which account for nearly 20% of global industrial water pollution. By reducing defects earlier in production, Ekoten Tekstil’s AI solutions minimize unnecessary reprocessing and excess dyeing cycles, reducing water use at a critical stage of textile production. www.ekoten.com.tr

For fabrics that are traditionally difficult to treat, Microban offers an optional pretreatment, WR-P. This pretreatment expands fabric compatibility, reducing water repellent agent dosage by 15-20% and increasing the wash durability of the treatment.

The technology provides excellent water resistance for textiles, achieving results of 80 or over on the AATCC TM22 spray repellency test. The finish has also been proven to maintain effectiveness even after 20+ home launderings.

Beyond water resistance, H2O Shield is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Microban technologies, including antimicrobial and odor control solutions.

H 2 O Shield technologies are applied using standard wet chemistry processes commonly found in textile manufacturing, such as pad baths. WR-P is applied as a last step during an exhaust process (after a dyeing cycle). www.microban.com

H2O Shield provides excellent water resistance for textiles, achieving results of 80 or over on the AATCC TM22 test.

BMW Group achieves major breakthrough with utilization of natural fiber composites.

From Waste to Value – BB Engineering Sets Standards in PET Recycling

BB Engineering (BBE) specializes in high-quality machine solutions for polymer processing – with a particular focus on recycling. The medium-sized engineering company from Germany is a joint venture between the two industry leaders Oerlikon Barmag (spinning technology) and Brückner (film line technology). Since its foundation in 1998, BBE has pooled the expertise of both parent companies in the fields of extrusion, filtration and synthetic fiber spinning – and applies this in a targeted manner to the development of sustainable solutions.

Today, BBE employs around 160 people in Germany. All systems are developed, designed and pre-assembled at the main site and delivered worldwide. For the Asian market, the company has another production site in Suzhou, China. BBE has a particularly strong presence in Turkey, where numerous yarn manufacturers rely on German system technology and BBE’s service quality.

Recycling Solutions for the Textile Industry: Efficiency Meets Quality

BB Engineering offers customized solutions for textile PET recycling: from filament to filament, flake to filament or postconsumer material to chips. These key technologies illustrate BBE’s expertise in this field:

VarioFil® – Direct extrusion of rPET and bottle flakes

The VarioFil® spinning system is ideal for manufacturers with a diverse product range, small batch sizes or special applications. Especially with regard to recycling processes: In addition to rPET chips, VarioFil also processes bottle flakes or spinning mill production waste – without intermediate stages. The flakes or spinning waste are melted directly at a throughput of up to 980 kg/h and spun into POY. VarioFil® offers excellent yarn qualities with high flexibility that meet the highest demands.

VacuFil® with Visco+® – Intelligent PET-recycling for textile applications

VacuFil® is a customizable system that is specially designed to meet the requirements of the textile industry. In addition to classic bottle flakes, production waste, fibers and fabrics can also be processed as input material. The special feature: The processed melt can either be pelletized, fed into the main

mass flow or spun directly back into filament yarn. In in-house trials on Fiber2Fiber recycling, yarn waste from production was processed with VacuFil® and the melt was spun directly with VarioFil®. The manufacturing performance and yarn values were comparable with virgin material. The key component here is Visco+®, a liquid phase polycondensation that specifically adjusts the viscosity of the PET. This produces a homogeneous melt with optimum properties for the respective end product – at throughputs of up to 25 tons/day.

COBRA – Super efficient continuous large-area fine filter

Another highlight in the portfolio is the newly developed COBRA melt filter. The continuously operating large-area fine filter is equipped with automatic valve switching and inline intermediate cleaning. This unique system enables uninterrupted operation with a constantly high filtration performance – a decisive efficiency advantage in the processing of recycling materials. It offers a maximum filter area of 24 m² with a throughput of max. 4000 kg/h.

Extrusion – Decades of experience for absolutely homogenous melt

Producing a homogeneous melt is hugely challenging, but necessary in order to manufacture certain end products –particularly using rPET. In terms of rPET we offer single-screw extruders (25-4000 kg/h output with a screw diameter of 60-360 mm), extrusion cascades as well as mixers and melt pumps for recycling post-production/ post-consumer PET waste or processing rPET chips.

BB Engineering GmbH | www.bbeng.de | sales@bbeng.de

Sidwin: Revolutionizing Crop Protection Through Use of Nonwoven Fabrics

By Arun Rao

ndia-based Sidwin Fabrics forayed into the production of nonwoven fabrics in 2013.

As farmers, they not only sold fabrics to various segments but also explored the opportunity of using nonwoven fabrics in crop protection, potentially becoming the first Indian company to do so.

Plants and crops are covered with nonwoven fabrics to shield them from the adverse effects of climate change, pests, and animals, ensuring enhanced agricultural productivity. They aid in increasing crop yields, and therefore, farmers harvest around 99% of the crop, as opposed to 80% previously.

Additionally, crop quality is enhanced, enabling farmers to receive a higher price due to the use of these crop covers. Combining all these factors, farmer incomes have also increased by an average of 2025%. Nonwoven fabrics are a low-cost alternative for greenhouses, making them affordable for even small-scale landholding farmers.

Acceptance of crop protection fabrics has now reached 20-25% of agricultural land in India. However, in some states, the use may have even reached up to 30%.

Q+A

IN THIS ISSUE: SURESH PATEL

Director Sidwin Fabrics, India

Sidwin Fabrics has also launched a B2C crop protection brand, Grow Cover, which sells three products under this brand. We spoke with the company’s

Director, Suresh Patel, to gain an understanding of the dynamics of nonwovens use in India.

International Fiber Journal: Could you please share a brief history of your company?

Suresh Patel: Sidwin Fabrics was founded in 2012 and began its journey by manufacturing carry bags using nonwoven fabrics. After achieving success, we decided to venture into spunbond nonwoven fabrics production, a move made at a time when the technology was still in its infancy in India. We recognized significant potential and growth opportunities in this sector and conducted extensive research, including surveys and visits to various countries, to evaluate multiple nonwoven technologies.

We invested in a 3.2-meter-wide doublebeam nonwoven production line with a monthly capacity of 450 tons. The market response was overwhelmingly positive, so in 2019, we commissioned a second production line, a 2.6-meter-wide doublebeam hygiene application. Even amid challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we swiftly adapted to the surge in

demand for medical textiles, including PPE kits and face masks.

In 2021, we expanded further by installing a third SSMS production line with a width of 1.6 meters, mainly to manufacture nonwoven hygiene fabrics and medical fabrics. With the addition of this third line, our manufacturing capacity increased to 1,000 tons per month. Alongside this, we were also converting nonwoven fabrics into consumer bags and continued to add new converted products over the years.

IFJ: Which are the various types of nonwoven fabrics that you produce, and what are their applications?

Patel: We produce nonwoven fabrics ranging from 8 GSM to 240 GSM, which are used in various applications, including consumer and packaging bags, agriculture, medical, and hygiene segments. We also supply value-added nonwoven fabrics for various applications, including anti-static fabrics, fire-retardant fabrics, anti-odor fabrics, and fabrics with hydrophobic properties. We have a very active R&D department, which allows us to customize fabrics according to our customers’ demands. We also collaborate with various Textile Excellence Centers, which have facilitated the design and development of tailored products. We also test our new innovations at the testing laboratories of these centers.

IFJ: Please share more about your journey into nonwoven fabrics used in agriculture applications.

Patel: We hail from a farming community, so after Sidwin forayed into nonwoven fabrics, we explored the opportunity of using nonwoven fabrics for crop protection. We conducted research and trials in 2013, and Sidwin may be the first Indian company to venture into crop protection fabrics.

We went and met farmers directly in villages, educating them through trials conducted in a small patch of land on their farms. Due to this, farmers could discern the difference in yields and quality

between crops protected with nonwoven fabrics and those exposed to weather elements and pests.

Every state in India has established a Krishi Vikas Kendra (KVK), also known as Agriculture Development Centers, in each district of the state. These KVKs guide the farmers to grow their agricultural crops scientifically. We conducted trials at the farms of these KVK’s in various Indian states on vegetable and fruit crops. A few KVK’s also give live demonstrations in their farms to make farmers understand the difference between crops with protective covers and those which are not protected.

IFJ: What is the difference in the yield and quality of agricultural crops protected with nonwoven fabrics?

Patel: The nonwoven fabric cover effectively shields the crops from the effects of climate change, insects, pests, and animals, birds, ensuring enhanced agricultural productivity. When various fruit plants, such as banana and papaya, are

in their infancy, they are most prone to being affected to the extent of 20% due to intense heat and pests. When these plants are covered with nonwoven fabrics, the yield of these crops increases, and farmers are now able to harvest around 99% of the crop, as opposed to 80% earlier.

The quality of these fruits is also enhanced, and farmers can receive a better price due to the benefits that the crop provides. Combining all these factors, farmer incomes, too, have increased by an average 20 to 25%. These fabrics are a low-cost alternative for greenhouses and can be afforded by farmers, even those with smaller land holdings.

IFJ: What growth has been witnessed in usage of nonwoven fabrics for crop protection ever since your company forayed into these fabrics?

Patel: Once the field trials at the KVKs were successful, various Indian state governments started giving subsidies to farmers for using nonwoven fabrics in crop protection, which provided a boost in the consumption of these fabrics. Farmers across India have also come to understand the importance of crop covers, leading to increased acceptance.

Word-of-mouth publicity has played a bigger role in increasing acceptance. Secondly, farmers with large landholdings are more likely to adopt scientific farming methods. Agronomists have also proven to be valuable, as they provide comparative analysis to farmers. The use of nonwoven fabrics for protecting agricultural crops continues to increase with

Sidwin Fabrics factory. Sidwin Fabrics

each passing year. According to our understanding, the acceptance of crop protection fabrics has now reached 20-25% of agricultural land in India. However, in some states, the use may have even reached up to 30%.

We have also launched a B2C brand under the name of Grow Cover. Under the brand, we have three products. One is a Crop Cover, which is like a tunnel and protects a row of plants across the field. The second one, called a Bunch Cover, is for covering a bunch of bananas, papayas, or pomegranates, and is mandatory for fruits meant for exporting. The third are the covers for plants that are in their infancy, as they are more prone to climate change. These covers are typically disposable after a single use. However, some farmers use these fabrics appropriately and reuse them for even two crops.

IFJ: Any planned capacity expansion or new investments shortly?

Patel: We are planning to expand and install a new nonwovens production line later this year. There is a limitation on width when producing nonwoven fabrics. In our case, it is 3.2 meters, but some applications need fabrics with a wider width. We are now planning to purchase a machine that will bond fabrics, allowing for a wider width of fabric that can range up to 32 meters. This wider option will help cover a larger area of the farm, and the main market for these wider fabrics is expected to be Europe and the U.S., as farmers own large landholdings in these regions.

We are currently outsourcing the conversion of our fabrics into various products, including shopping bags, PPE kits, surgical gowns, pillow covers, bed sheets, and crop protection covers. We now have plans to start our stitching unit by installing 50 sewing machines. Currently, the percentage of converted products is 10% of our fabric production, and we will increase this percentage by diversifying into other products.

IFJ: What is the advantage of the products that you offer vis-à-vis those offered by the competition?

Patel: We work on the concept of ethics by not compromising on the quality of fabrics and quoting a competitive price. We also provide prompt deliveries. We treat both small and large buyers equally, because we believe that a small buyer may become a large buyer in the near future. We also customize products for buyers, which has

helped us gain increased loyalty among buyers, fueling company growth. Our existing customers are also now recommending our products to other buyers.

We are also very transparent concerning product pricing. The price of polymers changes on a weekly basis. When the price of polymer is reduced, we reduce the price of the fabrics, even for pending orders. This has induced a trust factor amongst our customers.

IFJ: Please share details of your presence in the Indian and export markets.

Patel: Direct exports account for 30% of our revenue. Indirect exports account for 20%. Sales in the domestic market account for the rest. We have mainly benefited from the China+1 policy, as foreign buyers have diverted their sourcing to India. India has proved to be a dependable and trusted alternative sourcing destination for nonwoven fabrics.

Sidwin’s Bunch Cover is for leafy fruits like bananas, as well as used in exporting (left). Crop Cover creates a protective tunnel for crops like tomatoes (right). Sidwin Fabrics

Sidwin’s Crop Cover protects from various harmful elements that can kill plants. Sidwin Fabrics

IFJ: How important is the sustainability factor for your company? What sustainable products or solutions do you offer to your customers?

Patel: We have secured the Oeko-Tex 100 certification, which we obtained five years ago, making us one of only a few Indian nonwoven fabric producers to hold this certificate. These Oeko-Tex certified fabrics are produced on demand, mainly from European countries and produced using compliant additives and inputs. We are also planning to apply for a Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Certificate, as it has become mandatory when exporting to European countries. We have already started converting the waste from the nonwoven fabrics into granules, which is reused as raw material. Sidwin Fabrics also produces Oxobiodegradable fabrics that offer partial biodegradability. We are also committed to renewable energy. We source 70% of our electricity requirement from solar and wind power.

IFJ: What are the key trends in consumer demand and the growth trajectory of the Indian nonwovens industry?

Patel: Applications in consumer shopping and packing bags are expanding tremendously, with India imposing a ban on using plastic bags with a thickness below 60 GSM. Alongside, innovative stitching and printing technology for bags is also being introduced. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonwoven

materials in the medical segment have also increased, with doctors now opting for PPE kits in lieu of the traditional textile gowns.

With rising per capita incomes and increasing awareness, applications in the hygiene industry, too, has taken off in India as nonwovens make up 90% of a hygiene product. This remarkable increase in demand for hygiene products has led to a surge in demand for nonwoven fabrics. Nonwoven fabrics have also found several new applications in the industrial segment, which too has increased demand.

In 2013, nonwoven fabrics production in India was around 45,000 tons. In 2025, it is now at around 125,000 tons. There was overcapacity post-COVID-19 pandemic, but it has now reached a saturation level. New production capacities are also being set up, particularly by those involved in exports.

Fi-Tech Team connects you to the most technologically advanced suppliers serving the Polymer, Synthetic Fiber, Nonwoven and Textile Industries.

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

customers trust

Infant plants are most prone to harsh environmental elements. Use of Sidwin’s nonwoven cover has increased their farmer customer’s harvest yield from 80% to 99%, and thereby increasing profits. Sidwin Fabrics

By May 31st this year, Blue Origin had taken 64 people into space on its New Shephard reusable, suborbital rocket, including the attention-grabbing all-female crew of U.S. celebrities in designer neoprene in April. No EMUs were needed.

These suits were designed by Monse’s co-founders, Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, in collaboration with Lauren Sanchez.

DESIGNERPrada in Space

New Textile Partnerships Forged in the Commercialization of Space

By Adrian Wilson, International Correspondent, IFJ

For decades, the uncharted exploration of space was largely the domain of government-led organizations, most notably the USA’s NASA. Now, private companies backed by entrepreneurs such as Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin), Elon Musk (SpaceX), and Richard Branson (Virgin Galactic) are now rapidly changing the game.

One result among others is the emergence of non-traditional partnerships to enhance many products for space travel, including the extra-vehicular mobility unit (EMU) spacesuits worn by astronauts for spacewalks.

The hybrid EMU spacesuit currently used on the International Space Station consists of a composite hard upper torso and a soft lower torso assembly, allowing

for a wider range of movement and including body seal closure, waist bearing, and leg sections. A liquid cooling and ventilation garment is worn underneath the pressure suit to help regulate body temperature and remove waste gases, and a primary life support system (PLSS) provides oxygen, manages carbon dioxide, and regulates temperature.

Breaking the Mold

In October last year, however, Houston, Texas-headquartered Axiom Space unveiled its Axiom Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) in Milan, which its says breaks the mold in terms of design and functionality (seen on p. 18).

The AxEMU was developed in close collaboration with Italian luxury fashion brand Prada and will be used for NASA’s

Artemis III mission, which aims to put humans back on the Moon for the first time since 1972, scheduled for mid-2027.

Axiom is keeping details of the materials and construction techniques employed in its creation strictly under wraps, but reports that Prada’s expertise has enabled advanced technologies and sewing methods to marry functional demands with an aesthetically appealing white outer layer, providing astronauts with an increased level of comfort while improving material performance.

New Pathways

“Our elite teams have redefined spacesuit development with the AxEMU,” said Axiom president Matt Ondler. “The Axiom Space-Prada partnership has set a new foundational model for cross-industry collaboration, further expanding what’s possible in commercial space.”

“Going beyond our limits reflects the spirit of the Prada brand,” added Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s chief marketing officer. “I’m very proud of the result which is just the first step in a long-term collaboration with Axiom Space.”

Visual Inspiration

Prada’s design and product development team collaborated with Axiom Space engineers to recommend customized materials and features that will both protect astronauts against the unique challenges of the lunar environment and visually inspire future space exploration.

This program epitomizes how the commercial space industry is enabling non-traditional partnerships to enhance space exploration.

The AxEMU has undergone extensive testing and simulations with a wide range of astronauts and engineers at Axiom Space, SpaceX and NASA facilities. Testing was conducted underwater to simulate the lunar environment with an unoccupied spacesuit at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and reduced gravity simulations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Now nearing its final development stage, the AxEMU has already completed a successful pressurized simulation with

Prada’s

design and product development team collaborated with Axiom Space engineers to recommend customized materials and features that will both protect astronauts against the unique challenges of the lunar environment and visually inspire future space exploration.

Artemis III partners – NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space – marking the first test of its kind since the Apollo era. It continues to undergo further testing prior to its critical design review phase.

Space Race

Rivalry between the governments of the USA and the former-USSR in the so-called ‘Space Race’ spurred on both countries to great achievements within the relatively short period between 1957 and 1969.

Less than ten years after the USSR’s Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel to outer space in 1961, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin stepped onto the surface of the Moon for the USA on July 20, 1969.

The period up to Apollo 11’s triumph provided a driver for the rapid development of many technologies, including new fibers and textiles.

Kevlar and Nomex

Notably in this respect, Kevlar paraaramid fibers were invented by DuPont in 1965, followed by Nomex meta-aramid fibers in 1967.

In addition to adding strength and protection to spacesuits, Kevlar has, over the years, been adopted for spacecraft shields designed to protect against micrometeorites and space debris, especially on the International Space Station.

A parachute made of Kevlar was included on the Galileo probe to Jupiter

Astronaut Steven Swanson in an EMU spacesuit while floating outside the International Space Station. NASA

The AxEMU has been designed to provide increased flexibility, performance, and safety, as well as equipped with specialized tools to aid in exploring the lunar south pole.

and research and development is ongoing to explore new applications, including 3D-printed shields for aerospace repair. Kevlar is further used in honeycomb structures for light, tough and durable spacecraft components.

Nomex was also a crucial component of the Apollo program, especially in the creation of spacesuits. It was used in both NASA’s thermal micrometeoroid EMU and its ACES pressure suit, providing protection against fire and extreme environments.

Nomex Felt Reusable Surface Insulation (FRSI) was also used on the Space Shuttle Orbiter to protect critical parts from high temperatures during reentry. FRSI covered various areas like the upper wing surfaces, upper payload bay doors and the aft fuselage.

Further applications for Nomex have been in the airbags for the Mars Path-finder and Mars Exploration Rover missions, providing protection during landing, and

also in the Galileo atmospheric probe and the Cassini-Huygens Titan probe.

Apollo 1 Tragedy

While the Apollo 11 mission is rightly celebrated as the ultimate achievement in this period, it was the tragedy of Apollo 1 in 1967 that first led to a wave of urgently required innovation in science and engineering. During a launch rehearsal on January 27th of that year, a fire destroyed the spacecraft’s cabin and killed the three crew members aboard.

