In the dynamic and global textile fiber industry with its various manufacturing processes and end-uses, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Fiber Journal is tracking stories relevant to our industry from manmade to natural to bio-based fibers, innovations in nonwoven, woven, braided and technical textiles, technologies for additives, bonding, coatings and polymers, and applications from apparel to hygiene to transportation, and more. Here we will post news stories relevant to textile fibers and their downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg at [email protected].
Most recent update: March 26, 2026
VEOCEL™ Lyocell Production Expands to Asia
VEOCEL™, Lenzing’s flagship specialty nonwovens brand, expands production at its Thai plant in Prachinburi. This is the first-ever production of its nonwoven-grade lyocell fibers in Asia. Built in 2022 with a 100,000-ton annual production capacity, the facility – previously focused on fibers for textile applications – now can directly meet the demand for VEOCEL™’s biodegradable, wood-based lyocell fibers for nonwovens products. These fibers are an essential ingredient for high-quality nonwovens products, ranging from baby wipes to facial sheet masks and everyday personal hygiene items.
For more than 25 years, Lenzing has led the way in lyocell fiber production, driving sustainability, pioneering innovation, and setting new standards in cellulosic fibers. This expansion brings those fibers closer to nonwovens customers and value-chain partners across Asia, improving access and reinforcing VEOCEL™’s commitment to the region. With production in Thailand, manufacturers and brand partners can now count on greater supply chain stability with significantly shorter lead times.
Localized production also means fewer miles traveled. Sourcing these fibers directly within Asia, rather than from Lenzing’s other lyocell facility in Austria, reduces the need for intercontinental imports. This significantly contributes to reducing transport-related emissions, supporting the environmental commitments of both Lenzing and its partners in Asia.
“This expansion is a landmark achievement for the VEOCEL™ brand and the broader nonwovens industry in Asia,” said Patricia A. Sargeant, Executive Vice President Nonwovens at Lenzing AG speaking at the launch ceremony on 18th March in Prachinburi.
INDA Applauds the U.S. Senate for Passage of the WIPPES Act (S. 1092)
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, applauds the U.S. Senate for passing the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (S. 1092). The WIPPES Act, which creates national standards for “Do Not Flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes, cleared the Senate floor on March 22, 2026. The House version of the bill, H.R. 2269, previously passed the U.S. House on a voice vote in June 2025. The Senate version will now move back to the House for consideration.
This bipartisan legislation is intended to address the growing problem of sewer system clogs caused by improper disposal of consumer wipes that are not intended to be disposed of in toilets. This federal solution is the result of a years-long industry collaboration with wastewater operators, which has resulted in the passage of similar legislation in seven states. The WIPPES Act will create a national standard based on existing state laws to ensure non-flushable wipes will carry prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling on packaging.
“INDA has championed this legislation for the past several years, and we are encouraged to see it pass out of the Senate. With the House having passed its version of the bill last year, we now have more momentum behind this legislation than ever. We extend our thanks to the bill sponsors, our industry and wastewater partners, and INDA members as we take another step forward to make “Do Not Flush” labeling nationwide,” said Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs.
The WIPPES Act lead sponsors in the Senate are Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), and the companion bill was introduced in the House by Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA).
BW Converting to Present Its Baldwin TexCoat® G4 at Techtextil
BW Converting will present its Baldwin TexCoat® G4 precision spray finishing system at Techtextil Frankfurt 2026, taking place April 21-24 at Messe Frankfurt. Visitors to Hall 12, Booth C56B, will have the opportunity to explore how this advanced spray technology helps textile manufacturers improve finishing quality, increase efficiency and reduce resource consumption across a wide range of applications.
At the center of BW Converting’s textile portfolio, Baldwin TexCoat G4 uses precision application technology to apply chemistry with pinpoint accuracy on one or both sides of the fabric. By replacing conventional bath-based application methods with a non-contact spray process, the system helps reduce wet pick-up by up to 50%, enabling major reductions in water and energy use while supporting more consistent, controlled finishing results.
“Techtextil Frankfurt is an important opportunity to engage directly with textile manufacturers looking for ways to improve both process performance and resource efficiency,” said Yiannis Vasilonikolos, Global Sales Leader, Textiles, BW Converting. “With TexCoat G4, mills can achieve uniform chemical application, faster changeovers and substantial reductions in water, energy and chemistry consumption, all while maintaining the level of quality and reproducibility today’s market demands.”
TexCoat G4 is designed to help mills and finishers simplify operations while improving sustainability and profitability. The system eliminates bath contamination, reduces waste during changeovers and supports a more repeatable finishing process with less manual intervention. Additional features such as automated cleaning routines and traceability through Industry 4.0 interfaces further enhance uptime and process control.
