#Nonwoven machines

2026-01-29

Three ANDRITZ spunlace lines start operating at Alar Silk Road New Materials in China

ANDRITZ neXline spunlace lines in operation at Alar Silk Road New Materials in Aral City, Xinjiang, China © 2026 Andritz

Alar Silk Road New Materials and ANDRITZ have successfully commissioned three spunlace lines in crosslapped configuration at Alar’s facility in Aral City, Xinjiang, China.

The new lines strengthen Alar’s capacity to produce high-quality nonwovens and support the development of a more resource-efficient and sustainable ecosystem for the region’s hygiene and medical industries.

The neXline spunlace lines from ANDRITZ process viscose and/or cotton fibers to produce nonwoven fabrics that meet stringent quality requirements for hygiene and medical end uses. The lines deliver excellent web uniformity, strong tensile properties, and high production rates, enabling Alar to meet the growing market demand. The latest Profile™ crosslappers help reduce operating costs by ensuring even fiber distribution.

Xueyan Li, General Manager of Alar Silk Road New Materials, said: “Since production began in November, the lines have been operating reliably and safely. We are continuing to optimize processes and energy use to further increase efficiency and create greater value for our customers.”

Quanzhi Feng, Chairman of Alar Silk Road New Materials, added: “The partnership with ANDRITZ has exceeded our expectations. The first line was commissioned in record time, demonstrating the professionalism of the ANDRITZ team. This gives us great confidence as we continue to expand our production capacity.”

ANDRITZ will continue to support Alar in further advancing its operations. The two companies plan to deepen their cooperation in innovation, digitalization, and energy efficiency to implement Alar’s goals and contribute to sustainable industrial development in the Xinjiang region.

Alar Silk Road New Materials Co., Ltd., based in Aral City, Xinjiang, is a leading producer of high‑quality nonwovens for hygiene, medical, and care applications. Using the region’s rich cotton resources, the company develops advanced materials supported by strong technological capabilities. Alar also drives innovation in renewable raw materials, converting resources such as reed into high‑value pulp, which supports circular economy goals. Through continuous collaboration and technological development, the company is building a modern, internationally competitive industrial base.

Group photo at the Alar Silk Road New Materials production site, symbolizing the successful commissioning of three spunlace crosslapping lines © 2026 Andritz

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

ANDRITZ at Techtextil 2026: Sustainability and advanced technologies

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, from April 21 to 24, 2026 (Hall 12, B95). ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for durable and technical nonwovens, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services.

Reju secures €135 Million in Dutch NIKI Funding for industrial-scale textile-to-textile regeneration hub at Chemelot Industrial Park, the Netherlands

Reju™, the progressive textile-to-textile regeneration company, has been awarded €135 million in funding under the Netherlands’ Nationale Investeringsregeling Klimaatprojecten Industrie (NIKI) program. The funding will support Reju’s planned industrial-scale Regeneration Hub at Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard-Geleen, covering both the investment phase and ongoing operations, and represents a critical milestone on the path toward final investment decision.

JEC World 2026 confirms its standing as the unmissable event for composites and their applications

JEC World 2026 confirms its position as the leading global event for the composite materials industry and its applications across multiple sectors, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem in Paris for three days of business, innovation, and collaboration. True to its Pushing the Limits motto, the 2026 edition delivered outstanding results despite travel disruptions worldwide. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 50 countries, including over 150 first-timers, presented a global panorama of products, equipment, and services across the entire composites value chain.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.