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: June 26, 2026
ICT Poland Starts up Modernized Tissue Machine After Rebuild by ANDRITZ
ICT Poland Sp. z o.o. has successfully started up tissue machine TM11 at its Kostrzyn nad Odrą mill in Poland, following a rebuild by international technology group ANDRITZ. The modernization increased production and product quality while reducing energy consumption.
Andrzej Toffel, Paper Mill Manager at ICT Poland said: “We are very pleased with the improvements achieved on our TM11 – both in terms of production efficiency and the quality of our tissue products. The cooperation between our teams was excellent, and the results fully meet our expectations.”
Gross daily production has increased by 2.5%, while specific energy consumption for steam, gas, and electricity has been reduced by 5%. In addition, the machine now delivers improved tissue softness and increased caliper, contributing to enhanced product quality and operational efficiency. These improvements further strengthen ICT Poland’s position in the European tissue market.
Tissue machine TM11 was supplied by ANDRITZ in the early 2000s. The recent modernization included a PrimePress XT shoe press rebuild as well as an upgrade of the reel with state-of-the-art hydraulic automation.
HKRITA Signs MoU with Jeanologia, Looptworks to Establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two key global partners, Jeanologia and Looptworks, to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem – a first-of-its-kind collaboration to accelerate the large-scale recycling of blended textiles.
Bringing together cutting-edge innovation, industrial machinery expertise, and real-world adoption, this tripartite initiative unites HKRITA with Jeanologia as the first official machinery partner and Looptworks as a prospective adopter. The partnership signals a decisive shift from research-driven innovation to practical, scalable deployment with industry support, creating a complete and actionable pathway for circular transformation.
At the centre of this ecosystem is HKRITA’s latest Green Machine 4.0, the newest iteration of its pioneering hydrothermal recycling technology. This advanced version recovers polyester at 98% or higher purity from cotton-polyester textiles without harmful processes. Through this collaboration, Jeanologia contributes by delivering industry-ready machinery engineered to European standards that meets the CE high-pressure requirement, enabling seamless integration and streamlined logistics. Meanwhile, Looptworks, a Certified B-Corp recycling specialist, transforms diverse pre- and post-consumer textiles into high-quality GRS-certified fibres. This cross-industry collaboration supports expandable industrial implementation across diverse settings, enabling the industry to execute circular solutions at scale.
By integrating scientific innovation, engineering excellence, and operational deployment, the Green Machine ecosystem provides a viable pathway for circular transformation. This initiative empowers textile recyclers to process previously unrecyclable materials and unlock new revenue streams, while enabling fashion brands to incorporate recycled fibres into their supply chains in commercial volumes. It also supports manufacturers in adopting more sustainable production models, helping all stakeholders close the loop on textile waste and reduce dependence on virgin resources.
FiberTect Wipe as a Standby in FIFA World Cup Football Games
Nonwoven wipe to help with safety at FIFA World Cup Football games.
The 2026 FIFA world cup is considered to be world’s biggest sporting event with 48 teams competing in games to be played in 16 cities spread over three countries. Eleven of those venues are in the United States and the U.S. government has invested about US$ one billion towards safety, and emergency preparations through grants from agencies such as Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FiberTect is an invention from the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University and has been taken to market by First Line Technology (FLT). FLT has taken the product to multiple areas such as national defense, medical, and emergency preparedness.
According to First Line Technology, local agencies and cities have procured FiberTect wipes as part of FIFA world cup safety preparations and emergency preparedness.
Dry decontamination procedure has been found to have technical and logistical advantages over wet decontamination and is vital for immediate toxic chemical decontamination. United States Army has shown the wipes can remove fine particles that may be synthetic opioids and can be used in subzero temperatures.
“One of the greatest strengths of Dry Decon is that it gives responders the ability to act immediately. By reducing contamination in the first few minutes following an exposure, responders can improve outcomes, reduce secondary contamination risks, and bridge the gap until more comprehensive decontamination resources are available,” stated Frank Roberts, Senior Training Specialist at FLT.
In the recent International Fire Chiefs Association Hazmat conference in Baltimore, USA, Frank Roberts showed how dry decontamination can be used as practical field capability for mass casualty scenarios.
“Our key messaging at the conference was related to chemical, biological, and radiological contamination response at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, the upcoming America 250 celebrations, the LA Olympics, and other special events such as sporting events, races, concerts, political gatherings, etc. If there ever was a mass contamination incident at one of these events the only practical way to rapidly perform immediate decontamination of large numbers of people with limited first responders is victim self-decontamination using dry absorbents such as FiberTect,” stated Corey Collings, Director of Technical and Training at FLT.
