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 ken@ifj.com.
Most recent update: June 19, 2025
Early Bird Registration for EDANA’s Sustainability & Policy Forum is Now Open
EDANA announced that registration is now open for the Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025, the premier platform for professionals across the nonwovens value chain to explore, discuss, and shape the sustainable future of our industry.
The Forum will take place December 9–10, 2025, at the Residence Palace in Brussels, just across the street from the European Commission, where important decisions for our industry are made. This year, the Forum expands its scope to fully integrate policy alongside sustainability!
Early bird registration is now available – participants are encouraged to book soon to benefit from the reduced rate and secure their place at this exciting event.
The Forum will feature a forward-looking program addressing:
- Circular economy initiatives
- Evolving stakeholder expectations
- Green claims and sustainability reporting
- Corporate sustainability due diligence
- The policy landscape shaping our industry
A highlight of the event will be a tour of the European Commission for an exchange of views with regulators on the current and future challenges facing the industry. This provides a unique opportunity to bring the voices of the industry directly to EU institutions.
www.edana.org/events/edana-sustainability-forum
BMW Found a Lighter Greener Material to Ditch Carbon Fiber
German auto maker BMW has unveiled a new lightweight material that could serve as a greener alternative to carbon fiber, offering reduced CO2 emissions. After testing it in racing environments, natural fiber composites, made from renewable materials, are now ready to make their way into BMW production models.
Development of this material took several years and was a collaboration with Swiss clean-tech company Bcomp, which is also working with Porsche, Volvo, and Polestar. The goal was to reduce the carbon footprint of vehicle components without sacrificing performance.
The material is derived from flax seeds (the same plant linen is made from). This natural fiber composite is strong enough to rival carbon fiber, featuring a distinctive pattern that gives it a unique look. This makes it a solid choice for visible vehicle components, both inside and out.
BMW has already teased photos showing natural fiber composite parts on what appears to be a BMW M4 Coupe. These include the entire roof section, rear diffuser, and hood inserts.
Microban International Unveils H2O Shield, a Portfolio of PFAS-Free Water-Resistant Textile Technologies
Microban International, a leader in product protection solutions, announced the launch of H2O Shield, a PFAS- and PFOS-free water-resistant finish portfolio for textiles. This technology represents Microban’s first expansion outside of its traditional antimicrobial and odor control offerings, marking a significant growth of its capabilities.
H2O Shield is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance textile finishes and offers a consumer-friendly alternative for brands phasing out harmful chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This includes the class of chemicals, PFOS, well-known for their extensive use, persistence in the environment and potential health concerns.
The technology is customizable, offering four distinct repellent options tailored to meet specific aesthetic and performance needs of manufacturers and brands:
- WR1000: Best suited for overall water repellency in low-touch applications such as shower curtains, awnings and tents.
- WR1001: Optimized for wicking performance for athletic and sweat-resistant apparel such as performance jackets, ski jackets and running fabrics.
- WR1002: Formulated to address chalking defects and color shift issues on dark-colored fabrics prone to scratches, such as hiking gear and gloves.
- WR1003: Helps to prevent tearing and is best suited for applications where seam slippage is a concern, such as backpacks and tents.
For fabrics that are traditionally difficult to treat, Microban offers an optional pretreatment, WR-P. This pretreatment expands fabric compatibility, reducing water repellent agent dosage by 15-20% and increasing the wash durability of the treatment.
The technology provides excellent water resistance for textiles, achieving results of 80 or over on the AATCC TM22 spray repellency test. The finish has also been proven to maintain effectiveness even after 20+ home launderings.
Beyond water resistance, H2O Shield is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Microban technologies, including antimicrobial and odor control solutions.
H2O Shield technologies are applied using standard wet chemistry processes commonly found in textile manufacturing, such as pad baths. WR-P is applied as a last step during an exhaust process (after a dyeing cycle).
