CARY, N.C. — March 13, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the program for IDEA®25, a two-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference. IDEA25 will take place April 29-May 1, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.
IDEA25 will feature a dynamic lineup of expert speakers and panel discussions addressing pressing issues and transformative solutions to foster a more sustainable future. The full program is available on the website: https://ideashow.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IDEA25-Conference-Schedule-Mar-13.pdf
The conference will include engaging sessions on various pertinent topics such as regulatory trends, data and technology, innovative and sustainable materials, hemp and natural fibers, bioplastics, equipment and processes, and integrating sustainability throughout the lifecycle of products.
Highlights of the IDEA25 Sustainability Conference
April 29:
Navigating the Shifting Winds of Sustainability Regulations: Gain U.S. and European Union perspectives on compliance and innovation in the face of evolving regulations
“In God We Trust… All Others Bring Data”: Learn how to craft a believable and transparent sustainability story
Innovative and Sustainable Materials: Discover how green product development starts with greener nonwovens
Hemp Fibers in Nonwovens: Explore the potential of hemp and other natural fibers and their applications in sustainable products
April 30:
Cradle to Grave Bioplastics: Understand the importance of ensuring sustainability in the use of bioplastics from the beginning to the end-of-life
Design for Sustainability: Explore the impact of product and process design on overall product sustainability, during two sessions
Cradle to Next Life: Challenge the “to the grave” mentality and explore strategies for product reincarnation
The IDEA25 conference will bring together industry professionals to share knowledge and strategies to advance sustainable practices, highlighting the need for ongoing innovation, regulatory compliance, and incorporating eco-friendly materials to foster a more sustainable future.
The conference is an integral part of IDEA, the premier event for the nonwoven and engineered fabric industry. Hundreds of companies from around the globe representing the entire global supply chain will showcase their latest innovations at the exhibition.
To register for IDEA25, visit the event website: https://ideashow.org/
Posted: March 14, 2025
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
DURHAM, N.C. — March 13, 2025 — Presentation topics are now being accepted for the AATCC Inkspired: Innovations in Textile Printing Conference. The event will be held in Fall 2025 in Raleigh, N.C. This conference is dedicated to the latest advancements and sustainable practices in the printing industry. AATCC invites presentation submissions related to innovations in textile printing focused on the topic areas listed below.
Sustainability
Sustainable Ink Formulations;
Eco-Friendly Materials;
Eco-Friendly Printing Practices; and
Life Cycle Assessment.
Technology Innovation
Advancements in Printhead Technology;
Ink Chemistry;
Printer Hardware Solution;
Preparation & Finishing Technology;
Digital Dyeing & Two-Sided Printing;
Bio-based Inks & Chemistry; and
Smart Textiles
Applications, Design & Business Model
Trends in Fabrics & Color for Printed Textiles;
AI & Surface Pattern Design;
Innovative Business & Product Applications;
Unique Design Opportunities for Apparel & Interiors;
Industry Case Studies; and
Process Improvements.
Oral presentations should be seminar style (30 minutes in length), and your proposal must be in English. Presenters are not required to be members of AATCC and there are no fees attached to submitting a proposal.
Interested individuals can download the abstract submission form and submit it to Matt Brannan by May 1, 2025. The conference development team will review all abstracts and notify submitters of their status. Presenters receive complimentary registration to attend the conference. Accommodation and travel expenses are the responsibility of the presenter.
PRATTELN, Switzerland — March 13, 2025 — Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has taken sustainable and cost-effective cellulosic dyeing to the next level with the introduction of AVITERA® RASPBERRY SE.
Extending the AVITERA SE GEN NEXT platform color of deep shades, the IP-protected brilliant trichromatic red empowers mills to achieve rich, dark and extra-dark shades while meeting the stringent fastness and sustainability requirements of leading brands and retailers. The newest element also offers significantly lower processing costs, with focus on reducing the recipe cost together with reliable right-first-time performance as well,
“AVITERA® SE revolutionized the dyeing of cellulosic fibers and blends when it was introduced 15 years ago — setting a new benchmark with state-of-the-art application and fastness performance and advanced sustainability,” said Dhirendra Gautam, vice president, Marketing, Archroma.
