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: October 28, 2024
Kelheim Files for Bankruptcy Protection in Germany
German company Kelheim Fibres GmbH has applied for protective shield proceedings at the Regensburg District Court in Germany. The court ruling followed the application and thus paved the way for further implementation of the plan renovation course.
The company had already developed a restructuring plan with its financiers in June and its home city Kelheim also made a significant contribution with the acquisition of the VfL property from Kelheim Fibers GmbH. However, the economic situation worsened due to a massive price decline as Asian suppliers significantly reduced prices for viscose fibers, making it difficult for the company to be profitable in the long term
Demand for specialty fibers from Kelheim Fibers remains high and management is in close contact with customers to ensure continued delivery of goods.
Hansae Acquires U.S. Textile Manufacturer Texollini
Hansae Co. Ltd., a global fashion ODM company, has acquired US textile manufacturing company Texollini. This acquisition is part of the company’s vertical integration project in Central America.
Founded in 1989, Texollini is a leading US textile manufacturer with expertise in synthetic fibers, offering capabilities from fabric production to dyeing, printing, finishing, design, and research and development. Its major clients include New Balance, Champion, Patagonia, and Alo Yoga.
The company expects that the acquisition will strengthen its synthetic fiber production technology and enable it to the growing nearshoring trend in the Central American region. Equipped with fully automated production lines, Texollini’s factory can handle the entire process, from fabric production to dyeing and printing, around the clock. Texollini’s product range encompasses over 4,000 unique fabrics. Its monthly production capacity is also substantial, with 85 knitting machines capable of producing 1 million pounds of fabric and a dye house that processes 1.2 million yards of fabric each month. Texollini’s factory in Long Beach, California, is well-positioned with easy access to major transportation networks, including highways, sea, air, and rail, making logistics within the US more convenient.
Hansae will leverage Texollini’s synthetic fiber development technology and expertise to expand its product categories and portfolio, including activewear, underwear and swimwear. In particular, to increase orders and profitability, it aims to expand high-value product lines like activewear.
Berry and Glatfelter Confirm Merger Date
Berry Global Group, Inc. and Glatfelter Corporation announced that Berry has set a record date of the close of business on November 1, 2024 for the proposed spin-off of its Health, Hygiene and Specialties Global Nonwovens and Films business (“HHNF Business”). The spin-off and merger of Berry’s HHNF Business with Glatfelter are expected to be completed on November 4, 2024, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions for the transaction. As previously announced, in connection with the merger, Glatfelter will effect a reverse stock split and change its name to Magnera Corporation.
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions, on November 4, 2024, (1) Berry will distribute all of the shares of stock of its wholly owned subsidiary that owns the HHNF Business (“Spinco”) to Berry stockholders as of the close of business on the November 1, 2024 record date by means of a pro rata distribution, (2) Spinco will merge into a subsidiary of Magnera, and (3) the shares of Spinco distributed to Berry stockholders will convert into the right to receive Magnera shares, as illustrated in the hypothetical below.
Upon completion of the merger, Berry stockholders are expected to collectively own approximately 90% of the outstanding shares of Magnera common stock on a fully-diluted basis, and current Glatfelter shareholders are expected to collectively own approximately 10% of the outstanding shares of Magnera common stock on a fully-diluted basis. The actual number of shares of Magnera common stock that Berry stockholders will receive in the spin-off and merger with respect to each share of common stock, $0.01 par value per share of Berry (“Berry common stock”) will be determined based on (1) the number of shares of Glatfelter common stock outstanding on a fully-diluted basis prior to the merger, (2) the number of shares of Spinco common stock outstanding, which will equal the number of shares of Berry common stock outstanding on the actual record date, and (3) the reverse stock split ratio determined by Glatfelter’s board of directors.
Archroma Introduces Breakthrough in Bio-Based Textile Printing
Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, recently introduced the NTR Printing System to make bio-based pigment printing commercially possible for the first time. Based on renewable raw materials* and designed for safer chemistry, it helps apparel and textile brands reduce their environmental footprint while producing brilliant black shades on garments that deliver both comfort and durability.