Evelyne Orndoff, of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, has delivered inspiring lectures on this period. At the time, she explained, crews wore pressurized suits consisting of multiple layers of polyamide, a fully pressurized helmet, and detachable gloves. Underneath, they wore long cotton underwear and layers of aluminized, biaxially oriented PET films and thin polyester nonwovens for thermal insulation,

which were developed for NASA’s previous Gemini program that ran from 1961 to 1968.

The Apollo 1 tragedy highlighted the need for specially-designed protective clothing to be worn by astronauts within a space vehicle, in addition to the pressurized spacesuits developed for them to wear outside in space.

Beta

One of the developments from the intensified research that followed was the first microfiber, a glass fiber called Beta, with a diameter of 3.4 µm, made by Owens Corning of Toledo, Ohio, as the basis for protective outer layers. In order to exploit the assistance of gravity in drawing such a fine fiber, a two-story plant had to be specially built. The effort, however, was worthwhile, because the resulting fiber was non-flammable – even in the oxygenenriched environments encountered inside the Apollo cabins – and had an extraordinary melting temperature in excess of 1,576°F (840°C).

Beta fiber was used extensively in spacesuits for the Apollo program, but unlike Kevlar and Nomex found few commercial market opportunities and its manufacturing plant was closed in the mid-1990s.

The Axiom/Prada Artemis III spacesuit on display in Milan. Prada

Another development at this time was Chromel R, a metal alloy fiber which was woven into special leggings to protect astronauts from hot gases, and later used in the Apollo spacesuit gloves and boots, as well as in abrasion patches on the suit itself. The fiber consists of 74% nickel, 20% chromium, 3% aluminum and 3% iron.

Space Station Comfort

With the development and deployment of its Skylab space station in the 1970s, NASA’s crews began to learn how to live in spacecraft for extended periods. Comfortable clothing was a must, but there was still a need for protection from fire. According to Orndorf, in the oxygenenriched interior of Skylab “practically every material has the potential to be a fuel next to the skin.”

Working with Monsanto (now Bayer) of Creve Coeur, Missouri, NASA responded by developing Durette, a modified aramid with the principal advantage of remaining dimensionally stable at high temperatures. Nevertheless, the fiber still needed to be treated with high levels of flame-retardant (FR) agents, which, being halogen-based at that time, resulted in early versions proving too toxic for use. Eventually, however, Durette was used in the flight suits, boots, and gloves for Skylab, which orbited the Earth between 1973 and 1979.

Space Shuttle Program

In the build-up to the Space Shuttle program at the start of the 1980s, a special double-faced fabric called Ortho was developed for the outer layers of spacesuits. Its front face is constructed from a 400 denier expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in a split basket weave and its back face consists of a woven combination of 200 denier Nomex and 400 denier Kevlar yarns.

Ortho fabric has high abrasion and wear-resistance, is flame-resistant in oxygen-rich environments, chemicalresistant, and remains flexible at low temperatures. The material’s breaking strength is 230 pounds per inch, its ultimate elongation 60%, and it has an

infrared (IR) emissivity of 0.77 and a solar absorption of 0.18.

Ortho fabric has subsequently been used in the EMUs for the International Space Station.

Another fabric developed during this period and also still in use, is Astro Velcro II. Based on conventional hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro, NASA’s version is made with Nomex fibers on a glass base fabric. The fabric has high peel and sheer strength and its extra-resilient hook structures are suited for a wide range of fastening applications.

Partnerships

These are just a few of the developments that commercial companies such as Axiom can now draw on from NASA’s rich history of research and development.

“We are pioneering a new era in space exploration where partnerships are imperative to the commercialization of space,” said Russell Ralston, Axiom’s executive vice president of extravehicular activity. “Partnerships build a strong, cohesive team, enabling industry experts to provide cutting-edge technology, specialized products and services to drive innovation. For the first time, we are leveraging expertise in other industries to craft a better solution for space.”

The AxEMU has been designed to provide increased flexibility, performance, and safety, as well as equipped with specialized tools to aid in exploring the lunar south pole. It will withstand extreme temperatures and endure the coldest temperatures in the permanently shadowed regions for at least two hours.

The spacesuit architecture includes life support systems, pressure garments, avionics, and other systems to meet exploration needs and expand scientific opportunities. Astronauts will be able to perform spacewalks in it for at least eight hours.

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.

Cars of the Future PORTABLE LIVING ROOMS

With Safety and Comfort at the Fore, Today's Automotive Designers are Prioritizing Vehicle Interiors Over Exteriors as the Industry Moves Toward Greener, Smarter and More Performance-Oriented Textiles

By Geoff Fisher, European Editor, IFJ

Automotive textiles have undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Initially used for simple upholstery and interior linings, these highly technical materials now perform a wide range of functions, from enhancing safety and performance, including sound insulation, to improving driving comfort and reducing energy consumption, as well as supporting sustainability and digital connectivity.

Further ahead, the car of the future may not just be viewed as a mode of transportation but also as an extra, mobile living room and workspace – a sensory sanctuary decked with cushions, blankets, and other soft furnishings, as well as heated seats for relaxation, ambient lighting, and air diffusers.

Advanced Materials

Global automakers are now incorporating advanced materials into everything from impact-resistant airbags and reinforced seatbelts utilizing advanced fibers like aramids to interactive, sensorembedded surfaces, creating a new model of vehicle design.

In particular, the shift to electric and autonomous vehicles is changing the applications of textiles in the automotive industry. For example, a vehicle’s interior aesthetics will likely become increasingly important as software and artificial intelligence take over many of the functions previously performed by the driver.

There will also be strong growth in demand for nonwoven components, which are employed as separators in batteries and fuel cells for electric vehicles (EVs),

as well as for acoustic barriers and thermal insulation panels to create quieter, more comfortable cabins by dampening noise and efficiently regulating temperatures.

Connected Mobility

Back in 2017, the Germany-based Bosch Group envisaged the vehicle of the future as the “third living space,” alongside a person’s home and their office or workplace. It added that the car would be a private space in which to find comfort for time spent, turning it into a “personal assistant.” This new automated “assist” would be achieved by connecting the vehicle and its surroundings with the internet, which enables personalized communications between the car and its driver and passengers.

On the other hand, the introduction of autonomous vehicles could also lead to an increase in self-driving fleets and ultimately result in the eventual elimination of car ownership itself. Under a “subscription” or shared-vehicle model, automotive interior fabrics will need to have more heavy-duty durability, as well as easyclean and antimicrobial properties.

Furthermore, autonomous or fleet vehicle interiors will need to be frequently refurbished, more so than current singleownership cars, which suffer significantly less wear and tear.

Whether single-owned or shared, vehicle interiors are beginning to follow the latest trends in the home textiles sector, which emphasize sustainability, customization, and personalization while integrating innovative technology and smart fabrics. This shift maintains an overall focus on safety and comfort.

However, highly autonomous driving is still some way off, and many analysts do not expect fully self-driving cars to be adopted widely on highways and roads until 2050 at the earliest.

High-Performance Fabrics

The most visible automotive textiles are those used for interior upholstery –high-performance fabrics cover seats, headliners, door panels, and dashboard components. These materials can offer a luxurious feel while remaining durable and easy to clean. In contrast, floor coverings require appeal from harder-wearing fibers. Advanced upholstery fabrics must also resist stains and fading, which is essential for maintaining a vehicle’s appeal – and resale value – over time.

Integrating engineered fabrics to withstand such extreme conditions is a growing significant development. These materials are not only durable and lightweight but also provide more critical functions, such as fire resistance, impact protection, and ultraviolet resistance. Developments like nano-coatings and functional finishes can enhance properties

such as stain resistance and durability, enabling automotive components to maintain both their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity under demanding conditions. Such materials also contribute to reducing the overall vehicle weight – a key factor in enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.

Smart Solutions

The rise of smart textiles in automotive manufacturing marks a significant step forward toward interactivity and connected safety. Embedded sensors in fabrics can monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and even the driver’s posture and vital signs, providing real-time data to improve safety and comfort.

For example, a temperature-regulating seat cover can automatically adjust according to external conditions or user preferences, while interactive surfaces enable touch-based controls without the need for conventional buttons.

In EVs, lightweight textile composites can help reduce overall vehicle weight, thereby extending battery life. Further, the combination of carbon fiber and resininfused fabrics offers high strength at a fraction of the weight of traditional materials. These composites undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards while enhancing performance.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Environmental consciousness and the drive towards eco-friendly alternatives have spurred innovation within the automotive textile sector.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers are increasingly embracing sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, bio-based textiles, and even fabrics produced from reclaimed marine plastics.

For example, Renault has used pineapples and linen in the development of the Renault Emblème demonstration vehicle by Ampere, its French automaker

Textile-based airbags now utilize sensor arrays to detect collisions and deploy airbags more accurately. Seat and door panel fabrics can incorporate embedded light-emitting diodes and microcontrollers to display ambient lighting effects, creating a more engaging and futuristic user experience while enhancing safety and comfort.

This merging of digital technology with traditional materials is paving the way for smarter, safer, and more responsive vehicle interiors. Such innovative materials can also contribute to energy efficiency.

At CES 2017, Hyundai Motor unveiled its Smart House technology through its Mobility Vision concept, which blurs the line between mobility and living/working spaces. It expands a vehicle’s essential role in daily life as more than a means of getting from A to B.

EV subsidiary. For the vehicle interior, technology company Forvia selected coverings made from recycled and natural materials. The contact zones on the door panels and central console have been upholstered in skins made from pineapple fibers, while the dashboard comprises linen upholstery made in Normandy, France.

Kia’s latest concept vehicle, the Concept EV2, showcases ampliTex bio-based materials, highlighting the potential for sustainable interior solutions in everyday vehicles. Kia

Interior Components

Meanwhile, Bcomp, a Switzerland-based producer of flax fiber reinforcements, has partnered with Kia to integrate its natural fiber composite material ampliTex into key interior components of the new Kia Concept EV2, a B-segment electric sport utility vehicle.

The South Korean carmaker has also announced details of collaborations with bio-based materials companies Simplifyber and Biomyc to integrate further environmentally conscious interior components into the Concept EV2.

Simplifyber developed the vehicle’s dashboard and door panels using its proprietary cellulose-based formulation, Simplifyber Fybron – a material composed of a blend of sources, including wood, paper, and/or recycled textiles.

The formulation used for the Concept EV2’s interior consists of 56% FSCcertified cellulose fibers (3% wood pulp, 25% lyocell), 21% FSC-certified natural rubber latex, 12% bio-based binders and 11% synthetic fibers. The liquid-based manufacturing process eliminates the need for spinning or weaving, with the material produced at Simplifyber’s facility in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

Kia’s partnership with materials design firm Biomyc incorporates durable, biodegradable components grown by the Bulgaria-based company as part of the Concept EV2’s interior. Crafted from

Autonomous driving technology offers up the opportunity to revolutionize the look and feel of cars. As people will not need to concentrate on driving, they will have more time for other activities, such as working, resting, or watching a film. Hyundai

mushroom-based material (hemp and mycelium), the partnership also employs an advanced coloration process that achieves Kia’s specified Pantone shades precisely.

Circuline Range

Earlier this year, India-based Tier 1 systems supplier Supreme Group launched the Circuline range at the Bharat Mobility Component Show held in New Delhi, India. The new product range focuses on sustainable materials for automotive interior soft trims and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) solutions for OEMs.

The materials prioritize the use of renewable, biodegradable and natural resources, particularly plant-based fibers and new bio-based alternatives, maximizing the use of recycled content and minimizing environmental impact through every stage of production.

Recycling

Recycled yarn is now being used in the Eletre and Emeya EV models from Lotus, a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars. The Nm 15 open-end Wyron Truecycled yarn, which consists of 50% postconsumer textile waste and 50% recycled polyester, is used for the back sections of the seats and is produced by Germanybased Brain of Materials, utilizing technology from German textile machine builder Trützschler.

In the EV sector, Taiwan-based Swancor has partnered with Spanish start-up Linux for the Geko prototype vehicle, utilizing recycling technology used for automotive body parts.

Particularly, Swancor EzCiclo recyclable resin is being applied to the vehicle’s fenders, bumpers, doors, and tailgate for recyclability. The resin and linen fiber parts are fully decomposable through Swancor’s patented CleaVer liquid at

Lightweight composite impact protection plate for shielding electric vehicle batteries from impact fire and corrosion.

Autoneum

Wyron Truecycled yarn’s premium haptics, lightweight properties and sustainability attributes suit the spirit of Lotus Emeya and Eletre models. Lotus Cars

Autoneum has introduced the E-Fiber flame shield, based on a composite material made of reinforcing fibers and resin, to minimize the risk of fire accidents from lithium-ion batteries and protect vehicle occupants in the event of thermal runaway. Autoneum

150˚C for four hours, which separates the resin and linen fiber. The Liux Geko prototype was seen at the JEC World Composites Show held in March in Paris, France.

The decomposition process is said to generate no waste liquid or exhaust and will lower the carbon footprint compared with incineration. The recycled linen is reprocessable into yarn after being carded, drawn, and twisted, while the recycled resin is usable in the original product after undergoing chemical modification and formula adjustments.

Carbon Fiber Recycling

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are now widely used as composite materials due to their lightweight and strong properties, making them ideal for various applications in fields such as aviation, aerospace, automotive, wind power generation, and sports equipment. However, recycling CFRPs presents a significant challenge, with waste management being a particularly pressing issue.

In a recent study, researchers from Waseda University, Japan, demonstrated a novel direct discharge electrical pulse method for the efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly separation of CFRPs to recover high-quality carbon fibers. The technique utilizes Joule heat generation, thermal stress generation, and expansion force due to plasma generation, foregoing the need for heating or chemicals.

Upcycling Method

In an alternative approach, researchers at the University of Southern have developed a process to upcycle composite materials used in aircraft, automotive panels, and light rail vehicles.

The chemistry demonstrated in their study shows that composite materials can be recovered and recycled in a manner that preserves their integrity. The new upcycling method saves the carbon fibers of the CFRP, which are the strong, durable parts of the material. These fibers remain in good condition, and the research team has demonstrated how they can be reused in new manufacturing processes, retaining more than 97% of their original strength.

that shields EV batteries from impact, fire, and corrosion.

Earlier, Autoneum introduced the EFiber flame shield, based on a composite material made of reinforcing fibers and resin, to minimize the risk of fire accidents from lithium-ion batteries and protect vehicle occupants in the event of thermal runaway, in which the battery heats up quickly and uncontrollably and, in the worst case, ignites or explodes.

Meanwhile, the Swiss company has signed an agreement to acquire all the shares of Chengdu FAW-Sihuan Interior Parts, a Chinese automotive supplier specializing in acoustic and thermal management. This agreement follows the recent completion of the acquisition of a 70% majority stake in Jiangsu Huanyu Group, another leading supplier of lightweight components for light and commercial vehicles in China.

Aegis FibreTech is commercializing novel ultra-lightweight insulation to improve efficiency and safety in vehicles.

Aegis FibreTech/UK University of Birmingham Enterprise

Biotechnology recovers the value from the discarded polymer matrix through a special type of fungus that can rebuild the material from the composite matrix after the fiber recycling reaction chops the polymer into benzoic acid. It is then utilized as a food source for the fungus to produce (2Z,4Z,6E)-octa-2,4,6-trienoic acid.

Acoustic and Thermal Insulation

In the field of acoustic and thermal insulation for vehicles, Switzerland-based Autoneum continues to produce a range of new developments, including a lightweight composite impact protection plate

The acquisitions are designed for Autoneum’s Business Group Asia to expand further its customer base, including other major Chinese vehicle manufacturers such as FAW-VW, FAW-Audi, FAW-Toyota, and Geely. Finally, Aegis FibreTech, a spinout from the UK’s University of Birmingham, is commercializing novel ultra-lightweight insulation to improve efficiency and safety in automotive, motorsport, and aviation applications. Used to protect from high engine or exhaust temperatures, the new material for thermal insulation, based on electrospun fibers made from undisclosed “environmentally friendly materials,” is designed to have low thermal non-conductivity, low density, and low thickness.

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 almost 40 years of experience covering fibers and technical textiles and can be contacted at gfisher@textilemedia.com.

Decarbonizing

Pulp and Paper Industry

The Transformative Potential of Gene-Edited Low-Lignin Trees

By Sanjay Wahal, PhD

The pulp and paper sector is a significant contributor to global industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, largely due to the energy- and chemically-intensive process of lignin removal during pulping. Recent advances in CRISPR-based gene editing – particularly in fast-growing species such as poplar – offer a transformative opportunity to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint. Here, we will review key breakthroughs in the

development of low-lignin trees, examine their industrial integration in Kraft and Sulphite pulping processes, and analyze the commercialization barriers and ecosystem trade-offs involved. Modeling results indicate that widespread adoption of gene-edited, low-lignin feedstocks could reduce pulping-related GHG emissions by 20–50%, lower chemical and energy consumption, and deliver cost savings exceeding $6 billion annually. Furthermore, these innovations could

accelerate the transition toward integrated biorefineries and circular bioeconomy models, aligning with corporate ESG goals and regulatory climate targets.

Pivotal Juncture Towards Sustainability

Every year, paper mills generate millions of tons of chemical waste and more than 150 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions1. The pulp and paper industry is at a pivotal juncture in its sustainability journey. One of its largest environmental challenges – removing lignin from wood to extract cellulose – is also among the most energy- and chemically-intensive processes in industrial manufacturing1

Lignin – a complex biopolymer that binds a tree’s fibers, provides structural rigidity or integrity in wood but complicates cellulose extraction during pulping due to its recalcitrance to degradation. Wood typically consists of about 25% lignin. Traditional delignification processes, particularly in Kraft and Sulphite pulping, use alkali solutions and operate under high temperatures and pressures – conditions that demand substantial energy, chemicals and contribute heavily to pollution and carbon emissions1.

CRISPR-based gene editing offers a promising solution. It enables the design of trees with lower lignin content, improving pulping efficiency and reducing processing and chemical costs while significantly lowering the carbon footprint of paper production2. Poplar trees, widely used in plantations for papermaking due to their fast growth and favorable characteristics, have emerged as a promising candidate in this breakthrough research2-7

Why Lignin Reduction Matters

Lignin is essential for the structural integrity of wood, yet its removal is critical for isolating cellulose fibers during pulping operation. High lignin content increases reliance on harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, escalates energy consumption, and significantly contributes to GHG emissions. Furthermore, lignin impairs carbohydrate recovery – making the carbohydrate-tolignin (C:L) ratio a key metric for pulping

iStockphoto/lnzyx

These results stem from innovative work at North Carolina State University, where researchers combined CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing with machine learning-based optimization to explore over 69,000 design strategies. The editing focused on key genes in the lignin biosynthesis pathway.

efficiency determinant of pulping efficiency or pulp yield. A higher C:L ratio correlates with increased pulp yield, reduced energy and chemical use, and a more sustainable process3,4.

CRISPR-Edited Poplars: Mechanism and Breakthroughs

Engineered poplars developed using CRISPR-Cas9 have demonstrated remarkable improvements in lignin reduction and pulping efficiency. In recent studies, these gene-edited trees achieved up to a 50% reduction in lignin content, a 228–239% increase in the cellulose-tolignin (C:L) ratio, and pulp yield improvements of up to 40%4. These genetic modifications also led to 20–31% reductions in GHG emissions during pulping, while

improving the syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G) lignin ratio, a key factor in enabling easier delignification and fiber extraction4–6.

These results stem from innovative work at North Carolina State University, where researchers combined CRISPRCas9 gene editing with machine learningbased optimization to explore over 69,000 design strategies. The editing focused on key genes in the lignin biosynthesis pathway, including 4CL (4-coumarate: CoA ligase), CCR (cinnamoyl-CoA reductase), and C3’H (p-coumaroyl shikimate 3’-hydroxylase)2,4 By multiplexing edits across three to six gene targets, the researchers effectively circumvented compensatory mechanisms that often limit the impact of single-gene edits.

