#INDEX 20

2021-09-16

Connecting the puzzle pieces towards a sustainable future – Sandler to focus on alternative raw materials at this year’s INDEX™

Sustainability has always been a part of Sandler’s philosophy and the company continues to advance its efforts.

Together with its customers and partners, Sandler is ascertaining which natural fibres are suitable for which products. With a new nonwoven for acquisition and distribution layers (ADL), the company is putting these efforts into practice: Every component of this ADL can be made from renewable or recycled raw materials and the nonwoven’s properties can be adapted to the end product’s desired characteristics. This innovation is nominated for an INDEX™ award in the "Nonwoven roll goods" category.

In close cooperation with partners along the value chain, Sandler is also testing ways of recycling and reusing trims or faulty material in the production of its technical nonwovens. Keeping resources in a closed cycle, Sandler is implementing the concept of circular economy and reducing the carbon footprint of its products.?Each initiative and each new raw material forms a piece of the #sandlerpuzzle, complementing an ever-growing picture of sustainable product solutions.

The Sandler team from sales and product development will welcome visitors in person at the trade show in Geneva as well as online at the virtual Sandler booth.

Visitors and online participants are also invited to join Senior Sales Manager Jacqueline Summa for her presentation on Sandler’s latest innovation for sustainable wipes:?The new nonwoven substrate tackles the challenges typically faced by hygiene products produced from sustainable raw materials. Made of 100% fibres from renewable sources, this biodegradable and compostable material features a soft textile touch, high opacity, and excellent fluid management.

Join Sandler at booth 2431 in hall 2 or online and share our ideas for our common future.

Katharina Obergruber appointed to the Management Board of Sandler AG

The Supervisory Board of Sandler AG has appointed Katharina Obergruber to the company’s Management Board. Effective September 1, 2026, the Board will consist of Philipp Ebbinghaus (CEO), Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck (currently CCO, future COO), and Katharina Obergruber (CCO). Katharina Obergruber, currently Chief Sales Officer Hygiene and member of the Management Team of Sandler AG, will assume responsibility for all sales activities as Chief Commercial Officer. She will assume this role from Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck, who will focus primarily on production and supply chain topics.

Sandler turns financial stability into a catalyst for shaping the future

The Sandler Group has presented its financial figures for the past fiscal year (01/01/2025-12/31/2025). Like previous years, the year 2025 was also marked by industry-wide structural challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Turnover was virtually stable at EUR 321 million (2024: EUR 326 million). High energy costs continue to weigh heavily on profitability. The number of employees was 975 (2024: 980). The family-owned company, which was founded in 1879 and has been run by the fifth generation since August 2025, continues to invest millions in its Schwarzenbach site despite the high production costs in Germany. As part of the long-term corporate strategy, the management team is focusing on strict cost management, further development of the product portfolio, and greater efficiency in production and administrative processes. The company does not expect a market recovery in 2026 and 2027.

Sandler AG & Phoenix Non Woven—new partnership, new opportunities

Sandler AG invests in wet-laid technology to strengthen its innovation pipeline and broaden market reach. Schwarzenbach an der Saale, Germany, July 24, 2025. Sandler AG, a global leader in nonwoven textiles, has acquired a 24.9% stake in Phoenix Non Woven GmbH & Co. KG, a pioneering company based in Lenningen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Phoenix emerged as an innovative spin-off from the former Scheufelen paper factory and specializes in the production of high-performance nonwovens using wet-laid technology.

Philipp Ebbinghaus appointed as the new CEO at Sandler AG

At its meeting yesterday, the Supervisory Board of Sandler AG made significant decisions regarding the company’s future leadership. Effective August 1, 2025, Philipp Ebbinghaus (40), currently CFO, will assume the role of CEO of Sandler AG. As the nephew of the current CEO, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler, he represents the fifth generation of the founding family to lead the company.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.