In the dynamic and global textile fiber industry with its various manufacturing processes and end-uses, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Fiber Journal is tracking stories relevant to our industry from manmade to natural to bio-based fibers, innovations in nonwoven, woven, braided and technical textiles, technologies for additives, bonding, coatings and polymers, and applications from apparel to hygiene to transportation, and more. Here we will post news stories relevant to textile fibers and their downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg at ken@ifj.com.
Most recent update: March 31, 2025
European Nonwovens Production Increased in 2024
EDANA, the leading global association for nonwovens and related industries published its annual overview of the high-level figures from the EDANA Statistics Report on Nonwovens Production and Deliveries for 2024.
According to the latest data, in 2024, compared to data from 2023, nonwovens production in Greater Europe increased in volume by 2.6% to 2,976, 400 tonnes, and by 2.9% in surface area resulting in 85.1 billion square meters of nonwovens being manufactured. However, differing trends were observed at the national level when comparing production between Greater European countries, and also when assessing the various production processes of nonwovens and market segments.
Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, further expanded on the trend: “In the aftermath of two consecutive declines of more than 5% in 2022 and 2023, the production of nonwovens in Greater Europe has reverted to its pre-pandemic level in terms of weight. At the same time, the production in surface area grew faster, resulting in an average grammage of 34.9 gsm, as opposed to the 37.2 gsm recorded in 2019.”
The predominant end-use for nonwovens continues to be the hygiene market, accounting for 27% of deliveries, amounting to 797,300 tons, and exhibiting a 1.7% growth in 2024. Last year, the most substantial growth sectors for nonwovens were building and roofing materials (+14.2%), food and beverage applications (+13%), cotton pads (+4.9%), and personal care wipes (+4.8%).
INDA calls on White House to permanently exclude USMCA products from Canada, Mexico tariffs
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, issued the following statement on executive orders imposing significant tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico:
Last month, President Trump instituted significant tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico. While products that fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) have been excluded from these new tariffs to date, it has been reported that these exclusions may end in early April.
The nonwovens industry contributes to nearly $100 billion in economic output through sales to end users in North America. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, thanks to the USMCA: “one-third of critical U.S. manufacturing inputs now come from Canada or Mexico, rather than from competitors that often engage in unfair trade practices.”
At a time when manufacturers are facing cost pressures from many angles, it is imperative that American manufacturers remain competitive globally and have long-term clarity on import costs. As such, we urge President Trump to make the tariff exemption for USMCA products permanent and are ready and willing to work with the White House to promote a balanced trade policy.
Parkhurst Canada (Dorothea Knitting Mills) to Cease Operations
After over a century of manufacturing excellence, Parkhurst Canada (Dorothea Knitting Mills) has announced it will be closing its doors. The company, known for its high-quality knitwear and commitment to Canadian craftsmanship, has been a cornerstone of the textile industry since its founding in 1926.
In conjunction with the closure, a comprehensive online auction of Parkhurst Canada’s assets will take place on April 10, 2025. The auction will be conducted by Danbury Global, providing an opportunity for businesses and individuals to acquire some of the company’s equipment including sewing machines, dyeing equipment, warehouse equipment, forklifts, as well as raw materials and finished goods. Interested buyers can preview the auction catalog and register to bid at danburyglobal.com
“This is truly the end of an era,” said Steven Borsook, owner of Parkhurst Canada. “We are incredibly grateful to our employees, customers and partners who have supported us throughout the years. We take pride in the legacy we leave behind.”
Parkhurst Canada has long been recognized for its innovation in sustainable and high-quality knitwear. Its commitment to Canadian-made products has left an indelible mark on the industry, with designs that have been sold across North America and beyond.
“Everything will sell to the highest bidders at the auction. There are no reserves and no minimum bids” said Jonathan Ordon, president of Danbury Global Ltd.
Consumption of Clothing, Footwear, Textiles in the EU Reaches Record High
Europeans are buying and discarding more clothing, footwear and other textiles than ever before, which as a result, is putting more pressure on our climate and environment, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing just released. The updated consumption data highlights the need for policymakers, industry and consumers to play their role in helping Europe shift away from the fast-fashion trend, to produce better, longer lasting quality textiles which are designed to last long, and can be reused, repaired and recycled.
