09.11.24
Emsdetten, Germany
www.twe-group.com
2023 Nonwovens Sales: $500 million
Key Personnel
Jörg Ortmeier, CEO; Ralf Berens, CCO
Plants
Germany, France, Belgium, U.S., China
Processes
Air through bonded, chemical bonded, needlepunched, hydroentangled, airlaid
Major Markets
Hygiene, automotives, building, living, filtration, healthcare, cleaning
The automotive market, particularly in the U.S. continues to be a key driver of success for TWE Group. The Emsdetter, Germany-based company has U.S. sites in Shertz, TX, High Point, NC, and Fort Wayne, IN. This market has lately been characterized by evolving consumer preferences and stricter environmental regulations, meaning suppliers have been challenged with creating materials that are not only more sustainable and technologically advanced but also lighter in weight. In 2022 and 2023, TWE’s focus on lightweight and more eco-friendly solutions has aligned well with the evolving needs of the automotive industry, according to CEO Jörg Ortmeier. “This strategic approach enabled us to seize opportunities in the U.S. automotive sector and achieve high growth rates,” he adds.
In recent months, TWE has worked to modernize its manufacturing sites in Europe, the U.S. and Asia with an aim to enhance efficiency and increase production capacity to effectively meet the growing demand for its products while maintaining a competitive edge. In Europe, TWE has added a line to enhance the lamination processes and create more sophisticated and advanced multilayer products. This investment aligns with TWE’s dedication to innovation and maintaining its leadership in the industry.
In the U.S., TWE has added a new needlepunch line to produce high-quality products in the field of exterior automotive parts efficiently, and in China, the company has constructed a new line for its highly successful CaliWeb Material, a high-performance nonwoven that replaces foam and provides benefits such as enhanced climatization and low VOCs. This reflects the company’s commitment to providing environmentally friendly cutting-edge solutions to its customers and expanding its capabilities in the Chinese market.
Within the hygiene market, another strong market for TWE, demand for softer, more sustainable products has led to investment in research and development to create innovative materials that meet these criteria while also focusing on environmental consciousness. Last year, the company said it would add an air though bonding line at its site in Belgium, which was formerly owned by Libeltex. It also continues to invest in upgrading the capabilities of existing production lines. Most recently, the company upgraded an ATB line, constructed in 2019 to handle lower material weights at super high speeds.
Within this business area, TWE has also maintained its commitment to investigating raw materials that are not reliant on plastics, aligning with its sustainability objectives. One notable success is the rePEat product line, which has been developed using materials that can be used more than once, reducing the environmental impact of single-use products. The “rePEaT” brand also encompasses a variety of offerings, including biodegradable nonwovens, compostable products and materials crafted from recycled (social) fibers.
TWE was able to develop these products through a collaboration with Plastic Bank, a world leader, that empowers communities to use plastic waste as currency for access to secure income and life-improving benefits.
TWE is also expanding the global reach of its hygiene products through an Indian-based joint venture announced last year.
Noting that India has seen remarkable nonwovens growth in recent years, particularly in the absorbent hygiene market, TWE has partnered with OBT, an Indian textile company, to set up a new manufacturing facility exclusively dedicated to nonwovens for the health and hygiene sector. The venture aims to contribute to the continued expansion of this growing market.
www.twe-group.com
2023 Nonwovens Sales: $500 million
Key Personnel
Jörg Ortmeier, CEO; Ralf Berens, CCO
Plants
Germany, France, Belgium, U.S., China
Processes
Air through bonded, chemical bonded, needlepunched, hydroentangled, airlaid
Major Markets
Hygiene, automotives, building, living, filtration, healthcare, cleaning
The automotive market, particularly in the U.S. continues to be a key driver of success for TWE Group. The Emsdetter, Germany-based company has U.S. sites in Shertz, TX, High Point, NC, and Fort Wayne, IN. This market has lately been characterized by evolving consumer preferences and stricter environmental regulations, meaning suppliers have been challenged with creating materials that are not only more sustainable and technologically advanced but also lighter in weight. In 2022 and 2023, TWE’s focus on lightweight and more eco-friendly solutions has aligned well with the evolving needs of the automotive industry, according to CEO Jörg Ortmeier. “This strategic approach enabled us to seize opportunities in the U.S. automotive sector and achieve high growth rates,” he adds.
In recent months, TWE has worked to modernize its manufacturing sites in Europe, the U.S. and Asia with an aim to enhance efficiency and increase production capacity to effectively meet the growing demand for its products while maintaining a competitive edge. In Europe, TWE has added a line to enhance the lamination processes and create more sophisticated and advanced multilayer products. This investment aligns with TWE’s dedication to innovation and maintaining its leadership in the industry.
In the U.S., TWE has added a new needlepunch line to produce high-quality products in the field of exterior automotive parts efficiently, and in China, the company has constructed a new line for its highly successful CaliWeb Material, a high-performance nonwoven that replaces foam and provides benefits such as enhanced climatization and low VOCs. This reflects the company’s commitment to providing environmentally friendly cutting-edge solutions to its customers and expanding its capabilities in the Chinese market.
Within the hygiene market, another strong market for TWE, demand for softer, more sustainable products has led to investment in research and development to create innovative materials that meet these criteria while also focusing on environmental consciousness. Last year, the company said it would add an air though bonding line at its site in Belgium, which was formerly owned by Libeltex. It also continues to invest in upgrading the capabilities of existing production lines. Most recently, the company upgraded an ATB line, constructed in 2019 to handle lower material weights at super high speeds.
Within this business area, TWE has also maintained its commitment to investigating raw materials that are not reliant on plastics, aligning with its sustainability objectives. One notable success is the rePEat product line, which has been developed using materials that can be used more than once, reducing the environmental impact of single-use products. The “rePEaT” brand also encompasses a variety of offerings, including biodegradable nonwovens, compostable products and materials crafted from recycled (social) fibers.
TWE was able to develop these products through a collaboration with Plastic Bank, a world leader, that empowers communities to use plastic waste as currency for access to secure income and life-improving benefits.
TWE is also expanding the global reach of its hygiene products through an Indian-based joint venture announced last year.
Noting that India has seen remarkable nonwovens growth in recent years, particularly in the absorbent hygiene market, TWE has partnered with OBT, an Indian textile company, to set up a new manufacturing facility exclusively dedicated to nonwovens for the health and hygiene sector. The venture aims to contribute to the continued expansion of this growing market.
