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03.12.2020

BTE: Überbrückungshilfen und Millionen für die Innenstädte

Der BTE meldet Erfolge in der politischen Interessenvertretung des Einzelhandels. Dank der intensiven Bemühungen des HDE Handelsverband Deutschland habe die Bundesregierung Ende November zwei wichtige Hilfen beschlossen, von denen insbesondere zahlreiche Modehändler profitieren werden:
 

Der BTE meldet Erfolge in der politischen Interessenvertretung des Einzelhandels. Dank der intensiven Bemühungen des HDE Handelsverband Deutschland habe die Bundesregierung Ende November zwei wichtige Hilfen beschlossen, von denen insbesondere zahlreiche Modehändler profitieren werden:
 

  • Überbrückungshilfe – Durch die Erleichterung der Zugangsbedingungen können jetzt auch Modehändler in den Genuss der Überbrückungshilfe kommen. Antragsberechtigt sind Unternehmen mit entweder einem Umsatzeinbruch von mindestens 50 Prozent in zwei zusammenhängenden Monaten im Zeitraum April bis Dezember 2020 gegenüber dem Vorjahr oder einem Umsatzeinbruch von mindestens 30 Prozent im Durchschnitt in den Monaten April bis Dezember 2020 gegenüber 2019. Antragsberechtigte Unternehmen, die  entweder im November oder im Dezember 2020 oder in beiden Monaten einen Umsatzeinbruch von mindestens 40 Prozent im Vergleich zu den Vorjahresmonaten erlitten haben und keine außerordentliche Wirtschaftshilfe („Novemberhilfe“ bzw. „Dezemberhilfe“) erhalten, können eine Förderung im Rahmen der förderfähigen Maßnahmen der Überbrückungshilfe III für den oder die entsprechenden, Monate (November und/oder Dezember) beantragen.
     
  • Innenstadt-Unterstützung – Der Bundestag hat in einem ersten Schritt 25 Millionen Euro für Konzepte zur Zukunft unserer Innenstädte bereitgestellt. Die Einzelhandelsorganisation fordert aktuell einen insgesamt 500 Mio. Euro umfassenden Innenstadtfonds.

Als weiteren HDE-Erfolg wertet der BTE die Verschiebung des im November 2019 vom Kabinett beschlossenen Plastiktüten-Verbots auf einen deutlich späteren Zeitpunkt. Anstatt der ursprünglich geplanten „Aufbrauchfrist“ von sechs Monaten, trete das Verbot erst Ende 2021 in Kraft. Dadurch erhielten die Unternehmen deutlich mehr Zeit, um Restbestände abzubauen. Die ökologisch unsinnige Entsorgung von Milliarden Plastiktüten werde damit abgemildert.
 
Der (Textil)Handel verfügt mit dem HDE über eine zielführende und erfolgreiche Interessenvertretung in Berlin, der vom BTE in seinen Bemühungen speziell bei textil- bzw. moderelevanten Themenstellungen tatkräftig unterstützt werde, so das Fazit des Kölner Verbandes. Finanziert werde diese Arbeit über die Mitgliedsbeiträge der Einzelhandelsverbände. Der BTE freue sich daher über jedes Textil- und Modeunternehmen, das Mitglied im Einzelhandelsverband ist oder wird und damit die künftige Arbeit der Einzelhandelsorganisation unterstütze. Gerade in diesen Zeiten sei eine schlagkräftige und finanziell wie personell gut ausgestattete Interessenvertretung dringend geboten.

Source:

BTE/BDSE/BLE/VDB

Production capacities for European supplies of protective equipment expanded (c) Oerlikon
The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufactured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems. >> Picture download Innovatec commissions second Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system
03.12.2020

Production capacities for European supplies of protective equipment expanded

Neumünster/Troisdorf, Germany, December 3, 2020 – just a few days ago, the second newly-delivered Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system was commissioned at Innovatec’s state-of-the-art machine park. With it, the nonwovens manufacturer – based in Troisdorf in North Rhine-Westphalia – immediately started producing polypropylene filter nonwovens: in particular for use in protective face masks, which have been increasingly in demand since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and whose domestic manufacture is being supported by the Ger-man Government. Here, the highly-efficient Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology from Neumünster is supporting the production of these highly-effective filter media.

Neumünster/Troisdorf, Germany, December 3, 2020 – just a few days ago, the second newly-delivered Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system was commissioned at Innovatec’s state-of-the-art machine park. With it, the nonwovens manufacturer – based in Troisdorf in North Rhine-Westphalia – immediately started producing polypropylene filter nonwovens: in particular for use in protective face masks, which have been increasingly in demand since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and whose domestic manufacture is being supported by the Ger-man Government. Here, the highly-efficient Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology from Neumünster is supporting the production of these highly-effective filter media.

“Back in June 2020, Oerlikon Nonwoven delivered the first so-called 2-beam system to Innovatec”, reports Rainer Straub, Head of Oerlikon Nonwoven. Together with the second production line, the Troisdorf-based enterprise has been able to almost double its filter nonwoven output to date. The North Rhine-Westphalian company now has filter media production capacities that can be used to manufacture up to 2.5 billion operating room filter masks or a billion highly-effective FFP2 masks per year.

The, according to its own information, leading manufacturer of meltblown mask nonwovens in Europe is participating in the German Government’s ‘Nonwovens Production’ grant program to ramp up its output capacities and has for this reason already received a visit from top German politicians, including Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier and North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President Armin Laschet. Together, politicians and industry want to ensure that the production capacities for protective equipment continue to grow in Germany and that above all critical supply chains are secured at both national and European levels. And companies such as Innovatec and Oerlikon Nonwoven are actively contributing towards this.

Oerlikon: Meltblown und Spunbond (c) Oerlikon
19.11.2020

Oerlikon: Meltblown and Spunbond technologies

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the worldwide demand for protective masks and apparel has resulted in a record number of new orders in the high double-digit millions of euros at Oerlikon Nonwoven. The meltblown technology from Neumünster is recognized by the market as being one of the technically most efficient methods for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibers.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the worldwide demand for protective masks and apparel has resulted in a record number of new orders in the high double-digit millions of euros at Oerlikon Nonwoven. The meltblown technology from Neumünster is recognized by the market as being one of the technically most efficient methods for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibers.

Protective equipment demands high-end nonwoven products
The rising demand for protective masks and other medical protective equipment since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated global ramping up of production capacities has also resulted in an increase in the demand for nonwovens for the production thereof. Initially, this resulted in bottlenecks in the provision of meltblown filter nonwovens. To this end, there had until this point be very few producers of medical filter nonwovens outside China. Meanwhile, the demand for spunbond systems is also rising. “Due to the structure of our group, we are in the fortunate position to swiftly reallocate and free up our production capacities. This means that we are able to relatively quickly deliver not only meltblown systems, but also spunbond equipment”, explains Dr. Ingo Mählmann, Head of Sales & Marketing at Oerlikon Nonwoven, talking about the positive situation at the company.

