The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) participated at the IDEA25 Nonwovens Conference, with the theme "Nonwovens for a Healthier Planet." Under the session titled Cradle to Next Life – Shifting Away from the 'to the Grave' Mentality, DOST-PTRI presented the achievements of its Diversification of Philippine Textiles through Nonwoven Innovations Program.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) participated at the IDEA25 Nonwovens Conference, with the theme "Nonwovens for a Healthier Planet." Under the session titled Cradle to Next Life – Shifting Away from the 'to the Grave' Mentality, DOST-PTRI presented the achievements of its Diversification of Philippine Textiles through Nonwoven Innovations Program.

The presentation highlighted nonwoven textile innovations such as the use of local natural textile fiber sources such as pineapple leaf, bamboo, banana, and abaca to develop drylaid and wetlaid nonwovens with applications in filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, footwear, and alternative leather. Through these innovations, the Program has imparted a unique sustainability perspective on the resulting nonwoven materials. This also crossed over the sustainability initiatives of the Institute in terms of economic sustainability, ensuring that livelihood, promotions, linkages, and education are still at the forefront in sustainability efforts.

Fellow presenters such as ExxonMobil, HIRO Technologies, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology highlighted their own takes on shifting views on sustainability such as recycling frameworks, fungi-based plastic degradation, and advance testing for nonwoven durability. In the panel discussion, Philippine textile fibers was also a topic of interest focusing on its cost, availability, technical applicability, and performance.

In joining the IDEA25 Nonwovens Conference, DOST-PTRI has made its mark in the international nonwovens industry and has joined the global thrust for sustainable nonwoven, from diversifying Philippine textiles through nonwoven innovations to innovating global nonwovens through Philippine textile innovations.