Dry decontamination procedure using absorbents such as FiberTect is no longer viewed by the user community as an alternative to wet protocols, but a necessary first step towards saving lives and avoiding causalities.
FiberTect is a model for University-Industry collaboration which has translated laboratory research into a life-saving product. Now, it is finding applications in global events such as FIFA world cup games.
DuPont Launches Tyvek® APX™ in ASEAN Market
DuPont announced the launch of Tyvek® APX™ in the ASEAN market at Thailand Safe@Work 2026 in Bangkok. Developed through scientific research and customer collaboration, Tyvek® APX™ is the most advanced form of Tyvek® material to date, offering enhanced breathability without compromising protection or durability.
Tyvek® APX™ protective coveralls are designed to balance comfort and protection. The material represents a breakthrough in breathability, allowing moisture to escape and air to circulate, helping keep workers more comfortable.
Soane Materials to Present Breakthrough Flushable Nonwoven Technology at World of Wipes 2026
Soane Materials, a leading regenerative materials innovation and IP licensing company, announced that it will present new research on flushable nonwoven design at the 2026 World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place June 29–July 2 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference, organized by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, gathers manufacturers, suppliers, brand owners, and technical experts under this year’s theme, “Redefining Wipes: Smart. Sustainable. Scalable.”
Elizabeth Huth-Helriegel, Business Development Director at Soane Materials will present the session, titled “Strong When It Matters, Gone When It Counts: Advances in Flushable Nonwoven Design.” The session will take place at 2:30PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Flushable wet wipes remain one of the most closely watched categories in the nonwovens industry, as manufacturers work to balance consumer demand for strong, reliable performance with growing concern over the impact these products can have on sewer and water treatment infrastructure. Historically, improving a wipe’s strength has often come at the cost of its ability to disperse quickly and safely after flushing — and vice versa.
Soane Materials’ presentation will detail a proprietary formulation built on a blend of redispersible microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), natural fibers, and binders. According to the company, the resulting nonwoven materials are designed to deliver superior strength compared to conventional flushable products on the market today, while still meeting flushability standards set by both EDANA and IWSFG — dispersing and disintegrating at a rate equal to or faster than existing benchmarks.
Notably, the formulation is designed as a near drop-in solution for the current wetlaid manufacturing process, allowing producers to adopt the technology without significant retooling.
Albini Group Celebrates 150 Years of Innovation in Textile Industry
In 2026, Italian company Albini 1876 celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 150 years of textile excellence. An anniversary that is not merely a commemoration, but a cultural and creative manifesto embodied in the project 150 Years of Wonder.
There is an invisible thread running through time, binding matter and imagination, tradition and the future. It is wonder. For 150 years, Albini 1876 has nurtured this quiet yet powerful force, capable of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Every fabric is conceived as a work in progress, a surface that invites us to look beyond and imagine new possibilities.
Founded in 1876 in Albino, at the heart of Lombardy’s textile district, Albini began as a family business and remains so today, guided by the fifth generation of the Albini family. Over a century and a half, artisanal knowledge has evolved into an industrial vision, making Albini 1876 a global benchmark in luxury shirting and, today, an increasingly broad interpreter of contemporary elegance.
Throughout the year, the anniversary will be celebrated through a series of dedicated initiatives and events, designed to tell the story, vision and innovation of the company. Because true wonder never fades, it continues to generate beauty.
Reju Joins Recycling Europe’s Textiles Branch
Recycling Europe has welcomed Reju as the newest partner of its textiles branch, Recycling Europe Textiles, reinforcing its commitment to advancing textile circularity and supporting competitive, well-functioning markets for recycled materials in Europe.
Reju is a textile-to-textile regeneration company focused on developing solutions for regenerating polyester textiles and post-consumer PET waste. The company brings together engineers, scientists and textile experts across Europe and North America. Its pilot Regeneration Hub is located in Frankfurt, Germany, and the company has announced future industrial-scale hubs in Chemelot, the Netherlands; Rochester, New York; and Lacq, France.
Julia Ettinger, secretary-general of Recycling Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome Reju as our newest partner of Recycling Europe Textiles. This partnership demonstrates how industry collaboration can help scale textile circularity at the pace Europe now needs, unlocking both environmental and economic opportunities.”
Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, said: “Building partnerships like this one is important, and we have the opportunity to establish a genuine circular ecosystem for textile recycling while inviting collaboration across the entire value chain.”
At a time when strong demand for circular textiles, fair market conditions and investment in infrastructure are critical, partnerships such as this are key to strengthening the resilience and circularity of Europe’s recycling value chains.
Recycling Europe, formerly EuRIC, is the voice of Europe’s recycling industry, representing 84 national federations and companies across 24 EU and EFTA countries. From metals and paper to plastics, textiles, tires, ships, construction and demolition waste, WEEE and ELVs, its members transform waste into resources, helping power Europe’s circular economy, support resource autonomy, and boost competitiveness and sustainable industrialization across the continent.
Society of Dyers and Colourists Elects New President
The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC), the UK-based educational charity and global professional body for color professionals, has elected Liz Straughan as its president for 2026-27 following its recent annual general meeting in Bradford, United Kingdom. The society also appointed three new trustees.
Liz Straughan, Managing Director of STP Ltd., succeeds Stuart Wilkinson, who completed his term as president after a year focused on promoting the society’s historical resources and encouraging younger generations to pursue careers in the textile industry.
Straughan brings decades of experience spanning textile dyeing, finishing, machinery sales and textile chemicals. She began her involvement with the SDC early in her career at Loughborough Dyeworks, representing the Midlands Region on the SDC Council.
Her career later expanded into international textile machinery sales across Africa, Central and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. She subsequently co-founded a UK-based dyestuff and chemical trading company with her late husband Richard Straughan, a former SDC president who served from 2013 to 2015.
Currently serving as chair of the SDC Enterprises Group Ltd Board, Straughan has also held positions as trustee and trustee-director of SDC Enterprises. She was awarded Fellow of the Society of Dyers and Colourists and Chartered Colourist status in 2009 and received the society’s Silver Medal in 2016.
Lenzing Group Highlights Scalable, Bio-Based Nonwovens Solutions
From CIDPEX in China to Techtextil in Frankfurt and INDEX in Geneva, the Lenzing Group has been showcasing ready-for-market, bio-based nonwoven solutions and received industry recognition for LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology.
The Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of regenerated cellulose fibers for the nonwovens and textiles industries, demonstrated how its nonwovens fiber portfolio and LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology (LNT) enable scalable, bio-based alternatives to fossil-based nonwoven materials.
The year began with CIDPEX 2026 in Nanjing, China, the world’s largest exhibition for tissue and disposable hygiene products. As a key industry platform in Asia, CIDPEX played an important role in strengthening Lenzing’s regional presence and increasing the global visibility of VEOCEL™ branded fibers, particularly for absorbent hygiene and wipes applications.
At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt and INDEX 2026 in Geneva, Lenzing further engaged with European and international customers. At both events, LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology was presented through interactive touch and feel stations that attracted strong industry interest. These hands-on demonstrations allowed visitors to experience the performance, versatility, and material benefits of Lenzing’s cellulosic nonwoven solutions in an application-oriented context.
A highlight was the recognition of LENZING™ DualWipe with the prestigious INDEX™ Award in the Nonwovens Roll Goods category at the INDEX fair in Geneva. This innovative wipe, enabled by the LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology, integrates two functional surfaces within a single wipe: 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, eliminating the risk of microplastic shedding typically associated with conventional synthetic wipes.
Global Nonwovens Alliance Launches New E-Learning Initiative to Strengthen Industry Knowledge and Professional Development
The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, announced the launch of a new global e-learning initiative designed to help companies build essential nonwovens knowledge across their functional teams.
The first program available through this initiative is the Fundamental Nonwovens series of e-courses, which offers flexible, accessible learning from anywhere and supports professional development at scale. Developed with the combined expertise of EDANA and INDA, the program provides a common foundation for professionals entering the industry, transitioning into new roles, or supporting nonwovens businesses from commercial, operational, regulatory, technical, or corporate functions.
“E-learning is one of the clearest examples of how the Global Nonwovens Alliance can deliver value to the industry,” said Murat Dogru, CEO, Global Nonwovens Alliance. “By bringing together the knowledge and reach of INDA and EDANA, we are creating a consistent learning experience that helps professionals around the world build a stronger understanding of nonwovens and contribute more confidently from day one.”