The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufactured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems. “Our machines and systems for manufacturing manmade fiber and nonwovens solutions enjoy an outstanding reputation throughout the world. Ever more manufacturers in the most diverse countries are hoping to become independent of imports”, comments Dr. Mählmann. The Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown systems are being delivered to Germany, China, Turkey, United Kingdom, South Korea, Italy, France, North America and – for the very first time – to Australia until well into 2021.

Quality and efficiency in demand
Depending on the purpose of the application, medical PPE (personal protection equipment) should be breathable and comfortable to wear, protect medical staff against viruses, bacteria and other harmful substances and form a barrier against liquids. For these reasons, they are often made of either pure spunbond or of spunbond-meltblown combinations. Here, the meltblown nonwoven core assumes the barrier or filter task, while the spunbond has to retain its shape, while being tear-resistant, abrasion-proof, absorbent, particularly flame-resistant and nevertheless extremely soft on the skin.

All masks are not created equal – thanks to the ecuTEC+
Protection against infections such as coronavirus can only be guaranteed with the right quality.

The nonwovens can be electrostatically-charged in order to further improve the filter performance without additionally increasing breathing resistance. Here, Oerlikon Nonwovenʼs patented ecuTEC+ electro-charging unit excels in terms of its extreme flexibility. Nonwovens manufacturers can freely choose between numerous variation options and set the optimal charging method and intensity for their specific applications. In this way, even the smallest particles are still attracted and reliable separated by a relatively open-pored nonwoven. Nevertheless, mask wearers are still able to easily breathe in and out due to the comparatively loose formation of the fibers. To this end, it comes as no surprise that all meltblown systems currently destined for the production of mask nonwovens are equipped with the ecuTEC+ unit.

Oerlikon: (c) Oerlikon
v.l.n.r. Jochen Adler, Ralf Morgenroth, Markus Reichwein, Matthias Schmitz
15.10.2020

Oerlikon Experten teilen ihr Know-how online

Um den Know-how- und Technologietransfer in Zeiten der Corona Pandemie weiterhin sicherzustellen, startet das Segment Manmade Fibers des Schweizer Oerlikon Konzerns ab November seine neue Webinar Serie. In den bis Ende 2020 zunächst geplanten vier interessanten Technologievorträgen in englischer Sprache werden aktuelle Trends bei der Produktion von Chemiefasern betrachtet sowie Oerlikons Lösungen dazu präsentiert und mit den Teilnehmern diskutiert. Eine Fortsetzung der Webinar Serie für 2021 ist bereits in Arbeit.

Um den Know-how- und Technologietransfer in Zeiten der Corona Pandemie weiterhin sicherzustellen, startet das Segment Manmade Fibers des Schweizer Oerlikon Konzerns ab November seine neue Webinar Serie. In den bis Ende 2020 zunächst geplanten vier interessanten Technologievorträgen in englischer Sprache werden aktuelle Trends bei der Produktion von Chemiefasern betrachtet sowie Oerlikons Lösungen dazu präsentiert und mit den Teilnehmern diskutiert. Eine Fortsetzung der Webinar Serie für 2021 ist bereits in Arbeit.

  • Factory know-how from a single source – A boost for your efficiency
    4. November 2020: 11:00-11:45h CET
    Redner: Jochen Adler, Oerlikon Manmade Fibers CTO*
  • VarioFil – Your compact spinning solution
    11. November 2020: 11:00-11:45h CET
    Redner: Ralf Morgenroth, Head of Engineering Textile Machinery BB Engineering (BBE)*
  • Green Technologies – Join us on the road to a sustainable fiber industry
    2. December 2020: 11:00-11:45h CET
    Redner: Markus Reichwein, Head of Product Management Oerlikon Manmade Fibers*
  • VacuFil – Your future upcycling plant, from waste to value
    9. December 2020: 11:00-11:45h CET
    Redner: Matthias Schmitz, Head of Engineering Recycling Technology, BB Engineering (BBE)*

 

*Weitere Informationen im Anhang

 

Source:

Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG

(c) vti
28.09.2020

Ostdeutsche Textil- und Bekleidungsbranche kämpft mit den Folgen der Corona-Krise

Die Überwindung der Corona-Krise war das bestimmende Thema während Jahresmitgliederversammlung des Verbandes der Nord-Ostdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie e. V. (vti) am 24. Sept. 2020 in Crimmitschau. Der ursprünglich für das Frühjahr geplante Branchentreff fand – krisenbedingt - erstmals in der Verbandsgeschichte mit mehrmonatiger Verspätung statt. Im öffentlichen Teil der Versammlung begrüßten die Mitglieder und Partner des vti Sachsens Wirtschaftsminister Martin Dulig (siehe Statement des Staatsministers unten).

Die Überwindung der Corona-Krise war das bestimmende Thema während Jahresmitgliederversammlung des Verbandes der Nord-Ostdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie e. V. (vti) am 24. Sept. 2020 in Crimmitschau. Der ursprünglich für das Frühjahr geplante Branchentreff fand – krisenbedingt - erstmals in der Verbandsgeschichte mit mehrmonatiger Verspätung statt. Im öffentlichen Teil der Versammlung begrüßten die Mitglieder und Partner des vti Sachsens Wirtschaftsminister Martin Dulig (siehe Statement des Staatsministers unten).

„Zahlreiche Unternehmen der ostdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie traf und trifft die Corona-Krise hart“, konstatierte vti-Vorstandsvorsitzender Thomas Lindner in seiner Begrüßungsansprache. „Nach vorläufiger Annahme gehen wir davon aus, dass der Branchenumsatz per Ende August 2020 um rund 20 Prozent unter dem im Vergleichszeitraum von 2019 liegt.“ Dies sei ein seit den 1990er Jahren nie dagewesener Einbruch. Von der Krise besonders stark betroffen seien Zulieferer für den Fahrzeug-, Schiff- und Flugzeugbau sowie Hersteller von Heimtextilien und Mode bzw. Bekleidung. Bislang hätten die von der Bundesregierung verlängerten Kurzarbeiterregelungen einen größeren Aderlass in den Belegschaften verhindert. Das Kurzarbeitergeld bezeichnete Thomas Lindner als die wirksamste aller Unterstützungsmaßnahmen für die kleinen und mittelständischen Unternehmen.

