#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-09-17

Ahlstrom-Munksjö launches FortiCell® LAB, a new product portfolio specifically designed for the Lead Acid Battery Industry

Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances further into the energy storage market and launches Ahlstrom-Munksjö Forticell® LAB, its new portfolio of fiber-based solutions for Lead Acid Battery applications.

Today, lead acid batteries are the most cost effective energy storage devices. Storing electricity from renewable energy resources, providing back up for data centers, supporting supply chain management , enabling vehicle start-stop systems and supporting electrical car charging stations. Fiber-based materials are widely used in energy storage devices and due to Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s extensive expertise in cellulose, microglass and specialty nonwoven materials, the company is developing a complete range of solutions for its customers.

“I am very pleased to introduce our FortiCell® LAB range”, says Bertrand Rupin, Head of Business Development, Energy Storage. “Utilizing the extensive technological platform already in place, the Forticell® LAB portfolio covers the full range of fiber-based materials used in the industry today, from absorbed glass mat media to pasting materials and film separator reinforcements. We plan to further expand our portfolio of solutions in this field going forward”, he adds.

“We are determined to take the necessary steps that will lead Ahlstrom-Munksjö to become a leading supplier to the energy storage market”, says Daniele Borlatto, Executive Vice President, Filtration & Performance Solutions. “The introduction of a complete offering for lead acid battery, combined with the opening of a new state of the art absorbed glass mat line in Turin in the first quarter of 2022, puts us in a strong position to serve the growing needs of the lead acid battery industry moving forward”, adds Robin Guillaud, Vice President Business Development, Filtration & Performance Solutions.

The addressable annual market opportunity for fiber-based solutions used in lead acid batteries is approximately EUR 400 million and is expected to grow 4-6% per year.

Ahlstrom– Munksjö is a Sponsor in the upcoming ELBC 17th European Lead Battery Conference, held virtually on September 22-24, 2020, where additional information on Forticell® LAB will be made available: https://17elbc.ila-lead.org/

In parallel to its development efforts in the lead acid battery market, Ahlstrom-Munksjö will continue to seek for opportunities to develop its FortiCell® product platform in other segments of the energy storage industry

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.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.

Savio Macchine Tessili will exhibit at ITM Istanbul 2026 presenting its flagship technologies

Savio Macchine Tessili will participate in ITM Istanbul 2026 in a corporate booth of Vandewiele Group, showcasing a selection of its most advanced winding and spinning solutions designed to support textile mills in achieving higher efficiency, flexibility and yarn quality. The company will bring to the show three flagship solutions: Proxima Smartconer®, Lybra Smartspinner® and the Phoenix Assembly Winder.

Rieter at ITM 2026: Spinning Redefined with Automation and Intelligence

Spinning mills need solutions that deliver stability, efficiency and future-proof performance. Rieter has put together a powerful portfolio for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. These innovations give customers the tools to enhance cost efficiency, improve responsiveness and actively develop their competitive edge. Step-by-step, Rieter is moving closer to its Vision 2027 – the fully automated spinning mill. With each new technology, Rieter enables spinning mills worldwide to operate with greater precision and reliability, ensuring they remain at the forefront of an increasingly demanding global market.