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Akcaburgaz, 89. Sk. No:2, 34522 Esenyurt/Istanbul, Turkey
Hassan Group is the most well-known name in the Turkish nonwoven production industry, an industry that requires a distinctive manufacturing process and that has its own special areas of application. The Group is active in the manufacturing, trade, and service industries. It carries on its mission of sharing its values and products with Turkey and with the rest of the world.
Istanbul, Turkey www.hassangroup.com 2024 Nonwovens Sales: $184 million
Plants Istanbul and Tekirdag, Turkey
Processes Drylaid (carded, airlaid), spunlaid; thermal bonded (air through bonded/calendered, chemical bonded, resin bonded, mechanical bonded, needlepunch, stitchbond)
Brands Hygenius (ADL), Polybond (SMS), Breatech, Autofelt, Class 4×4, Filtrex, Kundrax, Hasgeo, Koruser
In June, Hassan Group company, Pelsan Tekstil A.S., a global leader in breathable film technologies for the hygiene and medical sectors, announced it would establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Goldsboro, NC. Supported by a significant investment, the new site is reinforcing Pelsan’s long-term commitment to innovation, customer proximity and sustainable growth in the U.S. market. Founded in 2006 as a subsidiary of the Hassan Group, Pelsan was the first company in Turkey to manufacture breathable polyethylene films. Today, the company serves a global customer base across the hygiene, medical, and insulation industries and is known for its cutting-edge technology, high production standards and innovation-driven culture.
Leveraging over 80 years of experience from the Hassan Group in nonwoven and polymer film technologies, Pelsan has developed one of the industry’s most advanced product portfolios. The company’s Çerkezköy, Turkey facility, opened in 2021, showcases an integrated approach to film and printing technologies and reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and technical excellence.
“This expansion is a major strategic milestone for us,” says Ali Sisman, CEO of Pelsan Tekstil. “Our decision to invest in North Carolina underscores our belief in the region’s strong workforce, robust infrastructure, and its alignment with our values of innovation and collaboration.”
The Goldsboro facility will manufacture breathable polyethylene films for hygiene and medical applications, enabling Pelsan to respond more efficiently to rising demand across North America. Strategically located near key logistics hubs, the plant will feature state-of-the-art production lines, advanced automation and environmentally responsible practices aligned with Pelsan’s global sustainability goals.
“This facility brings us closer to our customers and enhances our ability to deliver with speed, flexibility and precision,” adds Sisman. “It also demonstrates our trust in the U.S. market and our commitment to building long-term value in the communities we serve.”
In other investment news, in mid-2024, Siteks, one of the group’s nonwovens manufacturers, announced it would add a needlepunch line in Turkey. With this investment, Siteks will significantly expand its production capacity to meet the international demand for needlepunched insulation products in the automotive and construction sectors. The line came onstream earlier this year.
The Andritz-supplied needlepunch eXcelle line can process different types of fibers, including natural fibers, and is specifically designed to meet the customer’s requirements in terms of productivity, quality and sustainability. It is the second line Andritz has supplied to Siteks.
Plants: Istanbul and Tekirdag, Turkey Processes: Drylaid (carded, airlaid), spunlaid; thermal bonded (air through bonded/calendered, chemical bonded, resin bonded, mechanical bonded, needlepunch, stitchbond) Brands: Hygenius (ADL), Polybond (SMS), Breatech, Autofelt, Class 4×4, Filtrex, Kundrax, Hasgeo, Koruser Major Markets: Hygiene and medical, automotive, ready-to-wear, technical textiles, white goods (isolation), filtration, footwear, construction (geotextiles, floor protection, roofing), carpet (underlay), furniture and bedding, household (wipes), artificial leather backing
Nonwovens sales were reported at $184 million amid new investments for Hassan Group across its wide range of technologies.
Most recently, the company’s Siteks company announced it would add a needlepunch line in Turkey. With this investment, Siteks will significantly expand its production capacity to meet the international demand for needlepunched insulation products in the automotive and construction sectors. The line is scheduled to start up in the first quarter of 2025.
