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Softbond Nonwovens, a leading Argentinian producer of nonwovens and a longstanding A.Celli customer, has once again chosen to rely on our solutions for their new line dedicated to the production of spunlaid nonwovens for hygienic and medical applications.

A.Celli will supply a complete winding, rewinding, and packaging solution tailored for spunlaid nonwovens. This will include the E-WIND® STREAM PLUS winder, E-WIND® SUPER RAPID slitter rewinder equipped with automatic shaft handling system, and an R-WAY® automatic packaging line featuring reel transfer, sorting, up-ending, and wrapping systems for the new spunlaid production line at Softbond’s facility in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The new line is scheduled to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Mr. Alessio Romanelli of Softbond says: “Our collaboration with A.Celli dates back to 1996, reflecting a long-standing and trusted partnership. Once again, we have found in them a reliable and forward-thinking ally. The winding and rewinding section they will supply, together with the automatic packaging line, represents a significant advancement in our production capabilities. This installation marks a key milestone in Softbond’s strategic plan, enabling us to increase output and strengthen our presence in Argentina and across South America, while more effectively meeting the growing demand in the hygiene and medical sectors.”

SOFTBOND NONWOVENS – COMPANY PROFILE

Softbond, established in 1996, is a leading Argentinian family company specializing in spunmelt, spunbond, and meltblown nonwovens. With multiple production lines, it serves both local and regional markets , catering to industries such as hygiene, medical, femcare, and industrial   applications, offering top quality products and services.

A.Celli Nonwovens s.p.a.

Via Romana Ovest, 252 – 55016 Porcari (LU) Italy – Phone: +39 0583 21171 – Fax: +39 0583 299340

www.acelli.it – E-mail: info@acellinonwovens.com

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AHLSTROM OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, JUNE 26, 2025 AT 11:00 EEST

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, expands its FibRoc® portfolio, a platform of high-performance materials for durable applications. In addition to Flooring, Ceiling and Plasterboard the range now includes the segment of Wall Liner, offering extensive, flexible and high-performance solutions.

Ahlstrom FibRoc® Wall Liner offers a wide range of wall finishing solutions manufactured from both nonwoven and glass fibre tissue. The offering delivers superior paintability and enables achieving a flawless finish that effectively conceals wall imperfections.

The comprehensive portfolio is designed for both do-it-yourself and professionals providing customers with the flexibility to select the perfect solution for their target markets. The variety of grades and price points from an extensive portfolio match different market requirements.

Ahlstrom’s extensive global production network ensures security of supply, with multiple manufacturing platforms for the entire portfolio guaranteeing reliable, uninterrupted delivery. Tailor-made and customized solutions allow customers to differentiate their offerings and meet specific down-stream needs.

Ahlstrom FibRoc® Wall Liner delivers customized solutions to help customers stand out and address unique market challenges.

“With the expansion of the FibRoc portfolio, we can help customers to offer new wall liner solutions to professionals and do-it-yourself users. The Wall liner effectively combines ease-of-use and superior quality”, states Pierre Mary, Vice President Nonwovens.

For more information on Ahlstrom’s FibRoc® Wall Liner, visithttps://www.ahlstrom.com/products/construction-surface-and-furniture-materials/performance-materials-for-durable-construction-applications/fibroc-wall-liner/

Ahlstrom in brief  
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials along with Performance Materials cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com.

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 Brussels, 24th of June 2025 – EDANA is pleased to announce that preparations are well underway for OUTLOOK 2025! So far, hundreds of participants from more than 50 companies have signed up, confirming strong interest in this year’s edition. The exhibition area is filling up quickly: 12 booths are already sold, with just 8 remaining! 

The comprehensive three-day programme will explore the latest trends in AHPs, compliance and competitiveness, and dedicated sessions on wipes and start-ups, with renowned speakers and interactive formats designed to spark dialogue and collaboration. 

We’re thrilled to confirm one of this year’s keynote speakers: Ambassador Ivo H. Daalder, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. At OUTLOOK, he’ll explore how shifting global alliances are reshaping international trade and what this means for business. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, he’ll offer strategic insights into navigating today’s evolving geopolitical and economic landscape. 

Networking will take centre stage with two special evening cocktails planned. The first, a thematic cocktail, will take place in the exhibition area on Day 1, encouraging relaxed exchanges among participants. On Day 2, attendees will enjoy a memorable external cocktail held at one of Budapest’s most iconic venues, offering a unique cultural touch to the event experience. 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for companies looking to stand out and boost their brand visibility throughout the event! These options provide exclusive exposure before and during the event, both online and onsite. 

