Local manufacturers flaunt products from nonwoven textiles

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2026-07-09. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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Nine emerging local manufacturers integrate nonwoven innovation in their local products in line with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) launch of ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation. 

The launch showcases the diverse applications of nonwoven textile materials, set to unlock new opportunities for Philippine manufacturing. 

As part of the launch on July 1 at SM North EDSA, nine local manufacturers and product development partners demonstrated how nonwoven materials made from Philippine natural fibers can be transformed into alternatives for synthetic-based materials, highlighting the vast opportunities for local manufacturing and innovation.

For decades, DOST-PTRI has led research and development in woven Philippine textiles through the Telang Pinoy program. Through ONWARD, the Institute is ushering in a new era by developing advanced nonwoven materials for diverse applications such as furniture and interior design, holistic roofing systems, fashion and accessories, smart infrastructure, landscaping, outdoor living solutions, transportation, agriculture, footwear, and healthcare.

On its official launch, ONWARD's industry collaborators showcased how versatile nonwoven materials have become.

In the furniture and interior design sector, Jed Yabut Furniture & Design incorporated banana-based nonwoven materials into chair cushions, while pineapple-based nonwoven fibers were used as decorative twine. 

They also integrated nonwoven materials into table panels, lampshades, and leather-like strips for chairs. Furniture manufacturer La Likha, likewise integrated nonwoven materials into sofa backings and is exploring their potential as alternatives to conventional foam and synthetic leather.  

For JunkNot, they incorporated nonwoven materials into chair cushions and various home furnishings and decor pieces, demonstrating how innovative textile technologies can support environmentally conscious design.

The Iconic Sarao Motors, one of the country's most remarkable jeepney manufacturers. They demonstrated how nonwoven materials can reinforce upholstery and cushion seats to improve durability and comfort. It is also exploring future applications for jeepney dashboards, door panels, and ceiling components. 

Meanwhile, Fivecent Global Corporation demonstrated the practical use of nonwoven textiles in agricultural textiles through packaging and mulching for plants and fruits. Renz Reyes also showcases that even nonwovens can still be applied in apparel. 

Longtime DOST-PTRI partner Creative Definitions also highlighted the performance of nonwoven materials in footwear manufacturing, particularly for shoe uppers and insoles, underscoring their durability and functionality in the footwear industry.

The versatility of nonwoven materials also extends to fashion and lifestyle products. Local accessories brand Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMPh) used nonwoven materials for bag linings, laptop and tablet sleeves, custom jewelry, and hair accessories.

Beyond consumer products, Base Bahay Foundation Inc. is exploring the use of nonwoven materials for construction applications, opening possibilities for innovative building systems that incorporate locally developed textile technologies.

According to DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., the opportunity presented by nonwoven textiles extends far beyond conventional woven fabrics, positioning the Philippines to participate in one of the world's fastest-growing textile markets.

"The global market for nonwovens is estimated at US$58 billion and could reach US$75 billion," Solidum said during the official launch of ONWARD. 

The growing demand underscores the immense potential for Filipino-made nonwoven materials to create new industries, generate jobs, and expand opportunities for local manufacturers, designers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

For DOST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño, ONWARD is more than a technological milestone, it represents a change in how Filipinos view the future of textiles.

He emphasized that Philippine natural fibers, sourced from locally available materials, have the potential to go beyond their familiar use in government uniforms and apparel. 

"Nonwovens, therefore, ONWARD is pushing Telang Pinoy forward. ONWARD is about the choices that we make. It is about choosing a cleaner, safer, friendlier, and kinder Earth. It is about making better choices for our future. Let ONWARD become part of those meaningful choices we make today," Leaño said.

To further elevate research, innovation, and commercialization of nonwoven technologies, Leaño also announced that DOST-PTRI will officially opens its Nonwovens Center in January 2027.

The facility will house specialized machines capable of processing various nonwoven materials and will serve as a research laboratory, innovation hub, and product showroom. More importantly, it will provide a collaborative space where government, industry partners, startups, and researchers can co-develop next-generation nonwoven products tailored for Philippine industries.

The ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.ptri.dost.gov.ph. (By Princess Lyka S. Manoto, DOST-PTRI)