#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-05-13

Low & Bonar PLC is now part of the Freudenberg Group

The global technology group Freudenberg acquired 100 percent of the shares in Low & Bonar PLC, London, United Kingdom. Freudenberg submitted an offer in September 2019. The Low & Bonar shareholders approved the sale in November 2019, the European Commission authorized the merger on April 17. Low & Bonar PLC will be delisted from the London Stock Exchange on May 13 at 8 AM local London time. Low & Bonar is a global manufacturer of technical textiles. The company will be integrated in the Freudenberg Performance Materials Business Group.

Performance Materials expands technological competency

“Freudenberg strengthens its performance materials business, and with Low & Bonar’s innovative technology it can further expand its technological know-how,” says Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Freudenberg Group CEO.

Dr. Frank Heislitz, CEO of Freudenberg Performance Materials emphasizes: “As a pioneer in spunbonded nonwoven production, Freudenberg has offered its customers materials manufactured with a one-step production process since 1968. Thanks to the two-step process solution from Low & Bonar, we can be even more flexible and individually tailor products to customer specifications.” Freudenberg can also expand on its broad product range. This is particularly true for the current application in the construction, interior build out, home textile and automotive sectors.

“We are also opening new fields for Freudenberg with new applications thanks to Low & Bonar’s complementary technologies,” says Heislitz. The acquisition of Low & Bonar which was founded in 1903 and headquarters in London means Freudenberg Performance Materials now has 35 production facilities in Asia, Europe and North America (previously 24) and employees some 5,500 employees (previously some 4,000).

Same views on quality and sustainability

Just like Low & Bonar, Freudenberg uses leading edge technologies to develop and manufacture its fabrics and textiles and for refining textiles and materials. The products from both companies are top quality. Freudenberg and Low & Bonar also have identical sustainability processes. The goal of both companies is to be responsibly sustainable in their actions. Sustainability is integrated in the entire product cycle, including the use of raw materials and energy as well as the entire manufacturing process. International standards are not merely satisfied but exceeded.

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.

Freudenberg accelerates local production for apparel market by expanding its site in India

Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) celebrates the grand opening of a major expansion at its manufacturing facility in Chennai, India, on October 14, adding 20,000 square feet of production space and introducing new production lines tailored to the Indian apparel market. This strategic investment is aimed at significantly reducing lead times and enhancing the availability of high-quality, locally produced interlinings for the fast-evolving apparel sector in India and South Asia.

Freudenberg Performance Materials publishes first Sustainability Report

With the publication of its first sustainability report, Freudenberg Performance Materials has reached a major milestone on its path toward greater environmental responsibility and corporate transparency. Until now, information about the company’s sustainability performance was only included in the sustainability report of its parent company, the Freudenberg Group. The newly released report, however, focuses specifically on the business of technical textiles.

Freudenberg to exhibit for the first time at CAMX 2025

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will be exhibiting for the first time at CAMX 2025 in Orlando, Florida, from September 9-11. This presence is a strong signal from the leading global supplier of technical textiles to support the North American composites industry with high-performance surfacing veils, flow media and spacers. Visitors can meet Freudenberg experts at booth D69 on the show floor.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in 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.