Through interactive online modules, learners are introduced to the essential building blocks of the nonwovens industry, including the global nonwovens landscape, raw materials, web formation, web bonding, and related manufacturing concepts. The curriculum will expand further in Summer 2026 to include finishing treatments.
The courses are structured to make complex technical topics approachable without sacrificing industry relevance. Participants gain practical insight into how nonwoven materials are produced, how different processes influence performance, and how nonwovens serve critical applications across hygiene, wipes, filtration, medical, automotive, construction, and other sectors.
For employers, the initiative offers a scalable professional development solution that can be deployed across teams, departments, onboarding cohorts, and international locations. By providing a consistent vocabulary and shared understanding of core nonwovens concepts, the program helps reduce early-stage knowledge gaps, improve cross-functional communication, and support faster time-to-productivity for employees.
The launch also reflects the broader purpose of GNA: to align the strengths of EDANA and INDA in ways that advance the global nonwovens industry while maintaining the regional expertise and member focus of each organization. GNA was created to support greater collaboration, expanded education, stronger industry insight, and a more unified voice for the nonwovens industry worldwide.
“INDA and EDANA each bring decades of trusted industry knowledge, educational experience, and member engagement,” said Hadrien Tournier, Global Director of Professional Development, Global Nonwovens Alliance. “Together, through GNA, we are making high-quality learning more accessible to companies and professionals across the global value chain.”
To learn more or purchase the courses, visit:
INDA: www.inda.org/training/fundamental-nonwovens.php
EDANA: www.edana.org/professional-development/e-learning/nonwovens-fundamentals
Supreme Nonwoven to Enter U.S. Market
Supreme Nonwoven Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced nonwoven materials and products, will invest $25.8 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lexington, NC. The 200,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for technical collaboration, enabling the company to work closely with North American customers and partners on customized material solutions. This collaborative approach ensures that clients benefit from responsive service, customized applications, and access to the latest advancements in nonwovens technology.
Supreme Nonwoven Inc., a subsidiary of Supreme Group, India, was founded in 1986 by Mohan Kavrie. The company has spent four decades building a leading reputation that serves customers in apparel, automotive, filtration, and other industrial sectors with a broad technology base and the ability to translate advanced materials into value-added solutions.
“Our decision to establish this facility in North Carolina reflects a long-term commitment to serving the U.S. market with locally manufactured nonwoven materials,” says Amit Kavrie, Managing Director, Supreme Group. “We see this as an important step in bringing our material technologies and development capabilities closer to customers in the region while building a foundation for long-term growth.”
North Carolina governor Josh Stein announced the investment, noting that it will create 50 new jobs.
Gore-Tex Fabrics Expands With New Materials
W. L. Gore & Associates, founder of the GORE-TEX® Brand, announced new materials and product updates that give its licensed customers more options to meet growing demand for versatile outdoor apparel built for comfort, flexibility, and durability.
These additions include WINDSTOPPER® Stretch Products by GORE-TEX LABS®, updated GORE-TEX® PACLITE® Products, and new GORE-TEX® Laminates made with textile-to-textile recycled face materials.
“We know consumers expect apparel to perform across a variety of activities and environments,” said Richard Leckenwalter, Gore Fabrics consumer garment leader. “Our fit-for-use approach is grounded in how products are used in the real world, enabling us to provide our customers with a broader range of material technologies tailored to specific end uses. These additions provide greater flexibility to develop products that meet changing consumer needs.”
Just as GORE-TEX® Pro Garments are engineered for demanding mountain conditions, these portfolio additions provide more material options for specific end uses, from running and cycling to hiking and everyday outdoor use. Each is tailored to meet distinct performance needs, delivering optimized benefits for its intended use.
WINDSTOPPER® Stretch Products by GORE-TEX LABS® deliver comfort through freedom of movement, stretch and breathability for activities like running or cycling. A full portfolio of three-layer laminates that combine trusted windproof protection with integrated stretch technology in a soft material designed to maintain performance through repeated movement and everyday use.
GORE-TEX® PACLITE® Products are designed for lightweight protection and all-day movement, transitioning easily from hiking to everyday wear. The updated construction includes a backer that delivers a light, barely-there feel while maintaining the durable waterproof protection consumers expect from GORE-TEX® Products.
New GORE-TEX® Laminates feature a textile-to-textile recycled polyester face made from 100% industrial textile waste and represent an important step toward material circularity.
Developed through consumer research, close customer collaboration, and more than 50 years of materials science expertise, these three innovations help Gore’s customers address key consumer priorities. This comes as research shows more than 70% of consumers consider sustainability in apparel purchases, while performance remains a key driver of final decisions.
