From the Sector

Nearly one year after announcing its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its nylon fibers business, INVISTA announced it made the decision to hold the business following a thorough marketing process.  

The decision was shared in a message to all employees from INVISTA president and CEO, Brook Vickery, and EVP of Downstream Nylon Fibers, Jeff Kugele, in early April.  

“While there was significant interest in the business, we reached the conclusion that INVISTA can create the most long-term value for the company by retaining ownership, and we are excited about the future potential of the business,” Vickery said.  

The marketing process focused on INVISTA’s nylon fiber portfolio, which includes airbag and industrial fibers, the CORDURA® businesses, and five supporting global manufacturing locations: Seaford, Delaware; Martinsville, Virginia; Kingston, Canada; Gloucester, UK; and Qingpu, China.

Der chinesische Vliesstoffhersteller Alear Silk Road New Materials Co., Ltd. hat ANDRITZ mit der Lieferung von drei neXline aXcess Spunlace-Linien mit Kreuzlegern für die Vliesstoffproduktion beauftragt. Diese Investition beurteilt das Unternehmen als wichtigen Expansionsschritt und die Entwicklung der Vliesstoffindustrie in der Region Alear der chinesischen Provinz Xinjiang.

Auf den neuen Linien werden Viskose- und Baumwollfasern zu Vliesstoffen für den Hygiene- und Medizinbereich verarbeitet. Die Spunlace-Linien von ANDRITZ gewährleisten eine gleichmäßige, zugfeste Vliesbahn bei hoher Produktionsleistung. Die modernen Profile®-Kreuzleger sorgen für eine gleichmäßige Faserverteilung und tragen damit zur Senkung der Produktionskosten bei. Die Inbetriebnahme der neuen Linien ist für das 4. Quartal 2025 geplant.

Feng Quanzhi, General Manager von Alear Silk Road New Materials, sagte: „Mit der modernen Technologie von ANDRITZ erreichen wir eine hohe Produktionseffizienz; so können wir die steigende Marktnachfrage nach hochwertigen Vliesstoffen bedienen und unsere Nachhaltigkeitsziele erreichen. Dieses Projekt ist ein wichtiger Meilenstein für unser Unternehmenswachstum und der Beginn einer langfristigen Zusammenarbeit mit ANDRITZ.“

Shi Wei, Vice President ANDRITZ Paper and Textile Asia Pacific, meinte dazu: „Wir schätzen das Vertrauen, das Alear Silk Road uns mit diesem großen Auftrag entgegenbringt, und freuen uns auf eine lange Partnerschaft. Gemeinsam wollen wir die nachhaltige Entwicklung der Vliesstoffindustrie in der Provinz Xinjiang fördern und zum Wirtschaftswachstum und industriellen Fortschritt in der Region beitragen.“

At Chinaplas 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will present its latest technological innovations for the efficient and sustainable production of plastic films. The extrusion specialists will showcase at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from April 15 – 18 solutions that address the key challenges of today’s plastic industry: reducing resource consumption, increasing recyclability, and making production more autonomous and efficient. Meeting these demands requires advanced production technologies that Reifenhäuser already offers today.

A central focus at the show will be the use of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technologies for producing fully recyclable mono-material films with performance and cost-effectiveness equivalent to conventional multi-material structures.

Marcel Perrevort, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains: “In the flexible packaging sector, we are currently seeing a huge trend away from conventional and non-recyclable mixed material laminates towards fully recyclable mono-material composites, both for blown and cast films. Our state-of-the-art MDO stretching units enable enhanced mechanical properties for all-PE or all-PP films. Thus, PET films commonly used in material composites can be replaced. By downgauging, we also reduce production costs to a competitive level, making recyclable films a profitable choice.”