Breiten Raum widmete der ehrenamtlich an der vti-Spitze sowie als Vizepräsident des Gesamtverbandes textil+mode e. V., Berlin, tätige Geschäftsführer der Strumpfwerk Lindner GmbH, Hohenstein-Ernstthal, der Frage, wie künftig die Versorgung mit systemrelevanten Medizin- und Gesundheitstextilien aus hiesiger Produktion sichergestellt werden kann. In diesem Zusammenhang unterbreitete er Vorschläge zur Änderung des öffentlichen Vergaberechts: Wenn im internationalen Preiswettbewerb heimische Produzenten gegenüber Anbietern aus Asien oder Osteuropa eine Chance erhalten sollen, müssten künftig Kriterien wie globale Transportwege, der CO²-Verbrauch sowie die Nachhaltigkeit in die Vergabekriterien aufgenommen werden, so Thomas Lindner.  Er dankte dem Freistaat Sachsen für die Unterstützung des Firmen- und Forschungsclusters „health.textil“, in dem mittlerweile rund 30 Firmen und Institute mitwirken. Ein Ergebnis dieser vom vti koordinierten Zusammenarbeit sei die kommende Woche, am 29. September 2020, in Chemnitz stattfindende Leistungsschau mit Gesundheits- und Schutztextilien von Herstellern aus Sachsen und Thüringen, zu der potenzielle Auftraggeber aus Bereichen wie Klinik, Pflege und Polizei erwartet werden.

Martin Dulig, Sächsischer Staatsminister für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Verkehr, wandte sich mit einem Grußwort an die Textilunternehmer; wörtlich sagte er: „Die sächsische Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie hat mit viel Kraft, Kreativität und Innovationsgeist die Herausforderungen der Corona-Krise gemeistert. Viele sächsische Firmen haben binnen kürzester Zeit Mund-Nasen-Masken für den Alltagsgebrauch sowie hoch wirksame textile Schutzprodukte entwickelt, regionale Kooperations- und Lieferketten aufgebaut, investiert und Kapazitäten für die Serien¬produktion geschaffen. Die Krise zeigt uns deutlich, wie wichtig Netzwerke und regionale Wertschöpfungsketten sind. Ein verlässlicher Partner war hier insbesondere das Netzwerk ‚health.textil 4.0‘, welches wir als Wirtschaftsministerium als erstes Netzwerk nach der neuen GRW-Richtlinie für Cluster und Netzwerke der Wirtschaft seit 2017 gefördert haben. Gern unterstützen wir daher auch das Anschlussprojekt des vti ‚health.textil cross border‘ bis zum Jahr 2023 mit knapp 200.000 Euro, damit in Kooperation mit tschechischen Partnern auch zukünftig innovative Lösungen im Bereich der Gesundheitstextilien geschaffen werden.  Auch das Sächsische Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. Chemnitz (STFI), ein Mitgliedsunternehmen des vti, erhält heute einen Förderbescheid vom Sächsischen Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Verkehr. Mit Mitteln der Landestechnologieförderung und mit einem GRW-Investitionszuschuss wird der Aufbau eines Forschungs-, Entwicklungs- und Beratungszentrums für Schutzausrüstungen gegen Infektionserreger unterstützt, um die dringend benötigten Prüfkapazitäten zur Zertifizierung von FFP-Masken zur Bewältigung der Corona-Pandemie zu schaffen.“
 
„Zukunft braucht Herkunft. 500 Jahre Industriekultur in Sachsen“ lautete der Titel des Gastvortrages von Katja Margarethe Mieth, Direktorin der Landesstelle für Museumswesen an den Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden.  Im Anschluss nutzen die Versammlungsteilnehmer die Möglichkeit zu individuellen Gesprächen sowie zum Besuch der vom vti konzipierten Sonderschau „Textil?Zukunft!“ in der historischen Tuchfabrik Gebr. Pfau des Sächsischen Industriemuseums. Wie vti-Vorsitzender Thomas Lindner betonte, handelt sich bei dieser attraktiven Ausstellung um die erste derartige öffentlich zugängliche Exposition mit Hightech-Textilien aus Sachsen.

More information:
vti Coronavirus
Source:

vti-pressedienst / Verband der Nord-Ostdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie e. V. (vti)

Coating expertise brings sustainable comfort and convenience to the face mask (c) A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
The masks are based on 100% woven cotton and the active ingredients in the finish are a reaction mass of titanium dioxide and silver chloride
21.09.2020

Coating expertise brings sustainable comfort and convenience to the face mask

  • Gorilla Protect is a new company formed in May this year to promote the Catus face mask – a major leap forward in the effectiveness of personal protection products that are available to consumers in the fight against Covid-19.
  • Behind Catus and the new company is Nova Textil, the established fabric finishing company based in Grefrath, Germany, and now run by father and son team Rainer and Oliver Hurtz.

Single stenter

Rainer Hurtz founded Nova Textil with a single Monforts Montex stenter and just five employees in 1999 and has steered its constant development and growth over the past twenty years.

“Our initial focus was on the coating of mainly glass fibre fabrics, awnings and sun protection products for outdoor furnishings,” he said. “We had a great customer who was providing us with so many orders that by 2005 we took the decision to order a second Montex stenter, in a special configuration. This also allowed us to enter the market for blackout and digital printing fabrics. We’ve had a great ongoing relationship with Monforts from the beginning.”

  • Gorilla Protect is a new company formed in May this year to promote the Catus face mask – a major leap forward in the effectiveness of personal protection products that are available to consumers in the fight against Covid-19.
  • Behind Catus and the new company is Nova Textil, the established fabric finishing company based in Grefrath, Germany, and now run by father and son team Rainer and Oliver Hurtz.

Single stenter

Rainer Hurtz founded Nova Textil with a single Monforts Montex stenter and just five employees in 1999 and has steered its constant development and growth over the past twenty years.

“Our initial focus was on the coating of mainly glass fibre fabrics, awnings and sun protection products for outdoor furnishings,” he said. “We had a great customer who was providing us with so many orders that by 2005 we took the decision to order a second Montex stenter, in a special configuration. This also allowed us to enter the market for blackout and digital printing fabrics. We’ve had a great ongoing relationship with Monforts from the beginning.”

A third Montex stenter line was installed at the company’s Grefrath plant in 2015, by which time the company had grown to 40 people and a major new market had opened up in the supply of fabrics for promotional materials at exhibitions and trade shows.

“We had a fantastic two years in 2018 and 2019 and everything was going great for the first three months of this year, but in April it all came crashing down,” said Oliver Hurtz. “Coronavirus put an end to trade shows in 2020, which had a very serious impact on our business.”

At the same time, however, the company was exploring the potential of a new biocidal product from one of its chemicals suppliers which has both antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Filtration

“We had already been producing coated fabrics for hot gas filtration and realised that in combination with this new microporous coating we had the basis for a very effective single-layer face mask,” Rainer said. “Achieving this with a single layer product rather than the usual three has resulted in a significant advance in comfort for the wearer and because the mask is able to disinfect itself and helps regulate humidity, it can be worn a number of times without needing to be washed, for greater convenience. It only needs to be washed when it gets dirty and can also be washed up to twenty times without losing its properties, which has to be preferable to single-use disposables.”