Carbon Capture Cleans 96 Percent of GHG Gas, Waste Product Transformed Into Fibers for Textiles
Eco Green Solutions and its sister company GCS Fibers are relocating manufacturing and operations to the U.S., with a site selection team considering coal states Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia as the final locations. The founder says the new operation will create as many as 500 good-paying U.S. jobs. State Economic Development Authorities are encouraged to provide final bids.
Eco Green Solutions (EGS) delivers a high-efficiency, multi-pollutant emissions capture system from coal plants that strengthens U.S. industrial capacity, supports domestic energy production, and unlocks valuable American resources from legacy waste streams. The resultant coal fly ash is now being converted to synthetic fibers for textile and housing insulation needs from the waste product. Energy companies like Dominion and Duke Energy and home builders associations like NAHB call it the “best rock wool or mineral fiber” product available for commercial re-use.
Coal ash disposal is a massive environmental and public health issue in the U.S., representing one of the nation’s largest industrial waste streams. With over 1,400 disposal sites in 45 states, over 90% of monitored coal ash ponds may be leaking toxic metals into groundwater.
Last month, the Trump Administration delayed mandatory clean up of coal ash deposits for 33 months with an extension to monitor coal ash holding ponds or reduce the ash on-site.
According to Ato Andoh, an 11-year member of the U.S. Marine Corps and CEO of the company, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom: “The EGS technology provides a cost-effective way for energy and manufacturing facilities to reduce operational liabilities, meet federal performance requirements, and enhance long-term reliability—with minimal regulatory burden or disruption.” His capture and fiber production firms can convert the waste product.
By transforming industrial by-products into valuable mineral fibers and supporting rare-earth element recovery from waste streams, EGS contributes directly to U.S. critical-minerals independence, and American supply-chain resilience, without relying on China.
Suzano Helps Lift Over 140,000 People Out of Poverty
Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, has made significant progress in its social investment strategy over the past five years. Between 2020 and2025, the company helped more than 140,000 people overcome poverty in its areas of operation, reaching 70% of its goal to benefit 200,000 people by 2030. In 2025 alone, over 44,000 individuals were raised above the poverty line thanks to initiatives supported by the company across Brazil, as disclosed in Suzano’s 2025 Sustainability Report.
Suzano’s social investment strategy prioritizes income generation and economic inclusion for historically vulnerable groups in Brazil, including women, Black people, and young people. In 2025, company-supported projects primarily benefited Black people (70%) and women (63%). This included more than 11,500 women that participated in Suzano-supported initiatives in 2025, receiving assistance for productive and work-related activities. Women also accounted for 93% of participants in entrepreneurship promotion initiatives.
Suzano is the world’s largest pulp producer, one of the largest paper manufacturers in Latin America and the leader in Brazil’s toilet paper market.
Textilfabrik 7.0 Launched: A Real-World Lab for Sustainable Textile Production
With the official kick-off event of the Textilfabrik 7.0 (T7), a major transformation project for the German textile and apparel industry has been launched in the Monforts Quarter in Mönchengladbach. At the “Textile Roundtable,” an event format organized by the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier, representatives from industry, research, politics, and the regional economy came together to jointly lay the foundation for CO₂-neutral, circular, and economically viable textile production in Germany.
The kick-off event was aimed in particular at companies along the entire textile value chain. In several keynote presentations, participants gained insights into current developments and potential applications of future production models. Brother Internationale Industriemaschinen GmbH and Hch. Kettelhack GmbH & Co. KG demonstrated how on-demand production can be integrated into microfactory concepts, enabling flexible, demand-driven manufacturing processes.
In addition, 3E Smart Solutions presented how intelligent production for smart textiles could look in the future. The industry cluster Cluster Industrial Biotechnology (CLIB) showcased approaches for using biotechnological processes, such as microorganisms, in textile production to improve resource efficiency and close material loops.
At the heart of Textilfabrik 7.0 are four core modules: On-Demand Manufacturing, MicroFactory Engineering, Digital Textiles, and Biosphere. These topics also formed the basis for four workshops in which participants discussed with module leaders what requirements industry has for future production solutions. The goal was to identify concrete needs and incorporate them directly into further project planning.
Through its real-world lab approach, T7 aims to test and optimize new technologies along the entire textile value chain. These include robotics, digital process chains, and biotechnological methods that can help establish a functioning circular economy in practice.
Barmag and Neumag Showcase Innovations Across All Manmade Fiber Processes
For the first time, Barmag is presenting itself alongside its new parent company, Rieter: At this year’s ITM in Istanbul, both companies will be represented from June 9 to 13 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Hall 7, Booth 702B.