The improved C:L ratios not only enhance pulping efficiency but also support greater glucose recovery during saccharification, opening up pathways for integrated biorefinery development. Figure 1 provides a schematic overview of the phenylpropanoid pathway, illustrating the metabolic steps converting phenylalanine into lignin monomers, focusing on enzyme targets such as PAL (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), C4H (cinnamate 4-hydroxylase), C3’H (p-coumaroyl shikimate 3’-hydroxylase), COMT (caffeic acid O-methyltransferase), CCR (cinnamoyl-CoA reductase), and CAD (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase) – involved in lignin biosynthesis and edited via CRISPR-Cas9 to achieve these breakthroughs7–9

Multiplexed CRISPR edits to these genes enable reductions in total lignin content, improved S/G monomer ratios, and enhanced cellulose-to-lignin ratios –thereby improving pulping efficiency and downstream sugar recovery.

Industrial Implications and Comparative Analysis:

Kraft vs. Sulphite Pulping

Kraft pulping, accounting for approximately 80% of global wood pulp production, benefits greatly from low-lignin

1: Schematic of lignin biosynthesis (phenylpropanoid) pathway highlighting key gene targets (e.g., PAL, C3’H, COMT, CCR, CAD) edited via CRISPR-Cas9.

inputs (trees) due to its high chemical intensity and scale1. Compared to traditional feedstocks, low-lignin trees can reduce the carbon footprint of kraft pulping by 20–31%, significantly increase pulp yield by up to 40%, and enable cost-effective retrofit of existing mills1,4. Additionally, lignin valorization pathways – such as conversion to biofuels or high-value chemicals – are more viable in kraft systems3. In contrast, Sulphite pulping already partially solubilizes lignin, offering only marginal yield improvements and facing economic limitations due to niche applications and higher recovery costs1. The lower-value lignosulfonates generated in this process also limit its appeal for lignin valorization1

Energy, Chemical, and Environmental Gains from Low-Lignin Trees vs. Traditional Wood Sources

The integration of gene-edited low-lignin trees into kraft pulping processes offers transformative operational advantages. A higher cellulose-to-lignin (C:L) ratio reduces the demand for sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide by up to 5% for every 1% increase in the C:L ratio1. Concurrently, cooking energy requirements decline by 20–31%, and glucose accessibility improves significantly – rising from 24.8% in traditional wood to 87.2% in low-

lignin variants without pretreatment3,4 . This enhanced saccharification enables faster and milder delignification, resulting in improved fiber strength and quality while simplifying downstream biorefinery operations3,10

Low-lignin trees also offer a compelling energy efficiency advantage. Reduced lignin content facilitates shorter cooking times and less intensive chemical treatment, while simulation models indicate an additional 15% reduction in mechanical refining energy1. These operational efficiencies collectively translate into a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per ton of pulp, primarily through decreased fossil fuel use and chemical inputs1.

From a yield perspective, increased C:L ratios can boost pulp output by up to 40%, significantly lowering raw material and processing costs5. These improvements –summarized in Table 1 – could save the U.S. pulp and paper sector over $1 billion annually, while also reducing deforestation pressure by 15–20% globally due to increased yield per tree4,6

Perhaps most consequentially, these feedstocks enable the development of next-generation integrated biorefineries, where high glucose recovery (>87%) without pretreatment supports more energy-efficient and cost-effective biofuel production1,3. Life-cycle modeling suggests a potential 35% improvement in energy return on investment (EROI)

Figure

Figure 2: Energy and chemical savings along with reduction in GHG emissions with low-lignin trees.

Metric Improvement with Low-Lignin Trees

for biofuel pathways when low-lignin inputs are used11. This is further discussed under the Future Outlook and Adjacent Opportunities section.

The large-scale adoption of low-lignin trees could substantially decarbonize pulping operations. Emissions from recovery boilers and thermal processes would decrease due to reduced lignin combustion and milder processing conditions1. If just 50% of global pulp mills transitioned to gene-edited low-lignin feedstocks, the industry could realize annual savings of $6 billion and GHG reductions exceeding 50 million metric tons of CO₂-equivalent3,11

Lifecycle analysis models employ standard emissions factors for pulp production – typically 1.1–1.4 metric tons of CO₂e per ton of kraft pulp – based on GREET and SimaPro databases12,13 . Modeled emission reductions of 20–31% result from decreased fossil fuel inputs (via lower cooking energy demand), reduced chemical use (notably sodium hydroxide and sulfide), and higher glucose accessibility enabling more efficient saccharification and potential biofuel integration1,4.

Conversion efficiencies reflect validated pilot-scale trials from TreeCo – a spinoff from North Carolina State University (NCSU) and academic groups at NCSU and Brookhaven National Laboratory2,11 Importantly, these figures exclude landuse change benefits, ecosystem service enhancements, or product substitution impacts from lignin valorization, making the modeled climate benefits conservative.

However, achieving this potential will require coordinated investments

in seedling supply chains, market pull mechanisms for lignin-derived coproducts (e.g., adhesives, bioplastics), and regulatory alignment on genetically modified biomass2,14. In terms of carbon intensity, pairing these trees with nextgeneration solvents like deep eutectic systems (DES) could lower the carbon footprint of kraft pulping by 35–50%. Furthermore, redirecting surplus lignin to produce bioplastics and adhesives could offset roughly 35% of fossil-derived carbon emissions through product substitution15.

All the savings and benefits are summarized in Figure 2 and Table 1, respectively.

Policy and ESG Alignment

The deployment of CRISPR-edited lowlignin trees directly supports corporate ESG strategies and decarbonization commitments under frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the GHG Protocol. Scope 3 emissions – particularly from upstream processing in pulp and paper – can account for over 70% of a company’s total footprint in sectors, like packaging, hygiene, and publishing16,17. By reducing chemical inputs and cooking energy requirements, low-lignin trees enable measurable reductions in cradle-to-gate emissions intensity. These reductions can be reported under CDP disclosures, integrated into sustainabilitylinked KPIs, and contribute to Scope 3 abatement targets in line with sciencebased net-zero roadmaps18

In regulatory contexts, the adoption of low-lignin feedstocks supports alignment with emerging global and regional policies. This framework includes the

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which mandates sustainable sourcing of forest-based commodities, and national bioeconomy strategies that prioritize circular and low-carbon feedstocks19 Additionally, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates – particularly in the EU and Asia-Pacific – are driving major paper and packaging producers to decarbonize their supply chains. Genetically enhanced trees that reduce land-use intensity and improve processing efficiency can help companies meet compliance obligations while securing access to preferential procurement and green financing programs.

Trade-Offs and Strategic Considerations

Despite low-lignin trees offering extensive efficiency and sustainability benefits, trade-offs exist. Traditional kraft mills derive nearly half their process energy from lignin combustion; reducing lignin content lowers this internal energy supply. However, the resulting gains in chemical, thermal, and process efficiency typically outweigh this loss. Research has identified reductions in structural stability in some gene-edited poplars trees, as reduced lignin can weaken stems20. Nonetheless, studies indicate that smart editing strategies – such as co-targeting CCR2 and C3H3 – can minimize growth penalties and maintain acceptable levels of biomass productivity.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Trade-Offs

Concerns around gene flow, ecosystem disruption, and unintended biodiversity impacts are central to the debate on genetically modified trees. Studies by Voelker et al.20 and Hoengenaert et al.9 have documented reductions in stem stiffness and field growth variability in modified poplars, raising ecological stability concerns. To address this, several institutions – including the University of British Columbia, FuturaGene, and Canadian Forest Service partners – are advancing long-term risk assessments, examining soil microbiomes, pollinator interaction, and reproductive containment strategies10,21,22

Table 1: Quantifiable benefits summary.

Mitigation measures include sterilityinducing gene edits, geographic containment, and post-release monitoring23 Regulatory review processes in jurisdictions such as the U.S., Brazil, and China increasingly mandate ecological impact studies over multiple generations, reinforcing a precautionary approach to deployment19,24. Though uncertainties remain, current evidence suggests that with thoughtful design and oversight, ecological risks can be minimized.

Additionally, early studies at MIT suggest the need for long-term monitoring to detect potential ecological interactions and trophic effects25. Genetically engineered trees also raise ecological and public concern. Media coverage and advocacy groups have drawn attention to potential biodiversity risks and unintended consequences of releasing modified trees into the environment23,26.

Commercialization Outlook: Emerging Players and Progress

TreeCo: Pioneering CRISPR-Edited

Trees

TreeCo, a biotechnology startup founded by researchers from North Carolina State University, is at the forefront of developing low-lignin trees using CRISPR gene-editing technology. Their approach combines CRISPR with machine learning to target multiple genes responsible for lignin biosynthesis, aiming to produce trees with reduced lignin content and improved carbohydrate-to-lignin ratios. Currently, TreeCo has achieved promising results in laboratory settings, including up to 50% reduction in lignin content and significant increases in pulp yield. However, they are in the early stages of commercialization, with plans to initiate field trials to assess the performance of these genetically edited trees under realworld conditions.

Arauco: Integrating Biotechnology into Forestry Operations

Arauco, a major forestry company based in Chile, is exploring the use of geneediting technologies to develop low-lignin tree varieties. Their research focuses on enhancing wood properties to improve

pulping efficiency and reduce environmental impact. While specific details about Arauco’s commercialization timeline are limited, the company has expressed interest in leveraging gene-edited trees to increase productivity per acre and lessen the pressure on natural forests. They are likely in the research and development phase, evaluating the feasibility and benefits of integrating such technologies into their operations.

ArborGen: Advancing Genetically Improved Trees for Industrial Efficiency

ArborGen is a prominent forestry biotechnology company focusing on developing genetically improved trees for commercial forestry. They have been involved in research to alter lignin content in plantation trees, particularly eucalyptus and poplar, aiming to reduce pulping costs and environmental impact. By modifying lignin levels, ArborGen seeks to make the pulping process more efficient and less reliant on hazardous chemicals.

FuturaGene (a subsidiary of Suzano): Scaling Lignin-Modified Trees Through Field Trials

FuturaGene, owned by Brazilian pulp and paper company Suzano, has been conducting field trials of genetically modified eucalyptus trees with altered lignin content. Their research focuses on enhancing wood properties to improve pulping efficiency and reduce environmental impact. FuturaGene’s work represents a significant step toward integrating biotechnology into large-scale forestry operations21.

Living Carbon: Engineering ClimateSmart Trees with Expanded Industrial Potential

Living Carbon is a U.S.-based biotechnology startup developing genetically engineered hybrid poplar trees aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration. While their primary focus is on increasing photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production, their work contributes to the broader field of tree biotechnology, which includes modifying lignin content for various industrial applications23,27

Academic and Research Institutions

Several academic institutions are also engaged in research related to lignin modification in trees:

• North Carolina State University: Researchers have used CRISPR geneediting to breed poplar trees with reduced lignin levels, aiming to make fiber production more sustainable2,4

• University of British Columbia: Scientists have developed genetically modified trees with chemically labile linkages in lignin, allowing for easier breakdown during pulping without compromising tree strength10

These organizations and institutions are at various stages of research and development, contributing to the advancement of gene-edited, low-lignin trees for commercial applications in the pulp and paper industry.

Barriers to Commercialization

Despite their considerable promise, geneedited low-lignin trees face multiple hurdles to commercialization.

Biologically, one of the most persistent challenges is reduced mechanical strength: early-generation modified trees have exhibited up to 62% lower wood stiffness and a nearly 40% reduction in stem strength, thereby increasing their susceptibility to environmental stressors such as wind damage and pests.

Trait instability in field settings is another concern; environmental variability and epigenetic drift can cause partial reversion of the lignin modification, undermining performance across growing cycles. Mitigation strategies include gene stacking, co-editing of compensatory pathways, and multi-year field trials under diverse ecological conditions.

From a technical perspective, the CRISPR editing process in woody perennials presents significant inefficiencies. Fewer than 0.5% of transformation attempts result in viable, stable edits. This low efficiency is due to several factors, including off-target gene activity, somaclonal variation during tissue culture, and the long generation time of trees that delays phenotypic validation. Accelerating the development pipeline will require the use

Barrier Type Challenge

Biological 62% weaker wood stiffness, 40% weaker stems; stress vulnerability

Trait Instability Lignin reversion in field

Technical

<0.5% of CRISPR edits viable; long tree life cycles

Regulatory Biosafety assessments; few GM poplars

Economic $500M–$1B for retrofitting; high propagation

of AI-assisted gene target identification, the use of fast-growing surrogate species for early-stage screening, and improvements for in vitro regeneration techniques.

Economic and infrastructural barriers also loom large. Large-scale kraft pulp mills – especially those built prior to the 2000s – may require substantial retrofitting investments to process feedstocks with altered fiber chemistry and lower lignin combustion value. These retrofits are estimated to cost between $500 million and $1 billion per facility, depending on size, geographic location, and integration complexity.

Propagation costs for genetically engineered seedlings are also significantly higher than conventional planting stock, adding to the initial capital burden. Overcoming these constraints will require public-private financing mechanisms, clear regulatory pathways, and lifecycle cost analyses that reflect the long-term energy, carbon, and yield benefits.

Table 2 summarizes various barriers and their mitigation strategies.

Adoption Timeline and Phases

The road to commercialization will likely span two decades, unfolding in distinct phases. Initial laboratory optimization, focused on refining multiplex CRISPR

Mitigation Strategy

Gene stacking, targeted edits to maintain growth

Long-term field trials and stress

AI-driven gene target screening; fast-growing surrogates

Streamlined regulatory pathways; international collaboration

Public-private financing, lifecycle cost

editing, is expected to take between two and four years. This effort will be followed by extended field trials over a 10–15-year horizon, aimed at verifying trait stability, stem strength, and resilience under natural conditions. Parallel to this, regulatory approval processes – requiring rigorous biosafety and environmental assessments – are projected to last five to eight years, depending on jurisdiction.

The final phase, commercial scaling, will involve large-scale propagation of successful clones and retrofitting of existing mills to accommodate the new feedstock characteristics. Overall, widespread deployment is not expected before the early- to mid-2040s (Figure 3).

Conclusion

CRISPR-edited low-lignin trees represent a revolutionary advance for the pulp and paper sector, targeting one of its most energy- and emissions-intensive steps: lignin removal. By enabling reductions of up to 50% in sectoral GHG emissions, boosting energy efficiency, and potentially saving billions in operational costs, these trees stand at the intersection of biotechnology, industrial innovation, and climate action. Despite the significant benefits, their successful commercialization depends on overcoming complex

biological, technical, regulatory, and economic hurdles.

From a resource efficiency standpoint, low-lignin trees enhance energy efficiency by 20–31% in pulping operations and by more than 3.5-fold in biofuel production relative to conventional wood. Although lignin-derived internal energy is reduced, net gains in processing speed, fiber yield, and chemical use present a compelling trade-off, especially for integrated biorefineries. If adopted at scale, even by 50% of global pulp mills, this technology could prevent more than 50 million metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually and save the industry over $6 billion per year.

Importantly, the benefits extend beyond pulp and paper. With 87% glucose accessibility – compared to just 25% in wild-type trees – these low-lignin variants are ideally suited for dual-use in pulp and biofuel production.

For fiber producers, paper mills, and bio-based material innovators, geneedited trees offer a path to reshape value chains around sustainability, efficiency, and performance.

Future Outlook and Adjacent Opportunities

The broader impact of low-lignin trees extends well beyond paper manufacturing. One of the most promising avenues is lignin valorization. Instead of being combusted for low-value energy, lignin from engineered trees could be redirected into producing deep eutectic solvents (DES), adhesives, or bioplastics – each with far higher economic and environmental value6

In textiles and nonwovens, high-C:L wood inputs could enable the next generation of bio-based fibers, aligning with growing demand for sustainable materials.

The high saccharification efficiency of low-lignin trees also supports the development of integrated biorefineries,

Table 2: Barriers and mitigation strategies matrix.

Figure 3: Commercialization timeline for low-lignin trees

enabling the simultaneous production of pulp and biofuels with improved energy return on investment as shown. Figure 4 shows the system diagram illustrating how low-lignin biomass can simultaneously support fiber production, lignin valorization, and sugar conversion for biofuels.

References

As part of a broader shift toward a circular economy, these trees advance multiple climate targets by reducing waste, increasing resource efficiency, and enabling fossil carbon displacement.

In summary, gene-edited low-lignin trees could become a cornerstone of a

1. Hubbe, M. A. (2021). Energy efficiency challenges in pulp and paper manufacturing: A tutorial review, BioResources, 16 (4), 8567-8639. https://bioresources. cnr.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BioRes_16_4_Review_Hubbe_Energy_Efficiency_Challenges_Pulp__Paper_Manuf_19310-1.pdf

2. North Carolina State University. (2023). CRISPR Poplar Project: Redesigning Trees for Better Pulping Efficiency. NC State News. https://news.ncsu.edu/2023/07/ crispr-poplar-tree/, https://www.the-scientist.com/crispr-trees-could-improvepaper-production-7128, https://www.synbiobeta.com/read/crispr-at-the-root-offorestrys-sustainable-revolution

3. Lu, Y. (2024). CRISPR/Cas9 in Poplar Lignin Biosynthesis: Advances and Future Prospects, Tree genetics and Molecular Breeding. BioPublisher Publishing Platform, 14 (1): 32-42 https://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb/article/ html/4011/

4. Sulis, D. B. et al. (2023). Multiplex CRISPR – Editing of Wood for Sustainable Fiber Production. Science, 381 (6654): 216-221. https://www.science.org/ doi/10.1126/science.add4514

5. Liu, Y. et al. (2024). Genome-edited Trees for High-Performance Engineered Wood. Matter, 7 (10): 3658-3671. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/abs/pii/S2590238524003965

6. Turner, M. Lower lignin for wood efficiency (2023). Nature Ecology& Evolution, 7, 1579 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02175-w

7. Zuin Zeidler, V. G. et al. (2023). Genetic Editing of Wood for Sustainability. Science, 381 (6654): 124-125. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372343179_Genetic_editing_of_wood_for_sustainability

8. Chanoca, A., de Vries, L. and Boerjan, W. (2019). Lignin Engineering in Forest Trees. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10: 912. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2019.00912/full

9. Hoengenaert, L., Reymond, M., de Vries, L., & Boerjan, W. (2025). Transgene‐free genome editing in poplar using CRISPR. New Phytologist. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20415

10. University of British Columbia (2014), Researcher design trees that make it easier to produce paper. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140403142031.htm

11. Brookhaven National Laboratory (2016). Study shows trees with altered lignin are better for biofuels. https://phys.org/news/2016-06-trees-lignin-biofuels.html

12. U.S. DOE Argonne National Laboratory (2023). GREET Model Documentation. https://greet.es.anl.gov

13. Pré Sustainability (2023). SimaPro LCA Software Database. https://simapro.com

more sustainable and high-performance fiber economy. While commercialization remains a multi-decade endeavor, early investments and cross-sector collaborations today will be key to unlocking this highleverage decarbonization opportunity.

Sanjay Wahal is the Founder of Decarbonization, LLC, a strategic advisory & consulting firm committed to accelerating low-carbon transitions through innovation in materials, manufacturing, and energy systems, guided by a strong foundation in policy and systems thinking. With over 30 years of executive leadership spanning technology commercialization, advanced materials, and sustainable industrial practices, Dr. Wahal offers a multidisciplinary perspective to climate-focused innovation. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA in Strategy and Innovation.

