#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2023-03-30

Autoneum publishes Corporate Responsibility Report 2022

In 2022, Autoneum made further measurable progress in the areas of environment, people and communities, governance and compliance. In addition, the Company committed to ambitious science-based targets, which were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in January 2023. In the reporting year, Autoneum succeeded in further reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions and continued to expand its recycling capabilities on a global scale.

Moreover, the incorporation of the sustainability criterion in the Executive Bonus Plan will bring this topic into even stronger focus for Autoneum in the future.

In recognition of the need for rapid and significant reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, Autoneum further optimized the sustainability of its products and processes in 2022. Despite the numerous challenges the automotive industry continued to face last year, the Company managed to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions by 14.8% on a relative basis and by 33% on an absolute basis compared to the 2019 baseline. In addition, 214 eco-efficiency projects focusing on reducing waste as well as energy and water consumption were carried out at 37 Autoneum plants worldwide, almost tripling the number of this type of project compared to previous years.

The validation of Autoneum’s science-based targets to reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions along the entire value chain by the SBTI at the beginning of this year marked an important milestone for the Company. The targets are in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2°C and support Autoneum’s environmental targets already firmly established in its Advance Sustainability Strategy. In addition, with the introduction of its fully recyclable 100% polyester carpet systems, which build on existing and particularly eco-friendly Pure technologies, the Company further strengthened its position as the global market and technology leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management for vehicles. Autoneum has already received first customer awards for its innovative tufted carpet systems. Further awards were received for e-motor encapsulations based on Autoneum’s patented, noise-reducing Pure technology Hybrid-Acoustics PET.

In the area occupational health and safety, Autoneum succeeded in clearly reducing the number of occupational accidents and the accident frequency rate by 26.5%. In addition, Autoneum launched the first company-wide Women’s Network in 2022. The network aims at promoting gender equality and a culture of diversity and inclusion at Autoneum, and at facilitating cross-regional and cross-functional exchange among employees on topics such as career development, leadership and the compatibility of work and family. Furthermore, Autoneum employees across the globe carried out 67 community engagement projects in 2022.

In the reporting year, Autoneum also placed a particular focus on extending the Corporate Responsibility Organization throughout the Company. In addition, the Board of Directors was more closely involved in the corresponding processes. By incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) target criteria in the Group’s Executive Bonus Plan as of the 2022 financial year, the issue of sustainability will become even more important for Autoneum in the future.

Autoneum’s Corporate Responsibility Report 2022 is available for download at https://www.autoneum.com/corporate-responsibility.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

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.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.