Dornbirn Conference Names Béatrice Moureaux as New Managing Director
The Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress has appointed Béatrice Moureaux as its new managing director following the resignation of Matthias Gluth to pursue other business interests.
Moureaux has more than 25 years of experience in technical textiles, nonwovens and specialty materials. Her career includes senior leadership roles at DuPont Protective Technologies in Geneva and Glatfelter/Magnera in Basel, both in Switzerland.
She is currently also active as a board advisor at ReHubs, a European alliance dedicated to scaling up textile-to-textile recycling, where she is supporting the development of strategic partnerships in technical textiles, workwear and nonwovens.
“Béatrice brings exactly the combination of experience, energy and international perspective that the Dornbirn GFC needs for its next chapter,” said Fritz Weninger, a member of the nomination committee. “She combines deep industry knowledge with a strong record in innovation and sustainability, an established international network, and the ability to connect people across disciplines and value chains.”
As Dornbirn GFC managing director, Moureaux will lead the strategic development of the congress, strengthen international partnerships and further position the annual event as a forum for innovation, sustainability and circular-economy thinking in the global fiber industry, with a particular focus on expanding the conference’s international reach, including Asia.
Moureaux holds a Master of Science in Textile Engineering and Chemistry from ENSAIT, the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Industries Textiles in France. She is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and holds a Certificate in Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge, UK.
The 65th Dornbirn GFC takes place from September 16–18, 2026 in Dornbirn, Austria.
Pragmatic and Harmonized Labelling in the EU
EDANA, alongside 14 European associations, has urged the European Commission and Member States to adopt a pragmatic approach for the future harmonized packaging labels, in line with the EU’s agenda for the EU Single Market, simplification and competitiveness. The system should rely on text-free pictograms, available in achromatic or monochromatic versions matching the packaging palette, with the possibility of using digital labelling as a core element.
The associations represent manufacturers of consumer goods across Europe. Their products are used by millions of Europeans to care for themselves, their families, and their homes. At the heart of this relationship lies trust, built over time through product safety, quality and performance, and maintained through clear and reliable communication with our consumers.
In fast-moving retail environments, product labelling plays a critical role as the primary interface between manufacturers and consumers. Clear and recognisable labels are essential visual cues that enable consumers to quickly identify products, understand their characteristics, and make informed choices. Preserving this clarity is fundamental, particularly as mandatory information on packs becomes increasingly complex, with the risk of consumer confusion and information overload.
Covestro Honored with AISIN Supplier Award
Covestro LLC, a world-leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials, has received a 2026 Supplier Award from AISIN World Corp. of America in recognition of outstanding performance in quality and delivery during 2025.
The award was presented during the 2026 AISIN Supplier Conference held in Detroit, Mich., where suppliers from across North America were recognized for operational excellence and strong partnership performance.
The Covestro Tailored Urethanes business was recognized for its continued commitment to reliability, product quality and collaboration in support of AISIN’s operations.
Covestro’s Tailored Urethanes business provides polyurethane solutions widely used in automotive applications, including seating, interior comfort systems, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) management. These materials help improve durability, comfort and performance while supporting lightweight design and long-term reliability in vehicle components.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from AISIN,” said Alexander Pichi, Sales & Marketing, Tailored Urethanes NA, Covestro LLC. “This award reflects the dedication of our teams and our ongoing focus on delivering high-quality materials, dependable supply and strong customer support.”
AISIN recognized Covestro with a Quality & Delivery Award certificate for excellent performance and contributions throughout 2025.
Covestro and AISIN maintain a long-standing business relationship supporting applications in the automotive industry, where consistent quality, supply performance and collaboration are critical to success.
Teijin Frontier to Expand OCTAIR™ Capacity
Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., part of the Teijin Group, plans to install new equipment for the production of OCTAIR™ polyester insulation fiber at its Matsuyama Plant in Ehime Prefecture.
The investment is valued at several hundred million yen and is intended to expand production capacity to meet growing demand for high-performance alternatives to down insulation used in apparel and bedding. Production with the new equipment is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
OCTAIR™ insulation fiber features a hollow, eight-fin cross-section with radiating protrusions. According to the company, its thermal insulation performance is comparable to down of the same weight while providing loft and light weight through its hollow structure. The material also offers a soft texture, dimensional stability and a smoother blow-in process than conventional polyester fiberfill.