MDO for blown film lines
With the EVO Ultra Stretch MDO unit for Reifenhäuser’s blown film lines manufacturers produce all-PE mono films for applications such as high-barrier food pouches. Due to the stretch process film thicknesses of 18μm (with properties of a 25μm product) and less can be achieved, keeping production costs within the range of conventional films. With the patented integration of the MDO unit directly into the haul-off, the film is stretched in the ideal phase of the process – using the first heat – for maximum efficiency and film stability. Furthermore, the all-PE film achieves the required barrier effect with an EVOH content of less than five percent, fully meeting the criteria for recyclability. At the same time, Ultra Stretch enhances the performance of the EVOH barrier layer while reducing material usage, delivering cost and sustainability benefits.

At the SaigonTex 2025 textile machinery exhibition which is taking place from April 9-12 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Monforts will highlight the benefits of its advanced finishing technologies for denim.

Over 900 Monforts THERMEX hotflue dyeing systems are now operational in the main textile producing countries, with many of them devoted to denim production, and a significant number already reaping the benefits of the Econtrol® and Econtrol®T-CA processes*.

Econtrol® is a continuous process for the dyeing of woven cotton and cellulosic fabrics in which reactive dyestuffs are fixed into the fabric in a one-step dyeing and drying operation with a controlled combination of steam and air. The entire pad-dry process takes just two-to-three minutes at a temperature of between 120-130°C and a relative humidity volume of 25-30%.

Monforts denim range concepts which are successfully running worldwide enable the processing of high-qualtiy and reproducible fabrics which are stretched and skewed far more gently than with conventional range combinations. The ‘double rubber’ version of a THERMEX range comprises two compressive shrinkage units and two felt calenders in line, for super elastic and bi-elastic materials. Additionally, the combined drying, stretching and skewing functions for denim fabric are possible with the ThermoStretch unit, which can also include an EcoApplicator system for the minimum application of necessary finishing chemicals.

In 2024, Vietnam surpassed Bangladesh to become the world’s second-largest textiles and apparel exporter, trailing only China, with total export revenues reaching $44 billion. This is in part due to tariffs that are currently 10-20% lower than China’s and significantly cheaper labour costs – less than half of China’s.

Vietnam’s textile and apparel industry is poised for further expansion in 2025, leveraging cost advantages and rapid production turnaround while proactively managing rising logistics costs and adapting to shifting trade dynamics.

* Econtrol® is a registered trademark of DyStar Colours Distribution GmbH, Germany.

Ahead of the Annual Geneal Meeting of listed company Lenzing AG to be held on April 17, 2025, the Nomination Committee has revised the future composition of the Supervisory Board. Cord Prinzhorn, the current Supervisory Board Chairman is stepping down from the Supervisory Board with the end of his mandate, to focus on his existing and new engagements within B&C Group going forward.

Patrick Lackenbucher, Managing Director of B&C Group, has been nominated for election as a new member of the Supervisory Board, and is designated to take over the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board on an interim basis. Mr. Lackenbucher has supported the company throughout various key strategic and financial projects over the past 15 years.

Designated Supervisory Board Chairman Patrick Lackenbucher sees the company well positioned for the future: “Both long-term core shareholders, B&C and Suzano, have a strong commitment to the enhancement of Lenzing’s competitiveness as a global market leader in sustainable cellulosic fibers. The company is addressing the continued competitive market environment with a holistic set of measures, that are already yielding positive results and will be pursued further consequently. Profitability is vital for Lenzing to sustain in the face of global competition over the long-term and to further invest in new products and markets. I am looking forward to working together collaboratively with the entire Lenzing Managing Board and Supervisory Board.”

Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing AG comments: “Cord Prinzhorn has accompanied Lenzing with great confidence through the difficult environment over the past years and has played a key role in initiating revenue and cost initiatives, which have shown first positive effects in recent quarters leading to revenue, margin and cash flow enhancement for the company. On behalf of the entire Managing Board, I would like to thank him for the excellent collaboration, and I look forward to our future collaboration with the designated Chairman Patrick Lackenbucher, who brings many years of experience and extensive knowledge with Lenzing to the table.”

Besides Patrick Lackenbucher, Leonardo Grimaldi is proposed to be newly elected to the Supervisory Board. Mr. Grimaldi is Executive Vice President and Management Board member of Lenzing’s core shareholder Suzano S/A and will assume the Supervisory Bord mandate from Marcelo Bacci, who has left Suzano. He is an expert in the global pulp market and, among others, also acts as Supervisory Board Chairman at Brazilian port operator Portocel as well as a Supervisory Board member at Veracel Celulose S/A.

