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: April 18, 2025
UNIFI, Makers of REPREVE, Launches REPREVE with CiCLO®
UNIFI, Inc., the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, recently launched REPREVE with CiCLO® technology, recycled polyester and nylon embedded with a biodegradable technology that enables synthetics to break down naturally. REPREVE with CiCLO technology was created in collaboration with Intrinsic Advanced Materials, LLC, a joint venture between Parkdale Advanced Materials, Inc. and Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC.
REPREVE with CiCLO technology is enhanced with a patented additive at the fiber level that allows synthetic yarns to more closely mimic natural materials such as wool. This will enable them to break down in environments such as soil and seawater without compromising performance, durability, and dyeability. These new offerings are designed to help tackle the environmental impact of microplastic fiber pollution from synthetic textile shedding.
Indorama Ventures Approves Divestment of Subsidiary Portugal PTA
Indorama Ventures Ltd. is divesting from its indirect subsidiary in Portugal that makes purified terephthalic acid (PTA), the Thailand-listed polyester major said on Wednesday.
Its entire stake on Indorama Ventures Portugal PTA (IVPPTA) will be pulled out, it said.
IVPPTA has a 700,000 tonne/year PTA plant in Sines, Portugal, which was mothballed in October 2023.
The Portuguese company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indorama Netherlands BV (INBV), IVL’s financial holding company registered in the Netherlands.
The divestment will not affect IVL’s operations or financial position, as IVPPTA’s assets were already impaired last year, IVL said.
Airtech Acquires UK-Based Cosmotec Nonwovens In Strategic Transatlantic Deal
Airtech Advanced Materials Group, a global supplier of high-performance materials headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, has acquired UK specialist manufacturer Cosmotec Nonwovens in a strategic move to expand its European footprint and broaden its product offering across multiple industrial sectors.
The cross-border transaction was advised by corporate finance specialists Headpoint Advisors, acting on behalf of Cosmotec’s parent company, Cha Technologies Group – a Switzerland-headquartered conglomerate with interests in textiles, property, technology, healthcare, and financial services.
Founded in Blackburn, Cosmotec Nonwovens manufactures needle-punch and air-bonded nonwoven textiles from its site in the heart of the UK’s historic textile manufacturing region. Its products serve the geotextile, filtration, construction, and automotive markets, with a reputation for specialist engineering, agile lead times, and high-quality technical output.
The acquisition represents a major milestone for Cosmotec, which will become an integral part of Airtech’s global operations. With a presence already spanning the US, Europe, and Asia, Airtech supplies advanced materials to the aerospace, composites, defense, and automotive industries. By integrating Cosmotec’s capabilities, Airtech will strengthen its European manufacturing base and enhance its ability to serve global customers with an expanded range of nonwoven solutions.
INDA Honors Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly with 2025 Lifetime Service Awards
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly as the recipients of the 2025 INDA Lifetime Service Awards. Carl and Lynda are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA.
“I am thrilled to recognize Carl and Lynda for their exceptional dedication and impactful contributions,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs at INDA. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy play vital roles in shaping the future of the nonwovens industry. I am looking forward to seeing and giving them their Awards at Hygienix and IDEA®25.”
Carl Cucuzza will receive his award during the Hygienix™ Conference on November 18th at 4:30 pm. Lynda Kelly will receive her award during IDEA®25 on April 29th at 4:45 pm.
Jones Family of Cos. taps Dennis St. Louis Chief Sales Officer for Nonwovens Division
Dennis St. Louis has been named chief sales officer of Jones Nonwovens, a division of Jones Family of Companies.
A seven-year veteran with the company, St. Louis will lead the company’s efforts to improve its sales approach and customer engagement model, focusing on expanding market presence and strengthening industry partnerships in bedding, furniture, automotive and specialty products.
St. Louis has a proven track record in sales leadership, business growth and strategic planning. He joined Jones in 2018 as senior director of sales and was named senior vice president of sales for the bedding and furniture division in 2022. Prior to joining Jones, St. Louis was vice president for Creative Ticking for more than four years. He also held sales positions with Vita Nonwovens, Burlington House and Tietex International.
