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: April 26, 2026
Circulose and CTA to Enable Lyocell Fibers Using CIRCULOSE® Pulp
Circulose announced an agreement with China Textile Academy Green Fibre (CTA) to offer lyocell fibers produced using CIRCULOSE® pulp. Producing lyocell from recycled pulp at commercial scale is an important step in making textile-to-textile recycled materials available across a wider range of textile applications.
Lyocell fibers are produced through a solvent-based spinning process and are valued for their strength, softness, and sustainability profile. The lyocell process operates in a largely closed-loop system, where the solvent is recovered and reused, making it one of the most environmentally favorable fiber production methods in the industry – even more so when produced from recycled raw material instead of virgin wood.
Through the collaboration, CTA and Circulose will offer brand partners lyocell fibers of both standard and non-fibrillating grades, both produced using CIRCULOSE® pulp.
Supply will be limited in 2026, with the ambition to scale capacity to meet demand during 2027. Commercial volumes in 2026 will be available only to selected brands, while those seeking access in 2027 are invited to engage in product development already now.
Kornit Digital Expands Digital Production into Footwear and Technical Textiles
Kornit Digital, a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production, unveiled the Kornit Presto MAX PLUS, a new roll-to-roll system expanding digital manufacturing into footwear, automotive interiors, military camouflage, high-performance sportswear, and high-end furnishings. Debuting at Texprocess 2026 in Frankfurt, Presto MAX PLUS enables entirely new applications for on-demand textile production.
The fully digital, single-step system, based on the proven Presto MAX solution, requires minimal setup, eliminates Minimum Order Quantities, supports the industry’s widest array of fabrics, and offers water-free printing with no pre- or post-washing, reducing waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. At its core, Kornit MAX technology ensures retail print quality and superior hand feel.
Presto MAX PLUS also introduced DuraTech™, a durability enhancer delivering consistent resistance to wear, flex, and abrasion, enabling digital production for demanding applications such as footwear uppers, technical apparel, automotive interiors, and performance textiles. Its patent-pending Precise Overprint technology intelligently adapts to material variability, ensuring accurate image placement on complex, pre-knitted, and dimensionally unstable substrates.
Symtech Acquires McDaniel Textile Services
Symtech has acquired McDaniel Textile Services, a longtime provider of spinning cot grinding and maintenance services to the U.S. yarn spinning industry, in a move that further expands Symtech’s growing technical services platform in the domestic textile market. The transaction became effective April 6, 2026.
According to Symtech CEO Per Olofsson, the acquisition strengthens Symtech’s position as a key service and solutions provider to U.S. spinners while adding specialized capabilities built over decades by McDaniel Textile.
“McDaniel Textile Services has built an outstanding reputation in the U.S. spinning industry,” Olofsson said. “This acquisition allows us to combine their specialized expertise with Symtech’s broader offering, creating a stronger, more comprehensive partner for our customers.”
McDaniel Textile Services, based in the Chesnee area near Gaffney, S.C., was founded in the 1990s by Bill McDaniel to support the operational performance of spinning mills across the United States. The company specializes in grinding and maintaining spinning cots, critical components in yarn manufacturing that can directly affect yarn quality, consistency and machine efficiency.
INDA 2026 Supply Report Highlights Resilient Growth and Sustainability Focus in North American Nonwovens Industry
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, released its 13th annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report, offering a comprehensive look at the industry’s performance, challenges, and strategic evolution. The report reveals a complex landscape shaped by global trade uncertainty, including tariffs and geopolitical tensions, which are expected to influence industry growth and performance in the coming years. Production output slowed again in 2025, reflecting a cautious, “wait-and-see” environment across the sector.
Despite these headwinds, the industry demonstrates resilience. Key trends include moderated production levels paired with cautious optimism, as companies adapt to shifting market conditions. Sustainability and environmental stewardship remain central priorities, driving innovation and long-term strategic investments.
