#Man-Made Fibers

2025-11-06

CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics forges ahead with launch of next-gen flame resistant fabric solution at A+A

CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics is paving the way for new possibilities at A+A in Düsseldorf with the launch of CORDURA Comfort FR™, its new range of flame resistant (FR) fabric solutions. The CORDURA® team will be exhibiting in Hall 16, A48 where they will showcase how the new fabric marks a significant breakthrough in flame resistant (FR) performance fabrics, thanks to the combination of lightweight comfort, durability, and lower total cost of ownership.

Forged for Comfort

Protective gear is only effective if people are willing to wear it, and experts cite discomfort as one of the top reasons why workers consistently put themselves in danger by failing to wear PPE[1]. Designed to be lightweight, breathable, and soft, CORDURA Comfort FR™ fabrics can incorporate stretch while retaining their FR characteristics. This encourages daily use in demanding, high-risk jobs where people don’t want to be distracted or restricted by heavy, hot, and stiff protective clothing.

Forged for Hard Work

CORDURA Comfort FR™ next-generation fabrics are engineered with patented thermally resistant nylon fiber technology to handle the toughest jobs and are built to last. These fabrics are designed to protect people working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including oil & gas operators, public safety workers, and military personnel. CORDURA Comfort FR™ is designed to meet regulatory requirements for utility, oil/gas, and manufacturing industries, including specifications such as NFPA 2112 and ISO 11612, encouraging safety and compliance for critical applications.

Forged to Outperform

CORDURA Comfort FR™ fabrics deliver enhanced comfort and protection for end-users while offering significant advantages to PPE manufacturers. Compared to alternative products, garments made from this innovative technology may result in longer service life, fewer replacements, and consequently, reduced waste and lower total lifecycle costs. Additionally, CORDURA Comfort FR™ fabrics exhibit excellent colorfastness and versatility, making them easy to dye and print and further expanding design possibilities for manufacturers.

The CORDURA® brand is a pioneer in the world of durable fabrics, known for producing high-tenacity nylon 6,6 fiber that is the foundation for fabrics which are resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs. Building on this legacy, CORDURA Comfort FR™ fabrics deliver the confidence to get the job done by offering enhanced abrasion and tear resistance comparable or similar to PA66, along with superior UV resistance relative to dyed aramids.

“We’re proving that comfort and durability don’t have to be a trade-off in protective gear.” said Trey Fonde, CORDURA® Director of Global Business Development. “By leveraging INVISTA’s advanced thermally resistant nylon fiber technology and deep fabric expertise, we’ve developed a truly next-generation solution that delivers lasting durability, comfort, and value. Ultimately, it’s about enhancing safety outcomes while delivering tangible benefits to PPE manufacturers and end-users alike."

Attendees of the A+A show are invited to stop by the CORDURA® booth to meet the team and learn more about this exciting new development. Additional information about this new product can be found here: https://cordura.com/comfortfr

INVISTA, Epoch Biodesign sign MoU to advance development of post-consumer recycled Nylon 6,6

INVISTA, a global leader in the manufacture of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers for the nylon and polypropylene value chains, and Epoch Biodesign, the global leader in enzymatic plastic recycling technology, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the development of post-consumer recycled nylon 6,6.

INVISTA proposes plant closures and production shift to strengthen global competitiveness

INVISTA announced a set of proposed strategic actions intended to strengthen its global operating footprint and position the business for long-term competitiveness. The proposal includes closing its precision machine shop in Martinsville, Virginia; discontinuing production at its Gloucester, England site; transitioning operations to its Kingston, Canada facility, which will continue to serve customers in North America and Europe; and continuing to explore various investment opportunities for expanding capabilities at select advantaged sites, including its Anlon site in Shanghai, China.

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.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Kimberly-Clark develops alternative natural fiber platform for hygiene products

Kimberly-Clark has introduced a proprietary innovation program aimed at developing alternative natural fibers for future hygiene products. The company has created a patented materials platform based on fibers derived from hesperaloe, a drought-tolerant succulent native to the southwestern United States.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

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.

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.