Catus face masks are based on 100% woven cotton and the active ingredients in the finish are a reaction mass of titanium dioxide and silver chloride certified to ISO 20743 for their antibacterial effect, and to ISO 18184 for their antiviral effect.

They are proven to  eliminate over  99.99% of the human coronavirus 229 E, with the multiplication of microorganisms such as germs and bacteria prevented by the biostatic action of silver salts and viruses destroyed by oxygen-releasing substances and a mechanism that attacks their fatty envelope. The virus membrane loses its cholesterol content and the virus is inactivated.

Colours

Gorilla Protect next plans to make the masks available in four colours – black, Bordeaux, olive and grey – and is also working on colour branding and printing labels.

“It’s not possible to print on the surface of the mask after it has been coated, but its is possible for volume orders to be printed before the treatment,” Oliver Hurtz said.

“Face masks are going to become an established part of life in the West like they are in Asia and need to be as comfortable and convenient as possible for the wearer,” his father concluded. “With these things in mind, we believe Catus is a significant step forward.”

09.09.2020

Stationärer Modehandel verliert fünf Milliarden Euro Umsatz

  • BTE kritisiert Gewerkschaft ver.di

Die Corona-Pandemie hat dem stationären Modefachhandel in der Saison Frühjahr/Sommer 2020 einen historisch einmaligen Umsatzeinbruch beschert. Nach ersten Hochrechnungen des BTE Handelsverband Textil fielen die Umsätze von März bis August gegenüber 2019 um rund ein Drittel. „Boutiquen und Modehäuser haben damit im Vergleich zum Vorjahr etwa fünf Milliarden Euro Umsatz verloren“, rechnet BTE-Hauptgeschäftsführer Rolf Pangels vor.

Gleichzeitig hat es eine massive Verschiebung in Richtung Online-Shopping gegeben. Seit April hat der Online-Handel in jedem Monat im zweistelligen Prozentbereich zulegen können. Pangels: „Die Schere zwischen stationärem Modehandel und Online-Handel ist damit weiter auseinander gegangen.“

Damit sich diese Entwicklung in den nächsten Wochen und Monaten nicht verfestigt, benötigt speziell der innerstädtische (Mode)Fachhandel bessere Rahmen- bzw. Verkaufsbedingungen. Absolut unverständlich ist für Pangels in diesem Zusammenhang die Haltung der Gewerkschaft ver.di, die zuletzt mit Klagen etliche verkaufsoffene Sonntage verhindert hat.

  • BTE kritisiert Gewerkschaft ver.di

Die Corona-Pandemie hat dem stationären Modefachhandel in der Saison Frühjahr/Sommer 2020 einen historisch einmaligen Umsatzeinbruch beschert. Nach ersten Hochrechnungen des BTE Handelsverband Textil fielen die Umsätze von März bis August gegenüber 2019 um rund ein Drittel. „Boutiquen und Modehäuser haben damit im Vergleich zum Vorjahr etwa fünf Milliarden Euro Umsatz verloren“, rechnet BTE-Hauptgeschäftsführer Rolf Pangels vor.

Gleichzeitig hat es eine massive Verschiebung in Richtung Online-Shopping gegeben. Seit April hat der Online-Handel in jedem Monat im zweistelligen Prozentbereich zulegen können. Pangels: „Die Schere zwischen stationärem Modehandel und Online-Handel ist damit weiter auseinander gegangen.“

Damit sich diese Entwicklung in den nächsten Wochen und Monaten nicht verfestigt, benötigt speziell der innerstädtische (Mode)Fachhandel bessere Rahmen- bzw. Verkaufsbedingungen. Absolut unverständlich ist für Pangels in diesem Zusammenhang die Haltung der Gewerkschaft ver.di, die zuletzt mit Klagen etliche verkaufsoffene Sonntage verhindert hat.

Juristisch sind die Urteile zwar kaum angreifbar, die Gewerkschaft gefährdet mit ihrer starren und Umsatz verhindernden Haltung jedoch zahlreiche Arbeitsplätze speziell im beratungsorientierten Modefachhandel. Denn aktuelle Daten aus dem Online-Handel belegen, dass der Sonntag der mit Abstand beliebteste Tag für den Modeeinkauf im Internet ist. „Es gibt also viele Kunden, die am Sonntag Zeit und Lust zum Modeeinkauf haben“, folgert Pangels. Der BTE fordert ver.di daher auf, ihre derzeitige Blockadehaltung bei den noch anstehenden verkaufsoffenen Sonntagen aufzugeben, um die Verluste der Unternehmen nicht noch weiter zu erhöhen.

Dabei befürwortet der BTE-Hauptgeschäftsführer keinesfalls eine vollständige Freigabe der Sonntage als Einkauftage. Vorstellen kann er sich bis zu 12 verkaufsoffene Sonntage, die auch ohne Anlassbezug zulässig sein sollten. Pangels: „So könnte die Sonntags-Privilegierung des Onlinehandel zumindest abgemildert werden“.

Dass auch die Mitarbeiter im Modehandel dabei mitziehen, ist sich Pangels sicher. Nach einer aktuellen Umfrage der FDP-Fraktion im NRW-Landtag befürworten immerhin 54 Prozent der Beschäftigten im Einzelhandel häufigere Sonntagsöffnungen wegen der Corona-Pandemie. „Vor einer Klage gegen einen verkaufsoffenen Sonntag sollte ver.di besser einmal die Mehrheitsmeinung der Mitarbeiter im betroffenen City-Handel abfragen“, fordert Pangels.

More information:
Coronavirus ver.di
Source:

BTE Handelsverband Textil

(c) Finavia
03.09.2020

Finavia will start piloting UVC technology to disinfect the security control trays after each use

Finavia will start disinfecting security control trays with UVC light technology that kills bacteria and viruses. During the pilot project, equipment based on different technologies will be tested at a number of security control lines.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we already upgraded the cleaning process of security control trays during the spring, but the aim of the pilot project is to raise hygiene standards to a new level and find the best UVC disinfection method for the airport environment. Our expectations are high for the performance of the equipment we are piloting,” says Finavia’s Ulla Lettijeff, Helsinki Airport Executive Director.

The disinfection technology tested at the airport is based on UVC light, used for the cleaning of surfaces in, among others, health care and the food industry. UVC effectively destroys bacteria on surfaces.

The aim is to first carry out a pilot to gain experience of the new technology. The pilot involves testing of a variety of different equipment in order to find the product that best suits the airport environment.

Finavia will start disinfecting security control trays with UVC light technology that kills bacteria and viruses. During the pilot project, equipment based on different technologies will be tested at a number of security control lines.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we already upgraded the cleaning process of security control trays during the spring, but the aim of the pilot project is to raise hygiene standards to a new level and find the best UVC disinfection method for the airport environment. Our expectations are high for the performance of the equipment we are piloting,” says Finavia’s Ulla Lettijeff, Helsinki Airport Executive Director.

