Barnhardt has named a new new director of technical sales for Europe, Eric Mariani. Mariani is a 20-year veteran of the hygiene and consumer wipes business with companies like Glatfelter, Jacob Holm, and Albany International. “I agree, this is a golden opportunity,” says Mariani. “The market in Europe demands clean, sustainable, natural fibers, and nonwoven companies here have a special relationship with their consumers. They seek to give them products from suppliers of fiber that meet those higher standards.”

Barnhardt is known for high quality natural fibers, and product and process innovation. “New” is a big part of their cultural language, and growth in the European market is no exception. “We are confident our cotton is the best performing in the world, so we’re focused on getting it to every maker of care and wellness products — self-care, baby care, period care, skin care, and intimate care, in all places,” says Barnhardt president, Lewis Barnhardt. “We see a real opportunity for organic cotton and other natural fibers in Europe.”

Mariani says he got to know the Barnhardt family as one such supplier. “I’ve really enjoyed working with them and respect the way they innovate natural fibers, which in turn keeps nonwovens competitive and ahead of the wave. Their purity standards are unassailable.” He adds, “I am, and always have been, a big fan of cotton, so it’s only natural I now represent one of the world’s largest natural cotton purifiers.”

According to Mariani, Barnhardt has earned a great reputation in Europe. “You can have the smartest, fastest, newest nonwoven production line, but if you want to deliver what the consumer needs in terms of safety, cleanliness, sustainable solutions, and quality, you have to use trusted fibers like those from Barnhardt.”

Barnhardt says Mariani, who is based in France, will manage sales and technical activities with current customers and develop new business for their fibers. “We’re excited to have Eric carrying the Barnhardt name to new markets and customers.”