Teijin Frontier said global demand for down alternatives has increased in recent years because of limited down supplies and rising production costs. The company developed OCTAIR™ in 2024 and began test marketing the product.
To meet expected demand, Teijin Frontier plans to establish mass-production capabilities for several OCTAIR™ products, including versions made with polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) fibers and recycled polyester fibers. New pre-processing, spinning and drawing equipment will supplement existing production capacity.
The company said annual production will begin at several hundred tons and is expected to reach about 1,000 tons by 2030.
Prestige Denim Mills Plans to Invest $20 million in Denim Production in Egypt
Prestige Denim Mills from India will invest $20 million in a denim production facility in Egypt’s West Qantara Industrial Zone, marking the first Indian investment there. The factory will be built on a 100,000-square-meter site, create about 1,000 jobs, and produce up to 20 million meters of denim per year, with 70% exported.
Egypt is attracting numerous foreign textile investments, with companies from China, Turkey, South Korea, Germany, Greece, and Pakistan launching projects in West Qantara. Egypt’s proximity to the Suez Canal, its large economy, and trade agreements makes it an attractive hub for manufacturers targeting African, European, and Middle Eastern markets.
Registration, Exhibit Reservations Open for Hygienix™ 2026
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced that registration and exhibit reservations for Hygienix™ 2026 are now open. Hygienix will take place Nov. 16-19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas.
Hygienix will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and business professionals from across the absorbent hygiene products (AHP) industry for expert-led conference sessions, product showcases, networking opportunities, Lifetime Service Awards, and the presentation of the Hygienix Innovation Award™.
Attendees will gain valuable insights across key areas driving the future of hygiene:
- Industry collaboration or “coopertition”
- Market intelligence and global economics
- Regulatory and trade environment
- Innovation in products, materials, and processes
- Sustainability and end-of-life solutions
- Consumer and end-user insights
- Startups, entrepreneurs, and emerging technologies
The Exhibits will showcase the latest innovations in the absorbent hygiene industry, offering a platform for companies to demonstrate their products and services to potential partners and clients.
Hygienix 2026 will once again feature Lightning Talks—a series of fast-paced, five-minute presentations by nearly 20 companies scheduled for Nov. 17-18 in the afternoon.
Recognizing breakthrough products, technologies, and solutions that are making a significant impact in the hygiene sector, the Hygienix Innovation Award will be awarded at the event.
Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 14th. Finalists will present their products on Nov. 17, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 19 to close the event. Last year’s winner was Confitex Technology for their Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads, the world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs.
Carl Cucuzza and Pricie Hanna are receiving the Lifetime Service Awards. Both industry veterans are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA. Cucuzza and Hanna will accept their awards Tuesday, November 17th at 4:30 pm.
For registration and exhibit reservations, visit www.hygienix.org
Mario Jorge Machado Re-Elected President of EURATEX
The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalization.
With a degree in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, Machado brings extensive industrial experience and a strong commitment to innovation, competitiveness and sustainable transformation.
“My priority for this new mandate is clear: to strengthen the competitiveness of our industry, ensure that the same rules apply to all products sold in Europe, and support our companies through the green and digital transition. Europe must decarbonize its industry, not deindustrialize it,” Machado said.
Three priorities for the new mandate
- Competitiveness as the foundation
Mario Jorge Machado has made clear that competitiveness must be the starting point for any successful industrial policy. In his recent Brussels address, he stressed that without competitiveness there can be no investment, no innovation, no sustainability and no strategic autonomy. He will therefore continue to push for a stronger business environment for textile companies, with support for investment in automation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, skills and innovation, especially for SMEs. - A genuine level playing field
A second key priority is to ensure that the same rules apply to everything sold in Europe, not only to what is made in Europe. Mario Jorge Machado has repeatedly called for stronger market surveillance, better border enforcement and more effective control of imports sold through digital platforms, so that European companies are not put at a disadvantage against products that bypass EU safety, environmental and consumer rules. EURATEX will continue to advocate for equal enforcement, fair competition and a market where compliance is rewarded. - Supporting industry through the transition
Mario Jorge Machado also wants to ensure that the green and digital transition strengthens European industry rather than weakening it. He has underlined that sustainability must become a source of competitiveness, not a burden, and that companies need realistic rules, affordable energy, workable implementation and targeted support to adapt successfully. He has also stressed the importance of stimulating demand for sustainable European-made textiles, including through public procurement and transparency tools that are feasible for companies.
