JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), an agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), for ‘Spunlaid Nonwovens R&D: Sustainable Meltblown and Spunbonded Nonwoven Textiles’ project.

DOST-PTRI, the lead government agency mandated to conduct applied research and development for the textile industry sector, aims to strengthen and diversify its competency in nonwoven textile production through spunlaid nonwoven technologies using polymer materials, JGSOC said in a press release.

The signing of this MOA marks a key step in improving interagency collaboration, combining networks, expertise, and resources to boost local innovation capabilities. DOST-PTRI and JGSOC aim to spur the local nonwoven market by pursuing value-adding opportunities and partnerships.

“The project was borne out of the challenges with materials during the pandemic. With the inauguration of the first laboratory-scale meltblown line facility in the Philippines, we aim to broaden the scope of the Spunlaid Nonwoven Textile ecosystem. This is the first time that we are conducting research on polymers for textile application, and we are thrilled to partner with JG Summit Olefins Corporation for this project,” DOST-PTRI director IV, Julius L Leaño, Jr, said.

“Innovation, research, and development are at the core of JGSOC’s operations. Part of our mission is to contribute to nation-building and industrialization in the Philippines. So, it is encouraging to see collaborations with government agencies such as DOST-PTRI, which aim to help answer critical challenges faced by our fellow Filipinos through science and technology,” said JGSOC president and CEO, Arnel L Santos.

Spunlaid nonwoven textiles are used in various applications such as filtration, packaging, agro-textiles, and geo-textiles.