Developed through extensive research, including producer surveys and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, the 2026 report offers a comprehensive view of the nonwovens landscape, spanning composites, roll goods, and finished products. This report provides an in-depth analysis of capacity, production, operating rates, and regional trade across North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“As part of INDA’s role as the industry’s trusted data source, this report delivers valuable insights for benchmarking, strategic planning, and decision-making,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “This year’s findings highlight a resilient industry that continues to expand capacity through ongoing investments across all regions and sectors. We are also seeing a clear shift toward sustainable, durable products, alongside continued innovation to meet evolving demand across North America.”
The full report is provided at no cost to participating producers. INDA members receive the report’s Executive Summary on a complimentary basis as part of their membership. Data from the Supply Report also informs INDA’s biennial Global Nonwoven Markets Demand Report, most recently published in November 2024.
“INDA remains committed to enhancing the quality and depth of our industry data and insights,” said Mark Snider, Chief Market and Industry Analyst. “Strong participation from suppliers is essential to that mission. As global supply chain pressures intensify, this report examines the key dynamics shaping the market and influencing future direction.”
For more information or to purchase the report, visit inda.org/market-intelligence/
Jones Family of Companies Granted OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certification for PureBlend™ Organic Cotton Blend
Jones Family of Companies, a leading manufacturer of sustainable, high-performance nonwoven materials, has received OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification for its new organic cotton blend, PureBlend™.
PureBlend™ highlights the purity of organically sourced materials blended to provide exceptional softness and comfort. The product is primarily used as a comfort layer in premium mattresses that emphasize both comfort and sustainability.
The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a globally-recognized independent testing and certification system for textile products. Certification verifies that all components of a product have been tested against more than 1,000 regulated and non-regulated substances and are proven safe for human health.
“OEKO-TEX® certification ensures high product safety and builds consumer confidence by providing a trusted, independent standard,” said Dennis St. Louis, Chief Sales Officer of Jones Family of Companies. “This certification strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality products while supporting our customers’ goals for safety, sustainability, and transparency.”
Award Nominated LENZING™ DualWipe Supports Europe’s Shift to Bio Based Materials
The Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, recently introduced LENZING™ DualWipe, its latest plastic free wipe innovation and a nominee for the prestigious INDEX™26 Awards in the “Nonwovens Roll Goods” category. The nomination underlines Lenzing’s continued commitment to developing scalable, cellulose based solutions for applications that have traditionally relied on fossil-based materials.
LENZING™ DualWipe, enabled by Lenzing’s Nonwovens Technology, integrates two functional surfaces within a single material: an abrasive side for effective removal of dirt and residues, and a soft, highly absorbent side for wiping and finishing. DualWipe contains no synthetic fibers, binders or finishing chemicals, the wipe eliminates the risk of plastic and microplastic shedding typically associated with conventional synthetic wipes. Its compatibility with standard converting processes supports broad applicability across industrial, professional and household cleaning segments. LENZING™ DualWipe thus stands as an example of Lenzing’s ambition to link policy objectives for material transformation with market ready, industrially applicable solutions.
This innovation directly addresses the material demands discussed during a high-level roundtable held in Brussels in early March, organized in cooperation with Euractiv, where policymakers, industry representatives and experts examined how bio-based materials can enhance Europe’s economic resilience and accelerate the shift toward lower carbon, fossil reduced material systems. The conversations in Brussels highlighted the increasing relevance of cellulose based innovations as practical enablers of a more sustainable European materials landscape.
Nonwovenn Fuels Growth With Director of Innovation Appointment
One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn has appointed leading industry expert, Dr. Nisarg Tambe, as director of innovation. With his career to date spent focusing on research and development in diverse applications within the nonwoven market, Nisarg will be central to driving forward the next phase of innovation and developing cutting-edge solutions. In addition, Dave Hill will be transitioning from the role of Innovations Director to the new role of Next Gen Products Director.
Nisarg joins Nonwovenn after more than a decade in the industry, bringing his knowledge and experience of the sector at a key time for the business, which was recently acquired by CorpAcq. Prior to joining the Nonwovenn team, Nisarg was Head for Research and Development for the Evolon product range at Freudenberg Performance Materials.