“Our goal was always to offer a full range of attractive colors without limits. With AVITERA SE RASPBERRY SE as our new trichromatic red, we are now enabling fashion and textile companies to produce differentiated end articles in consistent and long-lasting dark and extra-dark shades with the same cost-competitiveness as in pale and medium shades. This is another major step forward on our PLANET CONSCIOUS+ journey to economic and environmental sustainability for our industry,” he continued.
Substantial Savings on Challenging Dark Shades
Dyeing darker shades — such as black, navy and especially red — has traditionally been more challenging and costly than dyeing lighter colors. Achieving a deep, uniform color requires higher dye concentrations and more water and energy, and often also demands additional steps or redyeing. Dark shades, particularly red, also tend to fade more quickly than light colors, especially when exposed to sunlight and repeated home laundering.
With high-speed low-temperature wash-off, high process reliability and excellent reproducibility on dark and ultra-dark shades, the AVITERA SE GENERATION NEXT dyestuffs allow mills to achieve water and energy savings of up to 50 percent compared to best available technology, and to slash CO2 emissions and effluent discharge by up to 50 percent as well. They can also increase mill output by up to 25 percent or more.
Excellent Fastness for Vibrant Colors, Wash After Wash
The AVITERA SE GENERATION NEXT dyes offer excellent fastness properties, retaining their vibrant colors through repeated home laundering, even when exposed to chlorine and oxidative bleach. They also demonstrate good resistance to light and perspiration. This performance meets the stringent color fastness standards of leading industry standards and makes them suitable for the High IQ® Lasting Color and High IQ Lasting Color Eco color retention programs.
Crucially, all of the AVITER® SE dyes are free from arylamines, including pCA*, and comply with bluesign® and ZDHC Level 3.
Maximum Resource Savings, Highest Performance Levels
Under the PLANET CONSCIOUS+ framework, AVITERA RASPBERRY SE qualifies for the IMPACT+ category on the SUPER SYSTEMS+ matrix. This indicates that it delivers maximum durability and resource savings with the cleanest chemistry and highest performance.
Wide Color Range with Top Color Consistency
AVITERA SE RASPBERRY SE sits alongside three other deep colors in the AVITERA SE range, providing opportunity to expand to the dark shade arena with both environmental and economical sustainability:
AVITERA BLACK PEARL SE: A strong, greenish-cast black dye that can be used to correct metamerism.
AVITERA BLUE HORIZON SE: A trichromatic, greenish-cast blue element with high resistance to nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere.
AVITERA NIGHT STORM SE: A strong navy shade with a greenish cast, recommended for dyeing the deepest navy and combination shades.
AVITERA SE set a new benchmark for sustainability in the textile industry when it launched in 2010. The range’s color palette has been significantly expanded over the years, while performance has improved, and greater cost savings have been made possible through recipe optimization and added environmental benefits. Generation Next, the fourth generation of the revolutionary dye solution, adds dark and extra dark shades for next-level economic sustainability.
COLOGNE, Germany — March 13, 2025 — The Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2025 is setting the stage for innovation. Being the leading event in its field, ARC is renowned for its unique blend of hands-on recycling solutions and cutting-edge research in advanced recycling technologies. Taking place on November 19-20 in Cologne, Germany, and online, ARC 2025 continues to be the benchmark for innovation in recycling. As the industry faces increasing pressure, ambitious EU targets and evolving market demands, ARC 2025 offers a vital platform for industry leaders, researchers, investors, and policymakers to explore practical solutions and visionary concepts.
Researchers and industry professionals are invited to share their latest achievements by submitting abstracts by July 31, 2025, and present groundbreaking work to a global audience of recycling experts. Abstract submission is open via https://advanced-recycling.eu/call-for-abstracts/.
