#INDEX 23

2023-03-23

ExxonMobil showcases model baby diaper incorporating its portfolio of products for innovative hygiene solutions at INDEX™23

ExxonMobil will demonstrate its industry leadership by presenting its broad portfolio of products that enable innovative solutions with sustainability benefits for hygiene and personal care applications at INDEX™23 (booth 2115). This extensive portfolio includes ExxonMobil™ PP, Achieve™ Advanced PP (polypropylene) and Vistamaxx™ performance polymers that can be used to create differentiated hygiene and personal care products.

Presenting model ExxonMobil baby diaper made using its broad product portfolio

Displaying high loft nonwovens that include ISCC PLUS mass balance certified circular polymers using ExxtendTM technology for advanced recycling of plastic waste

Highlighting ISCC PLUS mass balance certified circular polymers as an opportunity to help the hygiene industry create solutions with sustainability benefits

"INDEX™23 is the perfect platform to demonstrate that not all hygiene solutions are created equal,” said market development manager, Gertrud Masure. “Our broad product portfolio and a collaborative approach is creating differentiated solutions that help unlock business opportunities across the value chain. This is an ideal opportunity for customers to discuss their challenges and new product ideas with our polymer and application experts.” A major innovation being presented will be the model baby diaper of which the chassis is made exclusively with ExxonMobil’s extensive portfolio of products. “This innovation allows us to demonstrate the broad capability of our portfolio, combined with our hygiene application expertise, as we look to unlock business opportunities with interested parties committed to collaborative new developments,” said Masure. Also on display will be a new version of the recently introduced high-loft, ultra- soft, silky-smooth nonwoven solution for premium hygiene products using an innovative blend of Vistamaxx™ performance polymers, Achieve™ Advanced PP and ExxonMobil™ PP. Developed collaboratively with Reifenhäuser Reicofil, this nonwoven solution delivers sustainability benefits by including ExxonMobil™ PP ISCC PLUS mass balance certified circular polymers using Exxtend™ technology for advanced recycling of plastic waste.

Produced efficiently in one step from pellet to nonwoven via high-speed spunbond process, this differentiated soft nonwoven is ideal for use in premium diapers, pant-type diapers, feminine care and adult incontinence products.

“This innovation demonstrates how certified circular polymers can help deliver sustainability benefits in highly technical hygiene applications, helping the industry achieve its circularity ambitions,” said Masure.

“Delivering the same quality and performance as resins made from conventional feedstock, customers can be confident when using certified- circular polymers in existing applications,” said global market manager Olivier Lorge. “Our Exxtend™ technology can play an increasingly important role in creating a more circular economy for plastics by helping to broaden the range of plastics that society recycles. With ambitions to scale our technology at multiple sites around the world, we can help meet customers’ growing demand for certified-circular content.”

As part of the INDEX™23 Conference Program, ExxonMobil will present “Innovative solutions for a better tomorrow” on 18th April, 2023 @ 14.30.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.