14. De Meester, B. et al. (2022). Lignin Engineering in Forest Trees: From Gene Discovery to Field Trials. Plant Communication, 3 (6): 100465. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590346222003029

15. Wilkerson, C. G. et al. (2014). Monolignol Ferulate Transferase Introduces Chemically Labile Linkages into the Lignin Backbone, Science, 344, 90–93. https://doi. org/10.1126/science.1250161

16. SBTi (2023). Science Based Targets for the Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) sectors. https://sciencebasedtargets.org

17. GHG Protocol (2023). Technical Guidance on Scope 3 Emissions. https://ghgprotocol.org

18. CDP (2022). Supply Chain Emissions Report. https://www.cdp.net/en/research/ global-reports/supply-chain-report

19. European Commission (2023). EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products. https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation

20. Voelker, S. L., Lachenbruch, B., Meinzer, F. C., Kitin, P., Strauss, S. H., & Gartner, B. L. (2011). Reduced wood stiffness and strength, and altered stem form, in young antisense 4CL transgenic poplars with reduced lignin contents. New Phytologist, 189(4), 1096–1109. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03572.x

21. FuturaGene. (2012). GM Tree Plantation Research Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.futuragene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/GM-TREE-PLANTATION-RESEARCH-FACT-SHEET.pdf

22. Natural Resources Canada. (2002). Genetically Modified Trees: What is the Canadian Forest Service Doing? Canadian Forest Service. Retrieved from https:// cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/pubwarehouse/pdfs/18459_e.pdf

23. Living Carbon. (2023). Genetically engineered trees stoke climate hope — and environmental fears. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/07/genetically-engineered-trees-stoke-climate-hope-and-environmental-fears/

24. Futurity. (2023). Scientists redesign trees to be easier to turn into paper. https:// www.futurity.org/poplar-trees-crispr-sustainability-wood-fibers-2944552-2/

25. MIT, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2009). Testing the Unintended Consequences of Lignin Reduction in Genetically Modified Trees on Trophic Interactions. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/1-018j-ecology-i-the-earth-system-fall-2009/ c67b6ae95d37958688d8669187367519_MIT1_018JF09_sw_paper2.pdf

26. GeneWatch UK. (2023). GM Trees. Can We? Should We? www.genewatch.org/ uploads/f03c6d66a9b354535738483c1c3d49e4/gm-trees-fin2.pdf

27. Living Carbon, Blog (2023), Our Learnings from Beginning the First ClimateSmart Seedlings to US Markets https://www.livingcarbon.com/post/ourlearnings-from-bringing-the-first-climate-smart-seedlings-to-us-markets

Figure 4: System diagram of integrated biorefinery with low-lignin inputs.

The SKINNY on Jeans

Supply Chain-Wide Denim Innovation on Display at 2025 Kingpins Shows

By Adrian Wilson, International Correspondent, IFJ

As a unique series of shows dedicated to the denim industry, Kingpins rotates annually between Europe, the USA and Asia, and in 2025 to date, editions have already taken place at New York’s Pier 36/Basketball City in January and July, at the Sugar Factory in Amsterdam in April and at ADM More in Hangzhou, China, in May.

There is a special ‘extended family’ feel to these events, despite the fact that the denim business is in reality fiercely competitive and faces inevitable headaches in 2025, not least from the latest market chaos being unleashed by fluctuating tariffs.

Made in Japan

The 2025 shows have so far been characterized by some inspiring displays, such as Made in Japan, featuring a mix of artisans, denim mills, and manufacturers, including Betty Smith, Big John, ICE, Ideablue, Japan Delivery Service, Kurabo, Kuroki, Rainbow Textiles, San Marino, Showa, and Teijin Frontier.

“Japanese denim has been central to Kingpins since our very first show in 2004,” says Kingpins CEO Vivian Wang. “We especially appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of Japanese denim fabric and jeans makers and have created a special section within the Kingpins shows to

highlight the work of a curated selection of companies.”

Stretch Yourself

Seven of the world’s most progressive denim mills, meanwhile, provided the advanced denim fabrics for the Stretch Yourself showcase – a design exploration project by 30 fashion students at the House of Denim Foundation’s Jean School in Amsterdam – the first and only denim educational institution in the world – in cooperation with The Lycra Company.

“What excited me about this project was that we started with an educational segment on sustainability and innovation involving all the mills and kept it open for the students to design whatever they felt like,” said Mariette Hoitink, co-founder of the House of Denim. “The mills provided the students with super special fabrics, and the students worked day and night to come up with the final results and took an unexpected take on stretch denim.”

Application Innovation

As far as fibers are concerned, cotton remains king in denim production, but the major mills have thoroughly explored all other natural and synthetic fibers.

Tonello’s Renaissance Collection has demonstrated the extraordinary detailing possible with modern laser technology. A.Wilson

Rugged authenticity and artisanal details characterized the Made in Japan displays. A.Wilson

Lenzing’s Tencel, for example, is increasingly finding favor for additional soft hand feel. At recent Kingpins shows, Lenzing Hong Kong featured its Application Innovation Collection 25, developed with mill partners and featuring the versatility of Tencel, Modal and Ecovero fibers in a wide range of denim styles.

Lenzing Modal was also employed in combination with Recover’s regenerated cottons in the Neela circular denim collection of Sapphire Fibers.

For this collection, a zero-dyeing approach was made possible by Recover’s embedded fiber technology, which has achieved rich denim shades of blue and black without the use of indigo rope dyeing. Unlike conventional denim, which requires extensive washing to achieve the desired finishes, these fabrics eliminate the need for additional laundry processes, significantly conserving water and energy while preserving the core denim aesthetic.

Alternatives to Spandex

In 2025, denim is also inconceivable without a degree of stretch; but it’s well known that conventional elastane/spandex can be problematic when it comes to recycling and also when seeking to meet bio-based objectives. The three key manufacturers of stretch fibers – Asahi Kasei, Hyosung and Lycra – are all responding to this problem with new alternatives.

Lenzing’s fibers also featured in the Saisei Collection, developed by Japanese

brand Kaihara Denim, which incorporates Asahi Kasei’s Roica EF recycled stretch fibers. Meanwhile, China’s Advance Denim introduced the LoopTy collection, combining Tencel with Roica V550.

Developed with a special polymer technology that undergoes partial degradation under ISO14855-1 conditions, Roica V550 is the world’s first Cradle-toCradle certified stretch yarn with Material Health Gold Level certification.

Lycra EcoMade

Meanwhile, The Lycra Company’s EcoMade fiber is set to launch commercially later this year. It was exhibited in the first pair of jeans produced for the US Agolde brand by Turkish manufacturer Orta.

Sourced from annually renewable dent corn from Iowa, EcoMade is composed of 70% renewable content and has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of Lycra fiber by up to 44% while delivering equivalent performance to the original Lycra fiber. It is a one-to-one replacement requiring no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns.

“We pioneered Lycra fiber 65 years ago, and this marks the most significant advancement since its inception,” said Arnaud Ruffin, vice president of brands and retail at The Lycra Company. “The denim industry has already made strides toward sustainability with solutions for cotton and polyester. Now we are extending that progress to spandex. While we developed this technology a decade

Sourced from annually renewable dent corn from Iowa, EcoMade is composed of 70% renewable content and has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of Lycra fiber by up to 44% while delivering equivalent performance to the original Lycra fiber.

ago, the market wasn’t ready. But as the industry embraces circularity, the time for action is now.

“It is compatible with all existing production technologies and, most importantly, offers full traceability from the field to the finished product. Our goal is to transition 30% of our global Lycra fiber production to Lycra EcoMade,” said Ruffin.

The 7 Styles for 7 Days project at Kingpins events has showcased how stretch denim made with bio-derived Lycra EcoMade fiber can transform wardrobes throughout the week, and was realized in collaboration with Diamond Denim.

Future Fit

In the Future Fit Forum displays at Kingpins this year, Hyosung presented its multi-functional Creora and regen elastanes in denim creations from mill partners, primarily based on regenerated Levi 501s.

New regen BIO+ and regen BIO Max are both made with a higher amount of renewable resource content. At the same time, Creora 3D Max is an RCS-certified, 100% recycled regen elastane made from industrial waste.

“Brands take various paths toward sustainability, utilizing recycled and bio-based materials or designing recyclable products and providing customized solutions that meet their specific requirements is essential,” said Simon Hong, Hyosung’s global denim marketing director.

House of Denim Foundation’s Jean School created the Stretch Yourself display. A.Wilson

Double Finishing

It’s little acknowledged that denim garments have become increasingly technical products over the years, because unlike most other apparel, they are extensively finished twice – firstly as fabrics, and then after being turned into finished garments – in processes that are mainly unique to the sector.

Advanced denim laundries employ a unique set of technologies to create a wide range of surface design effects on already cut and sewn garments.

When they leave the sewing factory, denim garments are stiff, deep indigo and lacking the visual effects such as fading, whiskering or distressing that most consumers now associate with fashionable jeans. The laundry’s job is to simulate natural wear and tear, soften the fabric and sometimes adjust the sizing, shrinkage or color tone.

Desizing

This treatment typically begins with desizing, which removes the starch and other finishes used during weaving and garment construction. It is an essential preparatory step that opens the fabric structure, allowing further treatments to be more effective. Following this, enzyme washes are often employed involving cellulase enzymes that digest the cotton’s surface fibers in a more controlled and environmentally friendly manner.

Next comes bleaching or fading, which lightens the color of the denim and creates contrast using chemical bleaches such as sodium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate. However, more modern laundries increasingly favor ozone and laser technologies, which reduce water usage and chemical waste.

pattern, from realistic wear zones to logos and complex graphics, allowing for mass customization without the inconsistencies of manual labor.

Major denim brands are widely adopting laser technology, and it is again supplied primarily by Jeanologia and Tonello, both of whom continuously improve their laser hardware and software capabilities.

Ozone Fading

Ozone technology, pioneered by Jeanologia, headquartered in Valencia, Spain, and Tonello, of Sarcedo, Italy, uses oxygen molecules to oxidize the dye on the fabric surface. The denim garments are placed in a closed chamber where ozone gas is introduced. The gas reacts with the indigo dye, lightening it to achieve various fade levels and wash-down effects.

This process drastically reduces water and chemical use with minimal energy consumption and no hazardous byproducts, since the ozone decomposes into oxygen.

Laser Finishing

Lasers can meanwhile etch patterns such as whiskers, honeycombs, or other fade lines onto the fabric with great precision and consistency, mimicking the look of naturally aged jeans.

The high-energy lasers, guided by computer-controlled software, burn away the top layer of indigo dye on the fabric. The laser can be programmed to etch any

At 2025 Kingpins shows, Tonello’s Renaissance Collection has demonstrated the extraordinary detailing possible with modern laser technology in replicating the designs of Italy’s Old Masters on denim garments.

Craftsmanship

“Everyone owns at least one pair of jeans, but many outside the industry don’t realize the level of innovation, craftsmanship and technology behind them,” says Vivian Wang. “Kingpins doesn’t really operate like a traditional trade show. We draw a mix of big retailers and brands, as well as contemporary and designer labels and people across the entire supply chain. We’re a platform for the industry to meet, get inspired and learn.”

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.

Lenzing Hong Kong has showcased its Application Innovation Collection 25, highlighting the versatility of Tencel, Modal and Ecovero fibers in a wide range of denim styles. A.Wilson

Hyosung’s FutureFit Forum showcase was primarily based on regenerated Levi 501 jeans. A.Wilson

THE RISE OF Biodegradable and Bio-Based NONWOVENS IN AFRICA

Africa Has the Biomass – Could It Also Be a Leader in Biodegradable

By Raymond Chimhandamba

Nonwovens?

Africa’s Opportunity in a Changing Nonwovens Landscape

The global shift toward sustainable materials has ushered in a new era for nonwovens, especially in the hygiene, packaging, and medical sectors. As concerns about plastic pollution intensify and regulations tighten across continents, the demand for biodegradable and bio-based alternatives is accelerating.

Africa, with its abundant agricultural biomass and growing industrial base, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend. But the question remains: can Africa not only supply the biomass but also become a global leader in developing and manufacturing biodegradable nonwovens? And what are the necessary conditions that may allow this to happen?

By examining the potential for Africa to develop bio-based nonwoven inputs, such as sugarcane bagasse, pineapple fibers, cotton waste, bamboo, and others, the effort highlights innovation hubs and pilot projects in Kenya and South Africa, profiling research centers and universities that are pioneering bioplastics and natural fiber composites.

Ultimately, we ask: Can Africa leverage its biomass abundance to become a global leader in biodegradable nonwovens?

Global Context: Why Biodegradable Nonwovens Matter

The nonwovens industry underpins many daily essentials, including hygiene products, medical textiles, filtration media, wipes, and packaging. Traditionally, these products have relied heavily on fossilbased polymers, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). While these materials offer excellent performance, they pose significant environmental challenges due to their persistence in landfills and oceans.

In response, demand for biodegradable and bio-based nonwovens is rapidly growing worldwide. Markets are driven by rising consumer awareness, plastic bans, and commitments to circular economy principles. Bio-based nonwovens are derived from renewable biological sources, whereas biodegradable nonwovens

naturally break down in the environment. Combined, these materials promise to reduce plastic pollution and carbon footprints.

Africa’s role in this emerging market is currently limited, but it holds great promise. With vast agricultural sectors generating large volumes of crop residues and natural fibers, the continent has an under utilized biomass supply chain that can be harnessed for nonwoven raw materials. Moreover, Africa’s rapidly growing middle class and urbanization are driving local demand for hygiene and medical products, presenting a market opportunity for domestic bio-based production. Machine installation by absorbent hygiene products converters is also growing at a decent pace.

Fiber Futures: Harnessing Agro-Residues

Sugarcane bagasse, pineapple leaf fibres, cotton waste and linters, bamboo, banana leaves, corn stalks, wheat straw, sisal, and hemp present opportunities for natural fiber extraction. Out of these options for bio-fibers, some champions have emerged. Pineapple leaves and fibers are traditionally used in textiles but are increasingly being explored as reinforcements in composites and nonwovens. They can be transformed into nonwoven fabrics, offering a sustainable and versatile material for various applications.

Piñatex®, a branded textile developed by Dr. Carmen Hijosa of Ananas Anam, has gained traction. Piñatex is blended with other materials, such as polyester, to achieve specific properties. One of the most widely recognized bio-fiber innovations in recent years, Piñatex is used by almost 3,000 brands in 80 countries, according to the European Patent Office.

With utilization growing in a wide range of products and industries, Piñatex mostly known as a leather alternative across multiple industries, is found in fashion, footwear, upholstery, and automotive interiors. The material combines natural leaf fiber with polylactic acid (PLA) and is finished in Spain, resulting in a product that is both durable and commercially scalable. Piñatex production requires less water and avoids the use of harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional leather tanning.

Major global brands such as Hugo Boss and H&M have adopted Piñatex® in their sustainable collections, highlighting its market viability. With the global plant-based leather market expected to reach $69 million by 2023 and grow at a 6.2% CAGR through 2032, Piñatex stands as a flagship example of how agricultural waste is transformable into premium fiber solutions for the circular economy.

So far the most developed region for PALF is Asia and South East Asia, specifically Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore, where pineapple cultivation is prevalent. Africa has certain advantages that could make it a future supplier of PALF. Considering the vulnerabilities caused by climate change for the key players in PALF, there is a strategic advantage in having a diversified supply base across continents.

Asia and Southeast Asia are prone to typhoons, particularly with the effects of climate change. Africa is prone to drought and is not spared from the changing global weather patterns, but this strategic diversification across continents offers a layer of security of supply for the key players. Also, there is climate change and climate resilience funding in place that can de-risk such a diversification, or at the very least make it less financially stressful.

Ananas-Anam supplies its eco-leather fiber Piñatex® – made from pineapple leaves and fibers – to over 3,000 fashion brands, proving the viability of the pineapple fiber market. Africa could be a strong contender to supply PALF in the future. Ananas-Anam

Africa’s Biomass Potential for Nonwovens

Africa produces billions of tons of biomass annually, much of it under utilized or discarded. According to Africa for Investors, Africa produces more than 20 million metric tons of pineapples per annum. Major producers include countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Angola and Cote D’Ivoire. Nigeria, for example, is among the top ten global producers of pineapple, with 1.54 million tons, placing it in eighth position as a global producer. In addition, Africa offers significant cost advantages for pineapple production compared to other major producers worldwide. Additionally, Africa for Investors reports that in Ghana, cultivating pineapples costs around $300 per hectare, compared to $1,000 per hectare in Brazil.

The South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has invested ZAR 1.5 trillion ($81.34 million) as of 2018 to support bio-innovation initiatives since the inception of the bioeconomy strategy. These strategic investments have resulted in over 240 technology-based products and services, 20 patents, and approximately 1,000 jobs.

As a way to fast-track this progress, biotechnology-innovation centers were created and finally incorporated into the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in 2010. Through this Innovation Fund the TIA allows biotechnology-innovation centers to leverage government funding to develop critical commercialization and intellectual property management skills for the country.

Other interesting projects have emerged from South African universities, with one notable example in the Valorization of Chicken Feathers: Production of Superabsorbent Fabrics via Nonwoven Technology. This research was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal by Mbuyi Christelle Grace Kakonke, a thengraduate student in BEng Chemical Engineering (University of Pretoria) and supervised by Professor Bruce Sithole, BSc, MSc, PhD. The research involved needle-punched superabsorbent nonwoven fabrics for diaper production. It was based on the fact that several studies

have demonstrated potential routes for the beneficiation of feathers through the extraction of keratin from them. The thesis investigated the possibilities of extracting keratin fibres from waste chicken feathers (WCFs) for use in the production of superabsorbent fabrics, such as in hygienic applications.

Chicken feather fibres (CFFs) were identified as plentiful, to be used as cheap raw materials in the production of the nonwoven fabrics used in diapers. The project studied adequate methods for extracting fibres from feathers as well as their conversion into fabrics. A novel rapid mechanical method was chosen for the extraction of CFFs from WCFs, and the extracted fibres were characterized for their physical and morphological properties.

The dry laid technique via needle punching was the best-suited technique of incorporating the recycled fibres into nonwoven fabrics versus using a wet-laid technique. The process variables like speed, stroke frequency, and the depth of needle penetration were studied to determine their effect on the fabrics. A linear model was fitted and the optimum production parameters that resulted in high absorbency of the fabrics were 1.187 m/min for speed, 265.42 Hz for stroke frequency, and 2.92mm for depth of needle penetration.

Needle-punched absorbent fabrics were developed by the treatment of fibres with absorbent solutions that imparted superabsorbent properties on the materials. The liquid absorption characteristics of the novel superabsorbent material were studied, and the effect of coating polymers was assessed. The produced fabrics were investigated for suitability as replacements for superabsorbent fabrics currently used in hygienic products. The results suggested that there is a possibility of producing highly valuable products from CFFs. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabrics exemplified the possible waste valorization pathways for these fibers.

Farm Waste to Future Materials: Cassava-Based Bioplastics

BioInnovate Africa is a regional science and innovation-driven initiative that works in partnership with International

Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi, Kenya. The initiative supports scientists in Eastern Africa to link biology-based research ideas, inventions, and technologies to the market. Scientists work collaboratively at a regional level, and involve interdisciplinary teams from academia, industry and government to co-develop solutions that address the region’s development priorities.

Shared in June 2025, the organization is exploring the possible use of cassava for bioplastics will use cassava biowaste (peels) and other biowaste to produce ecofriendly packaging products for the region. Cassava is a highly resilient crop that is widely cultivated in East Africa. Other biomaterials to be used include vegetable oils and natural resins, and fibres extracted from sugarcane bagasse, wheat, rice, and maize stover. Packaging materials from cassava biowaste will provide more ecofriendly alternative products. It is further envisaged that the production of biodegradable packaging materials could boost local cassava production capacity and create more jobs.