The disinfection technology tested at the airport is based on UVC light, used for the cleaning of surfaces in, among others, health care and the food industry. UVC effectively destroys bacteria on surfaces.

The aim is to first carry out a pilot to gain experience of the new technology. The pilot involves testing of a variety of different equipment in order to find the product that best suits the airport environment.

The technology is supplied among others by the Finnish company LedFuture Oy, which delivered a pioneering LED-technology based disinfection solution for testing by Finavia. According to LedFuture, the UVC-LED disinfection technology is energy efficient, environmentally friendly and quick in comparison with traditional cleaning methods, and it is based on research by the University of Helsinki, the University of Eastern Finland and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). 

Source:

Finavia

Oerlikon: Three staple fiber bicomponent systems successfully commissioned in Asia (c) Oerlikon Neumag
Oerlikon Neumag staple fiber plants stand for highest product quality and absolute reliability.
27.08.2020

Oerlikon: Three staple fiber bicomponent systems successfully commissioned in Asia

Neumünster – Oerlikon Neumag has successfully commissioned three staple fiber bicomponent systems in China. With capacities of 50 tons per day each, the systems are being used to manufacture coresheath bicomponent fibers made from PP/PE or PET/PE at two long-standing Oerlikon Manmade Fibers customers. These fibers are used to make hygiene products.

Oerlikon Neumag staple fiber technology still in demand

Despite coronavirus-related restrictions, the three new systems were installed within three and five months, all without any problems. They have meanwhile been operating under stable production conditions with optimum fiber quality of the very highest standards for several weeks now.

Many years of experience in bi-component spinning

Neumünster – Oerlikon Neumag has successfully commissioned three staple fiber bicomponent systems in China. With capacities of 50 tons per day each, the systems are being used to manufacture coresheath bicomponent fibers made from PP/PE or PET/PE at two long-standing Oerlikon Manmade Fibers customers. These fibers are used to make hygiene products.

Oerlikon Neumag staple fiber technology still in demand

Despite coronavirus-related restrictions, the three new systems were installed within three and five months, all without any problems. They have meanwhile been operating under stable production conditions with optimum fiber quality of the very highest standards for several weeks now.

Many years of experience in bi-component spinning

Oerlikon Neumag looks back on many years of experience in constructing bicomponent staple fiber systems. The first system for this fiber type was commissioned as far back as 1995. Oerlikon Neumag offers solutions for the most varied cross-sections, ranging from sheath/core’, ‘side-by-side’, ‘island in the sea’, ‘orange type’ as well as ‘trilobal’. The applications are diverse: from self-crimping fibers, bonding fibers, super-microfibers all the way through to hollow fibers.

The Oerlikon Neumag bicomponent technology is particularly characterized by the extremely robust spin packs that have no expensive wear parts, which considerably reduces the costs here. The reconditioning costs when cleaning the spin packs are kept to an absolute minimum. Add to this the separate temperature transfer option in the spinning beam for the two polymers. As a result, the quality and the viscosity of the polymers can be accurately adjusted in accordance with the respective process requirements.

Source:

Oerlikon Neumag

21.08.2020

No Trevira CS joint booth at Heimtextil 2021

  • Successful concept to be continued in 2022

For three years now, the Trevira CS joint fair booth, where Trevira, its customers and partners present their new ideas within the framework of an innovative creative concept, has been an established and popular feature of Heimtextil. In 2021, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles is planned to take place from 12-15 January in Frankfurt/Main. However, as a result of the numerous uncertainties brought about by the coronavirus crisis, Trevira has decided that it will not take part next year.

  • Successful concept to be continued in 2022

For three years now, the Trevira CS joint fair booth, where Trevira, its customers and partners present their new ideas within the framework of an innovative creative concept, has been an established and popular feature of Heimtextil. In 2021, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles is planned to take place from 12-15 January in Frankfurt/Main. However, as a result of the numerous uncertainties brought about by the coronavirus crisis, Trevira has decided that it will not take part next year.

“Messe Frankfurt has shown us its comprehensive hygiene concept and plans and there is no question that their plans fully meet health and safety requirements,” explained Trevira CEO Klaus Holz. “But at Trevira, we are also very much aware of our responsibilities. Our joint booth concept is not only on an extensive scale, but it is also built around the idea of communication. This makes it even more important that we consider the potential risks involved and how they could impact our customers, co-exhibitors, visitors and staff.” Given the uncertainty as to how the situation might develop in the future, Trevira has decided it has no option but to withdraw from next year’s fair and postpone its participation in Heimtextil until 2022. This decision has been made in agreement with parent company Indorama Ventures PCL (Thailand), which has put stringent measures in place to keep its staff and customers safe. As a result, the concern and its subsidiaries are not currently participating in any trade fairs.

At the 2020 Heimtextil, Trevira exhibited together with around 30 of its major Trevira CS customers with a joint booth whose total floor area measured over 2,000 msq. The number of partners exhibiting alongside Trevira has increased steadily over the past three years, and the Trevira display, along with many of the newest flame retardant Trevira CS collections from its customers, has always been hugely popular at the fair, especially in Hall 4.2, where it has continually attracted a very high number of visitors. As a joint booth, it has benefited especially from the vibrant and positive discussions among visitors and exhibitors, together with the various events that accompany the display. Usually, these included a press conference and a party held at the new stand. Trevira’s Heimtextil presence in the past three years has strengthened and expanded the position of Trevira CS as the leading brand for flame retardant home textiles.

CEO Klaus Holz said, “As a regular exhibitor at Heimtextil for many years, we found this decision extremely difficult. We greatly regret that we will not be able to bring our joint booth to Heimtextil next year. However, we plan to return in 2022 with a fair booth offering visitors and partners the high quality they have come to expect of us, with brand new ideas and measures in place to ensure its success”.

Source:

Trevira GmbH

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles 2020 opens next Monday: new digital tools complement in-person meetings   (c) Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles
Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles 2020
21.08.2020

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles 2020 opens next Monday: new digital tools complement in-person meetings

Asia’s leading trade platform for the home and contract textile industry, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, is ready to welcome over 600 exhibitors to China’s commercial hub from 24 – 26 August. As China’s economy continues its recovery, the upcoming fair will serve as a key platform for the industry to reconnect and prepare for the seasons ahead. Taking consideration of current international travel restrictions, Intertextile has launched a brand new online business matching platform, enabling participation for those who cannot travel to Shanghai.

Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd commented: “2020 has been a difficult and unpredictable year for every business and industry across the world, so we are pleased to be providing a platform for the home textile industry to connect and recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is the first physical trade event for the sector held by Messe Frankfurt since January, so we hope that the fair assists the sector to join forces and overcome this challenging year together.”