The company said his industry expertise and market knowledge will be instrumental in maintaining the existing reputation of quality at Jones Nonwovens while fostering further growth and innovation.
Jieya to Build Wipes Plant With 12 Lines in Virginia
Jieya Biologic Technology, one of China’s leading suppliers of paper products, announced an investment of $85 million to build a new plant in the United States. The decision aims to strengthen its operations in the international market and respond to changes in global trade policies, according to news reports.
The plant will be located in the state of Virginia and will have 12 production lines for small and large packaged products, with the capacity to manufacture 15 billion wet wipes a year.
Jieya said out that although tariffs on its exported products have always been borne by customers, the continuation or intensification of trade tensions between the U.S. and China could negatively impact the volume of exports and revenue from American customers, affecting the company’s performance.
With the new plant, the company intends to improve service to current customers, strengthen its international expansion capacity and adapt to the global trade scenario. However, the plan is still subject to approval by the regulatory authorities in China and the U.S.
Based in Tongling, China, Jieya operates under the original design or equipment manufacturing model, producing wet wipes and face masks for companies such as Woolworths, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, 3M and Rockline. It also sells its own brand products on a smaller scale.
ITMA 2027 to be Held in Hannover
The city of Hanover is eagerly waiting to welcome participants of the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition – ITMA 2027. The exhibition will be held from 16 to 22 September 2027. It is expected to gross 200,000 square metres, occupying 13 exhibition halls at the Messegelaende Hannover.
Held once every four years since 1951, ITMA was last staged in the German city in 1991. The bid for ITMA 2027 was submitted by the venue owner Deutsche Messe in close cooperation with the capital of Lower Saxony and the office of the Lord Mayor.
Belit Onay, Mayor and CEO of the City of Hanover enthused, “We are elated to have successfully bid for ITMA 2027. A bustling hub for trade fairs and congresses, the city looks forward to welcome ITMA back to Hanover after more than 30 years.
“We will spare no effort to ensure the hosting of an excellent ITMA. Hanover is a green and efficient city with a relaxed atmosphere. As a major trade fair city, Hanover is organised, and easy to navigate, making it a stress-free destination for visitors. Its blend of history and modernity makes it a hidden gem for those seeking a well-balanced urban experience.”
Kimberly-Clark Professional Introduces WypAll Industrial Cleaning Cloths
Kimberly-Clark Professional™ has introduced significant enhancements to its WypAll® X70 Medium Duty Cleaning Cloths and WypAll X80 Heavy Duty Cleaning Cloths. These improvements deliver better performance and greater value to commercial customers seeking high performing cleaning products for industrial and manufacturing environments.
Both types of cleaning cloths now offer enhanced absorbency and a nearly 10% larger sized sheet in the popular Jumbo Roll and Pop-Up™ Box package formats, making them even better for soaking up spills to help reduce downtime.
WypAll X70 Medium Duty Cleaning Cloths were re-designed to be stronger and more absorbent. The product features a new performance engineered construction, ideal for use with solvents, that absorbs up to 20% more oil and water than before. In user testing, the improved WypAll X70 is liked by users more than the previous version for oil and grease cleaning performance (source: internal study 2024).
WypAll X80 Heavy Duty Cleaning Cloths were also improved with a tough new surface texture for a durable and strong feel and are liked by users better than the previous version for water, oil and grease cleaning performance. (source: internal study 2024).
Japan’s Carbon Fiber Makers at Risk From EU Crackdown
The EU is reportedly considering a ban on carbon fiber used in the automotive sector. Japanese firms like Toray holds over 50% of the global market, and such restrictions could significantly impact Japan’s advanced materials industry, according to a report from MoneyDJ, citing Nikkei.
As noted by the report, the EU is conducting an assessment due to concerns that carbon fibers released during disposal could pose health risks. The report points out that the EU is currently discussing revisions to the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive, which governs the recycling of scrapped vehicles.
In the draft amendment presented by the European Parliament, carbon fiber has been newly added to the list of hazardous substances restricted for use in vehicles, and if the amendment is adopted, it would mark the first time globally that carbon fiber is subject to usage regulation. The virtual ban could take effect in 2029 if adopted, according to another report from Nikkei. However, due to strong opposition from affected industries, it may ultimately be withdrawn, the report adds.