As a technology leader in the field of chemical fiber equipment, Barmag will showcase its entire portfolio of systems for filament yarn, staple fiber, and nonwoven production, as well as solutions for the networked factory.
The new POY 2.0 concept already impressed industry experts at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025. Presented to only a select group in Singapore, the heart of the concept—the semi-automated winding machine—will be shown to the general public for the first time. WINGS POY 2.0 features an automatic string-up function – a long-awaited feature in the market that keeps string-up times consistently short and sustainably reduces waste.
Barmag’s manual texturing machine, the eFK EvoSmart, focuses on energy-efficient yarn production while delivering the highest yarn quality. The technological features of the eFK EvoSmart sustainably reduce both energy consumption and operating costs—without compromising on quality and process reliability.
The state-of-the-art Neumag EvoSteam process, which impresses not only with significant energy savings but also with even better fiber quality, is complemented by two new developments: EvoDuct and EvE-2. EvoDuct optimizes airflow distribution in the air jet, resulting in lower pressure drop, reduced energy consumption, and a more uniform airflow. Together, these factors have a positive effect on fiber quality and fiber uniformity. EvE-2 improves monomer and hot air extraction. The extraction nozzles minimize air turbulence and improve the uniformity of cooling in the air jet. The monomer extraction system, accessible from the outside, facilitates maintenance work and significantly increases spinning performance.With its BICO BCF technology, the Neumag brand is introducing a completely new type of yarn to the market that takes carpet performance to a new level: greater bulk, improved recovery properties, and all this with approximately 20% less pile yarn consumption—without compromising the brand’s renowned high quality. The result: lighter carpets with the very high quality characteristics of Neumag yarns.
Also new to the portfolio: Neumag’s FiberGuard BCF – an intelligent system combining sensors and software that measures yarn tension between the twisting and winding stages in real time. The software automatically reacts to deviations and adjusts the process independently. This means: less waste, higher efficiency, and greater sustainability. FiberGuard is compatible with all current BCF machines and can be easily retrofitted into existing BCF S8 machines.
atmos.io is the operating system for intelligent yarn production. Every machine – whether a pilot plant or large-scale production with hundreds of positions – comes with the digital core. This makes atmos.io the basis for the smart factory. In the integrated app store, yarn manufacturers can put together exactly what they really need. atmos.io provides data-based decision-making criteria – objectively, efficiently and with a focus on quality. It digitizes the entire material flow: every bobbin carries its own data, from the melt to the warehouse. This allows yarn manufacturers to intervene in production at any time – quickly, precisely and profitably. The advantages: less waste, higher yarn quality, less effort for shop floor employees. The system integrates seamlessly into existing production and IT infrastructures. atmos.io relies on an intelligent data infrastructure that meets the highest standards of cyber security while providing consistent, trustworthy data for secure and efficient process control.
www.barmag.com
Xuan Mai Paper Starts up Second ANDRITZ Deinking Pulp Line in Vietnam
Xuan Mai Paper has started up its second deinking pulp (DIP) line supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ at its mill in Ho Chi Minh City, strengthening its capacity for high-quality recycled tissue production.
Designed for 75 t/d and processing 100% mixed office waste, the line increases Xuan Mai Paper’s
capacity for high-quality recycled pulp while supporting more efficient resource utilization. The project
marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Xuan Mai Paper and ANDRITZ,
following the successful installation of the first DIP line in 2020.
Future Ready Nonwovens and Fiber Processing Solutions From Trützschler
Trützschler Group will present its future‑ready solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, April 21 to 24, 2026. Trützschler Nonwovens will showcase its latest developments for efficient nonwovens production, including comprehensive service and consulting solutions. Highlights include the fully upgraded X‑Series nonwoven cards suitable for spunlace, needle‑punching and air‑through bonding (ATB) processes, as well as the T‑ONE digital working environment enhanced with new features. Trützschler Card Clothing will complement the presentation with a new card wire designed with a specially engineered surface for high‑performance nonwoven applications. Visitors can also take a closer look at Trützschler’s complete solution for the recycling of textile waste, TRUECYCLED.
CHT Group to Showcase Intelligent Specialty Chemical Solutions at Techtextil
CHT Group will be presenting its comprehensive portfolio of tailor-made specialty chemicals and process solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026. As a reliable partner to the global textile industry, CHT offers innovative products and in-depth technical expertise across all areas of the textile value chain – from pretreatment, dyeing, and printing to finishing, coating, and fiber auxiliaries.