Asia’s leading trade platform for the home and contract textile industry, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, is ready to welcome over 600 exhibitors to China’s commercial hub from 24 – 26 August. As China’s economy continues its recovery, the upcoming fair will serve as a key platform for the industry to reconnect and prepare for the seasons ahead. Taking consideration of current international travel restrictions, Intertextile has launched a brand new online business matching platform, enabling participation for those who cannot travel to Shanghai.

Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd commented: “2020 has been a difficult and unpredictable year for every business and industry across the world, so we are pleased to be providing a platform for the home textile industry to connect and recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is the first physical trade event for the sector held by Messe Frankfurt since January, so we hope that the fair assists the sector to join forces and overcome this challenging year together.”

Ms Wen continued: “Our first priority is to create a clean and hygienic space for all participants to source and network. To achieve this goal, the fair will implement extra health care and hygiene precautions onsite. On the other hand, we are aware that a number of travel restrictions are still in place across the world. With this in mind, Intertextile will offer a series of online services for those who are unable to travel to Shanghai, allowing the fair to reach as wide an audience as possible.”

2020 fair highlights

To provide buyers with greater efficiency, the fair, which covers four halls, will be divided clearly by product categories: Household Hall (hall 3), International Brands / Upholstery Hall (hall 4.1), Brand Fabrics Hall (hall 5.1) and Sofa Fabrics Hall (hall 6.1).

In addition, the Contract Business 360° concept will return this year, with over 40 premier upholstery exhibitors presenting their latest textile products and furnishing solutions for contract use. Exhibitors include Guangzhou Yuanzhicheng Home Textile, Haining Julai Textile, JAB, Morgan Shanghai, Symphony Mills, Suzhou Roufang, Ter Molst International, Zhejiang Hexin and Zhejiang Maya Fabric. Furthermore, top brands such as Agmamito from Poland and Wollsdorf Leather from Austria will be exhibiting for the first time at Intertextile.

Online business matching platform offers new sourcing landscape

Although face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable, a virtual complement has become more important as a result of the worldwide pandemic. To support the industry during these unprecedented times, Intertextile has launched a brand new online business matching platform. With this free service, participants are able to source and network at their fingertips. The virtual platform will offer many new features including:

  • Easy sourcing: exhibitors are categorised by product groups including Sofa / Decorative Fabrics, Curtains and Accessories, Bedding and Finished products, Shading and Accessories, and Editors
  • Live-streamed product presentations of exhibitors
  • Smart recommendations: pre-selected exhibitor lists will be provided to buyers based on their personal preferences and interests
  • Convenience: participants are able to use the service through computers or portable devices without the need to download any software

High quality fringe programme covers comprehensive topics
 
The fair’s event programme will once again provide the industry with the latest trends and insights in four topics: Design Inspiration, Business O2O, Textile & Technology and Industry Empowerment. One of the highlights will be the 2021 Intertextile Trend Forum, led by Shen Lei, the Chinese representative of the Intertextile International Lifestyle Trend Committee. The forum will bring together five prominent Chinese designers including Ben Chen, Ben Wu, Meng Ye, Paul Pang and Xie Ke, who will delve into the theme of 2021 Intertextile Trends–“BOUND”, as well as the Chinese market conditions. The event will be held on day 1 of the fair, from 14:00 – 17:00 in hall 5.1 booth C18, and streamed live online.

Another not-to-be-missed event is the Ride the Storm – Home Textile Digital Printing Forum, which will include an array of educating seminars that cover the latest digital textile printing trends and technologies. The forum will be held on day 2 of the fair, from 13:20 – 17:20 in hall 3, booth M12.

Furthermore, joining forces with Tmall Global, the largest cross border B2C online retail platform in China, the fair will host a series of seminars delivering the solutions and strategies for industry digitalisation during the afternoon of day 1. In addition, the well-received Furniture & Home Textile Direct Negotiation Event will return to provide an excellent opportunity for furniture companies and fabric brands to collaborate.

Additional health care and hygiene precautions will be in place

As trade fair co-organisers, Messe Frankfurt’s number one priority always remains the health and safety of fairgoers. To maintain a clean and hygienic environment for visitors and exhibitors to meet in, extra measures will be in practice at the fair. These include: real-name registration, onsite temperature checks, frequent sterilisation of public areas and distancing measures for forum / seminar audiences, amongst others.

Sappi: High-quality face masks – in top-quality packaging (c) Wolford AG
For the packaging of its ‘Care Mask’, Wolford used the high-quality Algro Design Advanced solid bleached board from Sappi.
12.08.2020

Sappi: High-quality face masks – in top-quality packaging

  • The quality of Sappi’s Algro Design Advanced solid bleached board makes the difference for Wolford

The unique combination of physical and optical features combined within the Algro Design range of products, convinced the textile manufacturer, Wolford, to use the range to package its innovative face mask. When creating the packaging solution for its ‘Care Mask’ the company chose to combine the premium 350 gsm Algro Design Advanced solid bleached board with extremely challenging ink covering and a number of finishing options. The end result is a packaging solution that is as elegant as it is creative and as a result, perfectly complements the product inside.

  • The quality of Sappi’s Algro Design Advanced solid bleached board makes the difference for Wolford

The unique combination of physical and optical features combined within the Algro Design range of products, convinced the textile manufacturer, Wolford, to use the range to package its innovative face mask. When creating the packaging solution for its ‘Care Mask’ the company chose to combine the premium 350 gsm Algro Design Advanced solid bleached board with extremely challenging ink covering and a number of finishing options. The end result is a packaging solution that is as elegant as it is creative and as a result, perfectly complements the product inside.

  • Premium packaging for premium products
  • Perfect for complex graphic applications
  • Unique service from the innovation leader Sappi

Wolford, founded in Bregenz, Austria, in 1950, is the global market leader in skinwear ‘made in Europe’. Since its establishment, the company has come up with numerous product innovations and is always at the cutting edge. Even before the coronavirus pandemic hit Europe, product developers were considering the idea of launching their own face mask protection, having witnessed the effects of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in Asia. Thanks to an outstanding, highly efficient development division, a new product, ‘Care Mask’, was quickly brought to market.

It meets the high-quality standards of Wolford and consists of a premium, soft, breathable material that ensures high wearing comfort. Wolford is particularly proud that such a high-quality product could be developed in just a few weeks, despite reduced working hours and staff working from home. It generally takes some time to progress from development to product maturity. In this case however, everything was ready for market launch within two weeks.

Top quality meets top quality

Alongside the product, Wolford developed an appropriate packaging solution for their high-quality product, in collaboration with their in-house graphics department. To enable the ‘Care Mask’ to be quickly launched, a suitable material needed to be found, which could meet Wolford’s high standards in terms of quality, appearance and feel.
 
