#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.

Cotton Brazil strengthens international partnerships and advances natural fiber dialogue at ICA 2026

Cotton Brazil participated in the ICA Trade Event Istanbul 2026, one of the leading international gatherings of the cotton supply chain, bringing the importance of promoting natural fibers to the global discussion and strengthening relationships with industry partners. Held on October 14 and 15 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, ICA 2026 brought together approximately 600 delegates from the global cotton community, including growers, exporters and representatives of major consumer markets.

Archroma and Prosperity Textile to collaborate on denim innovation

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Prosperity Textile, an international fabric manufacturer with production bases in China and Vietnam, have announced a partnership to drive denim innovation. They will collaborate to develop, evaluate and implement new approaches to improve denim aesthetics, durability and performance, with a shared commitment to sustainability.

Eastman Naia™ highlights circularity and responsible sourcing at Textile Exchange 2026

Scaling sustainable practices across businesses, supply chains and landscapes is one of the defining challenges facing the textile industry. At the 2026 Textile Exchange Conference, held October 12–16 in Vancouver under the theme “The Implementation Era,” Eastman Naia™ showcased how its commitments to circularity, responsible sourcing and forest conservation translate into practical action.

From textile waste to spinning-grade fiber: STADLER Group engineers integrated sorting solution for IGERS in Italy

As technology partner, STADLER worked alongside IGERS on its new plant in San Pietro Mosezzo, Novara, from the first process discussions to the final layout – integrating key treatment equipment into one system and supplying the fully automated sorting line. Together, the two companies have taken IGERS' patented textile recycling process from vision to industrial reality.