Bio-based pigment printing is an emerging technology that is attracting major interest from brands that want to use pigments derived from natural sources, such as plants, in the production of environmentally conscious textiles. Until now, however, bio-based pigments have not delivered color fastness that is comparable to synthetic pigments, and color quality and production performance have not been sufficient to support commercial-scale production.
Archroma’s NTR Printing System is the first to utilize renewable feedstock* across pigment dispersion, binder and fixing agent. Crucially, it ensures good wet-rubbing and dry-rubbing fastness, with outstanding softness on all kinds of fabrics. Furthermore, it is suitable for most popular application technologies, including printing, coating and continuous pigment dyeing, with outstanding runnability for production efficiency.
The result of more than two years of research and development, the innovative new NTR Printing System required Archroma to create customized binding and fixing agents to ensure fastness for the pigment black dispersion comparable to current petroleum-based printing systems. All three printing elements are partially based on renewable feedstock to reduce reliance on non-renewable petrochemicals. Archroma also developed the new system to avoid toxic input streams and impurities, including formaldehyde. Two successful bulk trials were conducted with Textprint S. A. and Jeanologia.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Nears Completion of Largest Production Batch of Parental Line Spider Silk Silkworms
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., the leading developer of commercially viable spider silk, announced that its current production batch is cocooning this week. This batch is the largest-scale production run of the BAM-1 parental lines in the Company’s history.
This latest batch of silkworms is part of the Company’s ongoing expansion of its proprietary spider silk production technologies. The Company’s production team and sericulture experts have been closely monitoring this production cycle and have reported strong growth and great colony health as Kraig Labs begins the cocooning process.
“We are very pleased with the progress of our current production cycle, which is on track to deliver the largest supply of BAM-1 production hybrid eggs in the Company’s history,” said Kim Thompson, CEO and founder of Kraig Labs. “The results we are seeing reflect our team’s dedication to delivering truly cost-effective and commercially scalable spider silk production. This is a major step forward in commercializing spider silk technology, made possible by our new production center, and we look forward to utilizing this expanded production space to continue accelerating our plans for market entry.”
The Company’s silkworms have been genetically engineered to produce recombinant spider silk at a level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness that was previously unattainable. This latest production run verifies the scalability of the Company’s spider silk technology, positioning Kraig Labs to deliver commercial quantities of spider silk to its partners and customers.
With the near completion of this major production run, Kraig Labs has transitioned from a development and testing mindset to a true production focus. The results of this run will supply Kraig Labs with millions of BAM-1 production hybrids slated for commercial production.
INDA Announces Finalists for 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award™
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists competing for the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award™.
Harper Hygienics, Hello Hazel and HIRO Technologies will present their groundbreaking absorbent hygiene products at Hygienix™, taking place November 18-21 at The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tenn.
Meet the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award Finalists:
Harper Hygienics S.A.: Cleanic Naturals Hemp – Sanitary Pads (Day & Night), Pantyliners
Cleanic Naturals Hemp by Harper Hygienics S.A. is an innovative femcare line, crafted with sero™ regenerative hemp fibers produced by Bast Fibre Technologies and processed on our unique Hemplace™ technology platform. These sanitary pads and pantyliners are designed for women’s comfort throughout their cycle. Hemp’s antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties make it a natural solution for sensitive skin, ensuring all-day safety and comfort. Plus, sero™ hemp fibers are 100% natural, offering an eco-conscious approach to personal care.
Hello Hazel, Inc.: Hazel High & Dry Briefs
Hazel’s High & Dry Briefs – the first and only disposable briefs for leaks designed to look, fit, and feel like real underwear. Engineered with a novel, ultra-thin, highly absorbent core seamlessly integrated beneath a unique elasticated cover that moves naturally with her body, offering unparalleled comfort, discretion, and reliable protection. Purposefully developed to reduce stigma and address both physical and emotional needs, the Briefs successfully attracted many new consumers who previously opted out of the category.
HIRO Technologies, Inc.: World’s First MycoDigestable™ Diapers
Introducing the world’s first MycoDigestible™ diapers, powered by HIRO’s frontier fungal technology. HIRO’s MycoDigestible™ solution introduces plastic-eating mushrooms in a safe, user-friendly way that seamlessly integrates into everyday life. The HIRO Diaper combines exceptional absorbency with natural materials like unbleached TruCotton™ and Kraft softwood fluff pulp, offering 12-hour protection while being gentle on both baby and planet.
