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#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

One of Bavaria's most distinguished entrepreneurs, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler turns 70.

Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler © 2023 Sandler
On August 18, 2023, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler celebrates his 70th birthday. Sandler AG’s Chairman of the Board is one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in Bavaria, even outside his home region. He is the fourth generation to head the Sandler family business.

Nonwovens specialist Sandler AG, headquartered in Schwarzenbach (Saale), Bavaria, with production sites in Schwarzenbach and in Perry, Georgia, is today one of the 20 largest nonwovens producers in the world. Sandler AG manufactures nonwovens for a broad range of applications ranging from tender webs for personal hygiene items to self-supporting acoustical panels.

For 25 years, Dr. Sandler has been fighting for the interests of the industry as president of the Bavarian Textile and Clothing Industry Association (VTB). Also, for a quarter of a century, Dr. Sandler has served as vice president of the Bavarian Business Association (vbw). Dr. Sandler is a recipient of the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, as well as the Bavarian Order of Merit.





The exorbitant rise in energy costs in particular is a current concern not only for the textile and apparel industry. As president of the industry association, Dr. Sandler is fighting vigorously to maintain the competitiveness of German enterprises. This commitment, in turn, puts another issue on hold for a while: The thought of retirement, sufficiently justified for a 70-year-old, is currently being overshadowed by the challenging times that face the industry as a whole. Yet the course for the future of Sandler AG has already been set. Dr. Sandler's nephew Philipp Ebbinghaus, 38, joined the Management Board on January 1 of this year, where he will steer the company's fortunes together with Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck, 53.



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#Nonwovens

Katharina Obergruber appointed to the Management Board of Sandler AG

The Supervisory Board of Sandler AG has appointed Katharina Obergruber to the company’s Management Board. Effective September 1, 2026, the Board will consist of Philipp Ebbinghaus (CEO), Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck (currently CCO, future COO), and Katharina Obergruber (CCO). Katharina Obergruber, currently Chief Sales Officer Hygiene and member of the Management Team of Sandler AG, will assume responsibility for all sales activities as Chief Commercial Officer. She will assume this role from Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck, who will focus primarily on production and supply chain topics.

#Nonwovens

Sandler turns financial stability into a catalyst for shaping the future

The Sandler Group has presented its financial figures for the past fiscal year (01/01/2025-12/31/2025). Like previous years, the year 2025 was also marked by industry-wide structural challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Turnover was virtually stable at EUR 321 million (2024: EUR 326 million). High energy costs continue to weigh heavily on profitability. The number of employees was 975 (2024: 980). The family-owned company, which was founded in 1879 and has been run by the fifth generation since August 2025, continues to invest millions in its Schwarzenbach site despite the high production costs in Germany. As part of the long-term corporate strategy, the management team is focusing on strict cost management, further development of the product portfolio, and greater efficiency in production and administrative processes. The company does not expect a market recovery in 2026 and 2027.

#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

Sandler AG & Phoenix Non Woven—new partnership, new opportunities

Sandler AG invests in wet-laid technology to strengthen its innovation pipeline and broaden market reach. Schwarzenbach an der Saale, Germany, July 24, 2025. Sandler AG, a global leader in nonwoven textiles, has acquired a 24.9% stake in Phoenix Non Woven GmbH & Co. KG, a pioneering company based in Lenningen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Phoenix emerged as an innovative spin-off from the former Scheufelen paper factory and specializes in the production of high-performance nonwovens using wet-laid technology.

#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

Philipp Ebbinghaus appointed as the new CEO at Sandler AG

At its meeting yesterday, the Supervisory Board of Sandler AG made significant decisions regarding the company’s future leadership. Effective August 1, 2025, Philipp Ebbinghaus (40), currently CFO, will assume the role of CEO of Sandler AG. As the nephew of the current CEO, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler, he represents the fifth generation of the founding family to lead the company.

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#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

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.

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

Dilo Group at ITMA ASIA Singapore 2025

At ITMA ASIA Singapore, the Dilo Group will exhibit at Booth No. H2 – D202. Together with Kansan Materials, Izmir, the company will present its latest developments and looks forward to welcoming visitors to exchange ideas and explore innovations in needling technology.

#Nonwovens

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.

#Nonwovens

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.

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#Textile processing

YKK Bangladesh celebrates 25 years of fastening production and business development

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#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

Murata Machinery to showcase AIcone winding and high-speed VORTEX spinning at ITMA ASIA 2026

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#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

DORNIER highlights airbag, filtration and composite weaving technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026

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#Retail & Brands

Marks & Spencer expands across Asia Pacific through partnership with Global Fashion Group

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