Cord Prinzhorn comments: “After four years on the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG, my current mandate is coming to an end, and I will now concentrate on other existing and new engagements going forward. During my time as Supervisory Board Chairman we have managed to successfully complete important strategic investment projects in Brazil, Thailand and China, to reduce costs as well as financial debt, and at the same time to expand Lenzing’s position in this challenging market environment. I would like to thank not only the members of the Supervisory Board and the Managing Board but also, and above all, the employees of Lenzing, who have made a significant contribution to the success of these strategic projects.”

Cord Prinzhorn will remain Supervisory Board Chairman until the conclusion of the 81st Annual General Meeting on April 17, 2025. The election of Patrick Lackenbucher as Supervisory Board Chairman is planned for the constituting Supervisory Board meeting on the same day directly after the Annual General Meeting.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, is preparing for a new era of growth under its IVL 2.0 strategy as it outlined a new approach to partnering with major industry peers, positioning the company to capitalize on significant expansion and consolidation opportunities unlocked by fundamental shifts in global chemical markets.

At the company’s annual Capital Markets Day in Bangkok, Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, outlined the significant potential for Indorama Ventures—now revitalizing itself under its 3-year IVL 2.0 optimization plan—to resume its growth journey as it pivots towards a future that is being re-shaped by macroeconomic forces such as China’s push for self-sufficiency in manufacturing, the uneven impact of Peak Oil across East and West, and India’s rapid economic expansion. A few days ago, on 26 February, the company posted improved full-year 2024 EBITDA as its focused management executed their plan to transform the business through decisive ‘self-help’ actions amid one of the most severe industry downturns in recent years.

Mr. Lohia told an audience of analysts and investors, “Today, Indorama Ventures is a fitter company than we were when we announced our IVL 2.0 strategy a year ago, and we are now able to compete with the best. Our plan is designed not only to help us re-tool and re-skill to navigate the current downturn—which is expected to persist—but also to restore our historical growth trajectory. As an innately entrepreneurial family business with global scale and deep expertise, we have always been able to take advantage of change to grow our unmatched model and generate increasing shareholder returns. I am excited by new opportunities to substantially expand our business as our industry undergoes seismic, generational shifts and consequently unlocks fresh growth potential.”

IVL 2.0 Progress
At the event, senior executives provided updates on their measures under IVL 2.0 to fortify the business against prevailing market headwinds and set a new course for enhanced, sustainable earnings growth. In a year of alignment, mobilization and launch, all segments recorded improved performances in 2024 as they took concerted management steps to refine their organizations, optimize assets, and transform their business processes through modern data-led toolsets and digital enterprise systems.

Still, in light of continued industry pressures, the company fell short on its deleveraging and cash conversion targets in 2024 and has determined that further management actions are necessary to sustain progress toward the company's objectives, building on the significant measures already taken.

Strategic Growth Plan
Indorama Ventures, as a mature company with more than three decades of successful growth, is fundamentally changing its approach to generating increasing returns as it prepares a next generation of leaders to operate in a vastly different environment. In a departure from the company’s previous M&A-led model, Mr. Lohia outlined several expansion projects currently in the pipeline, all involving complementary strategic partnerships with major industry peers. This new growth approach aims to leverage Indorama Ventures’ unmatched organization, platform, processes, and systems—revitalized under IVL 2.0 and the company’s “indispensable chemistry” brand—to consolidate dominant positions and grow scale in attractive growth markets, including India.

In February, the company bought a minority stake of ~24.9% of EPL Limited, an Indian specialty packaging company and the largest global manufacturer of laminated tubes. The transformation that Indorama Ventures is undertaking under IVL 2.0 provides a critical springboard enabling the new partnerships-led growth model, Mr. Lohia explained.