ARC 2025 will cover a wide range of technologies, including extrusion, dissolution, solvolysis, enzymolysis, pyrolysis, and many more such as pre- and post-treatment technologies (e.g. sorting/identification and upgrading), digital solutions (e.g. utilization of AI, blockchain), and life cycle assessments. With a focus on fostering partnerships and effective value chains, ARC 2025 provides ample opportunities for networking among technology providers, related industries, waste management companies, brands, investors, policymakers, and scientists.
Conference highlights
ARC has established itself as the go-to conference for those seeking insights into both practical applications and forward-thinking research in advanced recycling. The event will delve into crucial topics such as optimal technology selection for various waste streams, methodologies for evaluating environmental impact, and emerging technologies with potential areas of application. A dedicated session on policy will discuss framework conditions necessary to foster investments in this field.
Registration and early bird discount
On-site and online registration for ARC 2025 is now open, offering a 20% percent early bird discount for those who register promptly and pre 16 July 2025.
Registration options are available at https://advanced-recycling.eu/registration/.
Opportunities for Sponsoring and Exhibition
The Advanced Recycling Conference 2025 is sponsored by the visionary companies BUSS ChemTech and Starlinger Recycling Technology.
ARC 2025 offers excellent opportunities for companies to increase their visibility among industry peers through sponsorship and exhibition. Exhibition booths are available, providing a prominent platform to network with international participants. Interested parties can explore various sponsoring options, and the ARC team is open to developing new individual ideas.
More information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities is available at https://advanced-recycling.eu/sponsoring/ and https://advanced-recycling.eu/exhibition-booking/.
For additional information on the Advanced Recycling conference 2025 visit https://advanced-recycling.eu.
LONDON — March 13, 2025 — Thread manufacturer Coats Group, whose products are found in one in five garments globally, is poised to pass the tipping point of using 50 percent preferred raw (non-virgin oil-based) materials within its products.
According to Coats’ Sustainability Report 2024, with metrics assured by EY, the company is ahead of target in its transition to the sustainable use of materials, energy, water, waste and people; and is approaching a critical milestone in the production of the world’s sustainable thread.
Last year, Coats’ increased its use of eco-friendly recycled and bio-based raw materials to 46 percent, a rise from 31 percent in 2022. The rapid increase comes off the back of significant investment in innovation, and in response to heightened demand for sustainable products from fashion brands, including global apparel and footwear brands.
Coats saw revenue rise for its 100 percent recycled thread products by 144 percent to $405 million (£314 million) last year as industry adoption continues to accelerate. Global consultancy Coherent Market Insights has forecast the global sustainable fashion market will reach $33 billion (£26 billion) by 2030, quadrupling in size from 20233.
Over the past seven years Coats has opened three Innovation Hubs around the world, based in America, Turkey and China. In 2023 it unveiled a state-of-the-art Sustainability Hub in Madurai, southeast India, designed to help develop new generation materials free from the virgin oil that are linked to the bulk of the company’s emissions. Coats is on course to hit its target of using 60 percent recycled materials by the end of 2026 and moving away from virgin oil-based materials entirely by 2030.
The company’s innovations in sustainability and the work being done in Madurai are the focus of Threads of Change, a film by award-winning film-maker Craig Leeson, which also shows how Coats’ sustainability strategy is delivering a competitive advantage.
David Paja, Coats Group CEO commentd: “Sustainability is at the heart of Coats’ DNA and business strategy. It is the biggest challenge facing our industry and we want to lead by example.
“By connecting talent, textiles and technology we can show that innovation-led sustainability can not only be good for the planet, but also positive for business.”
Energy
The manufacturer, specializing in threads, yarns and structural components for apparel and footwear as well as performance materials, accelerated its transition to renewables and improved its energy efficiency in 2024. This has driven a 51 percent reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, a cut of about 92,000 tonnes, on its 2022 baseline1, the equivalent of taking 78,000 cars off the road2. Coats’ use of renewable electricity now stands at 74 percent, up from 29 percent in 2022 and on course to reach 100 percent by 2030.