The focus of the trade fair presentation will be on solutions that meet the highest standards of functionality, sustainability, and quality. CHT’s specialty chemicals are used in a wide range of industrial applications – from high-performance coating systems and pure, recyclable product solutions to
innovative composite materials. The CHT Group’s solutions are used in numerous application segments, and some of them are:
Mobiletech, flame retardant finishes; Medtech, coatings for surgical textiles; Protech, solutions for industrial and protective clothing; Hometech, coatings for textiles, furniture; Indutech, high performance coatings for filter media; Buildtech, coatings for architectural membranes; Sporttech, coatings for awnings, tents, and more.
KARL MAYER Opening New Textile Innovation Center
KARL MAYER is opening its new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) in April, 2026, sending a strong signal that it is driving textile innovation forward and opening up new perspectives for the textile industry. The TIC brings together the latest developments in Warp Knitting, Technical Textiles and Warp Preparation – KARL MAYER’s core areas of expertise.
The TIC is more than just a building; it is a place for collaboration, creativity and market-relevant solutions – a home for textile innovations. At KARL MAYER’s headquarters in Obertshausen, a “place to be” for the international textile industry is being created: a place that inspires, connects and supports customers in translating their textile innovation into market success. This is where the entire textile world will come together to exchange knowledge, develop ideas, create innovative fabrics on the right machines and make important contacts. This is where the future is being created – with passion, expertise and market focus.
Industry reaction to the Commission’s Delegated Act under Article 29 PPWR
EDANA has co-signed a joint industry statement reacting to the European Commission’s Delegated Act under Article 29 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The Commission’s decision to introduce a derogation for pallet wrappings and straps from the 100% reuse targets set out in Article 29(2) and (3) of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents a welcome recognition of the operational challenges consistently raised by the European packaging value chain throughout the legislative process. By acknowledging these practical constraints, the Commission affirms the evidence provided by businesses across sectors, demonstrating that these packaging formats are not suitable for reuse and that, to date, no proven reusable alternatives exist at scale that can guarantee an equivalent level of load stability, product protection, transport safety, and operational reliability. Therefore, the decision to restrict this derogation exclusively to the 100% target, leaving the 40% reuse target of Article 29(1) untouched, is both inconsistent and disappointing.
Maintaining the 40% reuse target under Article 29(1) for these very same formats effectively reintroduces the same concerns regarding feasibility, safety and functionality that were acknowledged in the context of the 100% reuse targets. These challenges arise wherever palletised goods require reliable load securing during transport, storage, and handling. Pallet wrapping films must be cut upon receipt at which point they immediately lose their structural integrity and functional capacity. Similarly, pallet straps are engineered for single-use stabilisation and cannot reliably maintain performance once removed. In many industrial logistics applications, pallets carry very high loads, undergo multiple handling operations, travel long distances, and must meet strict safety requirements. In such contexts, even minor reductions in load-securing performance can create unacceptable risks for workers, compromise product integrity, and endanger transport infrastructure. These challenges are widespread and affect numerous sectors and critical European value chains.
EU Leaders have committed to simplification, enhanced competitiveness, and a regulatory framework that reinforces its industrial base. Granting a targeted exemption from the 40% reuse target for specific transport packaging formats, prioritising recyclability or recycled content where reuse is technically unsuitable, is essential to delivering on these commitments in a coherent and practical manner.
A fragmented approach would lead to a framework that is difficult to apply consistently, raises questions around legal certainty and proportionality, and creates real implementation challenges for companies. We therefore call on the Commission to prioritise the swift adoption of a delegated act exempting pallet wrappings and straps, as well as comparable transport packaging solutions, from the 40% reuse target under Article 29(1), in accordance with Article 29(18)(a) to (c). This is a necessary step to ensure that the PPWR remains workable, proportionate, and fit for purpose.
Indorama Ventures, Nigerian Breweries and Genesis Energy Partner to Develop One of Africa’s Largest rPET Production Facilities
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, together with Nigerian Breweries Plc, the foremost brewer in Nigeria, and Genesis Power & Energy Solutions Ltd, a leading African clean energy infrastructure development and asset management company, have entered a strategic partnership to establish one of Africa’s largest state of-the-art recycled PET (rPET) production facilities in Nigeria, based on planned production capacity. The landmark collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening circular economy infrastructure and sustainable packaging value chains across the region.
Located in Lagos, the site represents an investment to develop a facility capable of producing up to 45,000 tons of food‑grade rPET resin annually, with start‑up targeted in the first half of 2027. By converting post‑consumer PET bottles into high‑quality recycled material for packaging applications, the initiative aims to meet fast‑rising demand for recycled content, reduce plastic waste, and create local value through improved collection systems, job creation, and increased participation across the recycling value chain.
