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: May 21, 2026
INDEX™26 Awards Winners Announced: Setting New Benchmarks in Nonwovens
The nonwovens industry has officially crowned its new winners. At the opening of INDEX™ 2026 on May 19, five companies were honored with the INDEX™ Awards, the industry’s highest accolade for technical excellence and forward-thinking design.
From high-speed machinery to breakthroughs in molecular chemistry, this year’s winners were selected for their ability to merge top-tier performance with the urgent requirements of a circular economy. Here are the winners:
Category: Nonwoven roll goods. Winner: Lenzing – LENZING™ Dualwipe
LENZING™ Dualwipe is a high-performance cleaning wipe crafted from regenerated cellulose using LENZING™ Nonwovens Technology. Its innovative dual-surface design integrates abrasion and absorbency in a single material, enabling efficient cleaning without relying on fossil-based synthetic materials, binders, or chemical additives.
Category: Finished products made from, or incorporating nonwovens – Single-use application. Winner: Corman – Organyc brand “Personalized Protection” Light Incontinence Pads
Corman’s new light incontinence pads deliver personalized protection through three key innovations. The Smart-Cotton™ cover with a citric acid buffer maintains an ideal skin pH of 5.5, reducing irritation, cahnnels liquid to superabsorbent polymers, and a natural odor control.
Category: Finished products made from, or incorporating nonwovens – Durable application.
Winner: Confitex Technology – Reusable Nonwoven Bed Pads
This new Confitex technology has enabled the world’s first machine-washable and tumble-dryable nonwoven bed pads, opening a significant new application for nonwoven materials.
Category: Raw materials or components of special relevance to the nonwovens and related converted products industry. Winner: Bostik – Kizen™ Miles 9.0
Bostik’s latest innovation, Kizen™ Miles 9.0, is the first adhesive designed for disposable hygiene article construction, that offers the unique feature of debonding on demand: when exposed to a specific chemical key, combined with controlled temperature and mechanical stress, the adhesive allows clean, rapid separation of plastic components in minutes.
Category: Innovation in machinery of special relevance to the nonwovens industry.
Winner: ZUIKO – Recloseable Baby Diaper Converting Machine
ZUIKO – Converting machine for recloseable baby diapers
ZUIKO has developed a converting line to produce adjustable pull-on pant diapers that address the challenge of achieving a secure fit around a baby’s waist and legs while maintaining softness and stretchability. The design of such a diaper combines the adjustability of open diapers with the stretch characteristics of pant diapers.
Sanitex Orders Three Lines From ANDRITZ
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Sanitex, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to supply two baby diaper production lines and one sanitary napkin line for its facilities in Maluku, Kinshasa. The new lines will strengthen Sanitex’s manufacturing capacity and its ability to supply the domestic market with locally produced, high-quality absorbent hygiene products.
The lines will produce a wide range of high-quality baby diapers and sanitary napkins with absorbent cores made of pulp and superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
The scope of supply includes state-of-the-art forming technology for the absorbent core as well as precise SAP dosing systems designed for high productivity, flexibility, and ease of operation. In addition, the lines feature advanced web tension control and quality inspection systems to ensure consistently high product quality.
Nonwovenn Starts Next Phase of Investment Program
Nonwovenn, one of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, announced the next phase of a £10 million investment across its divisions which will start with upgrades and capability enhancements in its PouchTech division.
During the last 12 months, Nonwovenn has made substantial investment in the PouchTech division. This included two new production lines which are now operational and delivering a step-change in capacity as part of the broader transformation program. This formed part of the wider first phase of investment, which also launched a new ‘operational excellence model’, an end-to-end operational efficiency program and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability.
Looking towards the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, the business is entering the next phase of expansion, including a further £5 million investment to deliver additional capacity, including a major line upgrade adding up to 3,000 tonnes and a new PouchTech line coming on stream in Q3 2027. The upgrades will ensure the business continues to deliver the service expected as demand grows.
Alongside the above, the research and development teams within Nonwovenn continue to work on advancing the next generation of materials across nicotine, wellness, and traditional pouch segments. The launch of the CarbonTech business sector has further strengthened Nonwovenn’s technology platform and creates new opportunities to enhance product performance.
Nonwovenn’s Commercial Director, Silke Brand, said: “Over the last two decades, Nonwovenn has built a world-wide reputation for supplying the finest technical fabrics used in the manufacture of oral pouch products and more. This is something we remain focused on building even further as we move into the future. We are actively shaping the next phase of the category, with a growing focus on modern nicotine pouches supporting smoking cessation, alongside new applications in caffeine, CBD, and nutritional delivery system.”
ANDRITZ to Supply Another Production Line for Flushable Wipes to Dalian Ruiguang, China
Dalian Ruiguang, China, has awarded international technology group ANDRITZ an order to supply a WetlaceTM line for the production of premium roll goods for eco-friendly flushable wipes that meet the latest standards for flushability.