The 2024 winner will be revealed on Thursday, November 21st at 11 a.m.
The 2023 Hygienix Innovation Award went to Sequel Spiral™ Tampon, which features a unique spiral design engineered for enhanced fluid absorption and leak prevention. This breakthrough product received FDA clearance as a medical device and is available online and in a growing number of retail outlets.
Hygienix 2024 conference highlights:
- Three workshops on Monday (Absorption Systems including recent innovations for Adult Incontinence, Menstrual Care, and Baby and Infant Care Markets)
- Tabletop exhibit displays
- Networking receptions
- Two “Lunch Arounds” featuring boutique and small brand owners
- Engaging lightning talks from tabletop exhibitors
- Premium content on key industry topics, including market data and trends, circularity, sustainability innovations, FemTech, treatment advancements, mobile applications for absorbent hygiene products, and bio-based SAP innovations
DuPont Files Complaint with the International Trade Commission
DuPont announced it has filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) against Xiamen Dangsheng New Materials and affiliates (“Dangs”) and Jiangsu Qingyun New Materials and affiliates (“Kingwills”), among others, to block importation of products that infringe DuPont intellectual property (IP) related to its Tyvek® brand and products.
The ITC is an independent, non-partisan agency that investigates and makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights. DuPont is asking the ITC to investigate its claims and issue a general exclusion order to bar the importation of any infringing materials into the United States. This would include all applications where the infringing material is imported as a stand-alone product or incorporated into a converted or finished good.
1888 Mills, FUZE Technologies Form Partnership
1888 Mills, a leading global manufacturer of textiles, announced its groundbreaking partnership with FUZE Technologies (FUZE), the pioneer of a revolutionary antimicrobial textile treatment.
This collaboration promises to transform the industry by introducing an unparalleled level of hygiene and efficiency in textiles used by hotels and other commercial properties.
FUZE™ textile treatment, called F1, is a chemical-free, water-based solution that permanently adheres to materials without the need for binders or surfactants. Setting a new standard for antimicrobial performance, FUZE™ F1 is the first treatment proven to last over 100 washes, even through the harshest commercial laundering processes. This durability ensures a better guest experience and significant cost savings for properties due to shorter drying times.
BASF Completes Capability Upgrades for Superabsorbent Polymers in North America
BASF’s Petrochemicals division has completed its upgrades for Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) after a $19.2 million investment into its Freeport, Texas site. The project, which began in 2023, involved the installation of new equipment to increase production rates and the optimization of existing processes at the SAP plant in Freeport. It also improved rail logistics capabilities allowing for a reduction in truck traffic, resulting in a lower carbon footprint associated with customer deliveries.
The combination of the new equipment and upgraded processes has led to an improved capability to make higher performing SAPs while simultaneously realizing up to 20% higher throughput and further improving overall expected asset reliability.
The combination of the new equipment and upgraded processes has led to an improved capability to make higher performing SAPs while simultaneously realizing up to 20% higher throughput and further improving overall expected asset reliability.
Lenzing and TreeToTextile Join Forces for Next-Generation Cellulose Fibers
The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, announced the acquisition of a minority share in TreeToTextile AB, joining the existing shareholders H&M Group, Inter IKEA Group, Stora Enso, and LSCS Invest. The group of owners is united by the strong belief that sustainably produced fibers will have the power to change the textile industry to the better.
Lenzing Group has produced sustainable regenerated cellulosic fibers and dissolving wood pulp for over 85 years. With their fibers marketed under the TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and VEOCEL™ brands, Lenzing is at the forefront of making the fiber industry more environmentally friendly.
“We are excited about TreeToTextile’s award-winning technology and production process, which further reduces environmental impact, promotes the transition to a more sustainable future and is fully in line with our corporate strategy,” said Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of the Lenzing Group. “This partnership is a significant investment and a sign of Lenzing’s relentless commitment to innovation by combining the power of its own innovation engine with a strong strategic cooperation approach. We look forward to contributing our expertise to TreeToTextile’s mission.”