Water
Coats increased its water recycling rate by 14 percent in 2024, compared with its 2022 benchmark. With two major recycling installations planned for this year, the company is expected to hit its target of recycling a third of all water it uses within its processes by the end of 2026. It has reduced freshwater extraction by more than 4.5 million cubic meters since 2019, saving enough water to fill about 4,750 Olympic swimming pools. Meanwhile its water intensity — the amount needed to manufacture products — has now fallen to 35.3 litres per kilogram, a 55 percent reduction since 2019.
Waste
The FTSE 250 member is aiming to become a zero-to-landfill business by the end of next year. In 2024 it accelerated its reduction in waste disposal by 87 percent based on its 2022 level of 2,300 tonnes. In the sustainability report, Coats achieved a 99.8 percent compliance rate for its treatment of effluent in accordance with the industry-leading Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) standards; it is targeting sustained full ZDHC compliance by 2026.
People
Coats exceeded its employee satisfaction target in 2024, as 95 percent of its workforce were covered by Great Place to Work certification. The company also hit its 2026 target of having 30 percent of females within senior leadership roles, up from 19 percent in 2022. It aims to reach 40 percent by 2030.
Chris Dearing, Coats Group Sustainability director, commented: “As we approach the 50 percent milestone for the use of preferred raw materials, we’re witnessing a transformative moment for Coats and a sustainability shift that will have a positive ripple effect through the textile world.
“Disposability was our industry’s calling card for too long and manufacturers gave consumers precious few options to make sustainable choices. Those days have gone and if a 270-year-old business can make the change, anyone can.
“We are proud of the achievements we have made over the past year, but while we celebrate the company’s progress in the sustainability report, it is another step in our journey rather than a final destination. We will continue to set ambitious targets for Coats across all our five pillars as we strive to make a difference and build a sustainable future together.”
To learn more about Coats’ sustainability mission watch Threads of Change.
YANGZHOU, China/GAZIANTEP, Türkiye — March 13, 2025 — Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering (OBHE), has signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Köksan Group, one of the leading PET producers in Türkiye, for a Continuous Polycondensation (CP) production capacity of 400,000 tons per year. This will accelerate the global expansion of the Köksan Group’s production capacity.
As part of this comprehensive cooperation agreement, Köksan will invest a high triple-digit million Chinese Yuan amount in the coming years. The new plant will be in the Yangkou Chemical Industrial Park, Rudong County, Nantong, China. Köksan will be setting up its plant with a production capacity of 2.2-million-tons-per-year green polyester new materials for the packaging industry. The first phase of this project has now been officially launched. Production is scheduled to start in mid-2026.
Martin Oruc Kutuk, General Manager of Köksan, and Zhong Ming, General Manager of Oerlikon Barmag Huiting Engineering (OBHE) at the signing ceremony of the contract.
“We are convinced that this investment will be a major step for our company’s future. It is our first investment in China and one of the largest industrial investments by a Turkish company in this area of industry in China. Upon the completion and full operation of this project, Köksan will become one of the global giants in polyester production for the packaging industry,” said Murat Kökoğlu, CEO of Köksan. “We are very pleased that Köksan has chosen our innovative CP technology. This is further proof of our capabilities in the field of polymerization technologies,” said Zhong Ming, general manager of Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering.
Latest CP technology from Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering
The project adopts the advanced five-reactors process and tailor-made equipment of Barmag’s joint venture partner OBHE. Using purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and ethylene glycol (MEG) as raw materials, it produces high-viscosity chips through the direct esterification and continuous polycondensation process technology route. Combined with Köksan’s experience & knowledge, high-quality bottle-grade polyester chips are finally obtained.