Indorama Ventures Enables Brands to Scale Circular Textiles
Indorama Ventures, a global leader in recycled polyester staple fibers and filament yarns, will exhibit at Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels on June 24–25.
At the event, the company will show how brands and textile manufacturers can build traceable, circular textile supply chains by working with proven partners who deliver recycled materials on an industrial scale.
“Brands need full transparency in their textile supply chains, and they often find this difficult to achieve, especially at the polymer, fiber and yarn sourcing level,” said Claire Mattelet, Global Sustainability Program Head for Indorama Ventures’ fibers business. “Through our global network, we help connect brands and manufacturers with proven supply chain partners, allowing all players along the chain to improve transparency and reduce the time needed to qualify new sources.”
At Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels, Indorama Ventures will show how it helps brands move faster from circular goals to practical implementation through:
- Industrial-scale production to support reliable supply
- Global and regional supply networks with proven partners
- Technical and commercial expertise across the value chain
- A broad portfolio of recycled fibers and yarns from the company’s dejaTM product family, focusing on textile-recycled and bio-based solutions
2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® Finalists Revealed
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2026 World of WipesInnovation Award®. The finalists are The Clorox Company for their Clorox™ Refreshables™, Lenzing Fibers, Inc. for their Lenzing™ DualWipe, and Rockline Industries for their First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe.
These finalists will present their products at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 29-July 2, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee. The winner will be announced during the closing session on July 2.
Presented annually, the World of Wipes Innovation Award recognizes breakthrough achievements in nonwoven product design, technology, and application across the wipes supply chain. Selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, finalists are honored for creativity, technical excellence, and distinctive advancements in areas such as raw materials, fibers, converting, packaging, binders, additives, active ingredients, sustainability, and end-use performance.
The 2026 Award finalists are:
The Clorox Company: Clorox Refreshables In-Dryer Clothing Refresher – The power of the wash without the wait. Clorox Refreshables In Dryer Clothing Refresher turns dryers into a 15-minute wardrobe reset, no washing machine needed. These innovative wet dryer sheets work like a fast, fabric-friendly tune-up: just toss one towelette into the dryer with an outfit for 15 minutes to revive lightly worn items, tackling odor, wrinkles, static and pet hair while leaving a crisp, lasting Spring Fresh scent.
Lenzing Fibers, Inc.: Lenzing DualWipe – enabled by Lenzing’s Nonwovens Technology (LNT), 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, and 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.
Rockline Industries: First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe – Rockline Industries, in collaboration with Visual Detection Systems, developed the First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe, a single-use presumptive test that rapidly detects trace fentanyl through a visible color change. Featuring specialized indicators bound to viscose fibers with a starch-based system, the wipe improves field usability and reliability. Tested with pharmaceutical and street-grade fentanyl and other opioids, it is designed for law enforcement, first responders, military, airports, schools, and correctional facilities.
The 2025 award winner was Cookware Care’s Seasoning Wipes™ which offer a simple, convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Made from 100 percent viscose and infused through a proprietary process using a combination of non-petrochemical oils and beeswax, the formula contains no water, emulsifiers, or synthetic additives.
For more information or to register for WOW 2026, visit www.worldofwipes.org
Cotton Inc. Releases Report on Cotton’s Potential in Nonwoven Tissue and Hygiene Products
Cotton Incorporated has released a new report, Cotton in the Nonwoven Tissue & Hygiene Market, to show where cotton can compete in a category driven by demand for comfort, product performance and material transparency.
The report draws on recent global consumer survey findings that link cotton with comfort, softness and quality. Cotton Incorporated says those perceptions could create opportunities for cotton in nonwoven tissue and hygiene applications as brands reevaluate material choices and product positioning.
“The nonwoven tissue and hygiene category continues to evolve, and this report helps companies evaluate where cotton can fit in future product development,” said Neil Demarse, director of new market development at Cotton Incorporated.
The report reviews market conditions and identifies areas where cotton can add value as companies respond to changing consumer expectations across the category.
It also highlights product attributes relevant to nonwoven applications, including softness, comfort and suitability for products that come into contact with skin, as well as growing industry interest in material sourcing and positioning.
The report identifies innovation opportunities for cotton in engineered nonwoven substrates and other emerging product formats.
