Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) has secured the Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category, marking a decisive shift in how technical textiles are manufactured. The Leeds-based firm was recognized for its FET-500 series, a pioneering gel spinning system that eliminates the use of toxic solvents like hexane and dichloromethane. Traditionally, producing ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) - a material 15 times stronger than steel - required nearly 100kg of solvent for every 1kg of yarn. By utilizing supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a non-toxic processing medium, FET has neutralized a major environmental liability in the production of body armor, surgical sutures, and high-strength offshore ropes.
Unlocking R&D in the technical textile market
Beyond environmental gains, the FET-500 series addresses a critical supply chain bottleneck: the lack of small-scale, flexible manufacturing. With the technical textiles market projected to reach $264.42 billion by late 2026, the demand for bespoke, high-performance fibers is growing Current systems operate on a massive, inflexible scale, notes Jonny Hunter, Research Manager explaining, FET’s modular lab system now allows for rapid prototyping and niche product development that was previously cost-prohibitive. This capability offers a strategic opportunity for medical and automotive manufacturers to integrate high-value yarns without the traditional overhead of industrial-scale extrusion, effectively shortening the innovation cycle for "smart" and protective apparel.
Based in the UK, FET designs and manufactures advanced extrusion equipment for the global textile and biomedical sectors. Specializing in multifilament and nonwoven systems, the company serves over 130 polymer types. Its 2026 growth strategy focuses on medical-grade fibers and sustainable machinery, maintaining a strong export presence across Europe and Asia.