Oguz Sisman, CEO of Siteks, comments, “The new line will not only increase our production of high-quality materials, but also meet our goal of offering more environmentally friendly products through the use of recycled fibers and natural fibers.”
Meanwhile, the group’s air through bonding technology was enhanced through the start-up of a new investment at Merkas—the group’s hygiene-focused company—in Istanbul, Turkey.
Nonwovens sales increased to $184 million despite unfavorable currency fluctuations thanks to new investments for Hassan Group across its wide range of technologies.
Among these investments are two new needlepunch lines. One within its Siteks company targets automotive applications and is capable of processing natural fibers for the automotive industry; the other was completed in mid-2018 featuring multiprocessing and synthetic fibers at the Hassan facility.
Meanwhile, the group’s air through bonding technology was enhanced through the start up of a new investment at Merkas—the group’s hygiene-focused company—in 2018, in a move that also diversified the company’s offerings.
Meanwhile the group’s air through bonding technology was enhanced through the start up of a new investment at Merkas—the group’s hygiene-focused company—in 2018. Hassan Tekstil’s goals include not only increasing production capacity but also diversifying its product line with the new line investment.
Among these investments are two new needlepunch lines. One within its Siteks company targets automotive applications and is capable of processing natural fibers for the automotive industry; the other was completed in mid-2018 featuring multiprocessing and synthetic fibers at the Hassan facility. Meanwhile the group’s air through bonding technology was enhanced through the start up of a new investment at Merkas—the group’s hygiene-focused company—in 2018. Hassan Tekstil’s goals include not only increasing production capacity but also diversifying its product line with the new line investment.
Nonwovens sales increased to $184 million despite unfavorable currency fluctuations thanks to new investments throughout 2018 for Hassan Group. Between 2016-2019, the Turkish-based manufacturer of nonwovens for a range of markets continued to invest across its wide range of technologies.
Among these investments are two new needlepunch lines. One within its Siteks company targets automotive applications and is capable of processing natural fibers for the automotive industry; the other was completed in mid 2018 featuring multiprocessing and synthetic fibers at the Hassan facility. Meanwhile the group’s air through bonding technology was enhanced through the start up of a new investment at Merkas—the group’s hygiene-focused company—in 2018. Hassan Tekstil’s goals include not only increasing production capacity but also diversifying its product line with the new line investment.
“These major investments are adding capacity and value to the nonwovens activities of the group in 2018-2019,” says deputy general manager Hakan Sisman.
Outside of nonwovens, Hassan Group company Pelsan makes breathable films and laminates which complements Merkas’ air through bonded nonwovens. In 2016, Pelsan made a new line investment to meet increasing demand, particularly in hygiene applications.
Outside of nonwovens, Hassan Group company Pelsan makes breathable films and laminates which complements Merkas air through bonded nonwovens. In 2016, Pelsan made a new line investment to meet increasing demand, particularly in hygiene applications.
Plants: Istanbul and Tekirdag, Turkey Processes: Drylaid (carded, airlaid), spunlaid; thermal bonded (air through bonded/calendered, chemical bonded, resin bonded, mechanical bonded, needlepunch, stitchbond) Brands: Hygenius (ADL), Polybond (SMS), Breatech, Autofelt, Class 4×4, Filtrex, Kundrax, Hasgeo,Koruser Major Markets: Hygiene and medical, automotive, ready-to-wear, technical textiles, white goods (isolation), filtration, footwear, construction (geotextiles, floor protection, roofing), carpet (underlay), furniture and bedding, household (wipes), artificial leather backing
Nonwovens sales increased to $178 million thanks to new investments throughout 2017 for Hassan Group. Between 2016-2017, the Turkish-based manufacturer of nonwovens for a range of markets invested more than €40 million in new nonwovens technologies.
Among these investments are two new needlepunch lines. One within its Siteks company targeting automotive applications is capable of processing natural fibers for the automotive industry and another needlepunch line delivery was scheduled in the first quarter of 2018 to Hassan Tekstil under the Hassan Group. Hassan Tekstil’s goals include not only increasing production capacity but also diversifying its product line with the new line investment.