The report from MoneyDJ notes that the current directive classifies lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium as hazardous substances. While these materials may still be used in certain automotive components under specific conditions, major automakers and parts suppliers have already begun phasing them out to protect their brand image.
Carbon fiber, known for being stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum, is widely used in aircraft and other applications, and electric vehicles are expected to drive carbon fiber market growth, as minimizing vehicle weight is more critical for EVs than for combustion-engine cars. Automobiles account for 10% to 20% of all carbon fiber use, the Nikkei adds.
INDA Announces Four Industry Leaders to Join 2025 Board of Directors
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the election of four industry leaders to its 2025 Board of Directors. The Board plays a vital role in guiding INDA’s strategic vision, ensuring responsiveness to evolving industry and member needs, and shaping policies and programs.
“We are excited to welcome these exceptional professionals whose insights, extensive experience, and leadership will significantly enhance INDA’s initiatives,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA. “Their collective expertise will further strengthen our role as the leading resource for industry knowledge, technical innovation, workforce development, market intelligence, and sustainability within the nonwovens sector.”
The newly appointed Board Members are:
Ginny Casstevens, Director of Sales – North America, Fibertex Nonwovens, Inc.
Aleksandra Kruszewska, Director R&D Business Development, Reckitt
Mark Tumelty, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Nice-Pak Products, Inc.
Mariagiovanna Ramini Vetere, Vice President Sustainability and Public Affairs, NatureWorks
Andrew Dailey Promoted to General Manager of Jones Sustainable Packaging
Jones Family of Companies, an industry leader in sustainable textile manufacturing, announced the promotion of Andrew Dailey to General Manager of Jones Sustainable Packaging (JSP). In this role, Dailey brings invaluable leadership experience and industry knowledge to support Jones’ expansion targeting sustainable solutions and innovation in cold chain packaging.
Andrew Dailey is a long-time member of the Jones leadership team, playing a key role in establishing the reputation for innovation, quality, and sustainability that continues to define Jones today. He initially joined in 1991 as VP of Sales and Marketing and led sales at Jones Yarn for 25 years before transitioning to Nonwovens; he was officially named Vice President of Sales for mattress solutions in 2018. Under Dailey’s direction, both the Yarn and Nonwovens divisions were able to expand into new markets and improve their product offerings all while fostering new and existing customer relationships in alignment with Jones’ customer-focused approach to manufacturing.
Carolina Nonwovens Announces Key Executive Promotions
Carolina Nonwovens, a subsidiary of National Spinning Co. Inc. is announced the promotion of Ed Hull to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Greg Gerald to Executive Vice President of Sales.
Hull and Gerald have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of Carolina Nonwovens over the past 12 years, and these promotions reflect their continued dedication and leadership.
Hull has demonstrated exceptional operational expertise and strategic vision, playing a crucial role in the company’s development. As COO, he will continue to drive operational excellence and innovation as the company scales its capabilities and extend its reach in the industry.
Gerald’s leadership in sales has been pivotal in expanding our market presence and fostering strong relationships with customers. As Executive Vice President of Sales, he will spearhead the sales strategy, focusing on continued growth and customer satisfaction.
Together, their combined experience, commitment and vision will help guide Carolina Nonwovens into the future, ensuring continued success and growth for Carolina Nonwoven’s company and partners.
Carolina Nonwovens is a leading producer of nonwoven fiber pads for the automotive, appliance, construction and bedding industries.
DuPont Wins Four Edison Awards
DuPont announced that four of its innovative material technologies were recognized with the prestigious 2025 Edison Awards™. Selected from hundreds of nominees, DuPont received two Gold awards, a Silver and a Bronze.
“We’re honored that four of our innovative technologies have been recognized for delivering exceptional performance and creating lasting value for our customers,” said Alexa Dembek, DuPont Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer. “This achievement reflects the ingenuity and commitment to innovation of our teams and demonstrates the meaningful impact of our close customer collaboration to bring cutting-edge technologies to market.”
The four DuPont innovations awarded this year include:
- Gold – Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber won a Gold in the Critical Safety Material Advancements category.
- Gold – Tyvek® Trifecta™ A2 breather membrane won a Gold in the High-Performance Engineering Materials category.