In addition, Indorama Ventures is planning spin-offs of its Indovinya downstream chemicals segment and its Indovida packaging unit—as flagged a year ago—to enable them to achieve their potential as independent high-growth businesses.

Source Fashion, Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show, opens next Tuesday 18th February, at Olympia London, welcoming buyers, retailers, and sourcing professionals from around the world. Running until 20th February 2025, the show will host hundreds of makers and manufacturers from over 20 key sourcing regions, including Turkey, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, India, the UK, France, Hong Kong, and Portugal.

With leading retailers and brands such as ASOS, Barbour, Boohoo, Flannels, Frasers Group, French Connection, GANT, Hawes & Curtis, Jaded London, John Lewis, Lipsy, Lucy & Yak, ME+EM, Marks & Spencer, Moss Bros, Mothercare, New Look, Next, Oliver Bonas, Primark, Saraha, Toast, The Very Group, Whistles, already pre-registered, Source Fashion is set to be a must-attend event for businesses looking to source responsibly and discover innovative solutions to industry challenges.

A Platform for Innovation and Sustainability
The three-day event goes beyond sourcing, offering a dynamic content programme across two dedicated stages: The Source Catwalk Stage and the Source Debates Stage.

Visitors can explore the latest trends and insights into responsible fashion with The Source Catwalk Show – taking place three times daily, showcasing curated womenswear looks built from exhibitors’ collections, highlighting trends such as Circus Play, Romance, Plant Power, and Hyper Tactile.

Exhibitor Highlights
Source Fashion will feature an impressive line-up of responsible manufacturers from around the globe with the spotlight on the UK, Egypt, India, and Portugal. Highlights include:

• Dee Kay Knitwear (UK) – A leading supplier of high-quality wholesale knitwear.
• YOKA YO (UK) - Helping take designs from initial concept through to final product development.
• The Natural Fibre Company (UK) – An award-winning yarn manufacturer working with rare breeds and natural fibres.
• National Weaving (UK) – Specialists in premium woven and printed labels, with a focus on sustainability The Fashion Incubator (Egypt) – A sustainable fashion manufacturer specialising in knit, woven, sportswear, and swimwear.
• Desert Crafts Design Studio (India) – A womenswear manufacturer focused on casual and resort wear.
• WonderRaw (Portugal) – Experts in luxury blanks and fully customised garments made from 100% organic cotton.

Headline Designer: Stuart Trevor
Scottish-born fashion designer Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints and sustainability advocate, is set to headline the Source Catwalk. After years mentoring brands with a positive social and environmental impact, Trevor’s latest label, STUART TREVOR, focuses on sustainable fashion made from repurposed materials. Trevor set out to create the world’s most sustainable brand with a mission to make buying sustainable products easier, more fun and create non-destructive clothing from other peoples’ waste. His designs will take centre stage at the Source Catwalk, demonstrating how fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.

The Source Catwalk also offers a diverse and informative programme of conversations with thought leaders, retail case studies and challenging panel discussions. Now located on the balcony, presenting leading voices within ethical fashion.

• Source Debates – A new stage for this year, providing an opportunity to voice thoughts and get involved in the conversations - tackling the industry biggest questions and challenges, from sustainability and circularity to transparency and the future of fashion sourcing.

Speaker Highlights

Source Fashion’s comprehensive speaker programme will bring together industry leaders, sustainability experts, and fashion innovators. Key sessions include:

• ‘From Fast Fashion to Circularity’ (Source Catwalk, Tuesday, 11:30 AM) – A discussion on how brands can shift towards sustainable models while competing in the fast-fashion landscape, featuring leaders from Vivo Footwear, Neem London, YOU Underwear, and Johnston’s of Elgin.
• ‘A collaborative journey from farm to fashion’ (Source Catwalk, Tuesday, 1:30pm) - explores how The Natural Fibre Company and John Smedley have forged a groundbreaking partnership, transforming heritage craftsmanship and sustainable innovation into a powerful success story.
• ‘Tech and sustainability: why data holds the key for a greener future’ (Source Catwalk, Tuesday 2:10pm) - Linda Pimmeshofer from Insider Trends explores how data-driven innovation can revolutionise fashion’s fight against emissions, with global examples and a vision for a tech-enabled future
• ‘The Urgency of Transparency’ (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 11:00 AM) – A fireside chat with Andrew Xeni, Founder of Nobody’s Child and Fabacus, on why transparency is critical in building consumer trust.
• ‘Ecosystem Thinking in Fashion: Redesigning for Regeneration’ (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 2:10 PM) - Safia Minney MBE, Founder of Fashion Declares is joined by Dr Sri Ram, Founder - Bags of Ethics, Supreme Group, Matthias Knappe, Head of Unit, International Trade Centre (ITC) and Nick Reed, Founder, Neem London for to explore scaling circular practices, adopting regenerative models, and building stronger supply chain relationships to inspire action and meaningful change.
• ‘A Clothing Company That Doesn’t Produce Clothes’ (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 1:30 PM) – Stuart Trevor in conversation about his upcycling-focused brand and the future of circular fashion.
• Designing tomorrow: Is speculative thinking the key to fashion retail's future? (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 1:30 PM) - Geraldine Wharry, Fashion Futurist, Trend Atelier on speculative design.
• ‘Taking the Lead When Legislation Falls Short’ (Source Debates, Thursday, 11:00 AM) – This session, with Safia Minney MBE, looks at how businesses can drive sustainability initiatives beyond Government mandates.
• Can fashion brands embrace sustainability without the fear of being perfect? (Source Debates, Thursday, 11:30 AM) - Jonny Rowe and Joe Russell, Co-Founders, Land of Plenty look at encouraging small wins, while questioning the common fears surrounding building out sustainable practices and the role storytelling and branding to help overcome these.

As part of an ongoing collaboration, The International Trade Centre, under the UK Trade Partnerships Programme, will showcase ethical suppliers from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Nepal, providing visitors with an exclusive look at sustainable sourcing options from these regions.

In the 2024 financial year, the global automotive industry recorded a slight decline in produc-tion of –1.1%* compared to the previous year. In this weakening environment, Autoneum in-creased its consolidated revenue in Swiss francs by CHF 36.4 million to CHF 2 338.7 million. Excluding translational effects from the conversion of local currencies into Swiss francs, revenue rose by CHF 96.1 million or 4.2% to CHF 2 398.5 million, which is in the middle of the guidance of CHF 2.3 billion to CHF 2.5 billion. Based on the preliminary figures, Autoneum expects an EBIT margin of over 5% and free cash flow of just over CHF 100 million for the 2024 financial year, thus fully confirming the guidance.

Business Group Europe achieved revenue of CHF 1 152.4 million in the 2024 financial year, an increase of CHF 78.5 million compared to CHF 1 073.9 million in the previous year. In local curren-cies, revenue grew by 9.8%. The first-time consolidation of four instead of three quarters of Borgers Automotive, which was acquired in 2023, resulted in an inorganic increase of 13.0%. Organically, revenue in local currencies declined by 3.2%, outperforming the market, which recorded a decline of 4.6%*.

Business Group North America outperformed the market in local currencies: while vehicle pro-duction fell by 1.4%* overall, Business Group North America recorded a slight increase of 1.3% in revenue. Borgers Automotive made a positive contribution of 3.0% to inorganic growth, while the organic revenue change was –1.7%. Consolidated revenue in Swiss francs amounted to CHF 884.6 million. (2023: CHF 895.9 million).

Business Group Asia generated revenue of CHF 198.3 million in Swiss francs, which was CHF 44.5 million below the previous year (2023: CHF 242.8 million). In local currencies, revenue shrank by 15.3% overall. The organic decline in revenue amounted to 16.6%, while the additional first quarter of Borgers Automotive, which was acquired in 2023, had a positive impact of 1.3% in the reporting year. The market in Asia remained stable with a growth of 0.1%*. In 2024, local Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to gain market share in China at the expense of Japanese and European producers, which was clearly reflected in the revenue development of Business Group Asia. This trend underlines the importance of the acquisition of the Chinese Jiangsu Huanyu Group, announced on November 19, 2024, which generates over 90% of its reve-nue with Chinese car manufacturers in China and will significantly strengthen Autoneum's market position.