The partnership brings together complementary strengths across the PET value chain. Indorama Ventures, the world’s largest recycler of PET for beverages, contributes expertise in sustainable materials
development. Nigerian Breweries, a Heineken operating company, provides strong local market insight and engagement across Nigeria’s beverage ecosystem, while Genesis Energy supports the initiative with
sustainable infrastructure and energy expertise. The project is expected to support recycling capacity in
Nigeria, subject to regulatory approvals, technical validation, and operational implementation. Together, the partners aim to establish commercially viable rPET operations that enable responsible growth and long term environmental impact.
Ahlstrom Orders ANDRITZ Steel Yankee for Paper Machine in Sweden
Ahlstrom Sweden AB has ordered a PrimeDry Steel Yankee from ANDRITZ for a machine-glazed (MG) and specialty paper machine at its Billingsfors mill. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The order value was not disclosed. It is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026.
The steel Yankee will replace the existing cast iron Yankee of PM6, ensuring long-term drying performance, production efficiency, and operational stability. ANDRITZ’s technological expertise in MG
production and the ability to meet a tight schedule through its flexible, global manufacturing setup play
a major role in the project. These capabilities will ensure a smooth transition, enabling Ahlstrom to
continue its MG paper production at a consistently high quality and performance level.
“Being able to execute this replacement within a very short timeframe is a clear advantage for us,” said
Giorgio Mirone, VP, Operations Protective Materials at Ahlstrom. “ANDRITZ demonstrated both the
flexibility and MG expertise required to meet the tight delivery schedule, making them a reliable partner for this project.”
This project underscores ANDRITZ’s leading position in the MG segment and reinforces its role as a
trusted partner for the high-end technology driven market in the Nordic region.
Ahlstrom Sweden AB is part of Ahlstrom, Finland, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials.
MG and specialty papers produced at the Billingsfors mill are part of Ahlstrom’s broader portfolio for
various applications, including filtration & life sciences, food & consumer packaging, building &
construction, and protective materials.
BW Converting Expands Southeast Asian Presence
BW Converting is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting textile manufacturers across the region. The expansion comes as BW Converting prepares to exhibit at SaigonTex 2026 (April 8–11, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) and INDO INTERTEX 2026 (April 15–18, Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia).
In Vietnam, BW Converting has partnered with Peja Vietnam, a long-established representative organization with offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Founded in 1992, Peja Vietnam has built a strong reputation in machinery sales, technical support and project management across the textile sector.
In Indonesia, BW Converting has appointed NUTEK, a Jakarta-based organization founded in 2015 by experienced textile technology specialists. NUTEK focuses on sales, service, installations, start-ups and after-sales technical support across Indonesia and the broader Southeast Asia region.
Together, these partnerships strengthen BW Converting’s regional footprint as textile production continues shifting across Asia and manufacturers invest in advanced processing technologies.
Barnet And Carbon Fiber Conversions (CFC) Announce Strategic Partnership
Barnet and Carbon Fiber Conversions (CFC) announced the launch of a strategic partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to grow the global market for recycled carbon fibers in plastics.
As a technology specialist, Carbon Fiber Conversions brings its comprehensive expertise in the preparation and processing of carbon fibers to this partnership. Founded more than a decade ago, the company has established itself as a reliable and innovative player in the recycling and processing of carbon fibers. Barnet, with more than 125 years of experience in the global fiber market, will complement this expertise with its international network and strong global market presence to promote CarboFlow.
CarboFlow is a 100% recycled carbon fiber which offers controlled properties and proven consistency and performance for reinforcing thermoplastic compounds. Since its introduction, more than 5,000 tons of CarboFlow have already been delivered into series production applications, demonstrating the material’s reliability and strong industrial demand.
With CarboFlow, Barnet expands its portfolio with a viable and sustainable solution alongside its high-performance carbon fiber products. CFC has demonstrated to be a reliable partner in the field of processing carbon fibers suitable for gravimetrical feeding in high-performance plastics.
Agenda Announced for Textiles Recycling Expo USA
The conference agenda has been officially announced for Textiles Recycling Expo USA, taking place April 29–30, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. As North America’s first dedicated exhibition and conference focused exclusively on textile recycling, the 2026 edition will deliver a comprehensive two-day program focused on turning circular ambition into scalable action. The event is free to attend for all attendees.
Created in collaboration with Structural Partner Accelerating Circularity, the agenda has been carefully developed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities across the U.S. textile recovery and recycling landscape.
Goodwill Industries International joins as Impact Partner and sponsor of the Conference Theater – helping drive meaningful change across the industry.
