2025 was a milestone year for NIRI as we proudly marked 20 years of supporting commercial innovation across nonwovens, textiles, and advanced materials. As a group it was important that we took a moment to reflect on our history, the partnerships, expertise, and problem-solving that have shaped our journey. Now, as we turn our focus to 2026, the pace of change shows no sign of slowing.
As we enter 2026, the nonwovens and textiles industries face another defining year. Sustainability targets are tightening, regulatory obligations are accelerating, and cost pressures remain a constant challenge. Yet with these pressures come significant opportunities – for innovation, efficiency, and competitive diversification.
At NIRI, we see 2026 as a year where technical excellence, regulatory readiness, and smart supply-chain decisions will be critical to success and we are ready to support customers through these challenges.
Cost and Energy Efficiency: Doing More with Less
Cost saving remains a priority across manufacturing sectors, but in 2026 it is increasingly linked to resource efficiency and energy reduction rather than simple cost-cutting. Lightweighting, monolayer constructions, and mono-component solutions are gaining momentum as manufacturers look to reduce raw material use while maintaining performance.
Alongside material optimisation, low-energy production and bonding technologies, reduced water usage, and waste minimisation are becoming essential tools for maintaining margins. Supply chain optimisation, through process capability analysis, manufacturing optimisation, and improved material selection, can deliver both immediate savings and long-term resilience
NIRI’s Supply Chain & Manufacturing Support services are designed to help companies identify inefficiencies, optimise processes, and support measurable progress toward cost and energy reduction goals.
Net Zero and Science-Based Targets
Net zero commitments and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) alignment are now moving from ambition to execution. In 2026, companies will be expected to demonstrate credible plans backed by data—covering Scope 1, 2, and increasingly Scope 3 emissions.
Process optimisation, energy-efficient manufacturing routes, and material substitution all play a role. Independent technical assessment and life-cycle thinking can help businesses make decisions that are both environmentally and commercially sound.
Materials Innovation: Biobased and Recycled Solutions
The adoption of biobased materials and the rapid development of fibre and textile recycling technologies, including mechanical, thermal, enzymatic and chemical, continue to reshape product design. While these technologies offer clear sustainability benefits, they also introduce technical, performance, funding/ investment, and regulatory challenges.
Balancing recyclability, functionality, and compliance requires robust testing, validation, and expert guidance. NIRI supports companies across the innovation lifecycle, from early-stage material evaluation through to scale-up and market readiness.
Regulatory Readiness: From PFAS to Textile Waste
Regulatory change will be one of the most significant drivers of activity in 2026.
One major development is the EU restriction of PFHxA and related substances under Regulation (EU) 2024/2462. From 10 October 2026, products placed on the market must not exceed:
- 25 ppb for the sum of PFHxA and its salts, or
- 1000 ppb for the sum of PFHxA-related substances
This affects a wide range of sectors, including textiles, leather, footwear, paper, cardboard, cosmetics, and packaging. PFAS replacement strategies and vigorous compliance testing will be essential over the coming year.
At the same time, the EU Waste Framework Directive (WFD) introduces mandatory separation and collection systems for used textiles, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles and footwear. Member States are now in the process of transposing these requirements into national law, with EPR schemes expected to be established within the next 30 months.
Ban on Plastic Containing Wipes
In the UK, the upcoming ban on plastic-containing wet wipes adds further urgency. Scotland is expected to implement the ban around April 2026, Wales from December 2026, and the UK-wide ban comes into force in May 2027—impacting baby wipes, cosmetic wipes, and household cleaning wipes sold both in-store and online
Navigating this evolving regulatory landscape requires not only awareness, but proactive planning, organisation, technical validation, and clear documentation.
Industry Events: INDEX26 and Techtextil
Key industry events in 2026 will play a vital role in shaping the year ahead. For example, INDEX26 will showcase the latest innovations, sustainability solutions, and regulatory developments in nonwovens, while Techtextil will be a focal point for technical textiles and advanced material applications.
These events offer valuable opportunities to explore emerging technologies, share best practice, develop collaboration and partnerships and understand how the industry is responding to global challenges.
How NIRI Can Support Business in 2026
As companies prepare for the year ahead, NIRI’s commercial and technical expertise can support organisations across product development, application diversification, manufacturing optimisation, sustainability strategy, and regulatory compliance.
Our comprehensive suite of services is tailored to help accelerate the development and commercialisation of new products. With our extensive pilot facilities and state-of-the-art analytical laboratories, we fast-track innovation from concept to commercialisation, helping you to de-risk in-house R&D, allocate resources effectively and meet the demands of an increasingly complex market.
As 2026 begins, the challenges are clear – but so are the opportunities. With the right technical insight and strategic collaboration, this year can be one of progress, resilience, and growth.
To learn more about how NIRI can support your organisation in 2026 and beyond, contact us via email or phone +44 (0)113 350 3829.