Nisarg has an acknowledged track record and ability to combine deep technical expertise with a strong commercial mindset, enabling organisations to translate innovation into scalable and market-leading solutions. With Nonwovenn already established in markets across the world and serving a diverse range of global customers, this appointment will further strengthen Nonwovenn’s ability to develop highly technical cutting-edge solutions that contribute to improving safety, protecting health and saving lives.
Dave Hill’s new role will involve the continuation and commercialization of existing Nonwovenn next generation product development activities, devising and developing new collaborative development partnerships, and ensuring greater business development alignment, awareness and influence around key global markets. He will also touch upon regulatory requirement changes and influences that will shape the basis of existing products to support new product timescales.
IND HEMP Enters Vietnam Textile Supply Chain Through Partnership
IND HEMP, Summit International Trading and Thien Phuoc Ramie Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate U.S.-grown hemp fiber into Vietnam’s textile manufacturing supply chain.
The partnership connects U.S. hemp production with Vietnam’s established spinning, weaving, and garment manufacturing base—creating a new, scalable supply chain for hemp yarns, fabrics, and finished goods. Initial yarns and fabrics produced through this collaboration is being shown this week at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Ore., where brands source sustainable performance fabrics.
Under the agreement:
- IND HEMP supplies decorticated hemp fiber grown and processed in Montana
- Summit International Trading manages import logistics and in-country coordination
- Thien Phuoc handles degumming, spinning, and textile production
In December 2025, Summit International imported the first containers of raw U.S. hemp fiber into Vietnam, which was the first import of raw hemp fiber into Vietnam following recent policy changes that now allow hemp fiber imports. Previously, most hemp materials entering Vietnam were limited to yarns and fabrics, largely sourced from China. Brands, especially those in the U.S. and Europe, want sustainable supply chain transparency, which is achievable with U.S. grown fibers used in manufacturing in Vietnam.
Orta and Archroma Launch Denim Collection Dyed With Wool Waste
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Orta Anadolu, the premium Türkiye-based denim manufacturer behind the ORTA brand, announced a collaboration to bring circular dye chemistry into commercial denim production.
The partnership will be showcased at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026, where ORTA will present its first denim collection dyed with Archroma’s FiberColors® dyes.
FiberColors® are synthesized with a minimum of 50% wool waste – specifically, fleeces that sheep farmers would otherwise pay to dispose of. By upcycling this unwanted material, the patented Archroma technology replaces petroleum-based raw materials without compromising performance, water or energy consumption, or waste generation in the dye manufacturing process. The dyes deliver the same dyeing and fastness performance as conventional sulfur dyes and are GOTS-approved.
Following a successful trial in late 2025, ORTA has selected three shades from the FiberColors® palette: DIRESUL® FIBER-TEAK (brown), DIRESUL® FIBER-SLATE (blue-grey), and DIRESUL® FIBER-GRAPHITE (dark grey) — for its debut collection. The selection reflects ORTA’s characteristic approach of combining distinctive aesthetics with responsible production, and underscores the commercial readiness of FiberColors® for premium denim applications.
HMS & CleanKore Join Forces to Revolutionize Sustainable Denim
HMS (HandMadeStone) and CleanKore announced a strategic partnership aimed at redefining the denim supply chain through a “Denim, Reimagined” approach. The two industry leaders will showcase their combined eco-advanced technologies at the Jeanius Hub during the upcoming Kingpins Amsterdam show at the Sugar Factory, April 15-16, 2026.
The collaboration merges CleanKore’s patented dyeing technology with HMS’s sludge-free washing solutions. CleanKore transforms the dyeing stage by preserving the yarn core and preventing dye penetration, eliminating the need for Potassium Permanganate (PP) while significantly reducing water and energy.
