#Index 2017

2017-03-24

Netting solutions for a world of nonwovens

Conwed, the leading plastic netting manufacturer in the world, will share its latest innovations at INDEX 17. Recently acquired by Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. – SWM, Conwed brings 50 years of netting innovation to the SWM Advanced Materials and Structures (AMS) division.

This division focuses on resin-based rolled goods and has been formed with three recent acquisitions: DelStar Technologies, acquired in 2013, Argotec, acquired in late 2015, and Conwed Plastics acquired in 2017.

Conwed netting is an essential component in hundreds of industrial and consumer products in many different industries worldwide. From automotive, filtration and medical applications to hygiene, disposable and consumer products, manufacturers, OEMs and converters incorporate the netting to achieve lightweight reinforcement and stretchability.

Uniquely designed for hygiene and apparel applications, Conwed manufactures Flat Rebound, an elastomeric netting with flat joints to create smooth and highly breathable nonwoven composites. It is used in composite form with nonwovens and other substrates acting as an alternative to spandex, films and stretchable nonwovens. In hygiene products, it is used in waistbands and side panels in adult incontinence briefs and underwear and in baby training pants.

Conwed netting is also used to create superior composites by incorporating netting with other substrates using different techniques, such as extrusion coating, extrusion lamination, thermal lamination, ultrasonic welding, wet and dry adhesive lamination and diverse nonwoven processes. For a complete overview of how to incorporate Conwed netting in different production processes, visit the step-by-step section called Plastic Netting 101.

As part of SWM international the customers gain access to a complete line of films, paper, nownovens and value-added netting for diverse industry applications.

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.

Techtextil & Texprocess 2026: Global benchmark for textile innovation – Performance Apparel Textiles takes centre stage at the opening

With 1,700 exhibitors from 54 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 showcase the full range of innovation within the international textile industry – from new materials and recycling technologies to finishing solutions and high-performance textile manufacturing and processing technologies. The opening press conference centred on a key theme where innovation is especially strong: Performance Apparel Textiles.

Circulose and CTA announce collaboration to enable lyocell fibers using CIRCULOSE® pulp

Circulose has announced an agreement with China Textile Academy Green Fibre (CTA) to offer lyocell fibers produced using CIRCULOSE® pulp. Producing lyocell from recycled pulp at commercial scale is an important step in making textile-to-textile recycled materials available across a wider range of textile applications.