Dr. Roxana Barbieru, CEO of TreeToTextile, added: “Now with the additional expertise and sustainability leadership of our new shareholder Lenzing Group, our speed to market will increase significantly, to reach our ambitious goals and become an important player in the textile industry.”
TreeToTextile was established as a joint venture in 2014 with the objective of developing a more sustainable process for cellulosic fiber production. The company has operated pilot lines since 2015 and invested in a demonstration plant in 2021. The next step in the company’s evolution will be to scale up the production and make its fibers available on the market.
The execution of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and expected by the first half of 2025.
Microfiber Capture Technology for Textile Manufacturing
British climate-tech company Matter has launched its new microfiber capture technology, Regen.™, during New York Climate Week.
Regen, developed in collaboration with Paradise Textiles, is a self-cleaning filtration system designed to prevent microfibres from entering waterways by capturing them during the wastewater filtration process. The partnership will see Regen installed in Paradise Textiles’ new textile facility in Egypt next year.
Paradise Textiles, the material science arm of the Alpine Group – a major manufacturer of materials and apparel for brands such as The North Face, Lululemon, American Eagle Outfitters, and Puma – helped in developing the application of the technology for the textile industry. It provided insights into textile manufacturing processes, funded early research, and helped shape Matter’s Microfibre Assessment Program (MAP) to maximise fibre capture.
Matter also raised $10 million in their 2023 funding round, and is backed by investors including S2G Ventures, SOUNDwaves, and Regeneration.VC.
The microfiber technology is designed to tackle the estimated 120,000 tonnes of microfiber emissions generated from textile production each year.
Microfibers are a large contributor to microplastic pollution in water, air, soil, and food sources, and recent studies have warned against the alarming health concerns that microplastics have been linked to.
Techmer PM Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of OptiColor Inc.
Techmer PM, LLC, a global leader in polymer materials design, announced the successful acquisition of OptiColor, Inc., a full-service color compounder specializing in color concentrates and masterbatches for critical applications.
This strategic acquisition and the combined technology of the two organizations will further solidify Techmer PM’s position as an innovation leader in colorants and additives for the plastics industry, ensuring a promising future for the company and its stakeholders.
OptiColor, a company with a strong foothold in the color compounds market, was established in Huntington Beach, Calif., in 1995. OptiColor’s expertise lies in compounding custom concentrates, pre-colored materials, and specialty dyes into transparent, translucent, opaque, clear, white, and color products for critical applications, including performance eyewear, military lasers, and sustainable lighting solutions.
RISE® 2024 Showcases Cutting-Edge Technologies and Sustainability Insights in Nonwovens Manufacturing
Industry innovators, technology scouts, and business leaders in nonwovens and engineered materials came together for the RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Conference, held October 1-2 in Raleigh, NC. Co-hosted by INDA and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, the event delivered cutting-edge insights into sustainability, focusing on advanced recycling methods, bio-based materials, circular economy strategies, potential plastics regulations, and packaging solutions. Attendees explored a comprehensive range of technologies aimed at recapturing the inherent value of fibers, nonwovens, and textiles. Breakthroughs in process technology and product design were showcased, emphasizing how manufacturers and consumers can achieve more with fewer resources. The event also spotlighted alternative, carbon-negative raw materials as a key innovation.
2024 RISE® Innovation Award Winner
Hempitecture, Inc. won the RISE Innovation Award for their PlantPanel™ material. PlantPanel™ is a rigid continuous insulation material used in exterior above-ground applications. With an R Value of R3.25 per inch, PlantPanel™ adds to thermal and acoustic comfort and performance. Engineered with a density to resist compression and deflection, PlantPanel™ is used in split-insulation wall and roof assemblies with either a rain screen cladding or roofing material, depending on the application. With 100% biobased and recycled content, PlantPanel™ is a sustainable, low carbon continuous insulation solution that’s easy to install and safe to handle.
The RISE Innovation Award finalists included Ahlstrom for the Dual-Layer Filtration Media and Berry Global for their ENDURA™ rPP Spunbond & SMS.
