#Research & Development

2024-07-17

NIRI strengthens fibre, filament and fabric extrusion capabilities with the appointment of Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche

Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche will lead NIRI’s extrusion research and development capability. His extensive background in polymer extrusion, sustainable textile innovation, and business development will be pivotal in helping NIRI to deliver their customers’ next-generation products.

Prior to joining NIRI, Javier managed the Polymer Business Unit at CETI, overseeing advanced extrusion lines. Leading a team of engineers and technicians to deliver innovative advancements for the fibre and nonwovens industries, his work focused primarily on reducing environmental impacts through circular business models – topics that are becoming increasingly important for NIRI’s clients. His responsibilities included implementing chemical recycling processes for cellulose, casein, and keratin fibres and developing eco-friendly methods for products containing fibres and nonwovens. Previously, Javier was an assistant professor at UMass Lowell, managing R&D projects with the U.S. Department of Defence, AFFOA, and ANTEA GROUP. He holds a PhD in Thermoplastics Extrusion from the University of Bradford and a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Murcia, with expertise in single screw extrusion of polymers, extrusion scale-up, and rheometry.

Focus at NIRI: Javier will enhance NIRI’s extrusion capabilities by integrating advanced know-how and techniques into the company’s research and development projects, driving significant progress in NIRI’s capabilities to provide enhanced support to clients. He will lead projects to refine processes and develop products for both high-value and commodity-based industries. Javier’s work will focus on sustainable textile processes, including developing new methodologies for circular business models within the textile industry. His extensive network of industry contacts and deep understanding of textile recycling and sustainable practices will be crucial to these projects. Javier comments,

"I am thrilled to join NIRI, the industry's leading innovation partner. Their unmatched expertise and capability to develop next-generation products set them apart. NIRI's approach to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to working with their talented team to tackle industry challenges and drive sustainable solutions.”

At the forefront of extrusion innovation: Javier’s expertise aligns with NIRI’s focus on improving extrusion capabilities to meet future customer requirements, including process development of new biopolymers and biodegradable polymers; development of fabrics (spunbound and meltblown), filaments (mono and bico), and stable fibres (mono and bico); development of new masterbatches; lightweighting and replacing multi-layers with innovative single layers, and thermo-mechanical and chemical recycling of polymers.

Dr Matthew Tipper, CEO at NIRI, said, "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche to NIRI. His expertise in polymer extrusion and sustainable textiles will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities. Javier's addition to our team reflects our dedication to attracting top talent and staying at the forefront of industry innovation."

To find out more about NIRI’s services and capabilities, please visit NIRI’s website.

https://www.nirigroup.com/

NIRI to exhibit at IDEA25

NIRI is excited to announce that they will be exhibiting at IDEA2025, the premier event for nonwovens materials and their applications, taking place at Miami Beach Convention Center from April 28 to May01, 2025. The event also hosts FiltXPO, the North America exhibition dedicated exclusively to filtration and separation.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

The cultivation of fibre hemp for the production of ropes and clothing has a long tradition in Saxony. Due to its excellent fibre properties, it is also suitable as a renewable raw material for reinforcement in fibre composites. At the STFI and IWU in Chemnitz, the CannaPul project is cur- rently investigating how a regional value chain for hemp-based lightweight construction profiles can be established. To this end, the technical processing of hemp fibres into continuous fibre strands and their embedding in a suitable bio-based matrix are being investigated.

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.