#Technical Textiles

2025-07-10

Flexi-Light PET: Outstanding, sustainable sound insulation for vehicles

Polyurethane foam has traditionally been used to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in vehicles, contributing to passenger comfort. At the Automotive Acoustics Conference in Constance, Germany, Autoneum presented a polyester felt-based sound insulation system that is lightweight, resilient and shapeable, thus combining best-in-class acoustic performance and precise contours with enhanced recyclability.

Flexi-Light PET is manufactured from a novel blend of polyester fibers that is primarily sourced from recycled PET. Through a state-of-the-art production process, Autoneum can adjust the fibers’ orientation to produce a proprietary felt with mechanical and acoustic properties comparable to polyurethane foam. The material is flexible and can be molded into 3D shapes, making it an ideal insulation material for interior components with complex contours, such as carpets and inner dashes.

Composed entirely of PET — up to 90% of which is recycled content — Flexi-Light PET can be used as a decoupler in conjunction with other PET-based technologies within Autoneum’s product portfolio to support full circularity, allowing for the reuse of production waste and end-of-life recycling of the product. Flexi-Light PET is the latest addition to Autoneum’s Pure technologies, which are intended to offer an excellent environmental performance throughout the entire product life cycle.

This innovation builds on the Flexi-Loft technology, which is made from a blend of recycled cotton and polyester fibers and was initially introduced by Autoneum in 2021.

Flexi-Light PET is currently available worldwide as insulation for automotive carpets.

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the world's largest funding programme for research and innovation. With these steps, the EU and Australia are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes and further reinforcing their already close relations in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

DuPont (NYSE:DD) announced the launch of the Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, the first in a new generation of extremely breathable disposable chemical protection garments. Manufactured using DuPont™ Tyvek® APX™ groundbreaking fabric, the new garment combines 360° protection and durability with extreme breathability, taking worker comfort and safety to a whole new level.

Freudenberg Performance Materials presents Mehlerheytex and Filc at Techtextil 2026

Freudenberg Performance Materials will showcase textile innovations that increase efficiency, performance and sustainability in industry and mobility at Techtextil 2026. For the first time since the merger of Mehler Texnologies and Heytex, the MehlerHeytex brand will make its debut as a leading expert in coated technical textiles. Moreover, Freudenberg Performance Materials Filc (Filc), specialist for advanced needlepunch nonwovens and laminated materials, will present its groundbreaking solutions for automotive applications. Filc customers can benefit from the perfect combination of functionality, comfort and sustainability. The Freudenberg Performance Materials experts are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the trade fair at Stand A11 in Hall 11.0 from April 21 – 24, 2026.

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Mattes & Amann Group unveils TE-PAC at AIX

What began as a bold idea inside the Mattes & Amann Group has, after seven years of relentless development, become a tangible product that could redefine how aircraft cabins look and feel. At the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 in Hamburg — the world's leading trade fair for aircraft cabin products, celebrating its 25th edition — Blanke textech GmbH presents TE-PAC: the Advanced Textile Laminated Cabin Panel.

Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to showcase innovations – Call for abstracts

The call for abstracts is now open for the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026, taking place on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and online. Europe’s leading platform for advanced recycling brings together hands-on solutions and cutting-edge research on recycling technologies for various waste streams like plastics, polymers, textiles or automotive, highlighting progress towards a circular renewable carbon economy.

Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

Mimaki takes DTF performance to the next level with TxF300-75Plus

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, announces the TxF300-75Plus, an upgraded model within its high-productivity direct-to-film (DTF) printing portfolio. Following on from the success of the original TxF300-75, this enhanced version reflects Mimaki’s commitment to continuously evolving its solutions to meet the changing demands of the market.