#Yarn & Fiber

2021-11-24

NKK and LENZING AG celebrate 25 years of separator paper production with LENZING™ Lyocell fibers

NIPPON KODOSHI CORPORATION (NKK) is proud to celebrate 25 years of successful production of NKK Cellulion® separator papers, produced using LENZING™ Lyocell fibers, developed and supplied by Lenzing AG, the Austrian-based technology-leader for specialty wood-based cellulose fibers. The separator papers, which are 100% cellulose in composition, are used in electric double layer capacitors (EDLC), Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) and other energy storage devices.

Cellulosic separators manufactured using LENZING™ Lyocell fibers have become an industry benchmark with a dominant market share for high performance super-capacitors

The thinner separator papers enable energy conservation and contribute to a carbon zero future

The continued development of battery technologies emphasizes the need for further optimization in thickness reduction and performance of separator papers. The demand for increasingly sophisticated electrical storage devices and the required separator papers has grown since early adoption in aluminum electrolytic capacitors and they are now a vital part of the e-mobility revolution. Designed to enable sustainable energy solutions, the microfibrillar structure and thermal stability of LENZING™ Lyocell fibers make them a suitable ingredient in electrical separators for applications such as Lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors and electrolytic condensers, particularly in the new generation of electric vehicles.

Lenzing and NKK are both committed to utilizing low environmental impact manufacturing to achieve decarbonization, echoing the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through the partnership, Lenzing and NKK have been key drivers in accelerating the development of novel fiber and separator products respectively, continuing to provide sustainable solutions for future transport and energy needs.

“We are proud to be on such an exciting journey with NKK. Together we are making an important contribution to reducing global CO2 emissions through the development of high efficiency cellulose-based separator materials,” reflected Jürgen Eizinger, Vice President of Global Nonwovens Business, Lenzing AG. “The long-standing cooperation between our two companies combined with the low environmental impact of LENZING™ Lyocell fibers, which originate from renewable raw material wood, provides a beacon for tackling global warming.”

“NKK is delighted to celebrate our long-standing cooperation with Lenzing AG,” said Shunji Chikamori, President of NKK. “Separator papers with LENZINGTM Lyocell fibers, produced using NKK’s optimized paper manufacturing technology, have set the standard for our LEAF (LiB, EDLC, Alkaline and Functional) product portfolio. LENZING™ Lyocell fibers are an essential component in engineering quality performance of our materials.”

Lenzing improves profitability as strategic transformation gains momentum

The Lenzing Group reported improved operating profitability in the first nine months of 2026 despite declining revenue and a challenging market environment. Revenue decreased by 2.3 percent to EUR 1.93 billion, while adjusted EBITDA remained stable at EUR 353 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased from 17.9 percent to 18.3 percent, reflecting progress in the company's strategic transformation under its “Grow Nonwovens. Reset Textiles.” strategy.

Lenzing and Kaihara to debut REMOD denim collection at Kingpins Amsterdam

The Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, has partnered with Japanese denim manufacturer Kaihara Corporation to launch the “REMOD Collection”. The collection combines three of Lenzing's fiber offerings for denim applications: TENCEL™ Lyocell Standard, TENCEL™ Lyocell – HV100 and TENCEL™ Lyocell dtex 2.2.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories launches performance yarn development program based on spider silk

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories has launched a development program for high-performance yarns based on its recombinant spider silk technology. The initiative follows the company's first commercial shipment of a custom spider silk yarn to a performance apparel customer and includes the delivery of spider silk samples to a textile technology company with experience in aerospace-related material development.

Circ and Huafon partner to scale textile-to-textile recycling in China

Circ® and Huafon, a leading spandex producer in China, are partnering to build and scale a new multi-phase textile-to-textile recycling site in China, expanding Circ's global pathway to industrial scale. The project will be located within Huafon's industrial footprint and will use Circ's technology to process polycotton textile waste and recycle both inputs, recovering recycled PTA, recycled MEG and recycled cellulosic pulp for use in new textiles. The site will be developed in phases, with Phase 1 designed for approximately 200 metric tons of textile waste per day and additional capacity planned.

Circulose resumes recycling of discarded cotton textiles and appoints interim CEO

Circulose today announced its restart of commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The Ortviken plant is the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling facility. Its restart demonstrates that the fashion industry is seeking ways to scale proven solutions that move beyond pilots and into commercial production.

Itema brings textile versatility to ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026

Itema announces its participation in ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, taking place November 20–24 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. In Hall 3 – Stand D06, the company will showcase two Galileo-RX rapier weaving machines weaving heavy denim and conveyor belt fabrics, demonstrating its ability to address different textile requirements with application-specific configurations. Five additional Itema machines at partner booths will extend the exhibition lineup to upper shoe fabric, label, Jacquard leno fabrics, and shirting, offering visitors a broader view of Itema rapier and air-jet weaving technologies.

Brückner showcases sustainable technologies for the future of textile finishing at ITMA ASIA 2026

With rising energy costs, increasing environmental requirements, and growing competitive pressure, textile manufacturers worldwide are facing the challenge of making their production processes both more sustainable and more cost-effective. As one of the world's leading specialists in textile finishing machinery, Brückner will present innovative solutions and advanced production technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai. These technologies can play a key role in significantly reducing both energy consumption and emissions.