As one of Türkiye’s leading companies in the PET and plastic packaging sector, Köksan exports to more than 100 countries and maintains its investments abroad. Köksan is an international investor with operations in China, Senegal, Libya, and Iraq. After over 50 years of development, the company has realized a diversified development model integrating chemical production and processing, logistics, warehousing, international trade, hotel and real estate development.
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — March 12, 2025 — KARL MAYER Technical Textiles once again showed its colours as a competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World from 4 to 6 March 2025 in Paris. The manufacturer of multiaxial warp knitting machines and warp knitting machines with weft insertion was able to welcome many of its regular customers and hold profitable technical discussions with them. Most of the visitors came from Germany, Turkey and Great Britain. There was also a surprisingly high proportion of Chinese manufacturers, most of whom took part in the trade fair not only as visitors but also with their own booths. The main topic of discussion at the joint meetings was the economic situation.
The market environment for composites in the western world is currently difficult. The business with glass fiber composites in particular is under severe pressure due to high over capacities in Europe and America. However, many customers have adjusted to the difficult situation, noted Jochen Brauer. “In particular, companies that have developed lucrative niche business with special applications or are focusing on carbon are well positioned,” said the Sales Manager at Karl Mayer Technische Textilien.
Manufacturers of carbon composites are benefiting above all from the continuing fall in raw material prices. This is due to increased exports from Chinese fiber producers, who are pushing onto global markets in the face of saturated domestic demand. The low procurement costs are paving the way for lucrative business in price-sensitive markets, including boat building, which was previously dominated by glass composites, and the e-mobility sector, which requires lightweight, stable materials for battery housings, for example.
Dr Jürgen Tröltzsch
Dr. Jürgen Tröltzsch also sees carbon in thermoplastic applications on the rise. “Aerospace companies in particular benefit from the short production times for components made from thermoplastic CFRP composites. In the battle for market positions, high quantities are in demand in the standard aircraft business,” says the Project Manager for Special Specifications at Karl Mayer Technische Textilien.
Karl Mayer Technische Textilien has the right multiaxial warp knitting machine for the efficient production of non-crimp fabrics made from both carbon and glass fibres. The COP MAX 5 is predestined for the use of carbon fibers. When it comes to producing reinforcement textiles from glass, aramid or carbon fibers, the COP MAX 4 is the machine of choice. The all-rounder also proves its worth when processing natural fibers such as flax and therefore scores highly in terms of sustainability.
Karl Mayer also recently launched the MAX GLASS ECO for the extremely economical production of standard items made from glass fibers, in particular non-crimp fabrics for the wind power industry. This economical production machine with its high reliability is already a bestseller, particularly in China and India.
LUND, Sweden — March 12, 2025 — Cellevate AB, an innovative biotech company developing next-generation cell culture solutions to revolutionize biomanufacturing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christel Fenge as chief technology officer (CTO) and member of the management team.
Dr. Fenge, who has served as a strategic advisor to Cellevate since June 2024, brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles within the bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical industries. Previous positions include vice president, R&D Bioprocess at Cytiva, and vice president, Marketing & Product Management at Sartorius, overseeing upstream and downstream development and commercialization. This expertise will be instrumental in scaling up Cellevate’s groundbreaking nanofiber-based cell culture products.
“I am delighted to take on the role of CTO at Cellevate,” Dr. Fenge said. “The company’s commercially available nanofiber-based cell culture systems have already shown great potential in biomanufacturing, and I look forward to supporting the team as we now have moved into commercialization and scale-up.”
“Bringing Dr. Fenge into the management team strengthens our ability to accelerate the commercialization and the strategic partnerships with customers and turnkey solution providers in bioprocessing,” said Laura Chirica, CEO of Cellevate. “Her deep expertise in upstream bioprocessing, combined with strategic leadership, will be invaluable as we continue to commercialize and implement Cellevat3d® nanofiber cell culture solutions in new therapeutic large-scale applications, develop new product families and position our company as a proven provider in this industry.”
