#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2017-08-31

Norafin receives the Innovation Prize of the Free State of Saxony 2017

On 28 August 2017, the award ceremony of the Innovation Prize of the Free State of Saxony 2017 took place at the Hellerau Festival Hall. Norafin received the award for the third place. A total of 23 Saxon companies representing a wide range innovations have applied for the Saxony Innovation Prize, from which ten companies were nominated.

Norafin, one of the nominated companies, has succeeded in transforming flax fibers into a tear-resistant flax veneer with positive eco-balance, which is characterized by high UV resistance as well as heat-insulating and sound-absorbing properties. Thanks to the natural main components flax and a small portion of natural viscose the wallpaper promotes a good, natural room climate and is compostable. "We are very proud to bring the price for our innovation into the Erzgebirge", say André Lang, Managing Director of Norafin Industries (Germany) GmbH and Johannes Loos, Business Development Manager. "This is a really nice award for a long-term development of a good team with members from production, technology, R & D and customer service."

Norafin has succeeded in entering into the end customer segment thanks to the low-rise wallpaper, thus opening up a new business segment. Personnel resources and high investments were spent to start an online shop as a sales platform. Subsequently, the intensive promotion through presentations at trade fairs or in print media, among other things, took place. The big breakthrough Norafin achieved through the contribution in the program "Einfach Genial" by the German TV station MDR.

As a result of the nation-wide broadcast of the show, it was not only possible to significantly increase sales in the end customer area, but also to generate demand from interior designers and painting shops. Due to the good cooperation in networks, the product range is currently additionally expanded with Plauener Spitze (Otto Dotzauer KG) embroidered and printed wallpapers - also with stain protection equipment.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.