#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.

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Freudenberg Performance Materials presents Mehlerheytex and Filc at Techtextil 2026

Freudenberg Performance Materials will showcase textile innovations that increase efficiency, performance and sustainability in industry and mobility at Techtextil 2026. For the first time since the merger of Mehler Texnologies and Heytex, the MehlerHeytex brand will make its debut as a leading expert in coated technical textiles. Moreover, Freudenberg Performance Materials Filc (Filc), specialist for advanced needlepunch nonwovens and laminated materials, will present its groundbreaking solutions for automotive applications. Filc customers can benefit from the perfect combination of functionality, comfort and sustainability. The Freudenberg Performance Materials experts are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the trade fair at Stand A11 in Hall 11.0 from April 21 – 24, 2026.

Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to showcase innovations – Call for abstracts

The call for abstracts is now open for the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026, taking place on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and online. Europe’s leading platform for advanced recycling brings together hands-on solutions and cutting-edge research on recycling technologies for various waste streams like plastics, polymers, textiles or automotive, highlighting progress towards a circular renewable carbon economy.