The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the second quarter of 2026. Start-up is scheduled for the end of 2026.
The new line will enable Dalian Ruiguang to expand its total annual production capacity to 40,000 tons and further strengthen its position in the fast-growing market for sustainable hygiene products. The WetlaceTM nonwovens produced are pulp-based, biodegradable, and disperse quickly in sewage systems. They meet the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) standard and the Japanese flushing specification (JIS P 4501), which is increasingly critical for market acceptance and regulatory compliance.
Syre Expands Partnership With Target
Syre, Stockholm, a textile recycling company focused on textile-to-textile recycling, announced an expanded collaboration with Target aimed at accelerating the adoption of next-generation recycled materials across retail at scale.
Under the collaboration, Syre will support Target in integrating textile-to-textile recycled polyester into high-volume categories such as apparel and home products. The effort is expected to enable the use of 70,000 metric tons of polyester made from end-of-life textiles, with broader product integration anticipated by 2030.
“We couldn’t be more proud to continue working with Target to bring next-generation materials into retail at scale,” said Dennis Nobelius, CEO of Syre. “This collaboration helps accelerate adoption and supports the continued development of circular textile solutions across the industry.”
“At Target, our guests look to us for innovative materials without compromising on style, design and value,” said Stephanie Grotta, vice president of responsible sourcing and sustainable capabilities at Target. “By advancing textile-to-textile recycled polyester at scale, we’re strengthening our supply chain and continuing to offer quality products at a great value.”
Syre said the collaboration comes as the company advances plans for its first large-scale recycling facility, expected to begin construction in Southeast Asia in 2027. The partnership also builds on Syre’s existing relationships with brands including H&M Group and Nike.
Temafa to Supply Hemp Decortication Plant in Germany
Temafa Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a supplier of machinery and plants for fiber processing, has secured an order to supply a complete hemp straw processing plant to Hanffaser Geiseltal eG, based in Mücheln.
With the project, Hanffaser Geiseltal eG will implement its first industrial plant for processing hemp straw into hemp fibers. The plant will be delivered, installed and commissioned during the year.
The plant, designed and manufactured by Temafa, is engineered for the efficient processing of hemp straw. The goal is to produce high-quality fiber products primarily used in the building materials industry, including sustainable insulation materials and other ecological applications.
“We are delighted to support Hanffaser Geiseltal eG as it enters the field of industrial hemp fiber processing,” said Dr. Jörg Morgner, managing director of Temafa Maschinenfabrik GmbH. “This project underscores the growing importance of natural fibers as sustainable raw materials and our expertise in developing bespoke plant solutions.”
With the investment, Hanffaser Geiseltal eG is strengthening its position in sustainable raw materials and signaling the increasing industrialization of hemp processing in Germany.
INDA Announces Call for Abstracts for Hygienix™ 2026
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is now accepting abstracts for Hygienix™ 2026, the premier event for the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets. The conference will take place November 16–19, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas.
INDA invites absorbent hygiene professionals to submit abstracts highlighting the latest research, product innovations, material advancements, and market applications shaping the future of the industry.
Hygienix™ 2026 offers speakers a valuable opportunity to share their expertise with leading manufacturers, converters, suppliers, and decision-makers across the global absorbent hygiene and personal care supply chain. Presenters will gain visibility, build industry recognition, and connect with potential partners and customers.
The conference will explore the evolving consumer trends influencing purchasing behavior, key global market dynamics, and the latest regulatory and legislative developments impacting the sector.
INDA welcomes presentations on a broad range of topics critical to the future of absorbent hygiene and personal care, including breathability, sustainability, absorbent systems, odor control, demographics, material and equipment advances, raw material cost trends, intellectual property issues, printing technologies, and standards.
For more information and to submit an abstract, visit https://www.hygienix.org/call-for-abstracts.
CPM|Crown Expands Offering with Full Line of Conveyor Solutions
CPM|Crown announced the expansion of its industry-leading equipment and service offering to include a full portfolio of conveyor solutions, strengthening CPM|Crown’s ability to deliver integrated, end-to-end systems, and providing oilseed processors with a single, trusted partner for system design, equipment and lifecycle support.
With the addition of conveyor systems, CPM|Crown now delivers a true one-stop solution for crush, proteins and specialty facilities.
Purpose-built for the demanding environments of oilseed processing, the new conveyor portfolio includes a full range of robust solutions designed to support every stage of material handling:
- Chain drag conveyors — including vapor-tight drag conveyors for solvent-handling environments and horizontal loop conveyors for continuous material flow
- Bucket elevators — belt and chain configurations for efficient, high-capacity vertical transport
- Screw conveyors — including plug, tubular and U-Trough designs for controlled conveying, feeding and discharge
- Belt conveyors — from single and triple roller systems to air-supported designs for long-distance, high-capacity transport
“For more than 75 years, CPM|Crown has been at the forefront of designing and engineering oilseed processing facilities,” said Kris Knudson, President. “Expanding into conveyor systems is a natural evolution of our business, allowing us to deliver even greater value to our customers.”
