DOST-PTRI's ONWARD brings 9 manufacturers into Philippine nonwoven textiles
DOST-PTRI launches ONWARD, its brand for Philippine nonwoven textiles, with 9 manufacturers applying the tech to furniture, jeepneys, fashion, and construction as the global nonwoven market heads toward $75 billion.
NEWS
7/11/20263 min read
The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), working with nine local manufacturers, is pushing the adoption of Philippine-made nonwoven textile technology through ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovations. The initiative showcases applications in furniture, fashion, apparel, transportation, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and other emerging industries, expanding the country's textile capabilities beyond woven fabrics and opening doors to high-value manufacturing.
The initiative positions the Philippines to tap into the fast-growing global nonwovens market by turning locally sourced natural fibers into advanced materials for industrial and consumer use. It marks DOST-PTRI's next chapter in textile innovation after decades spent advancing woven Philippine textiles, with ONWARD now serving as the Institute's brand for nonwoven textiles.
Nine local manufacturers and industry collaborators demonstrated the technology's commercial potential at the official launch on July 1 at SM North EDSA, integrating DOST-PTRI-developed nonwoven materials into a range of products.
In furniture and interior design, Jed Yabut Furniture & Design used banana-based nonwoven materials in chair cushions and pineapple-based nonwoven fibers as decorative twine, along with nonwoven materials in table panels, lampshades, and leather-like strips for chairs. La Likha used nonwoven materials in sofa backings and is exploring alternatives to conventional foam and synthetic leather. JunkNot used nonwoven materials for chair cushions, home furnishings, and decor pieces, with a focus on environmentally conscious design.
Sarao Motors, one of the country's most recognizable jeepney manufacturers, showed how nonwoven materials can reinforce jeepney seat upholstery and cushions for better durability and passenger comfort, while exploring future use in dashboards, ceiling panels, and door components. Fivecent Global Corporation demonstrated agricultural applications through packaging and mulching for plants and fruits, and fashion designer Renz Reyes showed the technology's potential in apparel.
The technology also reaches footwear, fashion accessories, and construction. Longtime partner Creative Definitions integrated nonwoven materials into shoe uppers and insoles. Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMPh) developed bag linings, laptop and tablet sleeves, jewelry, and hair accessories, while Base Bahay Foundation Inc. is exploring nonwoven materials for new construction systems.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. said nonwoven textiles give the country a real opening into expanding textile markets.
"The global nonwoven market is now valued at around US$58 billion and is projected to reach US$75 billion, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for nearly half of global demand. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Filipino innovation," Solidum said in his recorded keynote message.
He added that the growing market creates room for Filipino manufacturers, designers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop high-value products, generate jobs, and strengthen the country's manufacturing competitiveness.
For DOST-PTRI Director IV Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., ONWARD represents more than a technological milestone — it signals a shift in how Philippine natural fibers can create value beyond conventional woven textiles.
"Through ONWARD, our nonwoven textiles, we push Telang Pinoy forward. ONWARD is about the choices that we make—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.
DOST-PTRI also announced that its Nonwovens Center will open in January 2027. The facility will house specialized processing equipment and serve as a research laboratory, innovation hub, product showroom, and collaborative space where government, industry, startups, and researchers can co-develop next-generation nonwoven products for Philippine industries.
With ONWARD, DOST-PTRI and its industry collaborators are laying the groundwork for a more diversified Philippine textile industry — one where locally developed nonwoven technologies can open new markets, strengthen manufacturing, and create sustainable opportunities for Filipino enterprises.
For more information on ONWARD, visit ptri.dost.gov.ph or facebook.com/ptri.dost.