1st integrated nonwoven textile center to be inaugurated in Taguig City, says DOST-PTRI

The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) will inaugurate its first integrated nonwoven textile center in Taguig City in January 2027.

DOST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño announced Wednesday that the integrated facility center will serve as a research and development (R&D) hub, showroom, and production facility for nonwoven textiles.

Nonwoven textiles are fabrics made from fibers that are arranged into sheets, and instead of threads, and bonded through the use of heat, chemicals, pressure, among others.

These fabrics are made of natural materials such as pineapple and banana fibers, bamboo poles, and coconut coir which is a natural, fibrous byproduct extracted from the outer husk of coconuts.

The integrated nonwoven textile facility center will have four technologies that can produce apparel, roofing insolation, facemasks, package filter and nursery bags.

"It spurs production. This is not just only for R&D. It really spurs production," Leaño said.

With the establishment of the integrated facility center, the DOST aims to bridge the supply chain from the raw materials, to the production facility, business owners, and consumers.

"The costing, especially the cost of production, definitely will come once it normalizes. Pag mababa production mo, mahal talaga yan (If the production is low, the product is costly)," Leaño said.

"For the meantime, hindi muna tayong makikipag-compete sa (we will not compete in the) mass market. The initial target is the specialized high-end market," he added.—RF, GMA News