Suzano, Kimberly-Clark Announce Creation of a Global Tissue Company
Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in the consumer staples industry, announced the creation of a US$3.4 billion joint venture focused on the manufacture, marketing and distribution of consumer and professional tissue products, such as toilet paper, napkins, paper towels and facial tissues in over 70 countries. Suzano will acquire a 51 percent interest in the new entity, with Kimberly-Clark holding a 49 percent interest.
Suzano will pay Kimberly-Clark US$1.734 billion in cash for its 51 percent stake at the closing of the transaction, subject to certain customary post-closing purchase price adjustments. Closing of the transaction is contingent on, among other things, approval by regulatory and other governmental authorities, fulfillment of customary conditions precedent for transactions of this nature, and completion by Kimberly-Clark of a corporate reorganization of its Consumer Tissue and Professional business unit. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026 and involves approximately 9,000 employees.
The new business will be a company incorporated in the Netherlands and will include 22 manufacturing facilities located in 14 countries across Europe, Asia, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America, Central America, Africa, and Oceania. Collectively, these facilities have an installed capacity to produce approximately 1 million tonnes of tissue a year. The assets to be included in the new joint venture generated net sales in 2024 of approximately US$3.3 billion.
Kimberly-Clark will retain its consumer tissue and professional businesses in the United States and its interests in existing joint ventures in Mexico, South Korea and Bahrain, among other countries.
Fibroline and Big Frog Innovation LLC Enters Partnership
Fibroline, the French company that has developed dry powder impregnation solutions, has entered a strategic partnership Big Frog Innovation LLC, a consulting company with many years of international experience focused on bringing innovation to the filtration and nonwovens industries.
With this new collaboration, Fibroline aims to extend the use of its solutions in the filtration industry and especially in the American market. Capitalizing on the recent opening of its US-based Innovation Center in February and a successful presence at FiltXPO recently, Fibroline is confident that this will lead to new project developments in the filtration sector. Indeed, this partnership brings together unique innovative technologies and a seasoned company in this field.
RE&UP Secures C2C Certified Circularity for All Products
RE&UP becomes first company in the textile industry to achieve C2C Certified® Circularity for all products. This certification, granted by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to RE&UP, is a gold-standard validation for designs that are prepared with circularity in mind.
RE&UP general manager Andreas Dorner said: “This certification demonstrates that RE&UP is ready to tackle sustainability challenges at scale for the whole industry. It proves that recycled fibers can go beyond one-off sustainability claims. With Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Circularity, we’re demonstrating full-system readiness – from sourcing to end-of-life.”
The certification covers three RE&UP’s products:
- Next-Gen Recycled Cotton (Pre-Consumer) – Platinum level
- Next-Gen Recycled Cotton (Post-Consumer) – Platinum level
- Textile-to-Textile Recycled Polyester Chips – Silver level
The certification process evaluates materials based on their chemical safety, compatibility for recycling, end-of-life recovery systems, and inclusion of recycled content, among other criteria.
Eco Intelligent Growth (EIG), an accredited third-party assessment body, conducted the evaluation.
DyStar Transitions to Full Ownership by Zhejiang Longsheng Group
DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, announced that its major shareholder, Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co., Ltd has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 37.57% of issued shares in DyStar Global Holdings (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., previously held by Kiri Industries Limited.
The acquisition follows a ruling by the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) mandating the sale of 100% of DyStar’s equity. As controlling shareholder with 62.43% of DyStar, Zhejiang Longsheng Group’s strategic acquisition of the outstanding shares will result in DyStar becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. This transaction resolves the long-standing litigation with Kiri Industries, thereby avoiding a full sale of DyStar.
The total consideration is valued at USD 696.5478 million, subject to adjustments on or after the closing date. Completion is contingent upon regulatory approvals and other customary conditions with an anticipated closing date no later than November 3, 2025.
Registration Opens for RISE® 2025: The Future of Nonwovens Innovation and Sustainability
Registration is now open for RISE® 2025 (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics), taking place on October 14-15 at the McKimmon Center, North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, NC.
INDA and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, are partnering on RISE to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and supply chain stakeholders. Participants will explore actionable groundbreaking research, emerging technologies, and sustainable solutions shaping the future of nonwovens.