Complementing this, HMS is also introducing its patented, hydrophobic, and reusable composite stones. These “eco-stones” replace traditional pumice, eliminating toxic sludge and delivering elevated, vintage aesthetics with a drastically reduced environmental footprint.
Located on the 2nd Level of the Sugar Factory, the Jeanius Hub serves as the epicenter for “wild experiments” and breakthrough technologies. Attendees are invited to experience the tangible results of HMS stones on CleanKore fabrics firsthand. In a unique interactive installation, visitors can leave their mark by graffitiing the CleanKore wall with HMS Stones, participating in a live creation of sustainable denim art.
kingpinsshow.com/shows/amsterdam
The LYCRA Company Announces Strategic Partnership on Renewable LYCRA® Fiber
The LYCRA Company, a global leader in innovative and sustainable fiber solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Texhong International Group Limited (“Texhong”), one of the world’s largest suppliers of core-spun cotton textiles. Under the agreement, Texhong will exclusively partner with The LYCRA Company to bring Renewable LYCRA® fiber made with 30 percent plant-based content to China’s core-spun yarn sector. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of bio-derived spandex across the global apparel and textile industry.
Renewable LYCRA® fiber made with 30 percent plant-based content is the latest achievement in The LYCRA Company’s efforts to develop more sustainable materials. Partly derived from dent corn, this new offering is expected to retain the outstanding elasticity, comfort, and durability of standard fossil-derived LYCRA® fiber. Information from a recent Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment indicated up to a 32 percent** reduction in carbon emissions compared to fossil-derived LYCRA® fiber.
Texhong will leverage its well-established textile value chain to develop customized core-spun yarn products using Renewable LYCRA® fiber made with 30 percent plant-based content. These products deliver an integrated, sustainable solution from bio-derived raw materials to yarn manufacturing. Moving forward, the two companies will jointly drive collaborative innovation in bio-derived spandex materials, yarn manufacturing, and brand end-use applications.
Texhong has used LYCRA® brand fibers for nearly two decades and has collaborated with The LYCRA Company on many technological advancements, including patented LYCRA® dualFX® fabric technology. The further deepening of this partnership reflects the companies’ shared commitment to technological progress, operational synergy, and sustainable development. It also demonstrates The LYCRA Company’s ongoing commitment to empowering the textile value chain through continuous innovation.
India Raises Recycled Plastic Mandate to 40%
In a significant move to strengthen plastic waste management and promote a circular economy, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), India, has issued finalized guidelines, mandating the use of 40% recycled content in food-grade PET packaging for the fiscal year 2026-27.
The directive follows a draft notification issued on June 3, 2025, which had allowed brands and producers to carry forward any shortfall in meeting the 30% recycled PET (r-PET) target for 2025-26 over a period of three years.
Effective from April 1, 2026, all producers and brands are required to ensure that a minimum of 40% recycled content is incorporated into food-contact PET packaging. Additionally, any unfulfilled target from the 2025-26 mandate must be carried forward for up to three consecutive years, with at least one-third of the outstanding target met annually. This provision ensures a phased but consistent transition toward higher recycled content in packaging materials.
Airbus, Fairmat to Explore Carbon Fiber End-Of-Life Recovery
Airbus and composite material recycling startup Fairmat have signed a contract to explore how to recover carbon fibers from dismantled airframes and reuse them in aeronautical construction. The agreement comes amid efforts to recycle more materials from end-of-life aircraft and supports the trend toward keeping those materials in the sector. That circularity requires retaining the material’s properties, and therefore their value.
Air Canada A350-1000 in flight. Photo courtesy Airbus
Initially, the joint effort will focus on the A350 widebody, a program that has not yet reached the aircraft retirement stage. The companies’ engineers will work on new approaches for the disassembly of carbon composites panels, while preserving the material’s value. The A350’s airframe relies on 53% carbon composites, and Fairmat will center on wing structures and keel beam components.
Fairmat’s Infinity Recycling technology uses a cold plasma process to preserve the integrity of carbon fibers, and aerospace accounts for 50% by weight of the composites Fairmat processes.