The project will develop grocery bags, food packaging, bio-based packaging materials for grain storage. The technology relies on conventional polymer processing. Starch from cassava waste will be converted into bioplastic extrusion, injection and compression moulding and solution casting. It will involve blending and proportion integration of various waste materials with the final product constituting at least 70% of the cassava

Cassava biowaste. Photo Credits: Courtesy of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA).

biowaste as a base material. The products shall be able to biodegrade between three to six months, hence providing the best alternative to polythene-based plastics. If successful, the innovative alternative biodegradable packaging products will improve the management of cassava waste and other bio-wastes. Cassava farmers will benefit from market access, and businesses and consumers will be able to comply with the ban on plastic bags by using biodegradable alternatives acceptable to the regulators. New green jobs are likely to emerge within the production value chain. In addition, bio-based cassava packaging materials substitute for wood-based packaging materials, reducing pressure on forests and, at the same time, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Challenges and Barriers to Scaling and Strategic Recommendations

Despite potential, Africa faces challenges in scaling bio-based nonwoven production. There is limited funding and investment, as well as limited facilities for testing, scaling up, and commercializing new biofiber and nonwoven technologies. There is a scarcity of high-tech labs, advanced material characterization tools, and testing equipment (e.g., SEM, tensile testing, biodegradability chambers) that are sparse or inaccessible. Generally, there are inadequate linkages between labs and industry. Many universities and research institutions work in silos, without strong ties to manufacturing ecosystems.

There is limited standardization, aggregation, or preprocessing of natural fibers, resulting in inconsistent sourcing for R&D or commercial use. In addition, there are low industrial demand signals. Because there is no strong local market for bio-based nonwovens, there is limited pull for innovation from converters or FMCGs.

The African region also has a skills and talent gap. There is a shortage of materials science expertise. Specialized skills in polymer chemistry, fiber engineering, and nonwoven processing are rare and often concentrated in a few institutions. The few talented researchers often leave for opportunities abroad, draining local

capacity for innovation. Innovation in biobased nonwovens requires convergence between agriculture, chemistry, engineering, and design and this is still a challenge in many African institutions, but there is limited interdisciplinary collaboration.

To unlock Africa’s bio-based nonwoven potential, stakeholders have several strategic actions to consider include:

• Developing integrating biomass value chains by investing in aggregating agricultural residues and natural fibers through cooperatives and industrial parks to ensure consistent raw material supply;

• Strengthening innovation ecosystems by supporting research hubs with funding;

• Creating strong and vibrant international partnerships; and,

• Establishing technology transfer programs focused on bio-based materials and nonwoven manufacturing.

Bright Future: Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainable Industry

Africa stands at the cusp of a new industrial era where circular bioeconomy principles can guide sustainable growth. The continent’s biomass wealth, coupled with growing innovation capacity, positions it to develop bio-based nonwoven materials that reduce plastic pollution and promote local industry.

Early pilot projects in East Africa, South Africa, and other countries demonstrate that converting agricultural residues into biodegradable nonwovens is technically feasible and economically promising. With strategic investment, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration, Africa can build a competitive bio-based nonwoven industry.

African countries can build local manufacturing capacity by promoting the establishment of pilot and commercialscale bio-based nonwoven production lines, leveraging public-private partnerships involving agri-processors, textile players, and universities.

Governments should develop enabling policies and incentives promoting biodegradable products, waste segregation, and circular economy business models.

Regions and sub-regions must foster a collaborative approach to facilitate

knowledge exchange and trade, thereby scaling production to create pan-African supply chains under frameworks such as the BioInnovate Africa or African Union.

The ACEN – Africa Circular Economy Network – is a good example. Established over seven years ago, it has a network of over 500 experts across 42 African countries and strategic partnerships with global entities, including the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, UNEP, and the African Development Bank.

South Africa’s CSIR (Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research) is another strong pillar of innovation in various industrial and scientific research.

Africa’s abundant biomass resources represent a largely untapped opportunity to drive sustainable industrial development through bio-based and biodegradable nonwovens. Innovation hubs in Kenya, the East African sub-region, and South Africa are already making progress, and the scale-up potential is substantial.

As global supply chains diversify and sustainability demands rise, Africa’s biobased nonwovens could become soughtafter exports, bringing new jobs and technology transfer to the continent. The vision of Africa as a leader in biodegradable nonwovens is within reach – if the continent acts decisively to harness its natural assets and innovation potential.

Ultimately, Africa’s future as a leader in biodegradable nonwovens depends on embracing circular economy thinking and investing in bioeconomy innovation. With vision and commitment, it’s natural wealth can become a catalyst for cleaner industry and sustainable prosperity.

Raymond Chimhandamba, an international expert, author and speaker on Africa’s absorbent hygiene products (AHP) sector is the founder/CEO of Handas Consulting, a boutique consulting company based in South Africa. He has presented at global conferences on the Africa region, such as those led by INDA and EDANA. He is also CEO at Kunakisa Recycling, a plastic recycling start up based in Pretoria, South Africa that he started in 2021. Reach him at ray@ raychimhandamba.com or +27 81 487 6785.

CEN CWA 18062 A Consumer-Relevant Approach to Assessing Absorbent Hygiene Materials for Trace Chemicals

By David Oertel, Taryn Kirsch and Robb Gardner

anufacturers of absorbent hygiene products (AHP), such as baby and adult incontinence disposable diapers or inserts, feminine pads, or liners, have robust safety programs in place to ensure the safety of their products for consumers who use them. One aspect of this is a detailed understanding of the chemical composition of both raw materials and finished products. With this knowledge in hand, we can perform a toxicological exposure-based risk assessment (EBRA) to ensure that any risk associated with the possible presence of undesired impurities or environmental contaminants is insignificant.1,2,3 In the course of EBRA, a toxicologist may request that the total content of a given trace chemical in a product or product component be established, and in response to this need, an analytical chemical analysis may be performed. Additionally, targeted experiments assessing exposure factors such as rewet may be performed to optionally further refine an EBRA.4 Numerous other factors (skin exposure, skin penetration, hours of product wear, products per day, days or use per month, year of use in a lifetime) are customarily part of the calculus to arrive at a (often conservative) exposure estimate, which that can then be compared with known exposure limits to assess risk. In this way, EBRA represents the most consumerrelevant means known of assessing risk.

The Growing Focus on AHPs

While the EBRA approach is recognized from a toxicological standpoint as the gold standard for assessing the acceptability of consumer risk associated with a potential chemical hazard, it is a complex analysis that is often absent from the evolving discourse about the presence of trace chemicals in AHP. The landscape associated with concerns about potential trace chemicals possibly present in AHPs is ever-changing, and simultaneously becoming a greater area of societal focus. More regulatory bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), consumer associations, and even academic researchers are expressing concern about trace chemicals. In many cases, in response to these concerns, these same stakeholders are commissioning laboratory work in which AHP articles are being extracted and trace analytical measurements are being performed to suggest potential exposure risk.

Much of this measurement work is spread across individual laboratories which apply laboratory-specific methods and sample preparation conventions. Individual laboratories, in response to measurement requests from customers, typically adapt methods developed initially for trace chemicals in environmental (e.g., soil and water) or medical (e.g., blood serum) samples. Moreover, laboratories often pursue sample preparation using what might be considered “harsh organic solvent extraction” with the goal of establishing the total content of a trace chemical present in an AHP article. In the case of elemental analysis (metals and metalloids), an analogous harsh approach oriented toward content is microwave-assisted acid digestion.

While such harsh analysis may be appropriate within the context of a sophisticated EBRA, harsh-organic extractions themselves are not oriented toward or representative of true potential consumer exposure. And because a full EBRA analysis is generally absent from these studies, a gap exists between what is often reported (harsh-organic extractions, perhaps more indicative of “hazard”) and what a consumer might be exposed to – that is, toxicological risk. However, this gap is often lost in discussion among stakeholders or the popular media, leading to unwarranted concern and fear among consumers. One step in the right direction is for stakeholders to use more consumer-relevant analytical methods that are more closely related to an (conservative) estimation of consumer, and for AHP manufacturers to similarly use a more consumer-relevant method when interacting with regulators, retailers, consumer groups, and NGOs, where a complete EBRA discussion is generally not an option.

As part of its Stewardship Programme for AHP5, EDANA6 developed standard method NWSP 360 that makes a significant step toward bridging the above mentioned gap. In short, to considerably enhance the inherent consumer relevance of a method result, a biologically relevant fluid simulant (either urine or menstrual fluid) is used in the extraction of finished product AHP. Subsequently a CEN Workshop was convened that resulted in a closely related method CEN Workshop Agreement CEN CWA 18062 “Determination of trace chemicals extracted from absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) using simulated urine/ menstrual fluid,” hereinafter referred to simply as “CWA 18062.”

The Dynamics of CWA 18062

CWA 18062 consists of three distinct parts, as illustrated in the Figure 1. In the first part, the full-finished AHP as used is homogenized via milling. In a second part, this homogenized material is extracted using a consumer-relevant body fluid simulant. The simulant for urine is 0.9% physiological saline with 0.93% urea added, while the simulant for menstrual fluid is 0.9% physiological saline with 1.0% bovine serum albumin added. Finally, in the third part, the body simulant is worked up and analyzed using one or more analytical instrumental techniques appropriate for the trace chemical(s) being investigated. The method provides specific guidance for the performance of true method blanks and the appropriate relationship between method blanks and reporting limits, which is critical in developing reliable results, particularly when dealing with trace chemicals widespread in the environment that may be present at low levels in a laboratory. Final results are reported in mass of trace chemical (if detected) per mass of finished AHP.

potentially be released from the tested item during actual (clinical) use. During the development of the closely related method NWSP 360, EDANA assessed a range of urine simulant and menstrual fluid simulant compositions based on the principle that if a simulant ingredient present in real urine or menstrual fluid gave rise to a higher recovery of trace chemicals, it should be included. One example is the inclusion of 1% bovine serum albumin in the menstrual fluid simulant. Menstrual fluid contains albumin proteins, and it was found that the presence of albumin proteins in the simulant increased trace chemical recovery, particularly among more hydrophobic analyte classes.

A mutual tension generally exists between the three goals of robustness, relevance, and deployability. By optimizing a method for one or two goals, the other(s) are often suboptimal.

We note that the contrast between the harsh-organic extraction method and the use of consumer-relevant, biorelevant fluids approximately parallels the well-established concepts of extractables and leachables, respectively, which are widely accepted in drug- and medical-device-oriented biocompatibility testing. For example, see ISO 10993 (particularly parts 1 and 18) as well as US FDA guidance on the same.7 A bio-relevant approach, as outlined in CWA 18062, is analogous to leachables testing according to ISO 10993, where the goal is to determine what could

CWA 18062 aims to strike a balance between the needs of relevance, robustness, and deployability in a manner that is beneficial to a wide range of stakeholders in the AHP industry and regulatory landscape. Relevance refers to the extent to which a method directly mimics a consumer’s wearing experience. Robustness refers to the ability of a method to be performed reliably by a range of laboratories and personnel with minimal possibility of small perturbations in procedure giving rise to large, unexpected perturbations in reported results. This quality is particularly important in the context of trace chemicals, where reported levels are often not significantly above those in the environment, in laboratories, and even in high-purity laboratory reagents. Finally, deployability refers to a method’s ability to be performed in its entirety by a wide range of laboratories worldwide in both a cost-effective and timely manner.

Figure 1. CWA 18062 consists of three distinct parts. EDANA

Setting Optimal Expectations

A mutual tension generally exists between the three goals of robustness, relevance, and deployability. By optimizing a method for one or two goals, the other(s) are often suboptimal. For example, a harsh organic extraction of a sample is generally fairly robust and can be performed in some form broadly, but it departs markedly from the wearer’s experience. One challenge in creating a more consumer-relevant method is that the level of consumer relevance often competes with its robustness and broad deployability for routine execution.

Two aspects of the method paradigm followed by CWA 18062 illustrate this tension. First, the use of consumer-relevant, biorelevant fluids is a key component of the method. However, these fluids have been simplified from “real” fluids, making them more robust and deployable. They have been simplified as much as possible – but no further! These fluids maintain critical chemical aspects to be consumer-relevant. Second, the choice of a method paradigm, including whole-product homogenization, departs from literal consumer use relevance but carries with it numerous benefits in method robustness and deployability that more manually intensive, rewet-based extraction methodologies, for example, lack.

Since the use of homogenization intuitively departs from the most consumer-relevant approach, further discussion of the specific approach to sample milling is warranted. AHP articles are milled to create a finely divided, homogenized sample for subsequent extraction and analytical instrumental analysis. Typically, a minimum of two articles is used to generate a sufficient homogenized sample for further work.

Milling is performed on dry (equilibrated to laboratory conditions) AHPs using a capable mill, such as a Retsch SM300. AHP articles are milled whole such that surfaces and materials that touch the skin during use are not distinguished from surfaces that do not touch the skin. Similarly, surfaces and materials that may be wetted during use are not distinguished from surfaces that are unlikely to be wetted during use. (Materials associated with AHPs that are not part of the actual wearing experience – such as wrappers, release films, and applicators – are removed prior to milling.) The method specifies

References

1. Kosemund, K., Schlatter, H., Ochsenhirt, J. L., Krause, E. L., Marsman, D. S., Erasala, G. N., (2009) “Safety evaluation of superabsorbent baby diapers,” Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. yrtph.2008.10.005.

2. Krause, E. L., Hattersley, A. M., Abbinante-Nissen, J. M., Gutshall, D., Woeller, K. E., (2023) “Support of adult urinary incontinence products: recommendations to assure safety and regulatory compliance through application of a risk assessment framework,” Frontiers in Reproductive Health, DOI:10.3389/ frph.2023.1175627.

3. Hochwalt, A. E., Abbinante-Nissen, J. M., Bohman, L. C., Hattersley, A. M., Hu, P., Streicher-Scott, J. L., Teufel, A. G., Woeller, K. E., (2023), “The safety assessment of tampons: illustration of a comprehensive approach for four different products,” Frontiers in Reproductive Health, DOI:10.3389/ frph.2023.1167868.

a means by which sufficient sample homogeneity is confirmed through visual assessment and chemical elemental analysis of multiple specimens of milled sample material. Acceptable mass recovery is also affirmed.

Benefits of homogenized milling and extraction include:

• Amenable to trace instrumental analysis. The ratio of body fluid simulant to AHP sample material mass is similar to that used in whole product extraction – that is, generally far in excess of the design intent of the AHP mass such that free simulant is present and can be collected easily after the extraction step for trace analysis (e.g., 1 g specimen per 50 mL simulant). Body fluid simulant recovered in this approach can be concentrated (“dried down”) and/or otherwise further processed to enable lower LOQs in subsequent analytical instrumental analysis.

• Scalable. Specimen mass can be arbitrarily scaled without loss of faithfully representing overall article composition, particularly if more is needed to enable method LOQs. A 1-gram specimen is our standard recommendation, which is more easily deployable than whole-product extraction.

• Assures uniformity. A single sample can be created from multiple nominally identical AHP articles, thereby eliminating concerns about article-to-article variation in the presence of trace chemicals.

• Traceable. Because multiple AHP articles can be milled to create a single, uniform sample material, true retain samples are made possible. This enables unforeseen lab retesting or “roundrobin” testing to verify reproducibility of results if needed.

• Flexible. Because representative homogenized AHP material is the endpoint of the milling process, the number of articles needed to achieve a target mass is unimportant. The milling approach, therefore, easily accommodates different-sized AHP articles (e.g., different-sized diapers) and contrasting product forms (e.g., diapers and tampons).

• Creates surface area. The milling process finely divides constituent AHP materials, shortening diffusion lengths required for any trace chemicals present to migrate to the body fluid simulant during the extraction step.

• Uses commercially available apparatus. No custom-built apparatus (e.g., rewet beds to uniformly apply consumer-relevant

4. Dey, S., Purdon, M., Kirsch, T., Helbich, H. M., Kerr, K., Li, L., Zhou, S., (2016), “Exposure Factor considerations for safety evaluation of modern disposable diapers,” Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. yrtph.2016.08.017.

5. See https://www.edana.org/how-we-take-action/edana-stewardshipprogramme-for-absorbent-hygiene-products

6. EDANA, the European Nonwovens Industry Association, is a leading global association and voice of the nonwovens and related industries, see www. edana.org.

7. Use of International Standard ISO 10993–1, “Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process;” Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Availability, 88 Fed. Reg. 62,091 (Sept. 8, 2023). Available at https://www.fda.gov/ media/142959/download.

pressure) is required. Commercially sourced and readily available mills meet the milling success criteria. CWA 18062 has proven to be easy to handle across a range of competent laboratories, is robust (repeatable and reproducible), and reflects consumer-relevant aspects. It is:

• Relevant. Products are tested under circumstances that reflect aspects of typical consumer usage.

• Robust. The method delivers consistent results independent of the operator or the laboratory that is running the test. In effect, the method is repeatable and reproducible within a tolerable level of uncertainty. The method delivers reliable results within the operating parameters of the method (considering variable environmental background levels).

• Deployable. Any laboratory with state-of-the-art analytical equipment and well-trained staff can run the method in a transparent and accessible manner.

CWA 18062 is a good example of a standard analytical method that incorporates critical aspects of consumer relevance, thereby giving rise to results that are more closely related to the consumer experience/risk than harsh organic extraction. While EBRA will always be the correct tool for rigorous affirmation of objective product safety, CWA 18062 is and will continue to be a valuable tool for manufacturers, regulators, retailers, consumer groups, and NGOs to use in discourse where EBRA is out of scope.

David Oertel is a Principal Scientist at Procter & Gamble. He has worked in numerous R&D Analytical roles across the company during the last 18 years, including the last nine years in support of P&G’s Baby and Feminine Care businesses. He can be reached at oertel.dc@pg.com.

Dr. Taryn Kirsch, Senior Toxicologist & Group Head, Global Product Stewardship, Baby & Feminine Care, located at the P&G German Innovation Center.

Dr. Kirsch, has a Master Degree in Biology and then did her PhD in Biochemistry at the Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt. She started her career at P&G in 2007 at the Brussels Innovation Center working as a Regulatory Manager and Food Safety Specialist. From there she moved on in 2011 to join the P&G Baby Care organization, gaining an additional degree as Toxicologist. Now she has further responsibility for Feminine Care human safety.

Dr. Robb Gardner, PhD, is a Senior Director and R&D manager for Baby, Feminine, and Family Care Analytical at the Procter & Gamble Company and an inventor on 43 US and EU granted patents. Robb joined Procter & Gamble in 1999 and has experience across multiple businesses including Fabric & Home Care, Oral and Personal Health Care, as well as P&G Corporate R&D. He can be reached at gardner.rr@pg.com.

EDANA Announces Early Registration for Sustainability & Policy Forum

EDANA is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025, the premier platform for professionals across the nonwovens value chain to explore, discuss, and shape the sustainable future of our industry.

The Forum will take place on December 9–10, 2025 at the Residence Palace in Brussels, just across the street from the European Commission, where important decisions for our industry are made. This year, the Forum expands its scope to fully integrate policy alongside sustainability!

Early bird registration is now available – participants are encouraged to book soon to benefit from the reduced rate and secure their place at this exciting event!

What to Expect

The Forum will feature a forward-looking program addressing:

• Circular economy initiatives

• Evolving stakeholder expectations

• Green claims and sustainability reporting

• Corporate sustainability due diligence

• The policy landscape shaping our industry

A highlight of the event will be a tour of the European Commission for an exchange of views with regulators on the current and future challenges facing the industry. This provides a unique opportunity to bring the voices of the industry directly to EU institutions!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping a sustainable and policy-smart nonwovens industry.

To learn more and register, visit www.edana.org/events/edana-sustainability-forum

Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the leading global association advocating the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several applicationspecific and geographic-focused industry events.