Wolford’s long-term partner, Sappi Europe had the perfect solution right away with its 350 g/m2 Algro Design Advanced solid bleached board. Thanks to its double-coated top and lightly coated back, the material from the innovation leader is a perfect choice for premium packaging.

The high brightness and silky, soft touch of the paperboard gives the packaging a premium, exclusive look and feel. The colour brilliance of Algro Design Advanced and the continuous, precise reproduction of complex print motifs were exactly what Wolford was looking for and met the high standards of the brand. Thanks to its additional outstanding finishing and processing properties, further processing with grooves, hot-foil embossing, paint finishes and adhesives was also easily achievable, which made it perfect for Wolford’s needs.

Service comes first at Sappi

Product capability alone was not enough for this venture however. To allow Wolford to achieve their goal of two weeks from inception to market ready, they also required a highly responsive service level from their trusted partner and Sappi responded at every level.  From selecting the right quality and size to the precise delivery of the paperboard to the printers, all in the space of five days, Sappi was flexible and immediately ready to respond. Thanks in no small part to the proactive support provided by all contributors to the creative process, the ‘Care Mask’ was launched at the end of March 2020 and was a resounding success. 5,000 masks were sold out within an hour and were sent on their way to the customers in their exclusive packaging.

Source:

Sappi Europe

Der Einzelhandel trifft Vorkehrungen: Steigende Covid-19-Fallzahlen und mögliche Schutzmaßnahmen des Handels - Checkpoint Systems (c) Checkpoint Systems
Checkpoint Systems bietet System für Einzelhandel
06.08.2020

Der Einzelhandel trifft Vorkehrungen: Steigende Covid-19-Fallzahlen und mögliche Schutzmaßnahmen des Handels - Checkpoint Systems

Der Einzelhandel ist besorgt über erneut ansteigende Covid-19-Fallzahlen und ergreift Schutzmaßnahmen für Kunden und Mitarbeiter

  • Checkpoint Systems verwendet SmartOccupancy
  • System steuert die Belegung zum Schutz der Gesundheit automatisch
  • Gewährleistet somit Social Distancing

Hirschhorn – Aufgrund des erneuten rapiden Anstiegs der Covid-19-Fallzahlen in ganz Europa während des letzten Monats ist die Möglichkeit einer zweiten Welle, welche den Kontinent treffen könnte, nicht zu leugnen. Nach Angaben des Europäischen Zentrums für die Prävention und Kontrolle von Krankheiten (ECDC) [1] wurden in Europa mittlerweile mehr als drei Millionen Fälle [2] gemeldet, angeführt vom Vereinigten Königreich, Spanien, Italien, Deutschland und Frankreich.

Aufgrund dieser Situation verstärkt der Einzelhandel seine Maßnahmen zum Schutz der Gesundheit und des Wohlbefindens seiner Kunden und Mitarbeiter durch innovative Lösungen, die eine soziale Distanzierung durch die Kontrolle der Belegung der Einzelhandelsgeschäfte ermöglichen.

Der Einzelhandel ist besorgt über erneut ansteigende Covid-19-Fallzahlen und ergreift Schutzmaßnahmen für Kunden und Mitarbeiter

  • Checkpoint Systems verwendet SmartOccupancy
  • System steuert die Belegung zum Schutz der Gesundheit automatisch
  • Gewährleistet somit Social Distancing

Hirschhorn – Aufgrund des erneuten rapiden Anstiegs der Covid-19-Fallzahlen in ganz Europa während des letzten Monats ist die Möglichkeit einer zweiten Welle, welche den Kontinent treffen könnte, nicht zu leugnen. Nach Angaben des Europäischen Zentrums für die Prävention und Kontrolle von Krankheiten (ECDC) [1] wurden in Europa mittlerweile mehr als drei Millionen Fälle [2] gemeldet, angeführt vom Vereinigten Königreich, Spanien, Italien, Deutschland und Frankreich.

Aufgrund dieser Situation verstärkt der Einzelhandel seine Maßnahmen zum Schutz der Gesundheit und des Wohlbefindens seiner Kunden und Mitarbeiter durch innovative Lösungen, die eine soziale Distanzierung durch die Kontrolle der Belegung der Einzelhandelsgeschäfte ermöglichen.

Große Einkaufszentren und Outlets, aber auch Supermärkte und Modeeinzelhändler haben sich für den Einsatz von Tools wie SmartOccupancy an ihren Standorten entschieden. SmartOccupancy verwendet innovative Technologie von Checkpoint Systems, um die Belegung automatisch in Echtzeit zu steuern und dadurch die Gesundheit der Menschen zu schützen. Ziel ist es, in den Geschäften soziale Distanzierung sicherzustellen und das Risiko einer möglichen Ansteckung zu minimieren, indem die neuen Belegungsgrenzen eingehalten werden.

Die Kunden haben sich der Nutzung dieser Technologien gegenüber offen gezeigt, da sie es ihnen ermöglichen, beruhigter und sicherer einzukaufen. Denn die Technologien tragen dazu bei, Menschenmassen zu verhindern, die zur Verbreitung des Virus führen könnten.

Angesichts des erneuten Anstiegs der Fallzahlen und der Wahrnehmung einer möglichen Lockerung der sozialen Distanzierungsmaßnahmen installieren die Einzelhändler Tools zur Belegungskontrolle. Konkret wurde SmartOccupancy von der Welttourismusorganisation (UNWTO) – einer Organisation der Vereinten Nationen – aus über 1.000 Unternehmen und Lösungen aus mehr als 100 Ländern als Finalist ausgewählt, und zwar als eine der innovativsten und bahnbrechendsten Lösungen zur Minimierung der Auswirkungen von COVID-19 auf den Tourismus.

Das System zählt automatisch und präzise alle eintretenden Personen, ebenso alle, welche das Geschäft wieder verlassen. Bei Annäherung oder Überschreitung der Kapazitätsgrenzen des Geschäfts sendet SmartOccupancy eine Warnung an das Personal. Dieses kann mit Hilfe eines Tablets, das ein Farbsystem zur Bestimmung der Belegungsgrenze der Einrichtung verwendet, eine Alarmmeldung ausgeben. Darüber hinaus wird bei Änderungen ein zusätzlicher Alarm an die Mitarbeiter gesendet, damit diese angemessen reagieren können.