Hygiene is also important to the company, and its role in this market has benefitted from the addition of a carded thermal bonding line within the Telasis product range.
The other hygiene-focused company of the group, Merkas, founded in 2010, continues to extend its air-through bonded nonwoven capacity with a new line which was installed during the first quarter of 2018 to target specific end uses in the hygiene market.
Outside of nonwovens, Hassan Group company Pelsan makes breathable films and laminates which complements Merkas air through bonded nonwovens. In 2016, Pelsan made a new line investment to meet increasing demand, particularly in hygienie applications.
Plants: Istanbul and Tekirdag, Turkey Processes: Drylaid (carded, airlaid), spunlaid; thermal bonded (air thorugh bonded/calendered, chemical bonded, resin bonded, mechanical bonded, needlepunch, stitchbond) Brands: Hygenius (ADL), Polybond (SMS), Breatech, Autofelt, Class 4×4, Filtrex, Kundrax, Hasgeo,Koruser Major Markets: Hygiene and medical, automotive, ready-to-wear, technical textiles, white goods (isolation), filtration, footwear, construction (geotextiles,floor protection,roofing), carpet (underlay), furniture and bedding, household (wipes), artificial leather backing
Nonwovens sales increased to $171 million thanks to new investments throughout 2016 for Hassan Group. Between 2016-2017, the Turkish-based manufacturer of nonwovens for a range of markets invested more than €20 million in new nonwovens technologies as well as another €10 million in its business outside of nonwovens.
Among these investments are two new needlepunch lines. One within its Siteks company targeting automotive applications capable of processing natural fibers for the automotive industry and another needlepunch line delivery is scheduled in the first quarter of 2018 to Hassan Tekstil under the Hassan Group. Hassan Tekstil targets increasing not only production capacity but also diversity with the new line investment.
Hygiene is also important to the company, and its role in this market has benefitted from the addition of a carded thermobonded line within the Telasis product range.
The other hygiene-focused company of the group, Merkas, founded in 2010, continues to extend its air-through bonded nonwoven capacity with a new line which will be installed during the first quarter of 2018 to target specific end uses in the hygiene market.
Outside of nonwovens, Hassan Group company Pelsan makes breathable films and laminates which complements Merkas air through bonded nonwovens. In 2016, Pelsan made a new line investment to meet increasing demand, particularly in hygienic applications.
Plants: Istanbul and Tekirdag, Turkey Processes: Web forming—drylaid (carded, airlaid), spunlaid/meltblown; Web bonding—thermal bonded (air through bonded/calender bonded, chemical bonded, resin bonded, mechanical bonded, needlepunched, stitch bonded Brands: Hygenius (ADL), Polybond (SMS), Breatech, Autofelt, Class 4×4, Filtrex, Kundrax, Hasgeo Major Markets: Hygiene and medical, automotive, ready-to-wear, technical textiles, white goods (isolation), filtration, footwear, construction (geotextiles), carpet (underlay), furniture and bedding, household (wipes), artificial leather backing
Sales at Hassan Group and its affiliated companies were about $162 million despite the impact of the strong U.S. dollar. The company makes 60,000 tons of nonwovens per year, with a range of 10-3000 gsm in cut sheets, rolls and die cuts.
Viteks, the first company of the group, made a recent investment to enable processing natural fibers for the automotive industry while Hassan, founded in 1985, added new needlepunch and extrusion coating capacity for the automotives industry. Telasis, founded in 1995, added carded elastic nonwovens in its product range. This type of nonwoven is mainly used by baby diaper elastic ear producers.
Merkas, founded in 2010, extended its air-through bonded and spooled nonwoven capacity and installed another air-through bonded line in the last quarter of 2015 for some other specific end uses in the hygiene industry. Aksis, founded in 2010, invested in a SMS line which is up and running.
The two young companies of the group, Merkas Inc. and Aksis, are experiencing positive growth while there is also an increase in the use of existing capacity in all companies in the group, Herkan Sisman says.