WTariffs, Trade, and Textiles Navigating U.S. Trade Policy in a Shifting Global Landscape

By Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs, INDA

hat was once the domain of trade lawyers and procurement officers is now a concern for the boardroom. U.S. trade and tariff policy is evolving into a complex mixture of economic competition, national security, and concerns about forced labor, not to mention the unpredictable nature of President Donald Trump's decision-making process. For the fiber, nonwovens, and broader textile industries, the implications are profound.

When President Trump announced plans to implement reciprocal tariff rates on dozens of countries with a 10% minimum baseline in early April, nearly every industry had questions and concerns around the long-term impacts of these tariffs. Meanwhile, the U.S. courts have grappled with whether the President has the authority to implement such tariffs under emergency powers laws. Furthermore, the debate over which courts have jurisdiction over the matter complicates matters. The key takeaway is that U.S. trade policy is no longer guided solely by economic efficiency or multilateral rules. Instead, it is increasingly being shaped by national security, industrial strategy, and human rights enforcement. For producers and buyers of fibers, nonwovens, and textile inputs, this shift demands constant vigilance, strategic realignment, and a clear-eyed view of what lies ahead.

From Free Trade to Strategic Trade

For decades, U.S. trade policy operated under a broadly bipartisan commitment to multilateral liberalization, with the World Trade Organization (WTO), Most Favored Nation (MFN) principles, and regional trade deals like NAFTA guiding the rules of the road. But that framework began to erode during the Trump administration with the introduction of Section 301 tariffs on China – part of a broader strategy to pressure Beijing on intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and industrial subsidies. While President Biden softened the rhetoric during his term in office, he largely preserved and even built upon many of these tools established during the first Trump administration. Section 301 tariffs remained in place during his term, yet the Biden administration extended exclusions to these tariffs. However, the Biden administration also went about sunsetting approximately half of the exclusions to Section 301 tariffs on China. It pursued subsidies and tax credits for U.S.-based manufacturing through legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and CHIPS Act, signaling a broader move toward “managed trade” and domestic industrial policy.

For the fiber and nonwovens sectors, which are profoundly globalized and rely on price-sensitive supply chains, this evolving framework presents both risks and opportunities. With Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025, many observers expected him to adopt a far more aggressive position on trade and tariffs than he did during his first term, and he certainly lived up to those expectations, making tariffs among the most discussed topics in public policy.

“Liberation Day” Reciprocal Tariffs Under IEEPA

On April 2, 2025, a date that was dubbed “Liberation Day” in the weeks leading up to a major trade announcement, President Trump issued a sweeping executive order (EO 14257), declaring a national trade emergency and invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose a 10 % universal tariff on imports from nearly all nations, followed by countryspecific reciprocal tariffs – ranging up to 50 % on dozens of major trading partners with whom the U.S. runs large deficits according to the Administration's calculations. These were layered on top of existing Section 301 China duties and Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as IEPPA-related tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico that Trump had implemented weeks prior.

This action led to an escalation with China, pushing tariff rates as high as 145% before settling at a 30% baseline tariff rate on China (in addition to underlying Section 301 duties) at the time of writing this article. While temporarily lowered to 10% for all countries during negotiations, with the UK and China achieving partial agreements, the IEEPA reciprocal tariff rates remain in effect pending a legal resolution and continued negotiations.

On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the use of IEEPA to impose tariffs was unconstitutional, deeming the move to be beyond the scope of emergency powers and lacking congressional authorization. The case was then sent to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for appeal, which issued a short-term stay, allowing the tariffs to continue. As they deliberate, oral arguments are scheduled for July 31, with a decision expected in August – about three weeks after the pause on higher rates is currently set to end on July 9.

Simultaneously, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has asserted that the Court of International Trade does not have jurisdiction in this matter. Ultimately, it may take a Supreme Court ruling to untangle the legal web of IEEPA.

The Current Tariff Landscape: Fiber and Nonwovens in the Crosshairs

Amid uncertainty around tariff actions initiated by the Trump administration, Section 301 Tariff Rates, and exclusions to those tariffs, which still exclude a handful of products in the nonwovens sector (and have been further extended to August 31, 2025), remain top of mind. These tariffs have pushed the baseline tariff rate on China from 30% (instituted by Trump under IEEPA) to 55% on many products after a 25% section 301 duty is applied. Members of the nonwovens supply chain hold a variety of views on Section 301 tariffs.

For industry, many categories are affected. These include synthetic staple fibers, spun yarns, and various categories of nonwoven roll goods and converting machinery. Even where specific tariff lines have seen exclusions or reductions, the uncertainty surrounding future reviews creates planning challenges.

Beyond Section 301, other trade tools continue to have ripple effects. The Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, for example, have raised costs for machinery and equipment manufacturers. Meanwhile, the lapse of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) in 2020 means that inputs from developing countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines – historically key sources of certain fibers and resins and products that have no domestic production, like viscose – are subject to MFN duties again, adding costs across the supply chain.

INDA has urged the Trump administration to exclude viscose staple fiber from any new tariffs, given its critical need in many hygiene applications and the lack of U.S. manufacturing. Additionally, antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations have directly affected fiber materials. Recent cases targeting polyester staple fiber imports from South Korea, Taiwan, and China have led to additional duties, sometimes exceeding 50%. These trade remedies are often initiated by U.S. industry petitioners and carry long-term consequences for importers of inputs.

Forced Labor Enforcement and Supply Chain Scrutiny

Another recent development in trade enforcement is the rise of human rights as a core trade compliance issue – specifically,

the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), signed previously by former President Biden and took effect in mid-2022.

The UFLPA creates a rebuttable presumption that any goods made wholly or in part in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region are produced with forced labor, and therefore banned from entry into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has significantly ramped up enforcement, detaining shipments of cotton, apparel, and other components like viscose and lyocell.

While the primary focus has been on finished garments and cotton-based goods, nonwovens made with potentially contaminated feedstocks – such as viscose derived from wood pulp processed in suspect regions – are not immune. The law's broad scope and the difficulty of proving clean supply chains mean that industry members need to be aware of their supply chains to ensure compliance.

Manufacturers must now maintain robust documentation and chain-of-custody tracking for raw materials. Even suppliers outside of China may face detentions if any part of their input stream is linked to Xinjiang. Trade compliance teams must be equipped to handle CBP inquiries and leverage third-party traceability tools.

Nearshoring and the Promise –and Pitfalls – of Regional Trade

In response to the twin pressures of tariffs and forced labor enforcement, among other factors, many companies in the textile and fiber sectors are exploring nearshoring and regionalization strategies. Free trade agreements, such as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), offer tariff-free access for qualifying goods and preferential treatment for apparel and yarn inputs.

These agreements have driven significant investment in Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, particularly in spinning, knitting, and dyeing capacity. For U.S. nonwovens and fiber producers, this creates potential demand for inputs that can meet regional content requirements. While the tariff landscape is changing rapidly, Mexico is in a particularly favorable position given the

exemption of additional IEEPA tariffs (aside from the baseline 10%) for USMCA-qualified products.

However, rules of origin remain a sticking point. Under USMCA, for example, synthetic fibers and yarns must often be sourced from within the region to qualify for duty-free treatment – a challenge for companies reliant on Asian suppliers. Customs documentation, compliance audits, and delays at land ports of entry also complicate regional logistics.

Nonetheless, these agreements provide a foundation for resilient supply chains – especially in categories like hygiene products, industrial textiles, and medical disposables – if companies are willing to invest in upstream capacity and regional partnerships.

Conclusion: Trade Policy as Strategic Imperative

The era of passive trade policy is over. The U.S. government is deploying tariffs, sanctions, and trade enforcement tools not only as levers of economic policy but also as instruments of national security, industrial strategy, human rights enforcement, and as a means to achieve the President's economic policy agenda. For the fiber and nonwovens industry, this reorientation demands far more than regulatory compliance. It requires constant monitoring of trade policy developments, engagement with legal and political processes, and strategic adaptation across sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics.

Tariffs now operate as both economic barriers and political signals, applied unpredictably under frameworks like IEEPA or revived Section 301 authority. Simultaneously, statutory regimes like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act have introduced human rights enforcement as a material trade risk. Even as nearshoring and regional agreements like USMCA and CAFTA-DR offer partial relief, they come with complex origin requirements and new documentation burdens.

Future presidents, regardless of party, could continue this trend in utilizing the executive's incredibly broad tariff-making authority to accomplish policy goals on topics ranging from economics to the environment.

For companies operating in this environment, success depends on integrating trade policy into core business strategy. Trade compliance is no longer a back-office function – it's a boardroom issue. The most resilient firms will not merely react to these shifts but will position themselves to influence, anticipate, and adapt to a global trade landscape being reshaped in real time.

Wes Fisher is the Director of Government Affairs at INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. Reach him at wfisher@inda.org.

IDEA® 25 Show in Miami Brings the Heat

IDEA® 25 held concurrently with FiltXPO™ 2025 was a tremendous show, with more exhibitors than ever before, which presented a daunting task for visitors accustomed to smaller shows. IDEA, the global nonwovens and engineered materials exhibition, and FiltXPO, the international filtration conference and exhibition, featured over 650 exhibitors, showcasing a comprehensive view of the latest innovations and solutions across the supply chain. Approximately 6,500 professions explored the nonwovens and filtration sessions and showfloor over the two and a half days.

“The energy and engagement at IDEA and FiltXPO were outstanding,” said INDA President & CEO Tony Fragnito. “Seeing thousands of global leaders and innovators converge in Miami Beach underscores the vital importance of face-to-face interactions not just for project updates and business development but also for discussing industry challenges and opportunities. The quality of the attendees and the volume of business conducted are a powerful testament to the industry’s interconnected supply chains and vibrant global industry outlook.”

The IDEA Behind IDEA®25

Sustainability was top of mind for everyone at the event. The Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference held in conjunction with the exposition allowed industry global experts to share perspectives on pertinent issues from regulations, technology,

and product and process design to the potential of biofibers and bioplastics. The conference concluded with sessions on extended-life nonwoven products and next-life for nonwoven fabrics.

The conference began with an overview of the regulatory environment in the USA and Europe with speakers from INDA and EDANA. The “In God We Trust, All Others Bring Data” session brought speakers from Suominen, Lenzing, and Magnera who highlighted the criticality of thorough and transparent documentation of sustainability data and applications of this data in crafting claims that consumers can believe and trust. This foundation was essential to appreciating the impact of the materials and process innovations presented during the remaining conference.

Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar of Texas Tech University reminded us in his session that Mother Nature has been providing us with sustainable fibers for millennia with an in-depth review of the role of cotton in value-added nonwovens.

The first day finished with a slate of talks and panelists from IND Hemp, Zylotex, Davey Textile Solutions, and Hempitecture. Together they showcased a rapidly maturing North American hemp value chain. Other sessions both Tuesday and Wednesday covered natural fibers and biopolymers.

One new feature at the INDA Booth were a series of “Lightning Talks,” presented by exhibitors. These five-minute presentations highlighted their ‘latest and greatest’ product offerings, which allowed visitors identify must-see booths to visit.

Wes Fisher, CAE, Director of Government Affairs at INDA, speaks to a full-house on tariffs at IDEA25.

All Photos by

Caryn Smith

By Caryn Smith with Matt O’Sickey and Misty Ayers

Around those Lightning Talks, there were INDA-led sessions on the Quality and Audit Program for the absorbent hygiene and wipes market, global nonwoven market updates from regional associations, as well as industry news.

Drawing attention was the immensely popular update on tariffs provided by Wes Fisher, CAE, Director of Government Affairs at INDA. In addition to providing up-tothe-minute guidance on an ever-changing tariff landscape, Fisher highlighted the recently released INDA Trade Handbook (a free resource for INDA members). He will be updating readers on tariff action and more in upcoming issues of International Fiber Journal, (see page 42) and EDANA is will inform readers on happenings in Europe that may effect them (see page 38).

Achievements Announced: Outstanding achievement was celebrated with the presentation of six IDEA achievement awards, in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine, honoring (left to right, by row) Dilo Systems GmbH (Equipment), Woolchemy NZ Ltd. (Raw Materials), Magnera (Long-Life), Egal Pads, Inc. (Short-Life), Innovatec Microfibre Technology (Nonwoven Products), and KINDCLOTH™ (Sustainability Advancement). Caryn Smith

More on Sessions

Hearkening back to the talks from Suominen, Lenzing, and Magnera regarding complete characterization of processes while assembling sustainability data, there were two extensive sessions considering the impacts of process and product design on water, energy, and carbon reduction.

A particularly compelling talk was given by Frantisek Riha-Scott discussing shifting the paradigm from single-use nonwoven products to reusable nonwoven products. Nonwovens have historically displaced woven fabrics for price reasons, but at the loss of extended use – what if that wasn’t the case?

Other talks from Tentoma, Valmet, Dukane, and Reifenhauser focused on the EU Directive to reduce consumption, whether

by elimination of unnecessary materials, reuse/upcycling of equipment, and waste avoidance – whether during production or during transport and storage.

The theme of “thoughtful product design” continued into the final sessions that reflected upon end-of-life and next-life aspects of nonwoven products.

ExxonMobil, the corporate sponsor of the conference, led with a presentation that tied together elements from throughout the two days, as they presented materials for circular product design. A key takeaway is the need to consider materials in all aspects of cradle-to-next-life rather than just in-use or end-of-life.

There were also fascinating talks on returning materials to nature. Eric Ricciardi of HIRO Technologies shared the use of

fungal digestion of diaper plastics and Asis Patnaik of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology covered biodegradation of footbed materials from smart footwear.

Individually, each talk on sustainability provided actionable options to support the sustainability journey of the nonwoven industry. Taken together, they covered nonwoven sustainability from regulatory push and consumer pull, through material selection and thoughtful process and product design, to end-of-life and next-life considerations.

As one attendee noted, “The challenge we face came from multiple sources, so it makes sense that the solution will require many components. This conference brought those elements together.”

A Lifetime of Service

Behnam Pourdeyhimi, PhD, and Lynda Kelly accepted their Lifetime Awards at IDEA®25.

Lynda Kelly said, “I am truly humbled and honored to receive the INDA Lifetime Service Award. Growing up in this amazing industry has been a remarkable journey, working alongside so many incredible colleagues across the globe to develop and sell unique nonwoven product solutions and technologies. As an industry, we have achieved so much over the decades, and I am proud to have been part of its evolution. It has truly been an incredible experience!

Lynda Kelly served as Senior Vice President, Americas & Business Development for Suominen Corporation until her retirement in 2023. She dedicated nearly a decade to Suominen, where she led the Care team then transitioned to lead Americas sales team alongside global product and business development professionals. Lynda began her career at Kendall, which later merged into International Paper/Veratec and eventually became BBA Nonwovens. Throughout her tenure, she managed sales and marketing across

various sectors, advancing into leadership roles.

In addition to her time at Suominen, Lynda brought deep expertise to the nonwovens industry through 11 years at First Quality Nonwovens, and also gained valuable insights into consulting during her two years with John Starr.

A devoted contributor to the nonwovens industry, Lynda remains a longterm supporter of INDA initiatives. She played a significant role as a key member of INDA’s AAMI medical disposable standards committee, helping to shape critical industry-wide guidelines. From 2019 to 2022, she served on the INDA Board of Directors, navigating the challenges and opportunities of the pandemic and advocating for collaboration across the sector.

Behnam Pourdeyhimi, PhD said about his IDEA® Lifetime Achievement Award, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. My journey has always been about pushing the boundaries of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration in nonwovens. I’m grateful for the extraordinary colleagues, students, and industry partners who’ve shared this

path and whose contributions have been essential to my achievements that are being recognized today.”

Dr. Pourdeyhimi began his academic career at NC State University after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. He went on to serve at Cornell University, the University of Maryland, and Georgia Tech before returning to NC State in the 1998–1999 academic year.

He currently serves as the William A. Klopman Distinguished Professor of Materials in the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University, where he also holds appointments as Associate Dean at the Wilson College of Textiles and as an affiliated professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He is the Executive Director of The Nonwovens Institute (NWI), the globally recognized center for research, education, and innovation in engineered fabrics.

His return to NC State was driven in part by the opportunity to join the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (NCRC), which, under his leadership, evolved into The Nonwovens Institute (NWI). Today, NWI is the largest universitybased research institute of its kind in the United States and the world’s first accredited academic program dedicated to engineered fabrics.

He has authored more than 600 research publications and three books, presented at over 250 conferences, and holds 30 U.S. and 65 international patents.

— By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer/ Publisher, IFJ ; Matt O’Sickey, Director of Education and Technical Affairs, INDA; and Misty Ayers, Marketing Administrator, INDA.

Tony Fragnito, CEO of INDA with Lynda Kelly.

Tony Fragnito, CEO of INDA, IDEA® Lifetime Achievement Award Behnam Pourdeyhimi, PhD and Bryan Haynes, Technical Director Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark.

TTNA Moves the Needle on Ideas

Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas 2025, generated industry momentum, global participation, and powerful conversations among the nearly 400 exhibitors from 28 countries. The colocated events delivered three energized days full of forward-thinking solutions, cross-sector connections, and the latest innovations, held in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center from May 6-8.

“It’s inspiring to see such a diverse, dynamic community coming together under one roof,” said Sarah Hatcher, Group Show Director for Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas. “This event is about more than what’s on display. It’s about the energy of discovery, the exchange of ideas, and the relationships that drive this industry forward.”

The Showfloor Showcases the Latest and Greatest

Across both shows, attendees experienced the full scope of the supply chain, from fiber and machinery to finished goods and cutting-edge software. With a unified exhibit floor, the events fostered organic networking, industry collaboration, and an outlet for decision-makers sourcing everything from raw materials to automation tools.

On the show floor, the Tech Talks stage became a hotspot for quick-hit insights, panel discussions, and real-world applications. Covering everything from smart textiles and workforce challenges to sustainable sourcing and reshoring, these bite-sized sessions made industry trends accessible and actionable.

This year’s curated lineup was made possible by Casey Strauch (Hohenstein Institute America), Melissa Sharp (Zeis Textiles Extension), Xochil Herrera Scheer (The Chicago Pattern Maker), and Jasmine Cox-Wade (Gaston College), who brought diverse expertise and fresh perspectives to the program.

“TTNA continues to be a valuable networking opportunity for us. The engaging discussions we had throughout the show highlighted just how important in-person education and events are for fostering meaningful industry connections and innovation,” said Casey Strauch from Hohenstein Institute America.

Dialogue-Driven Symposium

Away from the bustle of the show floor, the symposium sessions offered attendees an in-depth look at some of the most pressing issues shaping the industry. Led by thought leaders and technical experts, the sessions blended strategy with application, providing practical takeaways on innovation, policy, and market dynamics across textiles, nonwovens, and sewn products.

Sessions that stood out included “Unraveling the Future: Cutting-Edge

Advancements and Developments in Fiber,” with Stephen Sharp, Vice President of Fiber Innovation and Facilities Development at Gaston College, Dr. Abdel-Fattah Seyam, Professor of Textiles and Melissa Sharp (moderator), Deputy CEO of NCTISE Wilson College of Textiles, both of NC State University, David Chiles, Machine Sales at Hills. Inc, and Hilliad Smithers, Application Development Specialist at Avient. The discussion focused on the development and challenges of novel fibers and polymers, emphasizing the long-term processes and the need for strategic planning.

David Chiles discussed the use of degradable recycling polymers to reduce energy consumption in processing, the creation of self-bulking and selfcrimp fibers, and the incorporation of dissolvable microfibers for easier separation.

Dr. Abdel-Fattah Seyam shared the results of assessment of fiber adhesion in advanced fiber composites. Key points included the evaluation of adhesion cohesion and surface adhesion, with high-performance fibers like Kevlar and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene posing challenges.