Kontoor Brands agrees to sell Lee® business
Kontoor Brands, Inc. announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Lee® business to Authentic Brands Group for up to $1 billion, including an initial transaction value of $750 million and a $250 million earnout opportunity in future years based on the performance of Lee under Authentic’s ownership. The transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The Lee transaction is a deliberate step to sharpen our brand portfolio and unlock investment capacity to fuel accelerated growth for the future of Kontoor,” said Scott Baxter, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Kontoor Brands. “By increasing our focus on Wrangler and Helly Hansen, two iconic brands with significant white space opportunities, we are better positioned to fuel a higher growth profile and create even greater value for our shareholders.”
“I want to reinforce our commitment to support Lee through the sale process and to personally thank the Lee team for getting us to where we are today. We believe this is a great outcome for Kontoor, the Lee business and Authentic,” added Baxter.
Potential of Wheat Straw in Fashion Fibers
A new report from the environmental non-profit group Canopy has found that wheat straw has the potential to create high-quality viscose and lyocell fibers for the fashion industry, reducing reliance on forest fibers while also cutting air pollution and creating new income opportunities for rural communities.
The report, From Wheat Straw to Wardrobes: Fashioning a New Fibre Future, outlines the results of a pilot project examining whether pulp made from Indian wheat straw could successfully replace conventional wood-derived pulp in the production of viscose and lyocell fibers.
According to the report’s findings, wheat straw pulp can directly replace wood-based pulp in fiber production while also producing yarns and fabrics that meet brand performance and technical standards across a range of applications.
Pulp derived from wood is widely used to manufacture manmade cellulosic fibers such as viscose and lyocell. Although these fibers are often promoted as environmentally preferable alternatives to polyester and cotton, Canopy notes that more than 300 million trees are cut down annually to produce them, including trees from climate-critical and biodiversity-rich forests.
The pilot project, known as Project Latvus, brought together Canopy and Fashion for Good alongside brands including C&A, H&M Group and Reformation. Supply chain partners included Chempolis, TITK, Inovafil, Yee Chain, Shahi, Filpucci and DBL, with Textile Genesis providing traceability technology and A2P Energy supplying wheat straw. The initiative was supported by Laudes Foundation.
The project aimed to integrate every stage of the supply chain from farm to garment in order to identify and address challenges that often slow the commercialisation of new materials.
Lenzing AG Appoints Georg Kasperkovitz as Chief Executive Officer
The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG has appointed Georg Kasperkovitz, Member of the Management Board and Chief Operations Officer, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lenzing AG with effect from June 1, 2026.
Kasperkovitz will assume this role in addition to his current function as Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Kasperkovitz has been a member of the Management Board of Lenzing AG as Chief Operations Officer since June 2025. In this role, he has most recently led the Fiber Division (sales, production, and supply chain) as well as the further development and execution of the performance program. He has achieved significant progress in operational excellence and the profitability of the fiber production sites.
As CEO, in addition to overseeing the company-wide fiber production sites, he will also assume global responsibility for fiber sales, supply chain, and human resources.
Kasperkovitz holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Vienna University of Technology) and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has more than 15 years of international management experience across Europe, North America, Asia, and China—Lenzing’s key production regions and markets. Prior to joining Lenzing, he served as Business Unit CEO at the international packaging and paper company Mondi plc (2016–2019) and as CEO of Rail Cargo Austria AG (2012–2016). He previously worked as a partner at the global consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
Kasperkovitz’s mandate as CEO runs for three years until May 31, 2029.
ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.
The new line will manufacture a broad range of baby diapers for the premium brand PERLA, helping the company meet the strong demand for high-quality hygiene products in Central Asia. The line will include state-of-the-art converting equipment designed to provide high efficiency, operational flexibility, and user-friendly operation.
ATCO Hygienics, a subsidiary of Türkiye-based Aim Global Consumer Goods, is one of the leading manufacturers of hygiene products in the Central Asian region.
Kruger, Canada, Orders First Nonwovens Line for Sustainable Wipes from ANDRITZ
ANDRITZ has received an order from newly established Kruger Nonwovens to deliver a complete Wetlace hybrid line for the Wayagamack mill in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. With this investment, pulp and paper producer Kruger is preparing to enter the nonwovens market with a new generation of plastic-free, chemical-free materials for sustainable wipes. The line is the first of its kind in Canada and is scheduled to start production in 2028.
The value of the order was not disclosed. It will be included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the second quarter of 2026.
This new business activity is fully in line with Kruger’s sustainability strategy and its mission to turn renewable resources into high-quality essentials for everyday life.
