#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-07-09

Julius Group and Noble Biomaterials announce new strategic partnership to launch high-quality antiviral PPE for consumers

Julius Group, a leading innovative manufacturer that combines the latest technologies with heritage craftsmanship to produce gloves and fashion accessories, and Noble Biomaterials, the global leader in antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft-surface applications, today announced the launch of a strategic partnership to produce reusable antiviral/antibacterial gloves and masks for consumer use. Amid the global pandemic, the companies are partnering to allow Julius Group to manufacture PPE using Noble Biomaterials’ powerful Ionic+™ antimicrobial technology.

Companies Launch Partnership to Make Gloves and Masks with Ionic+™ to Help Fight the Global Pandemic

“We are proud to be able to supply technology that will make consumers’ lives safer and more sustainable – especially at a time when safety is more important than ever. We will harness this partnership opportunity to propel innovation and get these advanced products to the masses.”

The reusable antimicrobial gloves and masks will be made with fabric that incorporates 99.9% pure silver, which provides a dramatic reduction in virus infectivity on soft surfaces. These consumer products will be released through InnoTier, a company recently launched by Julius Group. InnoTier is an innovation-driven company with a mission to develop products that help people live a more sustainable life.

“We believe that a truly innovative approach to technology can have a big impact on the world,” said Juliana Lam, Chairman of Julius Group and Founder and President of InnoTier. “It can impact people and the planet and ensure a sustainable future for all. We also believe that we can only do this with a truly global mindset.”

Noble Biomaterials’ infection-prevention textile technology has been used globally for decades in healthcare environments to reduce the growth of microbes and protect soft surfaces such as privacy curtains, bedding, scrubs and lab coats.

“This collaboration allows our companies to pool our expertise in order to develop products that drive transformation,” said Jeff Keane, CEO of Noble Biomaterials. “We are proud to be able to supply technology that will make consumers’ lives safer and more sustainable – especially at a time when safety is more important than ever. We will harness this partnership opportunity to propel innovation and get these advanced products to the masses.”

Noble Biomaterials is a registered FDA medical device facility, an essential sole-source technology supplier of medical components to the US military and a US EPA–registered antimicrobial manufacturer. Leading companies such as 3M, Systagenix and KCI rely on the products manufactured by Noble Biomaterials for the medical market.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.