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#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

Ahlstrom-Munksjö further increases face mask supply in Finland

Ahlstrom-Munksjö supplies face mask material from its plant in Tampere to Teho Filter for the assembly of the masks. The masks will be available in May-June in the stores of Finland-based retailer S Group. The filtration efficiency of the face mask material of 88% has been verified by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, which is substantially higher than the roughly 20-40% efficiency of the masks made of cloth.

The filtration efficiency of a mechanical filter media remains intact over time compared to electrostatically charged materials the efficiency of which may decrease in humid conditions.

“We work with determination in order to enhance the supply of face masks for consumers in Finland. At the same time, we are further supporting the reopening in Finland once the corona pandemic restrictions loosen,” states Otto Kivi, Sales Manager at Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Filtration business.

The company announced in April that it will start the production of face mask materials in Tampere. The plant is capable of producing material for more than 10 million masks in the short-term and has the ability to increase capacity to about 30 million masks per month. Earlier in May, the company announced a similar co-operation on face mask supply with other Finnish players.


”We are also very pleased about the continued product development in Tampere: our production now meets the filtration efficiency requirements of surgical face mask materials. Currently, we are working together with our customers to develop a product that meets the European Standard EN 14683 for surgical masks. The availability of various protective gear is vitally important,” Kivi continues.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has long-term and in-depth knowledge in the production of protective materials for the healthcare industry. Due to the corona pandemic, the company has increased its offering in protective fabrics and expanded the production of face mask materials globally to support the healthcare sector.

Read more about Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s face mask material offering:

https://www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com/campaigns/face-mask-materials/

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#ITM 2026

ITM 2026: The new geography of textile production

New production hubs are emerging across North Africa and Central Asia, while Türkiye is accelerating its transformation toward higher-value, technology-driven and more sustainable textile manufacturing.

#Research & Development

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

#Knitting & Hosiery

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

#Associations

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

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#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

Dilo Group at ITMA ASIA Singapore 2025

At ITMA ASIA Singapore, the Dilo Group will exhibit at Booth No. H2 – D202. Together with Kansan Materials, Izmir, the company will present its latest developments and looks forward to welcoming visitors to exchange ideas and explore innovations in needling technology.

#Nonwovens

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

#Nonwovens

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

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#Raw Materials

Global cotton production projected to outpace consumption, but risks remain

Global cotton production is projected to reach 26.2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, marginally outpacing estimated consumption of 25.9 million tonnes. However, early-season production risks — including weather volatility and pest pressures — could narrow that buffer as the crop progresses, according to the September 2026 issue of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

#Europe

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

#Research & Development

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

#CINTE Techtextil China 2026

Cinte Techtextil China 2026 has opened today, bringing global innovations and resources to Shanghai

As Asia’s premier platform catering to the evolving needs in technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China has opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, gathering over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Across Halls W3 to W5, this edition will create chances for fast-growing sectors and emerging trends – such as Mobiltech, Medtech & Protech, Indutech and more. The curated zones, pavilions, and fringe programme are designed to better connect exhibitors with targeted buyers from across China, Asia-Pacific, and further afield. Meanwhile, the Association Village will gather international industry associations to foster even more global collaboration.

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