eSUN 2025 Annual Review
“Over the past year, what developments and progress has eSUN achieved in the field of eco-friendly fibers?”
A quick review through four keywords.
I. Breakthrough
Through continuous R&D innovation and collaboration with upstream and downstream enterprises, eSUN achieved multiple breakthroughs in PLA (polylactic acid) fiber application technologies in 2025.
Key challenges such as strength degradation and dyeing difficulties were overcome, broadening the application and promotion of PLA fibers in the textile and apparel sector and providing the industry with more diversified green material solutions.
In 2025, eSUN also focused on launching three major innovative products:
1. High-adhesion bio-based eco-friendly bicomponent fiber
Designed for hot-air nonwoven applications in hygiene products, this fiber enables nonwovens to maintain full biodegradability while offering higher strength, abrasion resistance, and softness for improved comfort.
2. Low-cost, durable functional fiber
While retaining the inherent functional properties of PLA, this fiber features enhanced material support and durability with reduced cost. Importantly, it successfully lowers costs while improving performance.
3. Bio-based filling balls
Produced by blending PLA fibers with other bio-based materials into filling balls of different specifications, these products offer excellent antibacterial and anti-mite properties. They are safe, environmentally friendly, skin-friendly, anti-allergenic, and highly resilient, making them especially suitable for applications such as toys, neck pillows, cushions, and home textile fillings.
II. Cooperation
In 2025, eSUN continued to strengthen collaborative innovation with universities and research institutions.
On August 26, the Joint Research Center for Fiber Innovation and Sustainable Materials was officially inaugurated. The establishment of the center marked a new stage of cooperation between eSUN and research teams from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Wuhan Textile University, and other academic institutions.
On September 3, eSUN New Materials (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. officially signed a project cooperation agreement with Wuhan Textile University on the research of functional mechanisms of PLA fibers.
This in-depth joint research will further promote the upgrading of functional PLA apparel. In the future, clothing will not only be our second skin, but also a micro-ecosystem with an inherent freshness effect.
III. Empower
On September 3, 2025, the Application Guidebook for Polylactic Acid Fibers (First Edition) was officially released. As one of the main compiling organizations, eSUN New Materials (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. fully leveraged its technical expertise and practical experience in the R&D, production, and application of PLA fibers, actively participating in the compilation and refinement of the guidebook.
The guidebook systematically presents the current development status, application challenges, and corresponding solutions related to PLA fibers, covering raw materials, preparation methods, weaving, dyeing and finishing, applications, biodegradability, recycling, and reuse. It provides the industry with practical and actionable technical guidance.
IV. Development
Based in China with a global perspective, eSUN actively participated in multiple domestic and international professional exhibitions in 2025. Its innovative products and application examples received widespread attention, continuously enhancing brand awareness and influence.
- March 11-13: 2025 yarnexpo Spring
- April 15-18: CHINAPLAS 2025
- April 29 – May 1: IDEA 2025 (Miami)
- May 21-23: The Fiber Society Spring 2025 Conference
- September 2-4: 2025 yarnexpo Autumn
- September 3-5: China International Exhibition on Technical Textiles and Nonwovens
Moving Forward Relentlessly, Advancing Toward Green Development
In 2025, eSUN continued to make sustained efforts across product R&D, production, and application, promoting bio-based fiber materials—represented by PLA fibers—toward greater certainty in market application.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With continued support from all parties, eSUN will take innovation as its driving force, collaborate with industry partners, and support the textile industry in moving toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