There are also other investments beyond nonwovens underway. The breathable film and laminates producer company Pelsan also made a new line investment to meet the increasing demand particularly in hygienic applications. In terms of regional operation, the group exports about 40% of its production.
Sales at Hassan Group and its affiliated companies increased 4% to $162 million in 2014 despite the impact of the strong U.S. dollar. The company makes 60,000 tons of nonwovens per year, with a range of 10-3000 gsm in cut sheets, rolls and die cuts.
The group made several investments, which have taken effect in 2014-2015.
Viteks, the first company of the group made a recent investment to enable processing natural fibers for the automotive industry while Hassan, founded in 1985, added new needlepunch and extrusion coating capacity for the automotives industry. Telasis founded in 1995, added carded elastic nonwovens in its product range. This type of nonwoven is mainly used by baby diaper elastic ear producers.
Merkas, founded in 2010, extended its air-through bonded and spooled nonwoven capacity and will install another air-through bonded line in the last quarter of 2015 for some other specific end uses in the hygiene industry. Aksis, founded in 2010, invested in a SMS line which is up and running.
The two young companies of the group, Merkas Inc. and Aksis, are experiencing positive growth while there is also an increase in the use of existing capacity in all companies in the group, Herkan Sisman adds.
Plants: Istanbul and Tekirdag, Turkey Processes: Web Forming Technologies: airlaid, carded, spunlaid; Bonding Technologies: needlepunched, thermal bonded, air-through bonded, calender bonded, chemical bonded, resin bonded Brands: Hygenius for ADL (acquisition distribution layer) from Merkas for baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products; Polybond spunbond Lines: More than 15 nonwoven web forming lines and more than 50 converting and finishing lines, including several other extrusion, film and lamination lines in the group companies. Additionally, Hassan Group converts nonwoven waddings and interlinings in its own quilting and home textiles divisions. Trade, insurance and construction are other activities of Hassan Group. Applications: Artificial leather (backing), automotive, carpet (underlay), construction (geotextiles), filtration, footwear, furniture and bedding, household (wipes), hygiene and medical, ready-to-wear, technical textiles, white goods (isolation)
Hassan Group’s nonwovens operations serve European, Middle Eastern, African, South American and Russian markets. The company is divided into five roll goods producing companies—Siteks, Hassan, Telasis, Aksis and Merkas—which together produce nearly 100,000 tons of nonwovens per year, as well as three converter companies—Haspas, Catsis and Pelsan.
Concerning roll goods production, Siteks, founded in 1980, produces 50,000 tons of nonwovens per year, with a range of 200-3000 gsm in cut sheets, rolls and die cuts. Hassan, founded in 1985, produces 20,000 tons per year, with a range of 50-2500 gsm in cut sheets, rolls and die cuts. Founded in 1995, Telasis currently produces 12,000 tons of nonwovens per year, offered in 10-80 gsm. Aksis (2010) produces 6000 tons of spunlaid nonwovens per year (9-150 gsm).
Lastly, Merkas, which is one of Hassan Group’s latest investments began production in 2011, produces 9,000 tons of air-through bonded nonwovens with a range of 25-120 gsm in slitted or spooled rolls. The company uses the through-air bonding process to manufacture high loft nonwovens to be used as acquisition distribution layer (Surge Layer) and top sheets in the production of baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products.
Hassan Group’s history can be traced back to nonwoven cotton wadding production in the 1930s. In 1992 the group entered the hygiene industry when it began manufacturing household use nonwoven cleaning cloths. In 1995, it expanded its production to include carded and thermal-bonded nonwovens; the softness and performance of which are especially important in the production of baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products. In 2007, the group began manufacturing breathable and non-breathable nonwoven laminated films for the hygiene and medical industries. In 2010, Hassan Group invested in spunbond nonwoven technologies, thus establishing Turkey s first integrated spunbond, film and lamination facilities.
In 2011, Hassan Group strengthened and diversified its place in the hygiene industry by introducing the Hygenius brand high loft nonwovens along with its through-air bonded soft top sheet manufacturing capabilities; another first in Turkey. With state-of-the-art technology and a high level of experience, Hygenius nonwovens provide best-in-class volume and fiber structure to assure optimal fluid management for excellent dryness.
