DOST-PTRI to Launch ONWARD, Pushing Nonwoven Textiles Toward Sustainable Manufacturing and Industrial Use

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is set to launch ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, introducing nonwoven textiles developed through specialized machines and facilities to advance sustainable, natural fiber–based alternatives to synthetic plastics across a wide range of applications.

The launch sets a new direction for the Philippine textile industry, expanding beyond traditional woven fabrics and positioning nonwovens as a scalable response to environmental and climate challenges. This direction responds to findings from the Center for International Environmental Law, which notes that plastic-related emissions occur across the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal — the dependence that natural fiber–based nonwovens are designed to reduce.

“We have already established ourselves in woven materials, and now we want to leverage sustainability and technical innovation, and nonwovens are the perfect fit,” said Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI. “The focus is on creating greater value, achieving larger-scale production, and expanding applications beyond traditional woven products and apparel.”

Open to the public, the launch will feature an exhibition and expert discussions led by DOST-PTRI and its development partners, highlighting how agricultural resources such as banana pseudostems, pineapple leaves, bamboo, water hyacinth, and other locally available materials can be engineered into high-performance nonwoven products.

Nonwoven textiles differ from conventional fabrics in that they are produced by directly bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. This enables faster production, functional versatility, and broader industrial applications. While often unnoticed, nonwoven materials are widely used in everyday products such as face masks, wipes, automotive interiors, footwear components, filtration systems, medical supplies, and construction materials.

Central to the initiative are DOST-PTRI’s natural textile fiber-based nonwovens, developed using technologies composed of more than 75 percent natural textile fibers. These materials demonstrate how high natural fiber content can deliver functional and durable alternatives while reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics and supporting circular manufacturing goals.

The exhibition will showcase nonwoven materials produced through drylaid, wetlaid, airlaid, and spunlaid processes, demonstrating their durability, adaptability, and suitability for diverse performance requirements. Applications on display span transportation, furniture and interiors, construction, healthcare, fashion, accessories, agriculture, and infrastructure—highlighting the technology’s market potential beyond traditional textile uses.

ONWARD also highlights DOST-PTRI’s collaborations with local development partners, including Sarao Motors, Inc., Creative Definitions, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., Jed Yabut Furniture & Design, Junknot, Fivecent Global Corporation, the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines, and Renz Reyes, reflecting the growing interest in nonwoven technology across sectors.

“ONWARD is our new development in textiles and a new chapter in Filipino fabrics. We hope it will be given the space and support it deserves,” Dr. Leaño added as he called on the public to support this emerging innovation in textile science.

ONWARD brings together textile science and sustainable design, signaling a strategic shift toward resilient and environmentally responsible manufacturing that positions nonwoven technology as a key driver of the Philippine textile industry’s future.

The public, industry stakeholders, and design professionals are invited to witness the launch on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, which serves as the venue partner. The exhibition will run until July 2, 2026.

For more information on ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation, visit ptri.dost.gov.ph/ or facebook.com/ptri.dost.