Magnera’s Sontara® brand wins INDA’s® Long-Life Achievement Award at IDEA® 25

Rhea-AI Summary

Magnera's Sontara brand has won the IDEA Long-Life Achievement Award at IDEA 25 for their innovative EcoRE bags. The bags, made from cellulosic fibers, are certified for home composting and offer exceptional strength without requiring additional binders. This sustainable solution comes as a timely alternative to traditional synthetic materials amid global plastic bag bans. The EcoRE material represents the first nonwoven material of its kind, providing a cost-effective alternative to woven fabrics while maintaining textile-like properties suitable for high-performance applications. Available both as finished bags and raw material, Sontara EcoRE demonstrates Magnera's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the nonwovens industry.

Positive

• Product won prestigious IDEA Long-Life Achievement Award, validating its market position
• EcoRE bags are certified for home composting, addressing environmental concerns
• Product offers cost-effective alternative to traditional woven fabrics
• Strategic timing with global plastic bag bans creates market opportunity

Negative

• None.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sontara^®’s EcoRE bags, now part of the Magnera^® portfolio, recently received the IDEA^® Long-Life Achievement Award at IDEA 25, the premier global event for nonwovens and engineered fabrics. Made from cellulosic fibers, Sontara EcoRE material is certified for home composting¹ and boasts exceptional strength and durability.

By using Sontara EcoRE material, the bags maintain durability and strength without the need for added binders, addressing a common concern with compostable goods.

“With plastic bag bans across many territories worldwide, Sontara’s EcoRE material offers a timely solution for the retail and shopping market as an alternative to traditional synthetic materials. This is only one example of how this strong and sustainable material might be used to solve customer challenges,” said Seth Good, Sontara Product Line Management Director.

“This combination of sustainability and functionality is the perfect example of how Magnera and Sontara continue leading the way in material innovation,” Good added.

Sontara EcoRE is the first nonwoven material of its kind, offering a cost-effective alternative to woven fabrics. By combining carefully selected raw materials with the proprietary Sontara technology, the material can achieve exceptional high strength in all directions without use of binders. This gives it equivalent properties to a textile, making it suitable for high-performance and semi-durable applications like shopping bags.

Leveraging a global platform to support local customers, Sontara’s EcoRE material is available both as a finished bag with options for personalization and as a versatile nonwoven material suitable for any application customers desire.

The compostable cellulosic fibers in Sontara EcoRE bags are just one example of Sontara's innovations, designed to deliver high performance while addressing the increasing demand for renewable and sustainable materials. Magnera, the parent company of the Sontara brand, is dedicated to upholding Sontara’s legacy of innovation, sustainability, and performance across various markets, including wipes, technical nonwovens and healthcare.

“Our innovation team is always looking for new ways to leverage the Sontara capabilities and our expertise to provide new solutions to solve end user problems,” concluded Seth Good, Sontara Product Line Management Director.

About Magnera

Magnera Corporation (NYSE: MAGN) serves 1,000+ customers worldwide, offering a wide range of material solutions, including components for absorbent hygiene products, protective apparel, wipes, specialty building and construction products, and products serving the food and beverage industry. Operating across 46 production facilities, Magnera is supported by over 9,000 global employees.

Magnera’s purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the company has delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, Magnera has consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. The distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of Magnera’s products brings customers more materials and choices. Magnera builds personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

For more information, visit magnera.com and sontara.com and follow @Sontara and @MagneraCorporation on social platforms.

For product inquiries: Seth Good, Product Line Management Director, sethgood@magnera.com
For media inquiries: Kylee Agabashian, mediarelations@magnera.com

¹ Material certified “OK compost HOME” by TÜV Austria, meaning they are suitable for home composting. Dispose of this material according to local regulations and available waste collection and treatment facilities. Improper disposal can harm the environment. Do not dispose of in nature. Compostable only in home composting systems under the right conditions.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9a162fd-218f-40a6-8b16-fa56f4efea32

FAQ

What award did Magnera's Sontara brand win at IDEA 25?

Magnera's Sontara brand won the IDEA Long-Life Achievement Award at IDEA 25 for their EcoRE bags.

What are the key features of Sontara EcoRE bags (MAGN)?

Sontara EcoRE bags are made from cellulosic fibers, certified for home composting, and offer exceptional strength and durability without added binders.

How does Sontara EcoRE material compare to traditional materials?

Sontara EcoRE is the first nonwoven material of its kind, offering a cost-effective alternative to woven fabrics with equivalent textile properties and high strength in all directions.

What forms is Sontara EcoRE material available in?

Sontara EcoRE is available both as finished bags with personalization options and as a versatile nonwoven material for custom applications.

Why is the timing significant for Magnera's EcoRE bags?

The launch aligns with increasing plastic bag bans worldwide, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic materials in the retail and shopping market.