Hygenius products can be delivered in pancake, spool or step winded rolls in various fiber structures, basis weights and colors to fulfill the diverse needs of its customers.
Total sales of the nonwovens related companies are around $150 million annually.
The two young companies of the group, Merkas Inc. and Aksis, are experiencing positive growth while there is also an increase in the use of existing capacity in all companies the group reports.
Asked if his company was satisfied with its results last year, Hakan Sisman, deputy general manager of Merkas, says while yes, the group produced satisfying results, there is room for more growth. “Operating in the current economic and political atmosphere has been challenging,” he says.
Sisman says that the group has increased some more focus on the automotive, hygiene and geotextile sectors. In terms of new investments, he says several lines have been added to existing capacities.
“Hassan started another carding and needlepunching line for the automotive market while Siteks started another airlaid line for automotive and white goods,” says Sisman. “Merkas has extended its slitting and spooling capacity while spunbond producer Aksis added a new SMS line with a capacity over 6000 tons annually and will start production in November 2013.
“In the first quarter of 2014, a new carding line will start up at Merkas for high loft air through bonded nonwovens used in baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products. The company will have an additional capacity of 7,000 tons annually in this area.”
There are also other investments besides nonwovens. The breathable film and laminates producer company Pelsan also made a new line investment to meet the increasing demand particularly in hygienic applications.
In terms of regional operation, the group exports about 40% of its production. “We are mainly active in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Russia,” says Sisman. “Moving forward, our target is to extend activities in Europe and Russia.”
On the research front, Sisman says Hassan’s main goal is to create more synergy in the group. “This will help to bring out more new materials created by diversified materials made by Hassan Group companies with a combined R&D effort,” he says. “Several projects are up and running.”
Hassan Group’s nonwovens operations serve European, Middle Eastern, African, South American and Russian markets. The company is divided into five roll goods producing companies (Siteks, Hassan, Telasis, Aksis and Merkas), which together produce nearly 100,000 tons of nonwovens per year, as well as three converter companies (Haspas, Catsis and Pelsan).
Concerning roll goods production, Siteks, founded in 1980, produces 50,000 tons of nonwovens per year, with a range of 200-3000 gsm in cut sheets, rolls and die cuts. Hassan, founded in 1985, produces 20,000 tons per year, with a range of 50-2,500 gsm in cut sheets, rolls and die cuts. Founded in 1995, Telasis currently produces 12,000 tons of nonwovens per year, offering 10-80 gsm in rolls. Aksis (2010) produces 6000 tons of spunlaid nonwovens per year (9-150 gsm in rolls).
Lastly, Merkas, which is one of Hassan Group’s latest investments having begun production in 2011, produces 9000 tons of air-through bonded nonwovens with a range of 25-120 gsm in slitted or spooled rolls. The company uses the through-air bonding process to manufacture high loft nonwovens to be used as acquisition distribution layer (Surge Layer) and top sheets in the production of baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products.
In 2011, Hassan Group strengthened and diversified its place in the hygiene industry by introducing the Hygenius brand high loft nonwovens along with its through-air bonded soft top sheet manufacturing capabilities; another first in Turkey.
With state-of-the-art technology and a high level of experience, Hygenius nonwovens provide best-in-class volume and fiber structure to assure optimal fluid management for excellent dryness.
Total sales of the nonwovens related companies were $147 million in 2012.
The two young companies of the group, Merkas Inc. and Aksis are experiencing positive growth while there is also an increase in the use of existing capacity in all companies the group reports.
“In the first quarter of 2014, a new carding line will start up at Merkas for high loft air through bonded nonwovens used in baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products. The company will have an additional capacity of 7000 tons annually in this area.”
There are also other investments besides nonwovens. The breathable fi lm and laminates producer company Pelsan also made a new line investment to meet the increasing demand particularly in hygienic applications.
In terms of regional operation, the group exports about 40% of its production. “We are mainly active in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Russia,” says Sisman. “Moving forward our target is to extend activities in Europe and Russia.”
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