Record Order intake for ANDRITZ, First Quarter Of 2026
Despite a challenging economic environment, international technology group ANDRITZ achieved a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2026.
The order intake reached a record-breaking 3,597.8 MEUR, exceeding the level of the previous year by 54.3% (Q1 2025: 2,332.2 MEUR).
This exceptionally high figure was mainly due to the cumulated booking of several mid-sized orders, predominantly in the Hydropower business area. Therefore, the result should not be extrapolated to the coming quarters.
KARL MAYER Opens Textile Innovation Center
KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, Germany, for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.
“We believe in the value of textiles” – these were the words with which Karl Josef Mayer, a representative of the Mayer family and a member of the Member of the Supervisory Board, welcomed the guests to the joint celebrations.
The TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen is part of something bigger. It is embedded in a global network, with additional centres in China and Japan. Each location has its own focus, is closely connected worldwide, and is simultaneously aligned with regional strengths and needs. They bring together the expertise of approximately 15 highly qualified experts in the fields of materials, processes, machine technology, and textile applications, who are available to partners worldwide.
Messe Frankfurt Commits Further to East Africa
Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region of Africa. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened last day of April, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licensing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.
The East African region in general, and Kenya in particular, are up-and-coming areas of strong growth in the textile industry. Many factors make Kenya an attractive location for international textile companies: political support, a sustainable energy supply, innovative design skills and relatively short transport distances.
ASFW has developed into a major platform for international sourcing, industry networking and investment in the African textiles sector. By extending its existing partnership to Nairobi, Messe Frankfurt is highlighting the East African market’s growing importance. Messe Frankfurt has licensed the established international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to be held within the existing ASFW structure, bringing steady growth and development.
INDA Remembers Former President Rory Holmes with Gratitude and Affection
INDA is remembering with deep appreciation its former president, Rory Holmes, who passed away on April 24 at the age of 79.
Holmes led INDA from 2004 until his retirement in 2013, capping a four-decade career in the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry. Before joining INDA, he held leadership roles across operations, research, technology, sales, and marketing at Johnson & Johnson, Chicopee/PGI Nonwovens, and the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (now known as The Nonwovens Institute).
Rory will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for the way he connected with people. He was known as someone who would readily lend a hand, offer guidance, and bring a sense of warmth and humor to every interaction.
“Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Rory personally, his impact is still very much felt today,” said INDA President & CEO Tony Fragnito. “I continue to hear from members and colleagues who speak highly of his leadership, his generosity, and the lasting mark he left on INDA and the industry. He clearly meant a great deal to many people, and he left his mark on the industry through his deep commitment to leadership and his lasting impact on INDA.”
Holmes was honored with the INDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 in recognition of his many technical and industry contributions. During his tenure, he helped shape INDA’s future by launching new events, expanding corporate membership, growing revenue, and enhancing the association’s services, research, and communications.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Holmes earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Outside of his professional life, he was an avid golfer, fisherman, and sportsman, and a trusted mentor and friend to many.
Barnhardt Appoints Ingo Bernt to Lead Research and Development for Fiber Division
Barnhardt, one of the world’s largest suppliers of purified cotton, announced that Ingo Bernt, a distinguished fiber scientist and R&D leader with more than two decades of experience in cellulosic chemistry, nonwovens, and hygiene applications, has joined the company as Director of Research and Development in its fiber division.
Bernt will work in Barnhardt’s European division, with offices in France and now Germany, providing technical assistance, project management, process optimization, and sustainability expertise across Barnhardt’s purification and pharmaceutical platforms — supporting both European and North American customers.
“Ingo brings a rare combination of deep scientific rigor and real-world application expertise—he’s brilliant at product innovation and specialty product development—that is directly aligned with our values and direction,” said Lewis Barnhardt, President and COO of Barnhardt Manufacturing Co.
Bernt joins Barnhardt following two decades at Kelheim Fibres GmbH. Before Kelheim, he served as a product developer at Kimberly-Clark Europe, where he managed product life cycles, development projects, and raw material qualification for the period products market.
Bernt holds a doctorate in chemistry (Dr. rer. nat.) from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, awarded summa cum laude, as well as a Diploma in Chemistry from the same institution. He is also a Certified Patent Manager and authored 16 patents.
Bernt’s appointment follows the recent addition of Richard Reid, a globally respected leader in absorbent fibers. It continues what Lewis Barnhardt has described as “the year of the great American cotton comeback.” Barnhardt said further announcements are forthcoming, including a new global initiative and the involvement of additional leading global fiber experts.
