MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has launched “Onward,” a project aimed at utilizing the untapped market of the country’s nonwoven textile industry.
During the project's launch in Quezon City on Wednesday, DOST-PTRI director Julius Leaño Jr.—also the program leader of the project—told The Manila Times that the initiatives aim to utilize the country's abundant natural textile resources, including agricultural byproducts that are often discarded, to create sustainable, high-value materials for niche markets instead of competing with mass-produced imports.
“The supply chain is not broken. What we need to do is bridge them to the end use," Leaño said, noting that the country already has the raw materials and emerging processing capabilities needed to produce nonwoven textiles.
The initiative seeks to commercialize locally developed nonwoven textiles through partnerships with the private sector, addressing the gap between government-led research and large-scale industry adoption.
Under Onward, nonwoven textiles will be developed for a wide range of applications, including construction, home furnishings, agriculture, apparel, accessories, mobility, filtration, healthcare, wellness, packaging, energy, and structural materials.
Leaño also announced that the country’s first Nonwoven Textile Innovation Center will be inaugurated in Taguig in January. The facility is expected to enable local production of the nonwoven textile technologies.