- Silver – AmberLite™ P2X110 ion exchange resin won a Silver in the Energy Storage and Management category.
- Bronze – DuPont™ Ikonic™ 9000 semiconductor polishing pad won a Bronze in the Semiconductor Innovations for AI & HPC category.
Established in 1987, The Edison Awards™ recognize excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design, and innovation. Developed and maintained in the legacy of Thomas Edison, The Edison Awards™ “symbolize the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Edison and his Menlo Park team, while also strengthening the human drive for innovation, creativity, and ingenuity.”
Beaulieu Announces the Sale of Beaulieu Technical Textiles
Beaulieu International Group (BIG) has announced the sale of its European technical textiles division, operating under the name Beaulieu Technical Textiles (BTT).
Beaulieu Technical Textiles will be sold to funds advised by Munich-based RCP. RCP is an independent, international private equity firm investing across industries in Europe. Its focus is on special situations and transformational environments, particularly corporate carve-outs. RCP actively develops and transforms businesses through performance improvements and buy-and-build strategies.
The local management of BTT will remain on board and the employees will be transferred under the same salary and working conditions. Beaulieu Technical Textiles is based in Komen, Belgium, and employs 194 people today. Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed.
www.beaulieutechnicaltextiles.com
LebaTex Introduces Faux Leather Collection
LebaTex, a prominent name in commercial textiles, has launched a new faux leather collection featuring over 100 unique colors and textures. This versatile range includes polyurethane, vinyl, and silicone fabrics, designed for both indoor and outdoor use in residential and commercial spaces.
All 101 faux leather options offer exceptional durability and luxurious aesthetics, having undergone rigorous testing of 100K–500K double rubs to ensure long-lasting comfort and visual appeal. In line with LebaTex’s commitment to sustainability, the collection is PFAS-free, meets ACT minimum standards, and complies with NFPA 260 and CAL 117-2013 safety regulations.
“I developed this new faux leather line to provide beautiful textile choices for designers across various industries,” said Stacy Garcia, CEO & Founder of LebaTex. “Observing trends and collaborating with designers, I recognized the need for durable materials that maintain their beauty and strength through multiple seasons.”
With colors ranging from classic neutrals to bold reds, oranges, and blues, this collection is designed to elevate any space. Each fabric is crafted with LebaTex’s signature stain-resistant and antibacterial finish, ensuring lasting elegance and performance.
Circulose Partners with Tangshan Sanyou to Boost Textile Circularity
Circulose, a global leader in recycled pulp production, has reached a strategic partnership agreement with Tangshan Sanyou Chemical Fiber, a frontrunner in the cellulose fiber industry. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the commercialization and scaling of CIRCULOSE®, while also propelling Tangshan Sanyou’s brand toward greater international recognition. The two companies will work together to ensure that ReVisco™ fibers, produced using CIRCULOSE® pulp, meet market demands in terms of quality, supply capacity, and pricing, thereby advancing both brands in the high-quality and innovative development of circular and renewable materials.
Recognized as a top-tier company in Canopy’s authoritative Hot Button Report, Tangshan Sanyou has gained international acclaim for its achievements in sustainability and circular development. Since the founding of Re:newcell, Sanyou has been a key strategic partner of Circulose and remains the world’s largest user of CIRCULOSE® pulp for fiber production. Now, with a renewed commitment to sustainability, Tangshan Sanyou is taking a leadership role in advancing large-scale textile circularity, setting a benchmark for both China and the global textile industry.
Trelleborg Announces Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Nottingham Trent University
Trelleborg, a leader in engineered coated fabrics, announced a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Medical Technologies Innovation Facility. This collaboration, part-funded by Innovate UK, aims to expand Trelleborg’s capabilities in smart fabrics for healthcare applications through cutting-edge innovation and research-driven solutions.
The partnership will propel the development of a smart mattress system designed to enhance patient care and reduce medical interventions, further cementing Trelleborg’s position as a leader in advanced medical textiles.
Nottingham Trent University’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility accelerates the research, development and delivery of innovative medical technologies and services for organizations across the breadth of medical and health sectors, by widening access to world-class facilities, equipment and expertise.