Key themes for 2026 include:
- Policy, Regulation & Governance
- Collection, Sorting & Infrastructure at Scale
- Technology, Innovation & Textile-to-Textile Recycling
- Collaboration Across the Value Chain
The speaker lineup features influential voices from across the value chain, including leaders from Eileen Fisher, Lululemon, Debrand, Samsara Eco, Accelerating Circularity, Textile Exchange, FABSCRAP, Goodwill Industries International, ReJu, SMART, Fashion Takes Action, American Circular Textiles, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, California Product Stewardship Council, WM, National Stewardship Action Council, Matoha, and many more.
The conference program is complemented by a focused exhibition floor featuring over 75 exhibitors showcasing advanced recycling technologies, sorting systems, machinery, material innovations, and circular service solutions.
events.amiplastics.com/textiles-recycling-expo-usa
DeSL Enters Strategic Agreement with Textile Solutions Group to Strengthen Digital Textile Ecosystem
Discover e-Solutions Ltd (DeSL), a global provider of AI-powered Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions for fashion, apparel, retail and footwear, has entered into a strategic agreement with Textile Solutions Group (“TSG”), a technology group focused exclusively on digital solutions for the textile and apparel industry.
The agreement strengthens DeSL’s ability to support brands and manufacturers with connected digital workflows spanning product development, sourcing and supply chain operations, while enhancing long-term investment capacity, global reach and access to a broader international presence across key textile and apparel markets.
Founded in 2002, DeSL delivers secure, ISO 27001-certified SaaS solutions designed specifically for the fashion and textile industries. Its PLM platform connects people, processes and product data in a unified environment, enabling organizations to manage design, development, sourcing, supplier collaboration, quality and compliance with greater visibility and control.
Accelerating Circularity Appoints Edd Denes CEO
Accelerating Circularity has appointed Edd Denes as chief executive officer (CEO) as the organization continues to advance circular systems across the global textile industry.
Denes had previously served as board treasurer of Accelerating Circularity since 2021 and steps into the role of CEO with more than two decades of leadership experience spanning financial services, technology transformation, and international operations.
Throughout his career, he has led complex change programs, managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, and guided distributed teams across multiple jurisdictions and time zones.
His expertise in operational strategy and organizational infrastructure will support Accelerating Circularity’s continued growth and ability to coordinate stakeholders across the textile value chain.
His transition to CEO reflects the Board’s confidence in his leadership and his understanding of the collaborative work required to build viable textile-to-textile recycling systems.
www.acceleratingcircularity.org
Polygiene Launches OdorCrunch2.0
Polygiene, a global leader in innovative odor control technologies for textiles, announced the launch of Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0, a next-generation odor capture technology designed to significantly reduce odors in apparel and textiles through a non-metal capture mechanism.
Building on the development of the original Polygiene OdorCrunch technology, Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 delivers enhanced odor absorption performance across a wider range of fabrics, including lightweight 100 % polyester, blended constructions, and natural fibers. The technology works by capturing environmental odor molecules within the textile structure, preventing them from being released during wear and helping garments stay fresher for longer.
Unlike conventional odor control solutions, Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 is heavy-metal free and uses an odor capture mechanism that retains odor molecules without compromising fabric comfort, breathability, appearance, or performance.
Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 has been engineered for modern textile production environments and can be easily integrated into existing finishing processes, including padding and exhaust application methods. It delivers durable odor absorption performance and has been shown to provide a high level of odor reduction in accordance with ISO 17299, including on lightweight 100 % polyester.
Kolon and Lenzing to Team on Premium Ticking Fabric
Kolon Industries, a South-Korea based specialty materials company will introduce a new cooling material in partnership with The Lenzing Group.
The premium mattress ticking fabric, branded as Tencel | Forpe, is a next-generation material for bedding applications which features Forpe’s innovative cooling technology combined with Lenzing’s wood-based Tencel Lyocell fibers. The combination provides natural softness and effective moisture control for enhanced comfort and functionality.
Forpe is a high-performance cooling fiber independently developed by Kolon Industries that lowers skin temperature by approximately 3°C to 6°C upon contact. Tencel is the Lenzing Group’s flagship textile fiber brand. The cellulosic fibers result in resource-efficient, high-comfort materials made from sustainably managed wood sources.
Kolon will launch the product at the ISPA Expo 2026, which takes place from March 10 to 12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Florida.
ANDRITZ to Supply Production Lines for Koro Viet Nam’s Tissue Market
Koro Viet Nam Tissue Paper Joint Stock Company has awarded international technology group ANDRITZ a contract to supply two tissue production lines for its mill in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, supporting the company’s entry into the tissue market. Start-up is planned for the first half of 2027.
The value of the order was not disclosed.