To guide new research and development, the panel agreed that collaboration is the key to moving industry forward. They encouraged startups to seek partnerships with organizations like Gaston College and NC State for expertise and support which offer availability of pilot facilities and high-level expertise to help with development and testing.

“Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Circular Economy” was another panel focused

on sustainable practices. The use of LCA helps to quantify environmental impacts and design materials, emphasizing the importance of resource efficiency and waste minimization. A European Unionfunded project on cascading fiber use was mentioned, which aims to optimize the reuse and recycling of natural and synthetic fibers. Specific metrics were provided: 100 million tons of fibers wasted annually, with only 1% recycled. The use of nano cellulose in textile dyes was also discussed, showcasing a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional methods.

Jamie Gaitor, Product Developer at Celanese spoke about NeoLast, launched in January 2024, a melt-spun elastomeric fiber developed through a partnership between Celanese and Under Armour. NeoLast fibers are produced using recyclable elastoester polymers, which is a significant step towards improving the compatibility of stretch fabrics with future recycling systems and infrastructure.

NeoLast fibers are intended to be a substitute for elastane, namely Spandex, in applications such as sports apparel, outdoor wear, stretch fleece, swimwear, and socks. Celanese plans to make this innovative fiber available to the broader apparel industry beyond their partnership with Under Armour.

An interesting session on “Transforming Materials Design through Machine Learning” opened up the discussion on how AI can expedite the research and development to narrow down positive outcomes.

Dr. Chiho Kim, Chief Technology Officer at Matmerize, moderated the

TTNA AWARDS COMPANIES THAT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND

Announced during the show on May 7,

Techtextil North America’s Best New Technology was awarded to REPREVE®, the flagship brand of Unifi, Inc. This brand continues to lead the global textile industry in sustainable innovation and circular manufacturing. With over 42B plastic bottles recycled and the equivalent of 950M T-shirts in textile and yarn waste diverted from landfills to date, UNIFI® is expanding its circularity efforts by recycling post-consumer plastic bottles and reclaiming post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste. UNIFI is working towards its goal of recycling 50B plastic bottles by the end of 2025 and 1.5B T-shirts by FY2030, further solidifying its role as a pioneer in sustainable textiles.

REPREVE is made through proprietary processes that transform recycled bottles or textiles into high-quality recycled polyester fibers into different products such as REPREVE Our Ocean® and REPREVE Takeback™. This process includes advanced techniques for cleaning, shredding, and pelletizing, followed by extrusion into fiber. Compared to virgin polyester, noted in an LCA Study, specific REPREVE

panel focused on AI. Dr. Kim shared his company’s cutting-edge product, which integrates polymer domain knowledge with advanced data science methods and AI technologies to transform and accelerate industrial materials development at scale. The company mission is to revolutionize and modernize the materials R&D environment by offering data-driven software for the costeffective and rapid design of functional and sustainable polymer formulations.

Dr. Victor Fung, Assistant Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, and Dr. Deepak Kamal, Cheminformatics Scientist at Syensqo also presented.

products offer considerable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and energy consumption, while maintaining the strength, durability, and versatility required for demanding applications across apparel, home, automotive, and industrial markets. Available in filament, staple, resin, and ThermaLoop™ insulation, REPREVE can also be enhanced with performance technologies such as moisture-wicking (Sorbtek®), thermal comfort (TruTemp365®), and durability (Fortisyn™), making it suitable for everything from activewear and outdoor gear to upholstery and nonwoven fabrics. UNIFI’s vertically integrated process ensures traceability and transparency, providing brands and consumers with verified environmental claims through U-TRUST® and FiberPrint® technologies.

Innovations like Integr8™ and REPREVE with CiCLO® further exemplify UNIFI’s commitment to developing sustainable, high-performance materials that support a more circular and responsible textile industry. Through ongoing investment and collaboration, REPREVE remains at the forefront of the movement to create a cleaner, more resilient future and has become a trusted solution for brands seeking high-performance fibers with significantly reduced environmental impact.

Dr. Fung shared his research on MatterTune, a modular and extensible framework that provides advanced fine-tuning capabilities and seamless integration of atomistic foundation models into downstream materials informatics and simulation workflows, thereby lowering the barriers to adoption and facilitating diverse applications in materials science.

Dr. Kamal shared his expertise on data-driven methodologies to accelerate the discovery and design of advanced polymeric materials.

The panelists work on the integration of generative AI in material science for predictive modeling and design include

Texprocess Americas Awards included:

• Best New Technology & Digitalization: Automatex –Automated Fitted Sheet Sewing and Folding Line

• Best New Technology: JUKI – JUKI DX-01

• Best New Concept: Aptean – Aptean Shop Floor Control

“These winners represent the kind of innovation that is not only exciting but deeply impactful to how our industries operate,” said Kristy Meade, vice president of Technical Textiles & Technology Shows, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “Their technologies are pushing boundaries and solving real-world challenges.”

One of this year’s honorees emphasized the critical role of innovation in today’s manufacturing landscape: “Receiving this award means a lot to us, having been in the industry for many years,” said Per Bringle, senior manager at Aptean. “Increasing efficiencies in productivity is just more important than ever right now. We really appreciate the recognition for the tools we’ve developed to help manufacturers automate, shrink costs, and become more efficient. Bringing these technologies to the table to keep the margins intact and create greater throughput is needed now more than ever.”

using physics-informed neural networks and intuition-informed networks for property prediction, and adaptive experimentation frameworks for formulation and testing. The conclusion was that science is still in the hands of humans, but AI could assist researchers to eliminate less viable ideas, therefore increasing positive outcomes of efforts.

Techtextil North America will take place August 4–6, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C.

www.techtextil-north-america. us.messefrankfurt.com.org

Advanced Textiles Expo Takes on Indianapolis – and Emerging Technology

Advanced Textiles Expo is organized by the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) and will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, USA on November 5-7, 2025. AT Expo provides attendees multiple opportunities to meet with experts in their market and establish valuable connections with like-minded individuals that will help move your business forward. It promises the latest innovations and developments from hundreds of the top companies across the textiles industry. From the classroom education sessions taught by experts to the live demonstrations on our show floor, you are guaranteed to discover valuable information.

AT Expo 2024, ran in parallel with the Shading Expo North America, combined brought over 4,200 attendees from across the globe, and 375 exhibitors. “Advanced Textiles Expo continues to evolve, with changes designed to create greater engagement and continuous improvement while keeping people on the show floor,” says Steve Schiffman, President and CEO of ATA. “Our community values networking opportunities that introduce them to new people and new ideas, and we’re delighted that expo is the platform where that happens. Advanced Textiles Expo keeps bringing the textiles industry together every year.”

2025 Highlights Include:

■ Industry Night – a can’t-miss networking celebration

■ Women’s Leadership Session –inspiring speakers and peer learning

■ Marine Fabricators Association Road Show – hands-on demonstrations

■ ATA Textile Challenge – a live competition of skill and innovation

■ Robust Educational Program –spanning key markets and trends

Emerging Technologies

A new Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference is coinciding with the Advanced Textiles Expo. It is presented on November 4. Registration is an add-on to AT Expo and is designed to kick off the week as an exclusive day packed with focused educational and networking opportunities. The day includes, but is not limited to:

■ Circular Thermoregulating Textiles: Protecting Agricultural Workers from Extreme Heat, Dr. Cindy Cordoba, Assistant Professor, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

■ Lyocell from Hemp: A Journey from Concept to Production Reality, Lelia Lawson, Founder and CTO, Zylotex Inc.

■ Medical Products vs. Medical Devices, Dr. Alexander Laubach, Head of Business Development for Medical, Technologies & Biocompatibility, Hohenstein Laboratories

■ Nasa’s Development of NextGeneration Lunar Space Suit Fabrics, Robert Jones, Pressure Garment Engineer, Space Suit and Crew Survival Systems Branch, NASA Johnson Space Center

■ Panel Discussion – AI in Everyday Business: Real-World Use Cases from Industry Leaders

■ The Next Small Steps: Creating the Artemis Lunar Boots, Morgan Campbell, Soft Goods Developer, David Clark Company

Then, the Advanced Textiles Expo begins on Wednesday, Nov. 5, featuring additional emerging technologies education on the show floor and can’t-miss experiences. The full show agenda is coming soon.

AT Expo 2025 includes exhibit hall space for ET innovators, suppliers, beginners and experts. Get inspired, make connections, discuss opportunities and find new products. Join over 75 vendors, associations, and ATA partners in this vibrant pavilion. The Expo concludes on Nov. 7.

Registration Is Open

The educational program is still being set so keep an eye on the ATA website for more details. General registration and exhibitor reservation are open.

www.advancedtextilesexpo.com

Singapore is the Backdrop of ITMA ASIA + CITME

ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is the region’s leading platform for sourcing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions across the entire textile and garment value chain. The show boasts 70,000m2 of gross exhibition space, with room for 770+ exhibiting companies. The show floor is segmented into 19 product sectors for the 30,000 expected attendees to navigate. The event runs from October 28-31, 2025 at the Singapore Expo.

The show opened visitor registration with their brochure of helpful information found at https://www.itmaasiasingapore. com/media/resources/documentvisitorbrochure-a1d7.

As a must-visit industry exhibition, the aim is to help manufacturers scale up their production capabilities, be compliant with global sustainability demands, and stay competitive. Opportunities include:

• Live machinery demonstrations – Witness technologies in action and evaluate their suitability for operations on the spot.

• Direct technology manufacturers – Engage directly for the most accurate insights and access to exclusive solutions.

• End-to-end showcase – Gain a complete understanding of textile technologies across the 19 product sectors.

• Market tailoring – Explore solutions designed to address the challenges faced by manufacturers in South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

• Product sector clustering – Navigate the exhibition efficiently for a targeted sourcing experience.

Green Theme

Sustainability is a core topic of focus at of ITMA ASIA + CITME, with the October 30th dedicated educational track on “Accelerating the Green Transition” (see box for several of the speakers).

With the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles approaching, textile and garment manufacturers exporting to the EU must accelerate efforts to modernize production and adopt circular practices, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Digital Product Passport and Eco-design requirements.

“The textile industry a has a critical role to play to protect the planet. As Europe takes a lead to regulate the industry, stakeholders have to ensure that we are ready to journey towards a circular economy. The forum will facilitate engaging discussions and exchange of ideas as the industry urgently accelerates its transition to a greener future,” notes Alex Zucchi, President, CEMATEX.

To support this transition, CEMATEX presents a half-day forum held alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME. Be part of a global community focused on sharing and discussing the latest ideas and solutions for a sustainable transformation.

Program highlights:

■ Keynote Presentation by Representative from European Commission

■ Shaping Sustainability: Responding to EU Policy Changes

■ Leveraging Sustainable Textile Technology to Future Proof the Industry

■ Transitioning to Circular Fashion

■ Green Transformation of China’s Textile Industry

■ Profit Meets Purpose: Financing Sustainability

■ Towards a Circular Textile Economy: Business Benefits of Sustainable Transformation

■ Supporting the Greening of Asia’s Textile Industry

■ Driving Industry Transformation with Development Funding. www.itmaasiasingapore.com

Meet the Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Kristin Schreiber, Director, DG GROW, European Commission. Kristin leads the European Commission’s work on chemicals, food, retail, and health within DG GROW. She plays a key role in shaping EU sustainability and industrial policy, and has held senior positions in SME policy, international affairs, and employment.

Shaping Sustainability: Responding to EU Policy Changes

Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Executive Officer, ReHubs. Robert is a recognized leader in sustainability and circularity with over 25 years of experience in the fibre industry. He is the founder of PEPPER-i2 and serves as President of the Austrian Fiber Institute and a Board Member of the Global Fashion Agenda.

Nicole van der Elst Desai, Founder & Principal Consultant, VDE Consultancy. Nicole is a leader in sustainable fashion. She chairs the Singapore Fashion Council’s Sustainability Committee and mentors at Fashion for Good. An alumna of INSEAD and the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, she champions innovation and responsible practices in the global textile and fashion industry.

Profit Meets Purpose: Financing Sustainability

Dr. Rene Van Berkel, Senior Circular Economy Expert, EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component. Dr. Berkel has over 35 years of experience in resource efficiency and clean technology innovation. He is a member of the International Resource Panel.

Iris Ng, Head, Emerging Business and Commercial Banking Cash, Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC). Iris focuses on digital-first SME solutions and leads efforts to modernize commercial and risk capabilities at OCBC. She also drives sustainable finance initiatives within Global Commercial Banking, supporting SMEs in their green transition.

Michael Rattinger , Senior Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank. Michael is based in Bangkok and works on private sector development within the Asian Development Bank’s Southeast Asia Department. He brings extensive experience in climate policy and finance across the region.

Brandon Courban, Senior Advisor, Climate, Openspace Ventures. Brandon is a climatefocused private equity advisor with 25 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region. He advises Actis and Muzinich & Co., and serves on the board of EB Impact. A UK Chartered Engineer with an MBA, he has held senior roles at TotalEnergies, Olympus Capital and Macquarie.

OUTLOOK: A Focus on the Global Landscape in Budapest

Each year, the landscape of nonwovens is discussed in the context of market growth trends, opportunities, sustainability initiatives, innovations, technological advancements, and regulatory updates across the diaper, wet wipe, femcare, and incontinence product sectors at EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ event, and this year is no different. Held September 23-25, 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Budapest, Hungary, inspirational speakers will be sure to expand the audience’s perspectives by delivering thoughtprovoking speeches on the major global trends shaping the future.

The program also includes an exposition, with space reservations still available for interested companies. Last year, the Expo Hall was a hub for networking and business dealings amongst top industry companies. “I was highly impressed by the well-organized OUTLOOK™ conference in Rome. The high level of interaction among participants and the quality of the lectures were outstanding. This gives me confidence that the industry is well-equipped to tackle future challenges,” notes Mikael Staal Axelsen CEO of Fibertex Personal Care.

“This event serves as a compact version of INDEX™ for the hygiene sector, offering the opportunity to connect with the right people. Exhibiting here not only saves us weeks of travel, but also provides a highly convenient platform to meet with participants,” shares the events top sponsor Johan Berlin, Managing Director of Investkonsult Sweden.

Program to Stimulate Ideas

The comprehensive three-day program will explore the latest trends in AHPs, compliance and competitiveness, and dedicated sessions on wipes and start-

ups, with renowned speakers and interactive formats designed to spark dialogue and collaboration.

EDANA always brings top leaders who think outside the box to the lineup. This year much of the first day dedicated to global affairs.

The keynote, titled The Future of Global Alliances: Impacts on International Business, is being presented by Ivo H. Daalder, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. At OUTLOOK, he’ll explore how shifting global alliances are reshaping international trade and what this means for business. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, he will provide his seasoned strategic insights to navigating today’s evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.

The Great Diaper Shakeup 2025, a session from Japan Trivedi, International Business Development Head, Narula Nonwoven Company, explores the latest trends in the AHP market in developing countries, such as what’s triggering the global retreat of diaper giants – and what power shifts are reshaping the AHP industry?; How can local and regional players seize the moment with agile models, sustainability, and smart risk hedging? What does the future of premium hygiene products look like in high-risk, high-growth markets?

IFJ ’s International Correspondent to Africa, Raymond Chimhandamba, Director of Handas Consulting, will review the South African nonwovens marketplace, and the market of China is discussed by Baoping (Lucy) Cao, Deputy Secretary General, CNHPI. Other international speakers may join this session.

On the topic of Compliance and Competitiveness in a Changing and Diverging World, Ruxandra Cana, Partner at Step-

profile/ivo-daalder/.

toe will evaluate the the impact of the EU’s competitiveness agenda on Green Deal implementation; EU’s sustainable finance framework designed to promote sustainable investments and reporting (CSRD, CS3D and Taxonomy); ESPR and new sustainability parameters regulations – where EU product policy is headed; “Traditional” Product Regulations, e.g., REACH; the fate of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) legislation in the U.S.; and green claims, potential private claims – compliance or competitiveness?

These sessions are followed by a panel discussion.

A deeper dive into segments follows on day two, with the opening session on wipes. Elisabeth Swennenhuis, Manager Market Insight, Suominen will share thoughts on how earth’s boundaries come to play for the wipes industry, such as key legislative changes currently affecting the wipes industry, how the regulations impact the availability and sourcing of raw materials, consumer behavior shaping the future of the wipes sector, and emerging challenges to note.

Cocktails at the Castle

One hallmark of EDANA meetings are the social events. This year in Budapest, guests are treated to an evening of networking and cocktails at the Buda Castle’s Golden Bastion.

More event details will be revealed closer to the event.

www.edana.org/events/outlook/ outlook-2025

Former U.S. Ambassador Ivo Daalder is the Keynote Speaker at OUTLOOK. https:// css.georgetown.edu/

2025/26

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Two “Buyer’s Guide e-Promotions” with the logos of all “Premiere Vendors” (clickable) is sent to IFJ promo lists.

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Raw Materials/Materials/ Material Suppliers

Coatings Eeonyx

Fiber Finishes and Surfactants

Fi-Tech, Inc.

Fibers – Bio-Based Fiberpartner Aps

Fibers – Manmade Eeonyx Technical Absorbents

Fibers - Natural Eeonyx

Filter Elements

HYDAC Process Technology GmbH

Knitted Materials Technical Absorbents

Nonwoven Materials Eeonyx Fiberpartner Aps Technical Absorbents

Separator Rolls Fi-Tech, Inc.

Woven Materials Eeonyx Technical Absorbents

Equipment & Machinery

Accessory Equipment, Supplies

Fi-Tech, Inc. Mezger, Inc.

Automation Equipment Eurolaser GmbH

Custom Converting Equipment

Chase Machine & Engineering

Cutting & Joining Equipment Eurolaser GmbH

Extrusion Machinery

Fi-Tech, Inc. Mezger, Inc.

Extrusion Coating System

Chase Machine & Engineering

Finishing Equipment

Eurolaser GmbH Fi-Tech, Inc.

Godet Rolls Fi-Tech, Inc.

Lab/Testing Equipment Fi-Tech, Inc. Mezger, Inc.

Laminators

Chase Machine & Engineering

Plastics Machinery Fi-Tech, Inc.

Polymer Equipment, Material, Services SOSSNA GMBH

Polymer Filtration System

HYDAC Process Technology GmbH Mezger, Inc.

Slitters

Chase Machine & Engineering

Spinnerets, Dies & Jet Strips Fi-Tech, Inc.

Spinnerets, Spin Packs SOSSNA GMBH

Splicing

Chase Machine & Engineering

Ultrasonic Integrators

Chase Machine & Engineering

Web Bonding Machinery

DILO Systems GmbH Fi-Tech, Inc.

Web Forming Machinery, Complete Processing Lines

DILO Systems GmbH Fi-Tech, Inc.

Web & High-Loft Forming Machinery Components

DILO Systems GmbH Fi-Tech, Inc.

Filtration Equipment

DILO Systems GmbH

HYDAC Process Technology GmbH Mezger, Inc.

End-Uses

Absorbent Hygiene Fiberpartner Aps

Technical Absorbents

Apparel

Technical Absorbents

Filtration – Liquid Nonfood HYDAC Process Technology GmbH

Technical Absorbents

Geosynthetics

Technical Absorbents

Home & Office Furnishings –Bedding Fiberpartner Aps

Medical or Surgical Technical Absorbents

Packaging Tentoma Packaging Solutions

Polymer Filtration HYDAC Process Technology GmbH

Protective Durable Apparel Technical Absorbents

Super Absorbent Manufacturers Technical Absorbents

Wipes – Personal Care Fiberpartner Aps

Service Providers

Converters/Fabricators Technical Absorbents

Chase Machine & Engineering Inc.