RISE Conference Highlights
Expert speakers will discuss fiber and fabric topics such as sustainability and recycling, materials innovation, biobased and hybrid fiber technologies, biodegradation and enzyme technology, new product designs, and equipment, process, and production systems.
Companies that have already committed to the RISE conference program: CJ Biomaterials will present details on amorphous PHA for PLA Spunbond nonwovens, Keel Fibers will discuss algae-based fibers, while Kimberly-Clark Corporation will address microplastics in the environment.
New for 2025: Showcase and Engagement Opportunities
Tabletop exhibits will be open all day on Oct. 14, providing companies with the opportunity to showcase their latest products, innovations, and technologies to conference attendees.
Additionally, during the conference, participating companies and students will present Lightning Talks—short, fast-paced presentations that deliver concise insights into their most recent developments and breakthroughs.
RISE will kick off with a networking golf tournament and grad student travel fundraiser on Oct. 13 with details to be announced in the coming weeks. Other highlights include industrial and graduate student poster presentations, as well as a tour of The Nonwovens Institute’s state-of-the-art pilot lines, analytical labs, and more.
The RISE® Innovation Award
The event will feature the RISE Innovation Award, recognizing advanced science and engineering solutions that address industry challenges. Nominations are open until July 28 and can be submitted online. Finalists will present their innovations on October 14, with the award winner announced on October 15.
Hempitecture, Inc. received the award in 2024 for its PlantPanel™, a sustainable, rigid insulation material designed for exterior applications.
Braskem and Ardent Advance Breakthrough Olefin Separation Technology
Braskem the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas, as well as a global market leader and pioneer producer of biopolymers on an industrial scale, and Ardent Process Technologies announced the successful completion of their joint development program for an innovative olefin-paraffin separation technology, marking a significant advancement in polyolefin production efficiency.
The collaboration, which began in November 2020, centered on the development and testing of Ardent’s OptipermTM membrane technology at a dedicated demonstration unit within Braskem’s facilities. The rigorous development program has satisfactorily met key performance metrics, including membrane efficiency, durability, and operational stability.
“The successful pilot program demonstrates the tremendous potential of this technology to revolutionize olefin paraffin separation processes,” said Bill Charlton, the COO of Ardent and leader of this project. “We are excited to move forward with Braskem towards full commercial implementation.”
Following these promising results, Braskem has confirmed its intention to implement this groundbreaking technology across commercial facilities. Engineering and design work have already commenced for the first commercial installation.
“This technology represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions,” said Gus Hutras, Global Process Technology Director at Braskem. “The successful pilot results align with our vision of transforming the chemicals and plastics industry through innovation while advancing our goals toward carbon neutrality. We’re excited to move this breakthrough technology into commercial implementation.”
MANN+HUMMEL Expands Management Board
As the next step on the path toward Leadership in Filtration, MANN+HUMMEL is strengthening its leadership structure and expanding its Management Board from two to three members. This decisive step reinforces the company’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, customer centricity, and the resilience of its global structures – in an increasingly dynamic geopolitical and economic environment.
The current Executive Board – consisting of CEO Kurk Wilks and CFO Emese Weissenbacher – will be expanded by introducing the new role of Chief Operating Officer. As part of the reorganization, Emese Weissenbacher – currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer – will take on the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Jurate Keblyte will join MANN+HUMMEL as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Weissenbacher. She brings over 25 years of international leadership experience in financial transformation. As CFO, she will be responsible for Finance, IT, and Global Business & Technical Solutions, and will continue to drive MANN+HUMMEL’s transformation journey.
UNIFI®, Inc. Announces Sale of Manufacturing Facility in Madison, N.C.
UNIFI, Inc. the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, announced the closing of the sale of its manufacturing facility in Madison, N.C., to a third-party buyer.
The transaction is valued at $45.0 million, with $25.0 million of net proceeds used to reduce the existing term loan and $18.3 million of net proceeds used to reduce outstanding revolving loans. Accordingly, on May 20, 2025, the term loan balance was reduced to $67.0 million, and the revolving loan balance was reduced to $5.6 million, thereby reducing debt principal by approximately $43.3 million.
