#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2022-10-06

Nonwoven & engineered material industry share advances in responsible sourcing, sustainable innovation and end-of-life product solutions

Nonwoven & engineered material companies have come together to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainability.

From recyclable packaging, biodegradable fibers and sustainable materials to innovative technologies, manufacturing methods and scientific advancements, companies in this sector are making an important difference in environmental efficiency.

To highlight these successes, INDA is showcasing these advances and inviting other industry players to contribute their sustainability accomplishments on a new website.

Launched today, the site features examples of exceptional sustainability initiatives by nonwoven & engineered material companies around the world and across the supply chain in the following categories:

Sustainable innovation – making intentional changes to generate long-term social and environmental benefits

Responsible sourcing – using materials that are primarily bio-based or from feedstocks drawing on regenerative, and/or sustainable agriculture principles to advance circularity or returning the product into the supply chain after use

Responsible end-of-life solutions – incorporating materials that are either recyclable or biodegradable

Featured companies include Bast Fibre Tech (BFT), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Dow, Berry Global, PFNonwovens, Reifenhäuser, Rockline, Lenzing, Fibertex, Owens & Minor, Southeast Nonwovens, Spuntech and NatureWorks.

Tony Fragnito, INDA President, said the new initiative advances one of INDA’s key strategic pillars to educate consumers, policymakers and other stakeholders about the industry, the benefits of nonwoven & engineered materials and the social consciousness of this industry.

“Nonwoven & engineered material companies are playing pivotal roles in advancing sustainability on all fronts. We are pleased to raise awareness about their progress and create a forum where innovators can share their successes,” he said.

2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® finalists revealed

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2026 World of WipesInnovation Award®. The finalists are The Clorox Company for their Clorox™ Refreshables™, Lenzing Fibers, Inc. for their Lenzing™ DualWipe, and Rockline Industries for their First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe.

INDA honors four industry leaders with 2026 Lifetime Service and Technical Achievement Awards

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the four distinguished recipients of the 2026 INDA Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. Tom Daugherty, Pricie Hanna, Carey Hobbs, and CK Wong are being recognized for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and enduring contributions to advancing the nonwovens industry and strengthening the global community it serves.

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.

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.

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.

VDMA Textile Machinery with new Executive Board

At the general meeting of VDMA Textile Machinery held in Hanover at the end of September, Dr Janpeter Horn, Managing Director of A. Herzog Maschinenfabrik, was re-elected as Chairman of the trade association. Regina Brückner, managing partner of Brückner Trockentechnik, and Verena Thies, managing partner of Thies Textilmaschinen, will once again serve as vice-chairs for the next four years.

Rieter appoints Daniel Lippuner as new CEO as Thomas Oetterli steps down

Thomas Oetterli has decided to step down from his function as CEO, effective October 31, 2026, and hand over the Chairmanship of the Board of Directors. “After the successful implementation of the Next Level performance program, the structural measures initiated to consolidate the sites and the acquisition of Barmag, the time has come to hand over responsibility to new hands,” explains Thomas Oetterli.

EFI and Agfa’s DPS Business to combine andform a global, full-service industrial inkjet company

Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (“EFI”), a leading industrial inkjet business and portfolio company of Siris, and Agfa-Gevaert (“Agfa”) today announced a definitive agreement to combine Agfa’s Digital Printing Solutions business (“Agfa DPS”) with EFI. An affiliate of Siris will hold a 60% interest and Agfa will hold a 40% interest in the jointly held company, which will bring together the operating capabilities of EFI and Agfa DPS under a governance structure whereby Siris and Agfa will act as equal partners.