West Warwick, RI 02893

Tel: 1-401-821-8879

Fax: 1-401-823-5543

Email: guygil@chasemachine.com

Website: www.chasemachine.com

Contact: Guy Gil

Founded in 1954, Chase Machine and Engineering designs and builds custom converting machinery for Film, Foil and Woven, Nonwoven Fabrics. We utilize 3-D modeling to design equipment such as Unwinds/ Rewinds, Slitters and Laminators, Festooners, Blockers, and Spoolers/ Traverse Winders, while integrating technologies such as Ultrasonics, Glue Dispensing, Impulse and RF welding as well as Thermal bonding. When you have a web converting project, contact CHASE!

Automation Equipment I Cutting & Joining Equipment I Extrusion

Machinery I Unwind/Rewind I Accumulators/Festooners I Ultrasonic Laminators & Slitters

DILO Systems GmbH

P.O. Box 1551

69405 Eberbach, Germany

Tel: +49 6271 940-0

Email: info@dilo.de

Website: www.dilo.de

DiloGroup supplies complete production lines for all nonwoven fabric technologies which employ staple fibre. A range of equipment is engineered for fibre opening/blending, web formation by carding or airlay, subsequent crosslapping and needle punching as determined by fabric characteristics and application. Potential fabric uses can either be disposable or durable ranging from geotextiles, automotive, filtration, synthetic leather and papermakers’ felts to cosmetic, medical and hygiene.

Web Bonding machinery I Web Forming Machinery, Compete Processing Lines I Web & High-Loft Forming Machinery Components I Filtration Equipment

EDANA

1040 Brussels, Belgium

Phone: +32 2 734 93 10

Contact: Natacha Defeche

Email: natacha.defeche@edana.org

Website: www.edana.org

Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the leading global association advocating the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several application-specific and geographic-focused industry events.

Government I Agencies I Associations

Eeonyx Corporation

750 Belmont Way

Pinole, CA 94564

Tel: 1-510-741-3632

Email: j.holliman@eeonyx.com

Website: www.eeonyx.com

Contact: Jimmy Holliman

Eeonyx specializes in Industrial-scale conductive coatings for textiles. Statex is our engineered line of natural and synthetic staple fibers that offer customizable electrical resistance. Statex is an ideal solution to integrate durable conductivity into textiles and is well-suited for needle-

punched flooring, non-wovens and for spun yarn production. Incorporated in California in 1989, Eeonyx is ISO 9001:2015 Certified.

Coatings I Fibers-Manmade I Fibers-Natural I Nonwoven Materials I Woven Materials

eurolaser GmbH

Borsigstraße 18 21339 Lüneburg Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 413 I 9697 500

Email: sales@eurolaser.com

Website: www.eurolaser.com

Contact Person: Nicholas Gerstein

eurolaser is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of laser cutting systems. Since its foundation in 1994, eurolaser has specialized in processing systems for non metallic materials. Today, the universal systems are used for cutting technical textiles such as filters, automotive interiors, protective textiles, sunshades and more.

Automation Equipment I Cutting & Joining Equipment I Finishing Equipment

Fiberpartner ApS

Havnegade 23

7100 Vejle, Denmark

Tel: +45 79 44 77 22

Email: sales@fiberpartner.com

Website: www.fiberpartner.com

Contact: Thomas Wittrup

Fiberpartner is a Danish advisor and supplier of textile fibers on a clear mission. We aim to be a key global player in the transition towards a nonpetroleum-based future within fibers. With a global client base, we act as a trusted advisor, connecting fiber producers with clients within nonwoven and filling. We supply polyester, polypropylene, and bicomponent stable fibers: virgin, recycle and bio.

Absorbent Hygiene I Fibers-Bio-based I Home & Office Furnishingsbedding I Nonwoven materials I Wipes-personal care

Fi-Tech, Inc.

2400 Pari Way

Midlothian, VA 23112 USA

Tel: 1-804-794-9615 • Fax: 1-804-794-9514

Email: sales@fi-tech.com

Website: www.fi-tech.com

Contact: Jeffrey Bassett

Fi-Tech is the leading manufacturer’s agent and distributor serving the synthetic fiber, nonwoven fabric and technical textile industries in N. America. Our extensive offering of complete lines, machinery, technical components and spare parts gives manufacturers a single source access to the leading global suppliers. Fi-Tech is responsible for sales, marketing, customer service and other duties for these component and machinery suppliers: Asten-Johnson, Autefa Solutions, Baldwin, Benninger, Brückner Textile Technology, Cason, Corino, Enka Tecnica, Futura, Galan Textile Machinery, Guarneri, Hansa Mixer, Hastem, Heberlein, Idrosistem, Mario Crosta, Mayer & Cie, Mozart Blades, Neuenhauser Ontec, ProJet, Reifenhauser Reicofil, Sauer Fibrevision, Saureressig Surfaces, Schill & Seilacher, Shelton Vision, Spoolex / Decoup+, Tecnorama, TEMCO, Testa, T.EN Zimmer, Tokuden and Zimmer Maschinenbau.

Accessory Equipment, Supplies I Extrusion Machinery I Fiber Finishes and Surfactants I Finishing Equipment I Godet Rolls I Lab/Testing Equipment I Plastics Machinery I Separator Rolls I Spinnerets, Dies & Jet Strips I Web Bonding Machinery I Web Forming Machinery Complete Processing Lines I Web & High-Loft Forming Machinery Component

HYDQAC Process Technology GmbH

Am Wrangelflöz 1

D-66538 Neunkirchen, Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 6897-509-1241

Fax: +49 (0) 6897-509-1278

Email: peter.mehlem@hydac.com

Website: www.hydac.com

Contact: Peter Mehlem

HYDAC Process Technology GmbH as part of HYDAC group is your contact for fluid filtration in the production of polymers. Filter elements made out of Chemicron ® are pleated as standard or tailor-made and have proven most effective in this field. Our filters are high performance quality products so we can ensure the function and the extension of the service life of components, systems and machines.

Filtration Equipment I Filtration-Liquid Non-food I Polymer Filtration I Polymer Filtration Systems I Filtration Equipment

INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Tel: + 1-919-459-3754

1100 Crescent Green, Suite 115 Cary, NC 27518 Advancing Engineered Material Solutions

Email: sales@inda.org

Website: www.inda.org www.fiberjournal.com www.filtnews.com

Contact: Dan Noonan, Director of Memberships and Business Development

INDA serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/ engineered fabrics industry to achieve business growth. Since 1968, INDA helps members convene and connect, innovate and develop their businesses. INDA’s educational conferences and courses, business intelligence and market insights, test methods, consultancy and issue advocacy help members succeed by providing information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies.

INDA Media is the business-to-business publishing arm of INDA and publisher of International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News, which reach a vast network of professionals who employ fibers, filaments, and filtration systems to optimize their application environments.

Contact: Caryn Smith, Publisher and Chief Content Officer

Email: csmith@inda.org

Government I Agencies I Associations I Publishing

MEZGER, INC.

170 Metro Drive

Spartanburg, SC 29303 USA

Tel: 1- 864-542-8037

Fax: 1-864-542-8039

Email: info@mezgerinc.com

Website: www.mezgerinc.com

Contact: Mark Mezger

SOSSNA GMBH

Furst-Leopold-Allee 96

46284 Dorsten/Germany

Tel: + 49 (0) 2362 993710

Email: sossna@sossna.de

Website: www.sossna.de

Contact Person: Susanne Sossna

SOSSNA GMBH – SOSSNA Spinnerets® – is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of spinnerets for all kinds of high pressure, stainless steel spinnerets for melt spinning, dry spinning and the production of non-woven. Spinnerets and spin packs according samples or drawings can be supplied, and in addition, professional service for the development of new spinnerets or optimization of existing spinnerets and spin pack design is provided.

Polymer Equipment, Materials, Services I Spinnerets, Spin Packs

Technical Absorbents

Energy Park Way

Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, England, DN31 2TT

Tel: +44 (0) 1472 245200

Email: info@exploreSAF.com

Website: www.exploreSAF.com

Contact Person: Paul Rushton

Technical Absorbents is a trusted name in the superabsorbent and nonwovens industries, and we have worked hard to achieve our reputation for excellence. Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF™) technology innovation has been the focus of the business for over 30 years. Today, we not only produce these specialist fibers, but also engineer a wide range of technical, high performing superabsorbent materials – all Powered by SAFology™

Absorbent Hygiene I Apparel I Converters/Fabricators I Fibers-Manmade I Filtration – Liquid Nonfood I Geosynthetics I Knitted Materials I Medical or Surgical I Nonwoven Materials I Protective Durable Apparel I Super Absorbent Manufacturers I Woven Materials

Tentoma Packaging Solutions

Smøl 1

Dk-6310 Broager

Denmark

Tel: +45 79 30 62 10

Email: info@tentoma.com

Website: www.tentoma.com

Tentoma manufactures RoRo StretchPack ® packaging machines, which are particularly suitable for 60-sided packaging of large rolls and products. RoRo StretchPack® provides 100% waterproof sealed packaging, and pack-aging and sealing are done in one automated operation. This reduces energy consumption and film consumption by 25-60% compared to conventional ways of packaging. Tentoma installs packaging systems for customers worldwide.

Packaging

MEZGER, INC. is a leading distributor of equipment, testing instruments and accessories for the fiber and filament yarn extrusion processes. Such as online sensors, spinnerets, spin packs, screens, gaskets, ovens, inspection systems and much more. EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY.

Accessory Equipment, Supplies I Lab/Testing Equipment

Suzano, Kimberly-Clark Announce Creation of a Global Tissue Company

Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in the consumer staples industry, announced the creation of a US$3.4 billion joint venture focused on the manufacture, marketing and distribution of consumer and professional tissue products, such as toilet paper, napkins, paper towels and facial tissues in over 70 countries. Suzano will acquire a 51 percent interest in the new entity, with Kimberly-Clark holding a 49 percent interest.

Suzano will pay Kimberly-Clark US$1.734 billion in cash for its 51 percent stake at the closing of the transaction, subject to certain customary post-closing purchase price adjustments. Closing of the transaction is contingent on, among other things, approval by regulatory and other governmental authorities, fulfillment of customary conditions

First Standard for Conductive Yarns

Tprecedent for transactions of this nature, and completion by Kimberly-Clark of a corporate reorganization of its Consumer Tissue and Professional business unit. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026 and involves approximately 9,000 employees.

The new business will be a company incorporated in the Netherlands and will include 22 manufacturing facilities located in 14 countries across Europe, Asia, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America, Central America, Africa, and Oceania. Collectively, these facilities have an installed capacity to produce approximately 1 million tonnes of tissue a year. The assets to be included in the new joint

he Global Electronics Association, in Bannockburn, Illinois, has issued the first global standard for classifying, designating and qualifying conductive yarns.

The release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications will help address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry. The Association retains the IPC brand for the industry’s standards and certification programs which are vital to ensure product reliability and consistency.

Developed by the IPC Conductive Yarns for ETextiles Test Methods Task Group, IPC-8911 defines key yarn categories, introduces a standardized designation system and includes qualification and conformance requirements tailored to conductive yarns. The standard is supported by eight new test methods, designed to evaluate performance characteristics such as conductivity, mechanical durability and resistance to environmental and chemical exposures.

The task group included global experts from both textile and electronics sectors, with leadership from Joe Geiger of Bally Ribbon Mills and Sahar Rostami of Meta. www.electronics.org

venture generated net sales in 2024 of approximately US$3.3 billion.

Kimberly-Clark will retain its consumer tissue and professional businesses in the United States and its interests in existing joint ventures in Mexico, South Korea and Bahrain, among other countries. www.suzano.br

Nonwovenn Invests in Indutech

One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn has announced it is investing in innovation, research and development for technical fabrics in high-growth areas. This includes activated carbon filtration, coalescer filtration and acoustic solutions.

The strategic investment will form part of the company’s broader expansion plans, supporting its ambition to increase its market share and technical capabilities.

The next phase of targeted investment follows an extensive £13 million business-wide transformation program which has included significant self-funded capex investment in manufacturing, plant and equipment. It also involved an end-to-end operational efficiency program and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability, to enable the servicing of growing order volumes. www.nonwovenn.com

Nonwovenn has announced it is investing in innovation, research and development for technical fabrics in high-growth areas.

Suzano and Kimberly-Clark announce the creation of a global tissue company operating in over 70 countries.

World Emblem to Reshore Jobs to the USA orld Emblem, the world’s largest emblem and patch manufacturer, announced plans to reshore jobs to the company’s new factory opening in Houston, Texas, in October.

WFort Lauderdale-based World Emblem has signed a long-term lease for a new 72,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 6740 Signat Drive in Houston. The company is moving its regional operations from approximately 35,000 square feet in northwest Houston into the larger space, which will initially produce up to 500,000 emblems and patches per week.

Approximately 140 employees will work at the plant initially, with plans to reshore 50 jobs and add up to 100 additional staff in total as U.S. production continues to grow to meet rising demand for the company’s emblems, patches, and promotional products including custom stickers, labels, pens, pencils and name badges.

World Emblem has additional U.S. factories in Norcross, Ga., and Upland, Calif., with more than 300 employees in total located throughout the country. The company utilizes its cutting-edge technology, expertise and proximity to clients in the United States to enable faster production and delivery times than overseas manufacturers.

World Emblem is the largest emblem and patch manufacturer in the world. The South Floridabased company produces and ships 250 million products a year for sports headwear, footwear, sports garments, uniforms, and other apparel. www.worldemblem.com

Circulose Partners with Mango: Circularity at Scale

Sweden-based Circulose has partnered with Mango as the first Scaling Partners since the restart, a major step toward accelerating the adoption of circular materials in the global fashion industry.

The partnership marks a milestone in Mango’s commitment to sustainable fashion, aligning with its long-term strategy to transition towards a circular model and to reduce its environmental impact. This collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to shifting a meaningful share of their MMCF use to fibers made with CIRCULOSE®.

CIRCULOSE® is a regenerated material made from 100% discarded textiles that enable fashion brands to reduce their reliance on virgin fibers while maintaining high standards of quality and design.

Mango, one of the leading international fashion groups, is a global company with design and creativity at the heart of its business model and a strategy based on constant innovation, the pursuit of sustainability and a complete ecosystem of channels and partners. Founded in Barcelona in 1984, the company closed 2024 with a turnover of over 3.3 billion euros, with a third of its business coming from the online channel and a presence in more than 120 markets. www.circulo.se

DyStar Transitions to Full Ownership by Zhejiang Longsheng Group

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, announced that its major shareholder, Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co., Ltd has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 37.57% of issued shares in DyStar Global Holdings (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., previously held by Kiri Industries Limited.

The acquisition follows a ruling by the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) mandating the sale of 100% of DyStar’s equity. As controlling shareholder with 62.43% of DyStar, Zhejiang Longsheng Group’s strategic acquisition of the outstanding shares will result in DyStar becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. This transaction resolves the long-standing litigation with Kiri Industries, thereby avoiding a full sale of DyStar.

The total consideration is valued at USD 696.5478 million, subject to adjustments on or after the closing date. Completion is contingent upon regulatory approvals and other customary conditions with an anticipated closing date no later than November 3, 2025. www.dystar.com

PureCycle Earns GreenCircle’s Recycled Content Certification

ureCycle Technologies, Inc. announced it has achieved GreenCircle Certified’s Recycled Content Certification for multiple grades of PureFive™ polypropylene resin and co-products. The certification confirms PureCycle’s sustainability claims to customers regarding the percentage of post-consumer recycled content in those materials.

GreenCircle Certified, LLC is a third-party certification company that conducts extensive audits of organizations to verify the accuracy of sustainability claims. GreenCircle is an industryleading organization endorsed by the Association of Plastic Recyclers and their certification is a critical requirement for many procurement organizations. www.purecycle.com

Fibroline and Big Frog Innovation LLC Enters Partnership

Fibroline, the French company that has developed dry powder impregnation solutions, has entered a strategic partnership Big Frog Innovation LLC, a consulting company with many years of international experience focused on bringing innovation to the filtration and nonwovens industries.

With this new collaboration, Fibroline aims to extend the use of its solutions in the filtration industry and especially in the American market. Capitalizing on the recent opening of its US-based Innovation Center in February and a successful presence at FiltXPO recently, Fibroline is confident that this will lead to new project developments in the filtration sector. Indeed, this partnership brings together unique innovative technologies and a seasoned company in this field. www.fibroline.com

AD SALES

ADVERTISING | SALES PUBLISHER Driven By Design LLC

General Inquiries: advertising@inda.media

Vickie Smead

SALES REPRESENTATIVE, NONWOVENS BUYER’S GUIDE

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

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Sabine Dussey GERMANY, FRANCE, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, SCANDANAVIA, BENELUX sabine.dussey@dussey.de | +49 2129.348390

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

Dan Noonan DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT + EXHIBIT SALES

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

EDANA Innovation Forum 2025 Inspires Bold Ideas for the Nonwovens Sector

EDANA’s Innovation Forum 2025, held on June 11–12, 2025, brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry leaders, researchers, startups and innovation experts to explore the dynamic evolution of the nonwovens sector.

“By embedding sustainability, digitalization and collaboration into the core of our innovation culture, we’re not just keeping pace with change – we’re shaping the future of our industry,” said EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru.

Speakers explored how textile waste can become high-value products, how fibre-level modelling replaces costly prototyping, and how AI enables more autonomous and sustainable manufacturing. “Nonwovens are robust and can tolerate stress. This gives an opportunity in the recycling textile to tackle the textile tsunami,” said Maria Ström, CEO of The Loop Factory.

Sustainable innovation is no longer confined to early-stage R&D. From fibre-based packaging to carbon-zero superabsorbents, speakers showcased products ready to hit the market, each with compelling environmental and commercial benefits. “It’s not about choosing between performance and sustainability anymore,” said Alexandros Skouras, Director of Hygiene Sector at Paptic. “The next generation of materials offers both.”

Maxime Guillaud, CEO of INSKIP, mapped out how startups and ecosystems are evolving – and what the nonwovens industry can learn from other sectors. “Innovation doesn’t just come from technology – it comes from how we organise people and capital around ideas,” said Maxime. “That’s where ecosystems matter.” The event concluded with a guided visit to Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, reinforcing the importance of ecosystems in scaling transformative ideas. Read more at http://bit.ly/4eSz4gL.

New York Mandates Diaper Labelling

In a major victory for parental transparency, New York has become the first and only state so far, to require diaper manufacturers to list all intentionally added ingredients on packaging.

Signed into law in December 2024 and taking effect no later than December 2025, the legislation mandates clear labeling for both disposable and reusable baby diapers. Under this law, diaper packaging must clearly list all intentionally added ingredients in order of predominance. The list can either be printed on the packaging or affixed to it. The law does not mandate disclosure of contaminants, but it closes a major gap in transparency by requiring disclosure of every ingredient, which has until now been considered voluntary information. “Ingredient” is defined as an intentionally added substance. Failing to comply could lead to fines or removal of products. Similar legislation is expected in other states, according to reports. www.nysenate.gov

ADVERTISER INDEX

• Recycling methods, raw materials alternatives, and circular economy

• Biobased / hybrid fibers and naturalsynthetic blends

• Innovations in coatings, additives, and adhesives

• Enzyme technology and the biodegradation processes

• Tabletop Exhibits New for 2025! Limited availability

• Research Posters Back by popular demand!

• Exclusive tour of The Nonwovens Institute

Compact spinning line for PET (virgin, recyclate, bottle flakes), PA6, PA6.6, PP, BiCo, mother yarn and others on request

Air-texturizing line for processing POY and FDY made from PET, PA6, PA6.6 or PP

PET recycling line for textile and fiber waste to filament recycling

Liquid state polycondensation for IV increase and homogenization

Continuous large-area fine filter for PET recycling and other demanding applications –automated and self cleaning