With the facility closing driving higher expected utilization and more efficient operations in the Americas segment, UNIFI expects to realize over $20.0 million in estimated annualized operating cost savings once all transition and restructuring activities are completed.
“The sale of our Madison facility, and related exit of yarn manufacturing at that site, marks a significant step in transitioning our Americas business to improved profitability. As a result of this transaction, we paid down a meaningful portion of our existing debt and enhanced our overall financial position,” said Eddie Ingle, chief executive officer of UNIFI, Inc. “Beyond the improvement to the balance sheet, the relocation of the production capacity from the Madison facility to other locations in North and Central America will dramatically optimize our business and make UNIFI a leaner organization.”
Renaissance Fiber Secures Investment Firm To Advance Hemp Fiber Refining
Renaissance Fiber, a pioneering manufacturer of hemp fiber for textiles, announced an investment from Equilibrium Impact Ventures (EQIV), that will fund the initial phase of RF’s state-of-the-art fiber refining infrastructure in Mocksville, N.C. This is an important step towards integrating domestically grown hemp into the US and global textile supply chains.
The new Mocksville facility will utilize RF’s proprietary, clean processes to refine US-grown hemp fiber. This process prepares the fiber for blending with cotton and other textile fibers, creating a high-quality textile input that improves performance. The $75,000 investment is key to scaling these operations, strengthening a transparent farm-to-fabric supply chain that guarantees traceability from American farm to finished apparel.
Processing hemp into a textile fiber compatible with existing cotton machinery — a process known as “cottonization” — has presented significant challenges. Conventional methods require chemistry that is dangerous for workers and water supplies, which has made it unfeasible to do in the US. Renaissance Fiber overcomes these through a state-of-the-art approach combining clean degumming, with precise refining to control fiber length, fineness, and surface quality. This represents a breakthrough for short-staple hemp, unlocking hemp’s potential as a true plug-and-play fiber for textiles.
2025 INDA Supply Report Shows North American Nonwovens Industry’s Continued Growth with a Focus on Sustainability
The 12th annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report, was released by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and it reveals continued growth and strategic transformation within the North American nonwovens industry.
For the second consecutive year, North American capacity continued to increase by over 100,000 tonnes, reaching 5.730 million tonnes in 2024, according to the report based on producer surveys and interviews.
Investments across all processing methods and diverse end-use sectors drove this expansion, according to the INDA findings. Production output continues to shift and slowed in 2024. The larger machine installations coming online promise future efficiency and capacity improvements.
The noteworthy trend is the installation of several new production lines, primarily in long-life sectors. This shift underscores the industry’s proactive efforts to achieve sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.
The annual INDA report delivers data to support industry growth and strategic planning, offering a detailed analysis of capacity, production, operating rates, and regional trade across North America, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Driven by extensive research, including producer surveys and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, the report provides a comprehensive picture of the nonwoven materials landscape, covering composites, roll and finished goods.
“As part of INDA’s role to be the industry’s trusted data source, this report offers valuable insights for benchmarking, strategic planning, and decision-making,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “This year’s findings highlight a resilient industry expanding capacity with ongoing investments across all regions and sectors, a strategic shift toward sustainable, long-life products, and a commitment to innovation and meeting rising demand across North America.”
The entire report is provided free of charge to producers who provided information. The Executive Summary from the annual Supply Reports, the quarterly INDA Market Pulse, and the monthly Price Trends Summary are provided to INDA members on a complimentary basis as part of their membership. The data gathered for this annual report is a springboard for the biennial Global Nonwoven Markets Report, published in November 2024.
“INDA is committed to continuing to improve the quality of our data and industry insights, and the ongoing strong participation from suppliers makes that possible,” said Mark Snider, Chief Market and Industry Analyst. “As the market evolves to increasing pressures within the global supply chain, this report examines the key dynamics driving these changes.”
For more information or to purchase, visit: https://www.inda.org/market-intelligence/
