#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-08-05

New INDA report provides outlook for medical facemask/respirator meltblown demand resulting from COVID-19

With respirators and medical facemasks at the forefront of efforts to fight COVID-19, a new report from INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, examines the market and outlook for the stand-alone meltblown process used to produce those products.

Available Aug. 4, the report, Meltblown Nonwoven Markets: COVID-19 Impact Analysis, https://bit.ly/meltblownreport, presents an outlook on the meltblown required for medical facemasks and respirators in the U.S., providing critical insights for companies to make informed decisions during these times. The report also provides a global view of meltblown capacity.

“With U.S. policymakers currently considering or putting in motion policies to achieve self-sufficiency in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) base material, understanding the dynamics of supply and demand of meltblown, a critical base material for PPE, in North America and other regions is critical at this time,” says Dave Rousse, INDA President.

INDA is continuing its role as a valuable resource connector by bringing together users of PPE with suppliers and working to facilitate increasing the U.S. production footprint of meltblown materials, a limiting factor to U.S. facemask production.

Based on extensive research, producer surveys and interviews with industry leaders, the report is authored by Brad Kalil, INDA’s Director of Market Intelligence & Economic Insights, an industry leader on providing important information on this sector of the nonwoven industry.

This report is focused on the overall market and provides an introduction to meltblown techniques, the fibers’ unique properties and end-use applications, historical capacity, and estimated U.S. and global volumes.

Meltblown Nonwoven Markets: COVID-19 Impact Analysis provides valuable insights for companies involved in the meltblown supply chain from resin equipment producers to fabric producers to end-use converters involved in facemask production, the filtration industry and wipes markets.

INDA also has been working to promote the outstanding efforts of nonwoven and engineered fabric producers mobilizing in the fight against the coronavirus through its new portal on the inda.org website: Allies Against COVID-19.

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.

INDA announces finalists for the 2025 RISE® Innovation Award

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2025 RISE® Innovation Award. A highlight of the RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Technology Conference, this award recognizes groundbreaking nonwoven-based innovations with the potential to advance the industry.

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.

Cinte Techtextil China proves to be dynamic international platform and launchpad for new market potential

After three days of facilitating meaningful exchange for numerous applications of technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China 2025 concluded on 5 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Feedback across the fairground was highly positive, especially from first-time exhibitors and buyers who valued the platform’s capability to create new opportunities both in China and overseas markets.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.