Nonwovens – ANDRITZ’s Bold Collaboration With Tandem Repeat Delivers Breakthrough Sustainable Fiber Innovation for Textiles and Nonwovens Revolutionizing Future Fabric Solutions 25-10-2025
Nonwovens – Introduction
In a significant move for sustainable textile manufacturing, the international technology group ANDRITZ GROUP has partnered with the biotechnology pioneer Tandem Repeat Technologies, Inc. to commercialise a new fibre named Procell. This collaboration aims to provide industrial-scale solutions for producing sustainable, high-performance fibres for both textiles and nonwovens.
Why the collaboration matters
ANDRITZ brings decades of experience as a supplier of machinery and plant-solutions for man-made cellulosic fibres and nonwovens, while Tandem Repeat contributes its biotechnology expertise to develop protein-based fibres. Together they aim to accelerate the shift away from conventional synthetic fibres to novel bio-based alternatives. andritz.com+1
What is Procell fibre
Procell is a patented fibre technology developed by Tandem Repeat. It is a biomanufactured, protein-based fibre that offers wool-like softness, durability, and versatile application potential. Textile World+1 The fibre is 100 % vegan, uses minimal water input and avoids pesticides, aiming for a significantly reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional natural fibres. Sonachic+1
How the partnership will work
In this collaboration the focus is on providing fibre-manufacturers with fully integrated, industrial-scale production solutions for Procell. ANDRITZ will adapt its proven process equipment to meet the specific requirements of the fibre. Tandem Repeat will continue development of the Procell technology to align with textile and nonwoven sector needs. andritz.com+1
Benefits for the textile and nonwoven industry
For fibre manufacturers and downstream textile and nonwoven producers, the key benefits include:
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A high-performance alternative to synthetic and conventional natural fibres, combining strength, durability and softness.
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A lower-impact production process leveraging biotechnology, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land-use compared to cotton, wool or lyocell. Textile World
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A strategic shift toward more sustainable supply chains, helping brands and manufacturers meet growing ESG and climate-positive demands.
Implications and next steps
The launch of Procell at industrial scale could significantly influence the fibre market. As textile brands seek more sustainable options, the availability of protein-based fibres represents a new category bridging biotech and textile manufacturing. The partnership between ANDRITZ and Tandem Repeat aims to bring this technology from lab-scale to commercial production. Textile World Over time the fibre may move beyond apparel and nonwovens into broader applications such as construction, packaging or specialty textiles. Textile World
What this means for your business or audience
If you are a textile or nonwovens manufacturer, this collaboration signals that advanced fibre technologies are arriving at scale. You may want to explore how protein-based fibres like Procell could integrate into your product lines or supply chain. If you are a brand or retailer, this innovation offers a story of sustainability you can communicate to end-consumers — a fibre made from biotechnology rather than heavy resource-intensive farming or petroleum-based synthetics.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Andritz and Tandem Repeat marks a clear advancement for sustainable fibre innovation. By combining engineering-scale production capability with biotechnology-driven materials, the partnership places Procell at the forefront of next-generation fibres for textiles and nonwovens. Manufacturers, brands and supply-chain stakeholders should monitor this development closely — the shift toward bio-based, climate-positive materials is gaining real momentum.
