Conference Speakers

Thomas Carlyle

Nonwovens Commercial Manager-Americas, Lenzing Fibers Inc.

BIOGRAPHY

Tom Carlyle is the Head of Sales for the U.S. at Lenzing AG, where he leads commercial strategy, key account management, and government relations for the nonwovens sector across the Americas. With a strong foundation in science, Tom holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Before joining Lenzing in 2010, Tom spent 15 years in a variety of roles spanning R&D, product development, sales, and business development. At Lenzing, he has held multiple technical and commercial positions, steadily expanding his leadership scope. His deep industry knowledge and strategic approach have been instrumental in driving business growth and innovation throughout the region.

An active member of INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry), Tom currently serves on multiple committees and is a past chair of INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, underscoring his commitment to advancing the nonwovens industry.

---

Sustainable Fibers, Sustainable Future: WBCFs in a Changing Market

Wood-based cellulosic fibers (WBCFs)—including viscose, modal, and lyocell—are integral to driving sustainability in textile and nonwoven markets. However, WBCF manufacturers face increasing scrutiny from regulators and NGOs to enhance the environmental performance of their production processes. At the same time, downstream supply chain partners and consumer brands are adapting to shifting consumer preferences and regulatory demands, while brand owners are facing NGO and legislative pressures to minimize the environmental impact of their product’s life cycle. This presentation will explore the alignment—or divergence—of pressures across the supply chain. Are the sustainability demands on WBCF manufacturers consistent with the expectations placed on consumer products? We will examine the implications of recent and future investments in WBCF production capacity, analyze how changes in consumer product fiber ingredients might influence future demand, and provide actionable insights for supply chain stakeholders to prepare for evolving market dynamics.