The average EU citizen bought 19 kilograms (kg) of clothing, footwear and household textiles in 2022 — up from 17 kg in 2019, which is enough to fill a large suitcase per person each year according to the EEA briefing ‘Circularity of the EU textiles value chain in numbers’. The assessment analyses the latest data available on the circularity of the EU’s textile value chain.
Ahlstrom Launches an Advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery Separator Platform
Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, announced the launch of a new Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery separator platform, manufactured at a state-of-the-art facility in Turin, Italy. It reinforces Ahlstrom’s position as a trusted partner to battery manufacturers, delivering high-performance, customizable AGM separator solutions for the growing global demand for reliable and efficient energy storage solutions.
As the demand for high-performance energy storage solutions accelerates, AGM lead acid batteries continue to be a cornerstone of high-performance power solutions. They enable rapid charge and discharge cycles across automotive, renewable energy, telecommunications, and industrial power backup applications. AGM separators—essential to battery safety, efficiency, and longevity—are evolving to meet the industry’s growing need for higher energy efficiency, durability, and sustainability.
Next-generation AGM separators deliver unmatched product uniformity, optimized fiber dispersion, and superior electrolyte retention, which ensure low electrical resistance and enhanced charge acceptance for maximized battery efficiency and lifespan.
The new flexible platform allows customization from 100% micro glass to advanced micro glass-synthetic fiber blends, which enables battery manufacturers to tailor separator properties to specific battery needs.
American Textile Company Named AAFA’s 2025 Company of the Year
American Textile Company (ATC) has been named the 2025 American Image Awards Company of the Year by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). This prestigious award, presented at the American Image Awards Gala on April 29, 2025 in New York City, recognizes exceptional leadership, achievement, and innovation within the fashion, textile, and footwear industries. AAFA’s selection highlights ATC’s century-long journey and commitment to excellence.
American Textile was founded in 1925 by the five Ruttenberg brothers in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. They secured a patent for the first ironing board cover in 1939, which became a mainstay of the Sears Roebuck catalog for decades. From their humble beginnings, ATC today manufactures and sells bedding products to every major retailer in the U.S., and a growing roster of international customers. The company has operations across the U.S., Central America, and Asia employing more than 1,000 associates.
“Being named the AAFA’s 2025 American Image Awards Company of the Year is a tremendous honor for American Textile Company,” said Lance Ruttenberg, ATC President and CEO. “This award reflects our continued commitment to U.S. manufacturing and innovation and showcases the transformative power of leveraging global supply chains while prioritizing domestic job creation.”
INDA Unveils Conference Program for IDEA®25 Focused on Driving Sustainability in Nonwovens
NDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the program for IDEA®25, a two-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference. IDEA25 will take place April 29-May 1, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.
IDEA25 will feature a dynamic lineup of expert speakers and panel discussions addressing pressing issues and transformative solutions to foster a more sustainable future. The full program is available on the website.
The conference will include engaging sessions on various pertinent topics such as regulatory trends, data and technology, innovative and sustainable materials, hemp and natural fibers, bioplastics, equipment and processes, and integrating sustainability throughout the lifecycle of products.
Highlights of the IDEA25 Sustainability Conference
April 29:
- Navigating the Shifting Winds of Sustainability Regulations: Gain U.S. and European Union perspectives on compliance and innovation in the face of evolving regulations
- “In God We Trust… All Others Bring Data”: Learn how to craft a believable and transparent sustainability story
- Innovative and Sustainable Materials: Discover how green product development starts with greener nonwovens
- Hemp Fibers in Nonwovens: Explore the potential of hemp and other natural fibers and their applications in sustainable products
April 30:
- Cradle to Grave Bioplastics: Understand the importance of ensuring sustainability in the use of bioplastics from the beginning to the end-of-life
- Design for Sustainability: Explore the impact of product and process design on overall product sustainability, during two sessions
- Cradle to Next Life: Challenge the “to the grave” mentality and explore strategies for product reincarnation
The IDEA25 conference will bring together industry professionals to share knowledge and strategies to advance sustainable practices, highlighting the need for ongoing innovation, regulatory compliance, and incorporating eco-friendly materials to foster a more sustainable future.