Designed for efficient, high-speed production of premium toilet, napkin, handkerchief, and facial tissue, the new lines TM5 and TM6 feature a paper width of 3,650 mm and a maximum operating speed of 1,650 m/min, with a daily design capacity of 104.2 t/d each. The lines will process pre-dried virgin pulp to deliver products with a basis weight range of 11.5–32.0 g/m².
ANDRITZ’s supply includes complete stock preparation with a PrimeRefine HC T high‑consistency refining system, approach flow, fiber recovery, and broke systems, two PrimeLineCOMPACT M 1600 tissue machines, and full automation. These technologies reduce long‑fiber consumptionand energy use while boosting operational efficiency and ensuring consistently high paper quality.
This order continues nearly two decades of cooperation with Mr. Ngo Huu Phuong, Chairman of Koro Viet Nam Tissue Paper. ANDRITZ most recently supplied a 500 t/d OCC/PMA line for Koro’s PM2 packaging paper line in July 2025.
Preliminary Conference Program Announced for the 2026 World of Wipes
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has released the preliminary conference program for the 2026 World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, to be held June 29–July 2 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee.
Under the theme, “Redefining Wipes: Smart. Sustainable. Scalable.”, this year’s program will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, brand owners, and thought leaders to examine the technologies, regulations, and market forces shaping the next generation of wipes.
The conference will explore sustainable packaging trends, evolving standards and regulations, substrate evaluation, formulation science, decarbonization strategies, household and baby wipes, and developments across the global market and value chain. Additional presentations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Confirmed presentations to date include:
- CHT USA, “From Use to Return: Degradable High-Performance Chemistries Transforming Wipe Formulations”
- Clariant Corporation, “Impact of Formulation Complexity on Preservative System Robustness and Contamination Prevention in Wet Wipes”
- The Clorox Company, “Navigating the Regulatory Landscape to Develop Antimicrobial Wipes Products”
- David E. James Consultancy, “Beyond Plastic: The UK Plastics in Wet Wipes Ban and Its Implications for Products, Labelling, Flushability, and Europe: The end of the beginning—or the beginning of the end?”
- Euromonitor International, “From Routine to Ritual: Capturing Growth in Wipes Through Proactive Skin Care, Experiential Elevate and Occasion Targeting”
- INDA, “Navigating the Regulatory Storm: Tariffs, PFAS Bans, Plastics Restrictions, and the Fight for National Do Not Flush Labeling in 2026”
- INDA, “The Evolving Landscape of Wipes Standards and Regulations”
- The Pack Hub, “Wipe Packaging at a Crossroads: Navigating Sustainability, Regulation, and Performance”
- Rockline Industries, “From Crisis Response to Daily Use: How COVID-19 Reshaped Household vs Disinfecting Wipe Requirements”
- Sharon Personal Care, “New Product Development for Wet Wipes – A Holistic Approach for Today’s Sophisticated Essential”
- Soane Technologies, “Strong When It Matters, Gone When It Counts: Advances in Flushable Nonwoven Design”
- SPGPrints America, Inc., “Enhancing Consumer Wipe Performance Through Specialty MPS & NCS Screens for Spunlace Lines”
- Strategic Packaging Partners, “The Future of Wipe Packaging Under EPR: Risks, Opportunities, and Engineering Solutions”
Additional Conference Highlights:
Wipes Development Course – June 29–30
Led by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey, this 12-session course provides in-depth instruction spanning the wipes development process—from concept and fabric selection to formulation design and packaging considerations.
Exhibits & Lightning Talks – June 30 & July 1
Attendees can discover the latest products, innovations, and technologies from industry suppliers in the Exhibits. Select exhibitors will also deliver five-minute Lightning Talks, offering concise insights into new developments ahead of the networking receptions and new technology showcases.
Lunch Arounds – June 30 & July 1
These small-group lunch discussions offer an opportunity to connect with peers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in an interactive setting designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration.
Pre-Conference Webinars
A series of webinars leading up to the event will provide additional insight into key industry topics.
World of Wipes Innovation Award® – June 30 & July 2
This annual award recognizes advances in nonwoven-based wipes that expand functionality and application. Finalists will present their innovations on June 30, and the winner will be announced on July 2.
ANDRITZ at Techtextil 2026: Sustainability and Advanced Technologies
International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, from April 21 to 24, 2026 (Hall 12, B95). ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for durable and technical nonwovens, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services.
ANDRITZ continues to advance industrially viable solutions for sustainable nonwoven and textile
production. Key topics at Techtextil include textile sorting and recycling, natural fiber processing for
durable nonwovens, and complete man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) production plants. All
innovations aim to support circularity and long-term value creation.
