#Yarn & Fiber

2022-10-06

Spinnova receives Business Finland NextGenerationEU grant for fibre development work

Spinnova Plc has received a grant of a maximum of 1.6 million euros for its research and development work from Business Finland for the time period 1 October 2022 – 31 December 2024. The grant amount represents 50% of the project’s total cost estimate of 3.2 million euros.

The development project focuses on the follow-up research of Spinnova technology and fibre, targeting fibre utilization in new application areas and product segments such as composites and nonwovens. For example, the project includes continuous natural filament development, which allows SPINNOVA® to be used in new types of textile products and to explore the composite segment. In addition, the project includes development of scalable environmentally friendly dope-dye technology where the raw material of SPINNOVA® fibre is dyed already before yarn production. Compared to conventional dyeing, the dope-dye method significantly reduces the use of water, energy and chemicals. The utilization of non-toxic natural dyes in textile dyeing is also being explored in the project.

The grant is part of the European Union’s NextGenerationEU financing and Finland’s Bio & Circular Finland sustainable growth program. The project must during its whole lifecycle meet the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) requirements and environmental and digital criteria presented in the funding application. Business Finland’s financing speeds up and expands the project by improving its business potential and allows more risk taking in the content of the project.

”With the Business Finland grant we can continue our extensive development work of Spinnova’s unique technology and fibre. It’s great to see that Spinnova’s potential in the global fibre markets has been recognized and top-level Finnish research and development work is being supported financially”, comments Spinnova’s CEO Kim Poulsen.

“Spinnova is a great example of how a company’s continuous development is important - they never settle for the existing but always develop something new. The sustainable competitive advantage Spinnova has gotten from their technological development has been the driving force for them”, Business Finland’s Funding Manager Veli-Pekka Ihanus comments.

The grant contributes to Spinnova’s growth plan. Established in 2015, Spinnova is ramping up its global commercialisation phase. The first commercial-scale factory of Spinnova’s joint venture company Woodspin is expected to be completed in Finland at the end of this year. Spinnova aims to scale the production of sustainable SPINNOVA® fibre to one million tonnes by 2031-2033.

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.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

“Lead Transformation – Generate Impact”: Lenzing presents its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report

The Lenzing Group has published its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report, entitled LEAD TRANSFORMATION – GENERATE IMPACT. The report shows how Lenzing is actively shaping change in the industry and making a lasting impact: economically, ecologically, and socially. Lenzing is consistently focused on the future: with targeted investments in premiumization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the company is strengthening its position as a leading provider of sustainable, cellulose-based premium fibers. The combined report is available in digital format.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.