SANITIZED and RUDOLF Announce Exclusive Distribution Partnership for Sanitized® Textile Additives
Switzerland-based SANITIZED AG, a global leader in hygiene function and material protection technologies, and Rudolf Holding SE & Co. KG, from Germany a leading global specialty chemical company, are pleased to jointly announce a new exclusive distribution partnership. Effective February 1, 2026, RUDOLF will become the exclusive distributor of Sanitized® textile additives worldwide.
SANITIZED contributes trusted expertise in hygiene management and odor control, and RUDOLF’s world-leading capabilities in textile finishing; the partnership unites two highly competent and respected industry players in the service of the global textile industry. The shift comes at a time of increasing market complexity. Evolving customer requirements, trade barriers, and structural overcapacity are placing new demands on the industry. In response, SANITIZED and RUDOLF are joining forces to deliver even greater value through close collaboration, global availability of products and technical support, and ongoing innovation aligned with the latest technological and sustainability standards.
Bio-Based SAP Material with a Lower Carbon Footprint in Diapers
Belgium-based Ontex Group, a leading international developer and producer of personal care solutions, is advancing its sustainability journey with the introduction of bio-based superabsorbent polymers (bioSAP) in its diapers, with an initial rollout in selected Moltex Pure and Nature products. This new material will gradually and incrementally replace virgin fossil-based plastic SAP in the core absorbent component, helping lower the carbon footprint of the product while maintaining performance. This step aligns with Ontex’s commitment to embedding good, scalable sustainability practices into every product.
SAP (superabsorbent polymer) is essential to diaper performance yet is traditionally made from fossil-based plastic. It is also one of the most carbon-intensive components in hygiene products. The bioSAP now being introduced has a 15% to 25% lower carbon footprint than conventional SAP, with a promising outlook as the technology continues to evolve. By embracing innovations like bioSAP, Ontex is advancing its long-term goal of reducing environmental impact through sustainable solutions.
Continuous Composites Secures Additional Funding to Advance High-Temperature Materials
Continuous Composites (CCI) has been awarded multi-million-dollar funding from the U.S. Air Force as part of a multi-year contract to advance the development of high-performance materials using CF3D® technology. This funding is divided into two phases: The first phase, currently underway, focuses on establishing baseline material properties and a performance validation campaign to benchmark CF3D-produced components against traditional manufacturing methods, such as those used for materials like Carbon-Carbon. The second phase of the funding will support the expansion of this work, enabling full-scale component production and flight testing. This phase will allow CCI to refine production processes, conduct additional testing, and further advance CF3D’s capabilities for high-temperature applications.
CF3D (Continuous Fiber 3D) technology enables the automated manufacturing of continuous fiber composites in near-net shapes, offering precise control over fiber orientation and geometry. This capability facilitates the scalable production of complex parts with enhanced design flexibility and the ability to meet the high-performance requirements of high-temperature applications.
[Source: https://continuouscomposites.com/usaf-funds-cf3d-high-temp-materials/]
New Dilo Group Line Installed at ALMA to Enhance Production Efficiency
ALMA, a Florence, Italy-based specialist in floor coverings, has bolstered its production capabilities with a new, high-performance production line from DiloGroup, installed by DiloSystems GmbH in Eberbach, Germany. The new line caters to four key floor covering sectors: exhibition carpets, artificial grass, automotive interiors and car mats, and the domestic DIY market. To meet stringent market demands for quality and competitive pricing, ALMA collaborated extensively with DiloGroup’s engineering team to design a state-of-the-art system optimized for quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
The production line features advanced components, including a DiloTemafa fiber blending and filtration system, DiloSpinnbau card feeding, high-speed carding, a 6-meter-wide crosslapping and needling system, and an inline DI-LOOP for high-speed structuring. It also incorporates modern process controls and the Industry 4.0 DI-Connect system to meet high operational standards.
Beating Heat Stress with Thermacore
Santa Ana, California-based Ace Link Armor has launched the Thermacore base layer t-shirt as its latest advancement in mission-ready performance apparel. Designed to combat heat stress when wearing body armour, the shirt redefines what tactical and law enforcement operators can expect from base-layer technology. By combining advanced microclimate regulation, evaporative cooling, and menthol-infused freshness, the Thermacore shirt is purpose-built for the harshest environments and most demanding operations.
The Thermacore base layer is powered by a proprietary combination of technologies, including 37.5 fibre technology, which reacts to body heat by accelerating moisture vapour removal before sweat forms, keeping users cooler and drier, and Outlast Fresh-2-Skin microencapsulated menthol embedded directly into the fabric to deliver a sustained cool-to-the-touch effect and reduce perceived heat buildup.
In addition, phase change memory (PCM) wax microcapsules adapt to temperature fluctuations, cutting heat peaks and sweat production by up to 24%. With an ergonomic fit and flatlock seams, the base layer is designed for seamless integration when worn beneath armour, minimising skin irritation and enhancing all-day comfort, while targeted sweat-evacuation zones are strategically placed to keep critical thermal areas dry during high-stress operations.
Following field tests, it has been established that operators wearing the Thermacore shirt experience an up to 26% improvement in performance output during intense activity, a significantly delayed onset of discomfort compared to traditional polyester base layers and enhanced endurance and energy conservation by maintaining an optimal core temperature throughout the mission. The product is the result of extensive testing in both climate chambers and operational scenarios, delivering quantifiable advantages in endurance, thermal regulation, and comfort.