WIELSBEKE, Belgium — March 12, 2025 — As thousands of industry leaders look towards IDEA25 in Miami Beach in April, Beaulieu Fibres International is exhibiting its next-generation sustainable fiber solutions for high performance nonwovens in various industries.
“IDEA25 is at the intersection of nonwoven materials and sustainability, with a focus on innovation and research to address environmental challenges and new opportunities. With our Sustainable Fibres Program, we offer low carbon, recyclable and circular solutions where performance and sustainability go hand in hand, bringing value in co-design and TCO performance,” said Maria Teresa Tomaselli, general manager, Beaulieu Fibres International.
Self-reinforced PP fibers for fully recyclable automotive composites
Beaulieu will be showcasing its comprehensive range of polypropylene (PP) bonding fibers designed for thermoplastic lightweight composites and automotive interior fabrics. These fibers assist car manufacturers and OEMs in meeting stringent performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability standards.
Beaulieu’s PP fibers are engineered to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of composites while reducing vehicle weight.
Fibers for high performance liquid and air filtration
Beaulieu Fibres International has set new performance standards for the fast-growing air and liquid filtration industry rolling out its full range of MONO and BICO fine-medium count fibers, as an outcome of its investment into R&D efforts to promote staple fibers in the field of high efficiency filtration.
In addition to its existing portfolio of PP fibers for liquid filtration, compliant with FDA and European food contact regulations, Beaulieu is launching a new bicomponent fiber range in PET/PE, PP/PE for high loft filtration media and fine count mono PP fibers for tribo-electric charged air filter media.
The fine count mono fibres are customized according to the line specifics of the nonwoven producer and guarantee up to 20% higher filtration efficiencies for nonwovens in combination with state-of-the-art acrylic counter fiber compared to standard PP fibers used in this application. Typical applications are air handling units in larger buildings and residential furnaces.
Premium outdoor PP fibers for resilient, weather-resistant crop protection solutions
Engineered for superior mechanical strength and resistance to environmental stress factors, these fibers enhance durability in needle-punched fabrics, ensuring long-lasting protection in the field. Their advanced UV stabilization prevents degradation from prolonged sun exposure, extending the lifespan of crop covers, while their hydrophobic properties repel water, reducing moisture-related damage and maintaining breathability.
Ultrabond, design for recycling
Discover UltraBond innovative bonding staple fibers that replace the need for chemical binders. They open a path to create 100-percent polypropylene (PP) needlepunched fabrics that meet the same performance requirements as traditional constructions, while reducing end-of-life environmental impact.
The 100-percent polyolefin-based needlepunched fabrics are fully recyclable, reducing waste generation and creating high value PP recycled products as new materials. Furthermore, the sustainable fabrics are produced with an improved Total Cost of Ownership and with a significant ecological footprint reduction.
Beaulieu strengthening its position in the hygiene market
With a full portfolio already serving the hygiene sector, Beaulieu is focusing on next-generation specialty bicomponent solutions designed to enhance softness, processability, and sustainability in absorbent hygiene products.
Hypersoft fibers are specifically engineered for topsheet applications in direct contact with the skin: 25 percent improvement in softness compared to standard reference fibers while maintaining optimal processability has been achieved.
Meralux is a bicomponent trilobal fiber that improves nonwoven materials by providing better opacity, comfort, and absorption. It also promotes sustainability by saving raw materials and reducing carbon emissions by up to 60 percent.
At IDEA25, April 29-May 1 in Miami Beach, visit Beaulieu Fibres International at booth 521 to explore its next-generation fiber solutions with a focus on innovation and co-design for performance and sustainability.
MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany — March 12, 2025 — From Portugal to Pakistan, market-leading knitted fabric manufacturers rely on Monforts MONTEX tenters for accurate and highly automated handling during essential drying after dyeing and other processes.