Participants are encouraged to book their accommodation early to take advantage of preferential rates, available via the official event platform. With strong interest and limited spaces remaining, we invite you to be part of this exceptional event. Join us in Budapest for three days of insights, connections, and inspiration! 

You can register here. You can read more about the event here. 

About EDANA 

Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the leading global association advocating the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several application-specific and geographic-focused industry events. 

For further information please contact: 

Felipe Cossio Cuartero 

Mobile: +32 499 689 249 

E-mail: felipe.cossio@edana.org 

Website: www.edana.org 

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Durham, NC, USA, June 18, 2025. Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will be introducing its advanced foam replacements to the American market and showcasing innovative domestically produced Spunlaid solutions at the FOAM Expo in Novi, Michigan, from June 24th -26th, 2025. The solutions not only highlight Freudenberg´s commitment to quality and sustainability but also reflect its understanding of the future needs of the industry. The impact of its innovative materials can be seen across various applications, from automotive interiors to building and construcion, where performance and reliability are paramount. The experts from Freudenberg look forward to meeting visitors at booth 1613.

Introduction to the U.S. market: foam replacement nonwovens

Freudenberg will be introducing a new solution to the American market: innovative foam replacement nonwovens. This innovative advancement is characterized by a lightweight nature combined with enhanced air permeability, a result of its uniquely vertically oriented fiber structure. Such design not only optimizes performance but also contributes significantly to the overall efficiency of various applications.

The implications of this advancement extend beyond mere material properties. By simplifying the thermal forming process for customers, Freudenberg is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also enabling a broader range of industries to adopt sustainable practices without compromising on quality. This innovation serves as a testament to the impact of technology on the future of manufacturing and production methods, highlighting the potential for continuous improvement in sustainability.

Ultimately, Freudenberg’s foam replacement nonwovens underscore the transition towards greener practices across various sectors. As industries evolve, embracing such innovative solutions will be critical in reducing environmental footprints and fostering a sustainable future.

Domestically produced polyester Spunlaid

One of the standout products we are excited to promote at the exhibition is our domestically produced polyester Spunlaid, specifically designed for automotive applications. These Spunlaid materials boast an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making them incredibly lightweight and ideal for various uses, including foam adhesion and support layers. Their versatility shines through in applications such as carpet backing, headliners, and interior trim pieces.

Benefits for customers and consumers

Customers and end consumers can expect significant benefits from Freudenberg´s polyester Spunlaid solutions. The impressive strength-to-weight ratio enables manufacturers to downsize parts without compromising integrity, as less material is required. This reduction leads to shorter production times, enhancing overall efficiency and resulting in substantial cost savings. Additionally, the lightweight nature of these materials allows for innovative designs and applications, demonstrating the positive impact of technology on manufacturing processes.

Freudenberg´s first foam replacement nonwovens for the American market.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Contact for media inquiries

Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH

About Freudenberg Performance Materials 

Freudenberg Performance Materials is a leading global supplier of innovative technical textiles for a broad range of markets and applications such as apparel & shoe, building, civil engineering, energy, filtermedia, healthcare, household & living, industrial & manufacturing, mobility & transport, as well as coated technical textiles. In 2024, the company generated sales of more than €1.4 billion, operated 35 production sites in 14 countries around the world and had around 5,000 employees. Freudenberg Performance Materials attaches great importance to social and ecological responsibility as the basis for its business success. For more information, please visit www.freudenberg-pm.com

In 2024, the Freudenberg Group employed over 52,100 people in around 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of some €11.9 billion. For more information, please visit www.freudenberg.com

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 Paris, 18th of June 2025 – EDANA’s Innovation Forum 2025, held on 11–12 June in Station F, Paris, brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry leaders, researchers, startups and innovation experts to explore the dynamic evolution of the nonwovens sector. With a rich two-day agenda that combined high-level keynote addresses, thematic sessions, research showcases and networking events, the Forum served as a hub for ideation, collaboration and inspiration around the sector’s most urgent challenges and exciting opportunities. 

“Innovation is a key factor to stay competitive — but more than that, it’s the foundation for resilience and long-term relevance. By embedding sustainability, digitalization and collaboration into the core of our innovation culture, we’re not just keeping pace with change — we’re shaping the future of our industry.” said EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru in his opening address. 

Speakers explored how textile waste can become high-value products, how fibre-level modelling replaces costly prototyping, and how AI enables more autonomous and sustainable manufacturing. “Nonwovens are robust and can tolerate stress. This gives an opportunity in the recycling textile to tackle the textile tsunami.” – Maria Ström, CEO of The Loop Factory. 