The company will highlight natural fibers for nonwoven; textile sorting and recycling, and, production plants for MMCF, new equipment such as the company’s X-Pro crosslapper, technical fiber processing and more.
eVent Fabrics and ALLIED Feather + Down Redefine Down Jacket Performance
eVent Fabrics, a global leader in waterproof and breathable fabric technologies, has partnered with ALLIED Feather + Down to demonstrate a new evolution in down jacket performance. Debuting at Performance Days in Munich, March 18–19, the concept system addresses one of the most persistent limitations in insulated outerwear: internal and external moisture building up inside the insulation chamber.
The collaboration pairs ALLIED’s 800 fill power ExpeDRY® down, which is engineered with gold particles to accelerate water vapor evaporation, with eVent’s highly breathable, downproof, and weatherproof 2-layer stormburstLT laminate. Together, the materials create an advanced system designed to actively manage moisture both inside and outside the jacket, helping maintain loft and thermal efficiency across a wider range of conditions and activity levels.
Petri Alava, Founder of Infinited Fiber Company, Joins Haelixa Board
Swiss pioneer in DNA-based traceability, and product authentication, Haelixa, announced that Petri Alava, founder and former CEO of Infinited Fiber Company, has joined its Board of Directors.
Alava founded Infinited Fiber Company and over a 10-year journey, led it through the stages of development to the threshold of its industrial scale-up phase, transforming breakthrough textile-to-textile recycling technology into a globally recognized material innovation platform. During his tenure, the company secured more than €100 million in strategic funding from H&M Group, Inditex, Adidas and Zalando, and established over €200 million in long-term commercial offtake agreements with brands including Patagonia and PVH.
His appointment follows Haelixa’s recent €2M capital raise and accelerating international deployment across textiles, luxury goods and high-value materials, bringing operational scale experience to complement the company’s deep scientific expertise.
The industry is navigating tightening regulation, margin pressure and geopolitical instability. As scrutiny over origin, authenticity and product claims intensifies, verification is becoming central to supply chain risk management and resilience.
Haelixa embeds invisible, forensic DNA markers directly into materials, giving brands product-level proof across supply chain due diligence and luxury authentication. Its newly launched DNA-based Authenticity Service extends this capability to enable rapid verification across resale, repair and distribution channels, addressing growing demand as counterfeit risk increasingly intersects with operational and reputational exposure.
INDA Announces Transition of Chief Market & Industry Analyst Mark Snider
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that Mark Snider, Chief Market & Industry Analyst, will be transitioning from his role as he prepares for a move to France.
Since joining INDA, Snider has served as a leading voice on market and industry dynamics, delivering data-driven insights and strategic analysis to support member decision-making and strengthen the association’s advocacy efforts. With more than 35 years of experience in nonwovens and engineered materials, he brought deep macroeconomic, industry, and segment-level expertise to the role, further enhancing INDA’s market intelligence capabilities.
“Mark has made a significant and lasting contribution to INDA and to the broader nonwovens industry,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA. “His analytical rigor, global perspective, and thoughtful interpretation of market forces have elevated the quality and relevance of the insights we provide to our members. Beyond his expertise, Mark has been a trusted colleague and valued member of our leadership team. We are deeply grateful for his impact and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”
Snider will continue to support the engineered fibers and fabrics sectors as a Technical Consultant, remaining actively engaged in the industry.
“While I am transitioning from my formal role at INDA, I am not stepping away from the industry that has been central to my professional life,” said Snider. “It has been a privilege to contribute to INDA’s mission and to collaborate with such a talented and dedicated community of professionals. I look forward to continuing to support industry growth and innovation in new capacities and to remaining connected with colleagues and partners around the world.”
Mark Snider can be reached at T: +1.404.218.5552, [email protected].
UNIFI Introduces Luxel: A Linen-Inspired, Easy-Care Performance Yarn
Unifi, Inc., the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, announced the launch of Luxel™, a groundbreaking yarn technology that combines the luxurious look and feel of linen with high-performance, easy-care, and textile-to-textile recycled materials.
Designed for brands and consumers who value comfort, style, and sustainability, Luxel captures the natural look and feel of linen while offering advanced performance features such as moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistance, and odor control. This innovative technology is built directly into the yarn, providing exceptional versatility across a wide range of fabric constructions ranging from apparel and footwear to home furnishings, work wear, and accessories, empowering material developers to innovate across multiple categories with ease.
Luxel is available globally and made with REPREVE recycled polyester yarn, including 30% REPREVE Takeback™, reinforcing UNIFI®’s commitment to sustainability and circularity in the textile industry. By incorporating recycled content, including textile waste, Luxel helps brands reduce environmental impact while delivering high-performance, stylish fabrics.