Business Group SAMEA (South America, Middle East and Africa) achieved revenue growth of 14.4% in local currencies, mainly due to inflation-related price increases. In Swiss francs, revenue amounted to CHF 121.4 million. This corresponds to an increase of CHF 12.4 million or 11.3% compared to the previous year.

According to Fashion for Good, 2025 marks a turning point for the fashion industry, where innovation and sustainability are more crucial than ever. From addressing the intricate challenges of circular footwear design to redefining the resilience of global supply chains, the industry faces both immense tasks and transformative opportunities.

Here are their six pivotal shifts shaping fashion’s future in 2025:

Footwear's Innovation Sprint
Footwear is emerging as fashion’s next big frontier for innovation, ready to match the advancements seen in apparel. Yet, it faces its own set of challenges in achieving circular design. Traditional shoe construction—reliant on complex material blends and adhesives—has long hindered recycling efforts. But 2025 holds promise. A wave of breakthroughs in sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques is on the horizon, led by both established players and bold startups. Together, they’re redefining what’s possible, paving the way for scalable circular footwear.
 
Regional Circularity Takes Center Stage
The future of materials is accelerating, with innovators urgently seeking access to recycled feedstock. Regional sourcing and recycling hubs are becoming pivotal, as the industry builds networks capable of scaling circular solutions. By moving beyond pilot programs, brands are making tangible strides toward robust supply chains that meet both legislative demands and consumer expectations for sustainability.
 
Hard Tech Investment Shifting
Investments in hard tech and innovation within the fashion industry will face a nuanced landscape in 2025. The tightening of venture funding will necessitate greater discipline among startups. Only those who effectively validate their minimum viable products (MVPs) and manage cash judiciously will thrive. This period of consolidation and selective investment presents opportunities for the most prepared innovators to capitalise on market shifts while adapting to evolving investor priorities.
 
The Waste Crackdown
Zero-waste is no longer a lofty ambition—it’s becoming a necessity. With stricter legislation reshaping the landscape, the fashion industry is innovating rapidly to tackle its waste challenges. From advanced materials recovery systems to AI-powered sorting technologies, the industry is racing to adapt. As the resale market is projected to grow, the drive for waste reduction is unlocking new opportunities for impact.
 
Decarbonisation Reality Check
As the industry grapples with missed targets, 2025 will see an intensified push for collective action, with mounting pressure on suppliers to accelerate green transitions. Success will depend on deep collaboration—between brands, local governments, and cross-sector coalitions—especially in manufacturing regions where grid transformation remains critical. The journey is complex, but the shared commitment to decarbonisation is stronger than ever.
 
Supply Chain Geopolitics 2.0
Investment in other manufacturing markets is accelerating as brands seek alternatives to China. But this isn't simple nearshoring - it's about strategic diversification and building resilient regional networks. The focus is shifting to developing new manufacturing ecosystems that can support both traditional and circular production models.

The Chinese Junma Group has expanded its HMLS capacities by 20 positions, hence becoming one of the largest tire cord manufacturers in China. At present, the company has 64 positions of HMLS systems from Oerlikon Barmag.

Junma processes the tire yarn produced in the titer range of 1100 dtex to 2200 dtex in-house into tire cord using the downstream processes of dipping and weaving. The largest HMLS single project for Junma and Oerlikon Barmag to date was put into operation in record time. After just two weeks, the various yarn specifications were approved.

High-end HMLS technology for the international tire market
Junma supplies its end products to renowned international tire manufacturers and sees definite growth potential in this segment of the automotive industry. “This year, we opened our first branches outside of China. And for the coming year, we are planning our first production facility in Thailand,” says Wang Hongbin. In doing so, Junma continues to rely on the expertise of Oerlikon Barmag. The HMLS process from Oerlikon Barmag scores particularly highly with production speeds of up to 6300 m/min, at which the core components of high-speed godets and winders demonstrate their reliability.