#Man-Made Fibers

2026-04-02

Swiss industrial engineering and manufacturing company Sulzer joins Spinnova’s ecosystem

Sulzer, a Swiss industrial engineering and manufacturing company, has joined Spinnova’s ecosystem (consortium) to enable the availability of SPINNOVA® fibre in the textile materials market. Sulzer will contribute its expertise to support Spinnova’s development work.

Sulzer is a global leader in critical applications for core infrastructure and processes for large essential industries around the world. Sulzer’s technology enables its customers to enhance their energy efficiency and resource management, improve performance, reduce emissions, and develop solutions that support the circular economy.

Spinnova has previously partnered with Sulzer during the Woodspin demonstration factory project, from planning to ramping up production. Sulzer has also supported Spinnova in the ramp-up of piloting environment for MFC (microfibrillated cellulose) production. Beyond delivering machinery and expertise, the collaboration has involved close co-development between the two companies.

This new agreement formalises Sulzer’s role in future technology development and strengthens the ecosystem with additional engineering expertise. Spinnova’s ecosystem aims to accelerate the scaling of its technology and fibre supply by engaging partners across the value chain. Sulzer supports this goal through multiple contributions, including efforts to increase cost competitiveness.

“Co-development with Sulzer strengthens our offering to scale up Spinnova’s technology. By combining Sulzer’s technology and engineering expertise in pumping, mixing, and fibre suspension flows with our technology concept, we can industrialise more effectively. This partnership strengthens the entire process from planning to implementation, improving the concept competitiveness at large scale”, says Mikko Kautto, responsible of Technology Concept and Partners at Spinnova.

“Sulzer is committed to supporting companies that push the boundaries of innovation like Spinnova. By providing reliable technology and engineering expertise, we are pleased to help our partners strengthen their processes and advance their ambitions”, says Sirpa Välimaa, Head of Business Segment, Pulp, Paper, and Board at Sulzer.

Spinnova’s partner NZ TEX GROUP supports scaling of SPINNOVA® fibre

NZ TEX GROUP, Spinnova’s long-term woven fabric manufacturing partner based in Bangladesh, supports the scaling of SPINNOVA® fibre by joining the Spinnova ecosystem. NZ TEX GROUP and Spinnova have jointly developed fabrics, including denim, over several years, and the partners are now formalising and strengthening their cooperation through the ecosystem model.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem to accelerate technology scale‑up

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem (consortium) to help advance the scale‑up of Spinnova’s technology. Spinnova has actively sought partners to accelerate commercial scale‑up, and Circulose, as a key player in textile recycling, strengthens the ecosystem by providing a raw material that is in high demand across the industry.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

Barmag Fuzhou Customer Day concludes successfully, boosting high-quality chemical fiber growth in Fujian & Guangdong

Barmag hosted its Customer Day themed “A New Era. Powered by Innovation.” in Fuzhou on June 28, welcoming nearly one hundred invited customers from Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Georg Stausberg, CEO of Barmag Group, attended along-side the sales and R&D expert China team to jointly present integrated solutions covering the entire man-made fiber value chain.

AMSilk and Ajinomoto Foods Europe expand partnership to enable industrial-scale production of silk proteins

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader leader in biotech produced silk materials, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), marking a key step in scaling the industrial production of its silk proteins. Building on the collaboration first established in 2023, the two companies have now entered into a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement, enabling the transition from industrial validation to dedicated, large-scale production.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.