TiHive won the 2023 RISE Innovation Award for their SAPMonit technology. TiHive’s innovation, SAPMonit – a technology breakthrough, inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbents’ weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D. SAPMonit utilizes advanced see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud integration, revolutionizing industry norms. SAPMonit has great potential for sustainability, cost reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award
Arnold Wilkie, President and Owner, Hills, Inc. has a distinguished career in advancing yarn, fiber, and nonwoven technologies since 1970. Since 1988, he has been President and Owner of Hills, Inc. where he has sustained their innovative culture. Wilkie has over 40 patents and applications covering yarns, bicomponent fibers, ultra-fine fibers, nanofibers, dissolvable filaments, meltblown nonwovens, and polymer processing innovations. He established Hills as a leading innovator in bicomponent fiber nonwovens and in the equipment to produce these materials. During Wilkie’s time leading Hills, their pilot capabilities have become well-known and highly regarded for enabling material innovations.
“I am extremely honored to receive this Award, and to contribute to the Nonwovens industry. Today’s nonwovens processes produce defect free fabrics at >5,000 SQ-Mt/Min. Multicomponent fibers produced from spin-packs with >35,000 Holes and having >1Million individually metered polymer streams have contributed to advanced commercial capabilities. Speaking with our neighbors in the high-tech Space Coast of Florida, I am proud to realize that the Nonwovens industry has created a comparatively advanced technology.”
Graduate Student & Corporate Posters
During Tuesday evening’s reception, posters from 30 graduate students representing top nonwoven, textile, and fiber programs, along with corporate presenters, were displayed—significantly more than in previous years. Students, their faculty advisors, and industry professionals shared their latest research, engaging with attendees to discuss key findings and future goals. “Many of the posters showcase technologies that are immediately ready for market implementation,” noted one attendee.
RISE® 2025 is returning to Raleigh, NC, on October 14-15, 2025.
Hologenix + Cadense Adaptive Footwear Introduce Infrared Technology Sock
Hologenix, a pioneer in textile innovation and the company behind CELLIANT® infrared materials, has linked up with Cadense, the world’s first and only Variable Friction shoe for ground-breaking adaptive solutions. Together, the companies are pleased to debut the Cadense Energy Boost Performance sock. Made using CELLIANT’s proprietary minerals, the sock converts body heat into infrared energy to increase local circulation and cellular oxygenation.
Cadense products are specifically designed to empower those with walking difficulties. Their shoes reduce friction between the shoe and the ground to prevent the foot from catching on the floor during the swing phase of walking for those with injuries, neurological and physical conditions or age-related mobility issues. The new Boost socks powered by CELLIANT is the first time the brand has created a sock that harnesses the power of infrared technology (IR) to address the needs of their community even further.
When embedded into socks, CELLIANT captures body heat and converts it into infrared energy, which is reflected back into the foot and lower leg. While anyone can benefit from infrared light therapy via wearing IR socks, the circulation benefits are particularly helpful for people who spend a lot of time on their feet or need extra support.
Indorama Ventures Concentrates Yarn Production in Italy
Indorama Ventures, one of the world’s leading petrochemical producers and a leading player in the polyester fibers market, is concentrating large parts of its high-performance polyester filament yarn production for the European textile industry to Milan, Italy.
By transferring current German production and bundling the company’s spinning, draw texturizing and dyeing expertise in Sandigliano and its neighboring site in Saluzzo, Indorama Ventures executes on its strategy to transform its global asset network into a focused footprint that can serve volatile markets.
European textile filament customers will benefit from efficient, reliable supply of high-quality, colored, spun and package dyed, as well as functional yarns for a vast range of applications in customized quantities. End use applications are, among others, in apparel, home textile, woven label and automotive interior markets.
Freudenberg Performance Materials Acquires Parts of Heytex Group
Freudenberg Performance Materials is expanding its business in coated technical textiles. The technical textiles specialist is acquiring major parts of the Heytex Group from the private equity investor Bencis Capital Partners. The acquisition covers the core business of Heytex with three production locations in Germany and China, and all headquarter related functions, including Sales and R&D.
The Heytex Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality and functional technical textiles. The company with an international presence is headquartered in Bramsche, Germany. In 2023, the parts of the Heytex Group to be acquired by Freudenberg Performance Materials generated sales of roughly €100 million with a workforce of some 400 employees. The transaction is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.
