#Nonwovens

2025-12-18

Magnera introduces innovative solution for healthcare and beyond, focusing on safety and sustainability

Magnera, a leading supplier of advanced material solutions, today announced the launch of its next-generation solution for nonwoven textiles. Magnera’s proprietary innovation delivers fluid repellency needed by healthcare professionals and other industries without the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS have been widely used for decades in medical gowns, drapes, and other protective textiles due to their durability and resistance to water, oil, and stains. However, evidence of PFAS persistence in the environment and possible associated health risks has prompted global regulatory action and growing demand for alternatives.

Paul Harmon, Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer at Magnera, said: “Our new solution meets the industry’s stringent standards for protection, comfort, and compliance in articles such as surgical gowns or drapes, while reducing potential pollutants.”

Addressing a Global Challenge

Regulatory bodies worldwide are moving to restrict or reduce PFAS inclusion in manufacturing:

The European Union: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published an updated proposal to restrict PFAS under the REACH regulation. The plan proposes phased bans and possible time-limited exemptions for essential uses, with final opinions expected in 2026 before requested implementation by the European Commission. (European Chemicals Agency, 2025).

United States: Several states—including California, Maine, and Minnesota—have enacted laws banning the addition of PFAS in various consumer products, with some compliance deadlines starting in 2025. These bans target categories such as food packaging, textiles, cookware, and juvenile products. (Safer States, 2024).

As global manufacturers step away from solutions including PFAS, supply shortages and rising costs are accelerating the need for alternatives. Magnera’s innovation delivers a timely, future-ready solution for healthcare providers and other industries navigating this shift.

A Safer, Sustainable Alternative

Magnera’s Groundbreaking Solution Offers:

High-performance fluid repellency without intentionally added PFAS

Comfort and breathability for protective textiles

Alignment with evolving global regulatory trends

Increased Environmental responsibility

ENDURANCE Program: Driving operational sustainability at Magnera

As Magnera enters a new year, the company is reflecting on a key sustainability milestone from 2025: the launch of ENDURANCE, its global, employee-led initiative focused on waste reduction and sustainable innovation. Launched on Earth Day 2025, this initiative has generated more than 250 improvement submissions from team members across Magnera’s global operations, demonstrating strong engagement and shared accountability for sustainability across the organization.

Magnera’s Sontara® brand wins INDA’s® Long-Life Achievement Award at IDEA® 25

Sontara®’s EcoRE bags, now part of the Magnera® portfolio, recently received the IDEA® Long-Life Achievement Award at IDEA 25, the premier global event for nonwovens and engineered fabrics. Made from cellulosic fibers, Sontara EcoRE material is certified for home composting1 and boasts exceptional strength and durability.

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.