“Knitted fabrics need delicate handling as they often have a higher degree of elasticity compared to more rigid woven materials,” explained Monforts Marketing Manager Nicole Croonenbroek. “Our MONTEX stenters provide smooth treatment at very low and precisely controlled tension during all stages of knitted fabric handling, as well as very gentle and even thermal treatment. The MONTEX is extremely flexible in terms of the different fabric qualities it can accommodate and also provides significant benefits in terms of energy consumption.”
ATB’s finishing plant is extensively equipped with Monforts equipment.
Europe’s leader in dyeing and finishing
As one of the largest dyers in Europe, ATB — Acabamentos Têxteis de Barcelos — founded by Mário Mano in 1985 in Barcelos in northern Portugal, is dyeing and finishing between 36 and 40 tons of fabric on a daily basis for key customers including Benetton, Inditex and Mango.
ATB installed its first Monforts MONTEX tenter frame in 1990 and has subsequently ordered four more over the years. All are 2.8-meters-wide and use heat recovery units for increased energy efficiency and also the latest control equipment, to grant the highest possible process quality/reproducibility. In addition, the ATB plant is equipped with two Monforts Dynair relaxation dryers and one EcoApplicator.
Knitting is carried out at Etevimol, also in Barcelos, which during 2024 became 100-percent owned by the Mano family. Etevimol’s 160 knitting machines are now being transferred to the ATB plant and a 5 million euro investment is planned in new knitting machines.
ATB also holds some 10,000 fabric samples in stock, and its library is constantly growing.
“Our customers will ask for initial fabric samples and then very quickly need five metres of the fabric for prototyping, so we have to be very organized in this respect,” says Mário Mano’s son and company CEO Ricardo. “We also do a lot of shopping to equip our showroom, in order to investigate how our fabrics turn out in finished garments, and to let our visiting customers know that we are anticipating all of their needs — with the help, of course, of our leading technology suppliers like Monforts.”
Interloop’s latest fully-integrated knitwear plant in Faisalabad, Pakistan, is equipped to produce fifty tons of knitted and dyed fabrics on a daily basis. Image courtesy of Interloop.
Interloop’s ambitious expansion
Another major Monforts customer is Interloop, a company that started humbly in 1992 with just ten knitting machines for hosiery production and has grown into the one of Pakistan’s largest publicly listed textile firms
Interloop is aiming to achieve $700 million in annual sales in 2026 following its latest ambitious expansion program and key customers include Adidas, H&M, Nike and Target among many other well-known brands.
The company’s latest fully-integrated knitwear plant in Faisalabad, Pakistan, is being equipped to produce fifty tons of knitted and dyed fabrics on a daily basis, for the production of 45 million finished garments annually.
The 1.25 million-square-foot facility is Interloop’s most technologically advanced to date and has earned the highest LEED score for a facility of its scale. It is powered extensively by renewable energy, including biomass boilers, and is supported by advanced water management and effluent treatment systems.
“We’re setting new standards by harnessing innovative technologies and relentlessly pursuing process improvement,” said Navid Fazil, Interloop CEO. “Through our LEED certified infrastructure, a self-reliant,green energy grid and transition to biomass fuel, we’re committed to increasing Interloop’s sustainability impact on an unprecedented scale.”
Reliability
“Monforts MONTEX stenters are the industry standard for the fabric finishing industry, and offer knitwear manufacturers a number of advantages in terms of sensitive handling and precise control, production throughput and energy efficiency and savings,” Croonenbroek concluded. “Our machines remain unmatched in terms of their robustness and long service life and are reinforced by our commitment to customer service based on four principles — being helpful, accurate, fast and reliable.”
CARY, N.C. — March 13, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the program for IDEA®25, a two-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference. IDEA25 will take place April 29-May 1, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.
IDEA25 will feature a dynamic lineup of expert speakers and panel discussions addressing pressing issues and transformative solutions to foster a more sustainable future. The full program is available on the website: https://ideashow.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IDEA25-Conference-Schedule-Mar-13.pdf
