Manila, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is set to launch ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, introducing nonwoven textiles developed through specialized machines and facilities to advance sustainable, natural fiber–based alternatives to synthetic plastics across a wide range of applications.The launch sets a new direction for the Philippine textile industry, expanding beyond traditional woven fabrics and positioning nonwovens as a scalable response to environmental and climate challenges. This direction responds to findings from the Center for International Environmental Law, which notes that plastic-related emissions occur across the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal — the dependence that natural fiber–based nonwovens are designed to reduce.
“We have already established ourselves in woven materials, and now we want to leverage sustainability and technical innovation, and nonwovens are the perfect fit,” said Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI. “The focus is on creating greater value, achieving larger-scale production, and expanding applications beyond traditional woven products and apparel.”
Open to the public, the launch will feature an exhibition and expert discussions led by DOST-PTRI and its development partners, highlighting how agricultural resources such as banana pseudostems, pineapple leaves, bamboo, water hyacinth, and other locally available materials can be engineered into high-performance nonwoven products. Nonwoven textiles differ from conventional fabrics in that they are produced by directly bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. This enables faster production, functional versatility, and broader industrial applications. While often unnoticed, nonwoven materials are widely used in everyday products such as face masks, wipes, automotive interiors, footwear components, filtration systems, medical supplies, and construction materials.
Central to the initiative are DOST-PTRI's natural textile fiber-based nonwovens, developed using technologies composed of more than 75 percent natural textile fibers. These materials demonstrate how high natural fiber content can deliver functional and durable alternatives while reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics and supporting circular manufacturing goals.
The exhibition will showcase nonwoven materials produced through drylaid, wetlaid, airlaid, and spunlaid processes, demonstrating their durability, adaptability, and suitability for diverse performance requirements. Applications on display span transportation, furniture and interiors, construction, healthcare, fashion, accessories, agriculture, and infrastructure—highlighting the technology’s market potential beyond traditional textile uses.
ONWARD also highlights DOST-PTRI’s collaborations with local development partners, including Sarao Motors, Inc., Creative Definitions, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., Jed Yabut Furniture & Design, Junknot, Fivecent Global Corporation, the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines, and Renz Reyes, reflecting the growing interest in nonwoven technology across sectors.
“ONWARD is our new development in textiles and a new chapter in Filipino fabrics. We hope it will be given the space and support it deserves,” Dr. Leaño added as he called on the public to support this emerging innovation in textile science.
ONWARD brings together textile science and sustainable design, signaling a strategic shift toward resilient and environmentally responsible manufacturing that positions nonwoven technology as a key driver of the Philippine textile industry’s future.
The public, industry stakeholders, and design professionals are invited to witness the launch on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, which serves as the venue partner. The exhibition will run until July 2, 2026.
For more information on ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation, visit ptri.dost.gov.ph/ or facebook.com/ptri.dost.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is stepping up efforts to strengthen compliance with the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law across government agencies, potentially opening a ₱17.8-billion annual market for locally made “Telang Pinoy” uniforms.The push is part of DOST-PTRI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No. 9242, which mandates that government agencies use Philippine Tropical Fabrics—locally sourced and processed natural fiber textiles made from abaca, pineapple, banana, bamboo, cotton, and silk—in official uniforms and government-issued attire. Despite the policy being in place, the institute noted that awareness and procurement gaps persist among some agencies and local government units.
Government data show that the annual Uniform or Clothing Allowance (UCA) for public employees amounts to approximately ₱17.8 billion. Around half of this is estimated to go directly to textile procurement, translating to a demand of roughly 30 million meters of fabric each year at an average cost of ₱300 per meter.
DOST-PTRI Director IV Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr. said the scale of demand and full compliance with the law present a clear opportunity to activate the entire domestic textile supply chain.“Government uniform requirements can drive production across the entire value chain—from fiber cultivation to yarn production, weaving, and garment manufacturing,” Dr. Leaño said. “Full compliance with the PTF Law can transform public procurement into a stable market for local producers.”
DOST-PTRI said local fiber supply is sufficient to support increased production when properly integrated into the value chain, citing that cotton farms covering 12,600 hectares can produce about 2,270 metric tons of cotton, while other natural fibers contribute around 1,000 metric tons, forming a domestic raw material base capable of meeting the estimated annual PTF demand.
The institute also underscored the sustainability benefits of shifting to locally produced natural fiber textiles, citing estimates that PTF-based fabrics can reduce carbon emissions compared with conventional polyester materials.
To support implementation, DOST-PTRI continues to provide technical standards, testing, and certification for compliant fabrics. The agency is working closely with partner agencies: the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for compliance enforcement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for expanding market opportunities for local manufacturers, and the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (DA-PhilFIDA) for support in fiber cultivation.
Through its Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Innovation Ecosystems in the Region (FRONTIER) program, DOST-PTRI is establishing textile innovation hubs nationwide. These hubs are designed to connect fiber producers, weavers, designers, and manufacturers to expand and strengthen local textile production capacity within a coordinated ecosystem.
DOST-PTRI is calling on government agencies and industry partners to accelerate full compliance with the PTF Law, framing it as both a legal obligation and a concrete economic opportunity for Filipino farmers, weavers, and manufacturers. The institute continues to advance its “Telang Pinoy” advocacy—its campaign label for government and public adoption of locally made Philippine tropical fabrics—as a platform for sustained demand across the domestic textile value chain.
For more information on Philippine Tropical Fabrics and DOST-PTRI programs, interested stakeholders may contact ptri@ptri.dost.gov.ph or visit ptri.dost.gov.ph.