The Forum also welcomed nature-powered innovations set to transform the fibre landscape. “What if we made fibres from agricultural waste? Natural fibres are extraordinary, and we wouldn’t even have to use the leaves that are grown, but the ones already on the ground and that are now considered waste.” – Dr. Carmen Hijosa, Founder & Creative Director of Ananas Anam. 

The afternoon turned its spotlight on research institutes from across Europe, examining how their strategic priorities align with industry needs. “It is crucial that people in the nonwovens industry understand what’s going on on the other side of the fence and to understand what R&D people are doing”, said Matthew Tipper, CEO of Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute (NIRI). “We need collaboration between the real needs of the industry and research institutes.” 

Towards the end of the first day, the EDANA Innovation Forum featured a workshop on capturing serendipity. “Not all progress is planned”, said Dieter Eichinger, CEO & Founder of Eichinger. “Some of the most transformative ideas are born from surprises, and we need to make space for it to imagine the imaginable”. 

The first day ended with a cocktail dinner aboard the Excellence, gliding through the heart of Paris on the River Seine, admiring the beauty of the City of Light and its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. 

Day two began with a provocative and practical keynote on AI as a creative partner in product development. “AI doesn’t replace creativity,” said Oliver Breucker, Co-CEO & AI Consultant at Roover Consulting. “It amplifies it. It clears space for us to think bigger, iterate faster, and design better — with the customer always at the centre.” 

Moreover, sustainable innovation is no longer confined to early-stage R&D. From fibre-based packaging to carbon-zero superabsorbents, speakers showcased products ready to hit the market, each with compelling environmental and commercial benefits. “It’s not about choosing between performance and sustainability anymore,” said Alexandros Skouras, Director of Hygiene Sector at Paptic. “The next generation of materials offers both.” 

The forum also invited Walter Johnsen, Venture Science Associate at Marble Studio, who offered a strategic lens on how deep-tech entrepreneurship can fast-track climate progress. In addition, four startups took the stage to showcase how they’re transforming diapers, textiles, fashion and chemical processes. “Innovation is not about making things slightly better,” said Miki Agrawal of Hiro Technologies. “It’s about asking: what if we start completely differently and solve the root problem instead of patching the old one?” 

To end the second day, Maxime Guillaud, CEO of INSKIP, mapped out how startups and ecosystems are evolving — and what the nonwovens industry can learn from other sectors. “Innovation doesn’t just come from technology — it comes from how we organise people and capital around ideas,” said Maxime. “That’s where ecosystems matter.” The event concluded with a guided visit to Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, reinforcing the importance of ecosystems in scaling transformative ideas. 

EDANA extended its heartfelt thanks to all speakers, moderators, partners and participants whose energy and insight made the Forum such a success. The connections made in Paris will continue to drive meaningful progress in the months and years ahead! See you in 2027! 

About EDANA 

Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the leading global association advocating the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several application-specific and geographic-focused industry events. 

For further information please contact: 

Felipe Cossio Cuartero 

Mobile: +32 499 689 249 

E-mail: felipe.cossio@edana.org 

Website: www.edana.org 

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 Brussels, 19th of June 2025 – EDANA is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025, the premier platform for professionals across the nonwovens value chain to explore, discuss, and shape the sustainable future of our industry. 

The Forum will take place on 9–10 December 2025 at the Residence Palace in Brussels, just across the street from the European Commission, where important decisions for our industry are made. This year, the Forum expands its scope to fully integrate policy alongside sustainability! 

Early bird registration is now available – participants are encouraged to book soon to benefit from the reduced rate and secure their place at this exciting event! 

What to expect 

The Forum will feature a forward-looking programme addressing: 

• Circular economy initiatives 
• Evolving stakeholder expectations 
• Green claims and sustainability reporting 
• Corporate sustainability due diligence 
• The policy landscape shaping our industry 

A highlight of the event will be a tour of the European Commission for an exchange of views with regulators on the current and future challenges facing the industry. This provides a unique opportunity to bring the voices of the industry directly to EU institutions! 

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping a sustainable and policy-smart nonwovens industry. 

You can register here. 

You can read more about the forum here. 

About EDANA 

Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the leading global association advocating the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several application-specific and geographic-focused industry events. 

For further information please contact: 

Felipe Cossio Cuartero 

Mobile: +32 499 689 249 

E-mail: felipe.cossio@edana.org 

Website: www.edana.org 

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