#Nonwovens

2026-06-18

Lenzing Group highlights scalable, bio-based nonwovens solutions at leading global industry fairs

From CIDPEX in China to Techtextil in Frankfurt and INDEX in Geneva, the Lenzing Group showcases ready-for-market, bio-based nonwoven solutions and receives industry recognition for LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology.

The Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of regenerated cellulose fibers for the nonwovens and textiles industries, further strengthened the positioning of its nonwovens business during a series of major international industry fairs in the first half of 2026. From CIDPEX in China to Techtextil in Frankfurt and INDEX in Geneva, Lenzing demonstrated how its nonwovens fiber portfolio and LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology (LNT) enable scalable, bio-based alternatives to fossil-based nonwoven materials.

Global presence across key nonwovens markets

The year began with CIDPEX 2026 in Nanjing, China, the world’s largest exhibition for tissue and disposable hygiene products. As a key industry platform in Asia, CIDPEX played an important role in strengthening Lenzing’s regional presence and increasing the global visibility of VEOCEL™ branded fibers, particularly for absorbent hygiene and wipes applications.

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt and INDEX 2026 in Geneva, Lenzing further engaged with European and international customers. At both events, LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology was presented through interactive touch and feel stations that attracted strong industry interest. These hands-on demonstrations allowed visitors to experience the performance, versatility, and material benefits of Lenzing’s cellulosic nonwoven solutions in an application-oriented context.

INDEX™ 26 Award for LENZING™ DualWipe

A central highlight was the recognition of LENZING™ DualWipe with the prestigious INDEX™ Award in the Nonwovens Roll Goods category at the INDEX fair in Geneva. This innovative wipe, enabled by the LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology, integrates two functional surfaces within a single wipe: an abrasive side for effective removal of dirt and residues, and a soft, highly absorbent side for wiping and finishing. DualWipe contains no synthetic fibers, binders, or finishing chemicals, eliminating the risk of microplastic shedding typically associated with conventional synthetic wipes.

Patricia Sargeant, Executive Vice President Commercial Nonwovens at Lenzing Group says: “We would like to thank EDANA and the independent INDEX Award jury for recognizing LENZING™ DualWipe with the INDEX™ 26 Award. This underlines the relevance of cellulose based, fossil free technologies for the future of the nonwovens industry. With LENZING™ Nonwoven Technology, we provide a scalable, high-performance alternative to fossil-based materials by combining renewable raw materials and advanced fiber and web technologies. Lenzing supports customers in meeting increasing regulatory, brand, and consumer expectations and enables the industry’s transition toward more sustainable products.”

Lenzing’s nonwovens solutions are aligned with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, which emphasizes the use of bio based materials to reduce dependence on fossil resources and strengthening sustainable industrial value chains. Lenzing translates these strategic ambitions into industrial-scale solutions that are already available for applications in hygiene, wipes and technical nonwovens.

Innovation partner for the nonwovens industry

Across all fairs, Lenzing demonstrated how its fibers and technologies add value to diverse end applications, with a particular focus on absorbent hygiene products and advanced nonwoven solutions. By combining fiber innovation, application expertise, and close collaboration along the value chain, Lenzing is well-positioned as an innovation and solution provider to the global nonwovens industry.

TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 achieves global denim availability in six months; Vol. 2 debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam

When TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 debuted at last year’s Kingpins Amsterdam in October, 17 mill partners across five countries presented fabrics featuring the new fiber. Just six months on, participation has more than doubled, evolving into a global network that spans nine countries and four continents, signaling both strong industry momentum and growing demand.

Lenzing unveils three-tier cellulosic fiber portfolio for next generation protective wear

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, today introduces Lenzing Solutions for Protective Wear. This integrated three-tier portfolio is anchored by LENZING™ FR fibers at the highest protection tier for inherent flame resistance and brings together complementary solutions including TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, both EU Ecolabel-certified² and derived from certified or controlled wood sources³, within a unified protective wear architecture for the first time. The launch marks the most significant expansion of Lenzing’s protective wear business since the company pioneered inherently flame-resistant cellulosic fiber in 1977, and comes as the global personal protective equipment (PPE) market accelerates toward an estimated USD 130 billion by 2033⁴.

Lenzing commissions 14 MW power‑to‑heat facility, strengthening grid stability and heat management

The Lenzing Group has successfully commissioned a new power‑to‑heat (P2H) facility with an electrical capacity of 14 megawatts. The installation converts renewable electricity directly into process heat, is fully integrated into the existing heat network at the industrial site, and represents a key building block for a fossil‑free heat supply. As project partner, VERBUND was responsible for the energy‑market integration and will operate the facility for balancing energy marketing, enabling it to respond flexibly to short‑term fluctuations in the power grid.

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.

Sustainability: European industry calls on EU to keep Single-Use Plastics Directive unchanged

A broad coalition of European industry associations, including EDANA, Euratex and Plastics Europe, has urged EU institutions to maintain the current legal framework of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, the organisations argue that reopening the Directive at this stage would create legal uncertainty, increase regulatory complexity and undermine investment, while its implementation across the European Union is still incomplete.

EDANA announces five new board members following 2026 Annual General Meeting

The EDANA Board of Governors is elected or re-elected at the Annual General Meeting by the member companies. The Governors are senior executives (business leaders) from member companies, based in different countries and representing different sectors of the nonwovens industry. The Board has central responsibility for guiding EDANA's overall strategy and approving its policies and priorities. It meets three times a year.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.