The conference is an integral part of IDEA, the premier event for the nonwoven and engineered fabric industry. Hundreds of companies from around the globe representing the entire global supply chain will showcase their latest innovations at the exhibition.
To register for IDEA25, visit the event website: ideashow.org
Datacolor Launches Next Generation Precision Portable Spectrophotometers
Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, announces the launch of the Datacolor Spectro P Series, a next-generation portable spectrophotometer platform engineered for demanding industrial environments where consistent color quality control (QC) is essential.
Ensuring consistent color quality in plastic, automotive, textile, paint, and coating applications is challenging due to variations in manufacturing conditions, materials, and processes. The Spectro P Series addresses these challenges by providing highly accurate and repeatable measurements from the lab to the production floor, ensuring consistency across batches.
The Spectro P Series debuts with two advanced models, the Spectro P200 and Spectro P300, designed to set new standards in portable spectrophotometry for precise and consistent color quality control.
The Spectro P200 delivers dependable performance with a single-aperture design, Bluetooth connectivity, and rugged durability for daily QC tasks. For advanced capabilities, the P300 offers dual-aperture flexibility, UV calibration, gloss assessment, WiFi connectivity, and capturing and storing sample images for enhanced traceability.
Kimberly-Clark Nanjing Expands Baby Diaper, Feminine Napkin Capacities
The phase III expansion project of Kimberly-Clark Nanjing, China facility was kicked off in February 2025, according to the local government of Nanjing, China and news reports. High speed hygiene production lines will be added for manufacturing baby diapers and feminine napkins. The main body of construction will be completed in September this year, according to the construction plan.
Kimberly-Clark operates two hygiene plants in the Jiangsu province, and those plants manufacture 4.5 billion pieces of baby diapers and feminine napkins annually. The 2024 output value of the two plants reached $286 million. With investment of around $50 million, annual output value of the phase III expansion project of Kimberly-Clark Nanjing facility is expected to be 1.5 billion yuan.
Wrangler Debuts Accelerating Circularity Jeans at Walmart
A Wrangler jean debuting at Walmart showcases the potential of a circular supply chain.
Kontoor Brands launched the Wrangler x Accelerating Circularity jean, a men’s straight fit available in medium and dark wash, made with mechanically recycled post-consumer and post-industrial cotton.
The $39.99 jean contains 26 percent recycled cotton (50 percent post-consumer, 50 percent post-industrial), as well as virgin cotton and elastane for stretch. Kontoor Brands-owned Wrangler announced last April that was joining Accelerating Circularity to develop a new 5-pocket jean from upcycled denim.
Contempora Fabrics, America Knits Forge Partnership
Contempora Fabrics Inc., and America Knits LLC, have forged a partnership to boost the made-in-America movement.
Ron Roach, president of Contempora Fabrics Inc., and Steve Hawkins, president of America Knits LLC, announced to eTC that they are forming a strategic partnership between Contempora Fabrics, a circular knitter based in Lumberton, N.C., and America Knits, a six-year-old cut-and-sew and apparel manufacturer based in Swainsboro, Ga. This collaboration marks a significant step toward bolstering domestic textile production and fostering economic growth in these two small towns in the Southeast U.S.
Roach said that Contempora Fabrics has purchased a 20 percent stake in American Knits, with an option to buy another 20 percent by the end of this year. Plans are to leverage their relationships with brands and retailers in order to enhance business and create a stronger U.S. supply chain.
Contempora Fabrics, an employee-owned company, already supplies high-quality, domestically produced fabric to America Knits, located about a five-hour drive south on I-95, and this cooperation will serve to only solidify the relationship and strengthen their made-in-America commitment. With over 200 circular knitting machines and a capacity of 2 million pounds per month, Contempora offers greige packages and finished fabric.
