#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-09-10

Ahlstrom-Munksjö enhances its high protection medical fabric portfolio with the addition of TrustShield™ Biological

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announces the launch of TrustShield™ Biological, a personal protective apparel medical fabric designed to shield against hazardous pathogens.

The TrustShield™ product portfolio offers a range of medical fabrics designed to provide superior protection in the operating room, clinical and laboratory environments. TrustShield™ fabrics are laser resistant, protect against chemical permeation, and are highly absorbent. They can be easily converted into medical grade gowns or drapes.

TrustShield™ Biological is designed for personal protective apparel applications requiring biological protection to prevent penetration of blood and other hazardous fluids that can spread and cause infections. TrustShield™ Biological is a bi-laminate (two layer) fabric that consists of a polypropylene based nonwoven layer designed for comfort, and polyethylene film layer for protection against biohazards.

“It is important to focus on how we can advance product functionality in our smart fiber-based solutions. This holds true especially for our medical business and the protective fabrics we produce to keep front line workers safe. TrustShield™ Biological further underscores our mission to deliver high performing medical fabrics that fully protect health care workers and patients globally,” commented Lionel Bonte, Vice President, Medical, Ahlstrom-Munksjö.

For decades the medical business has been making fabrics used to construct surgical gowns, drapes, pleated face masks, protective apparel and sterile barrier systems. These high performing medical fabrics are used around the world to protect health care workers and patients against viruses, bacteria and fluids. TrustShield™ Biological joins Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s high protection portfolio, which includes ViroS?l™ and PureArmor®, Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s next generation breathable viral barrier (BVB) fabrics. These innovative fabrics offer both protection and comfort, something that is difficult to achieve together.

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.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.