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: January 06, 2025
Milliken Offers Non-PFAS Materials for Firefighter Gear
Milliken & Company announced that it is the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear, including outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier. Access to all three layers from a single U.S.-based supplier allows garment manufacturers to test the fabrics as a system while ensuring a complete chain of custody for the material — which can minimize delays and get gear into the hands of firefighters faster.
Milliken is the only U.S. manufacturer offering non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, but more importantly, we’re proud that these fabrics exceed performance standards,” said Marcio Manique, SVP of Protective Fabrics for Milliken. “Our team is passionate about helping to protect first responders, and our certification results prove that firefighters don’t have to compromise on health, protection, or comfort when choosing the right turnout gear.”
The three layers in the non-PFAS composites include:
- Milliken Horizon™: a non-PFAS, lightweight outer shell that provides industry-leading retention of strength and appearance year after year.
- Milliken Assure™: a non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier that exceeds NFPA 1971-2018 requirements.
- Milliken Equinox™: a non-PFAS, slick thermal liner that offers superior wicking and moisture management, resulting in quick dry times and high levels of comfort and protection.
The recently published NFPA 1970-2025 standard was issued with reduced performance criteria in anticipation of non-PFAS products having poorer performance; however, the Milliken composites were able to meet and exceed the more stringent NFPA 1971-2018 standard during the third-party testing process in November. Every individual layer that make up both composites are UL certified.
States such as Massachusetts and Connecticut have already passed bans on the use of PFAS in firefighters” protective equipment beginning as early as 2027. Milliken’s composites are the only high-performing, non-PFAS, non-halogenated FR options readily available on the market today. The company eliminated the use of PFAS chemistry from its fire service fabrics in 2021, and across its entire textile fibers and finishes portfolio in 2023.
www.milliken.com
Intercare And Kimberly-Clark Forge Strategic Partnership To Transform Hygiene Standards Across UAE, Qatar, And Oman
Intercare Limited, a leading provider of hygiene and cleaning solutions in the Middle East, announced a landmark strategic partnership with Kimberly-Clark Professional, a global leader in hygiene products and workplace solutions. This collaboration aims to revolutionize hygiene standards across the UAE, Qatar, and Oman markets.
The partnership combines Intercare’s deep-rooted regional expertise and distribution network with Kimberly-Clark’s world-renowned product portfolio, which includes trusted brands such as Kleenex®, Scott®, WypAll®, Kimtech™. This alliance will provide businesses and institutions across the region access to premium hygiene solutions that meet the highest international standards.
ATEX USA Acquired by BCNonwovens
European producer of spunlace roll goods BCNonwovens has acquired the shares of specialty nonwovens manufacturer Atex USA from EOS Investment Management Group, an independent asset manager with operations in London/UK, Luxemburg and Milan/Italy.
Atex USA Inc., based in Gainesville, Georgia, is recognized for offering specialized nonwoven products to an extensive customer base which extends across the USA and selected export markets. BCNonwovens S.L., based in Barcelona, Spain, is a leader in the production of spunlace roll goods, catering primarily to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, offering products such as premoistened wipes and hygiene articles. The company also extends its products to the medical sector as well as specialty goods market. The acquisition of Atex USA underscores BCNonwovens’ ongoing expansion efforts to bolster its global market presence.
Nordifa Acquires Sporda Nonwovens in Sweden
Swedish manufacturer of technical textiles Nordifa, has acquired Sporda Nonwoven, a maker of thermobonded and needlepunched nonwovens, which is also based in Sweden.
Sporda declared bankruptcy on November 18, 2024. The acquisition by Nordia is helping the company continue operations and retain employees. It will continue to be run as an independent company led by current executives Jonas Rylander and Anna Hallberg.
“The goal is to continue as before with the same focus and the same customers,” says Rylander. “Our owner Nordifa is not planning any changes in the near future, but in the long term we see some opportunities to achieve synergy benefits, for example in material supply and technical development.”
Nordifa executives did not describe the companies as competitors but said they complement each other. The acquisition of Sporda Nonwoven broadens and deepens its offering to both new and existing customers across a number of markets including filtration, acoustics and insulation materials.
