The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), together with nine local manufacturers, has launched ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovations, a new initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of locally developed nonwoven textile technologies and expanding the country’s textile industry beyond traditional woven fabrics. Unveiled earlier this month at SM North EDSA, the program highlights the use of Philippine-made nonwoven materials in furniture, fashion, apparel, transportation, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and other emerging industries while creating opportunities for high-value manufacturing.
The initiative positions the Philippines to participate in the rapidly growing global nonwoven textiles market by transforming locally sourced natural fibers into advanced materials for industrial and consumer applications. ONWARD also marks DOST-PTRI’s next phase of innovation after decades of promoting woven Philippine textiles, serving as the Institute’s dedicated brand for nonwoven textile technologies.
Nine local manufacturers and industry partners showcased the commercial potential of the technology during the launch. In the furniture sector, Jed Yabut Furniture & Design incorporated banana-based nonwoven materials into chair cushions and pineapple-based fibers into decorative twine, table panels, lampshades, and leather-like chair strips. La Likha utilized nonwoven materials for sofa backings and is exploring alternatives to conventional foam and synthetic leather, while JunkNot featured the materials in chair cushions, home furnishings, and decorative products.
Sarao Motors, one of the country’s most recognized jeepney manufacturers, demonstrated the use of nonwoven materials in seat upholstery and cushions to improve durability and passenger comfort, with plans to explore future applications for dashboards, ceiling panels, and door components. Fivecent Global Corporation presented agricultural uses, including plant and fruit packaging and mulching materials, while fashion designer Renz Reyes showcased nonwoven textiles in apparel.
The technology was also applied to footwear, fashion accessories, and construction. Creative Definitions integrated nonwoven materials into shoe uppers and insoles, while the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMPh) developed bag linings, laptop and tablet sleeves, jewelry, and hair accessories. Base Bahay Foundation Inc. is likewise evaluating the materials for innovative construction systems.
In a recorded keynote message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the global nonwoven market, currently valued at approximately US$58 billion and projected to grow to US$75 billion, presents significant opportunities for Filipino innovation, particularly as the Asia-Pacific region accounts for nearly half of global demand.
Solidum said the expanding market could enable Filipino manufacturers, designers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop higher-value products, generate employment, and strengthen the country’s manufacturing competitiveness.
DOST-PTRI Director IV Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr. said ONWARD represents more than a technological breakthrough, describing it as a step toward maximizing the value of Philippine natural fibers 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,” Leaño said.
To further strengthen the country’s nonwoven textile ecosystem, DOST-PTRI also announced that its Nonwovens Center is scheduled to 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 agencies, industry partners, startups, and researchers can jointly develop next-generation nonwoven products.
Through ONWARD and the upcoming Nonwovens Center, DOST-PTRI and its industry collaborators aim to diversify the Philippine textile sector, unlock new markets for locally developed technologies, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and create more sustainable opportunities for Filipino enterprises.