Miguel Garcia Manso, Business Unit Director Germany von Checkpoint Systems, kommentiert: „Der Einzelhandelssektor ist entschlossen, zusammenzukommen, um auf ein gemeinsames Ziel hinzuarbeiten: Gesundheit für alle. Checkpoint bietet die richtige Technologie, um dieses Engagement zu unterstützen, und wir sind zum perfekten Partner geworden, wenn es darum geht, die Gesundheit der Menschen zu schützen und soziale Distanzierung an jedem Ort und in jedem geschlossenen Raum umzusetzen.“

Source:

Carta GmbH

28.07.2020

Autoneum: Corona-related slump in revenue – bottom point overcome

The coronavirus pandemic and its massive impact on the automotive industry led to an un-precedented market slump in the first half of 2020 and a corresponding revenue decline at Autoneum. Revenue in local currencies fell by –32.7% compared to the prior-year period, and in Swiss francs by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million. The turnaround program for the North American sites made further progress in the first six months and is showing the targeted results. However, they were clearly overcompensated by the massive impact of the corona-virus crisis, which led to a negative net result of CHF –54.9 million despite comprehensive cost flexibilization measures.

The coronavirus pandemic and its massive impact on the automotive industry led to an un-precedented market slump in the first half of 2020 and a corresponding revenue decline at Autoneum. Revenue in local currencies fell by –32.7% compared to the prior-year period, and in Swiss francs by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million. The turnaround program for the North American sites made further progress in the first six months and is showing the targeted results. However, they were clearly overcompensated by the massive impact of the corona-virus crisis, which led to a negative net result of CHF –54.9 million despite comprehensive cost flexibilization measures.

Like the entire automobile industry, Autoneum was massively impacted by the effects of the corona-virus pandemic in the first half of the year. The temporary plant closures at almost all customers in every region, especially in the second quarter of the year, not only led to an unprecedented market collapse, but also to a production stop at all 55 Autoneum sites. Starting in February in China and one month later in all other regions, vehicle manufacturers temporarily shut down production completely. The corresponding massive drop in global vehicle production led to a slump in revenue at Autoneum of –32.7% in local currencies. This reflects the development of the market in the first half of 2020, which contracted by –33.2% year-on-year. Revenue in Swiss francs at Autoneum fell by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million (prior-year period: CHF 1 156.1 million). Revenue development in all Business Groups outperformed the respective markets, particularly in Asia and the SAMEA (South America, Middle East and Africa) region.


 Like the entire automobile industry, Autoneum was massively impacted by the effects of the corona-virus pandemic in the first half of the year. The temporary plant closures at almost all customers in every region, especially in the second quarter of the year, not only led to an unprecedented market collapse, but also to a production stop at all 55 Autoneum sites. Starting in February in China and one month later in all other regions, vehicle manufacturers temporarily shut down production com-pletely. The corresponding massive drop in global vehicle production led to a slump in revenue at Autoneum of –32.7% in local currencies. This reflects the development of the market in the first half of 2020, which contracted by –33.2% year-on-year. Revenue in Swiss francs at Autoneum fell by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million (prior-year period: CHF 1 156.1 million). Revenue development in all Business Groups outperformed the respective markets, particularly in Asia and the SAMEA (South America, Middle East and Africa) region.

Autoneum promptly responded to the pandemic-related market slump by adopting extensive cost-cutting measures in all regions. These include the reduction of employee costs by, among other things, adjusting time accounts, introducing short-time work at eligible locations and temporary layoffs as well as headcount reduction, mainly among temporary workers. In addition, operating expenditures were limited to the absolutely necessary. The investment volume for 2020, already reduced from previous years, was downsized even further. Autoneum continues to benefit in this regard from the high level of investments undertaken in recent years.

 Although the coronavirus crisis and the measures taken to contain it dominated Autoneum’s course of business in the first half of 2020, the Company achieved necessary operational and financial im-provements during this period. The comprehensive turnaround program for the North American sites made further progress and is on track. Efficiency improvements already achieved there had a posi-tive effect on the figures of the first half-year, but were significantly overcompensated by the substan-tial impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Savings and cost flexibilization measures taken immediately and implemented worldwide in view of the revenue loss could not offset the ongoing, capacity-related fixed costs. This led at the Group level to a negative EBIT of CHF –31.8 million (prior-year period: CHF 16.4 million), which equates to an EBIT margin of –4.4% (prior-year period: 1.4%). The net result decreased because of the severe revenue shortfall to CHF –54.9 million (prior-year period: CHF –6.0 million).

Outlook
For 2020 Autoneum expects revenue to develop at market level. Although customers’ production volumes should increase again in the second half of 2020 compared with the first semester, latest fore-casts indicate that they will remain clearly below the level of the second half of 2019. Immediately implemented and ongoing cost reduction measures as well as further operational optimizations also within the turnaround program in North America will lead to improvements in the second half of the year. Due to the current uncertainties, a reliable statement on the net result for the full year 2020 thus cannot be made. With regard to the mid-term targets, a recovery of the profitability level is expected, but it will largely depend on the market development.

Source:

Autoneum Management AG

27.07.2020

Chemiefaserindustrie braucht „Luft zum Atmen“

Auf der diesjährigen Mitgliederversammlung der Industrievereinigung Chemiefaser e. V. (IVC) standen insbesondere die Auswirkungen der Sars-CoV-2-Pandemie im Vordergrund.

Mit einem Durchmesser von nur 125 nm veränderte das aus der Volkrepublik China stammende Sars-CoV-2 Virus („Corona“) die Welt. Wertschöpfungsketten rissen, Produkte auch für den alltäglichen medizinischen Bedarf wurden Mangelware. Dabei handelte es sich nicht um teure Produkte der sog. Apparatemedizin, sondern um textile Schutzmasken im Wert von weniger als einem Euro. Die gegenseitige Abhängigkeit und auch der Wettbewerb verschiedener Staaten untereinander wurden deutlich, insbesondere auch die Abhängigkeit von chinesischer Produktion. Obwohl eine globale Arbeitsteilung ökonomisch sinnvoll sei, werde offensichtlich, wie fragil wirtschaftliche Abhängigkeiten in Krisenzeiten sein könnten und wie schnell Volkswirtschaften in eine Rezession gerieten, wenn Produkte aus systemrelevanten Bereichen nicht mehr vor Ort hergestellt würden, stellte die IVC fest.

Auf der diesjährigen Mitgliederversammlung der Industrievereinigung Chemiefaser e. V. (IVC) standen insbesondere die Auswirkungen der Sars-CoV-2-Pandemie im Vordergrund.

Mit einem Durchmesser von nur 125 nm veränderte das aus der Volkrepublik China stammende Sars-CoV-2 Virus („Corona“) die Welt. Wertschöpfungsketten rissen, Produkte auch für den alltäglichen medizinischen Bedarf wurden Mangelware. Dabei handelte es sich nicht um teure Produkte der sog. Apparatemedizin, sondern um textile Schutzmasken im Wert von weniger als einem Euro. Die gegenseitige Abhängigkeit und auch der Wettbewerb verschiedener Staaten untereinander wurden deutlich, insbesondere auch die Abhängigkeit von chinesischer Produktion. Obwohl eine globale Arbeitsteilung ökonomisch sinnvoll sei, werde offensichtlich, wie fragil wirtschaftliche Abhängigkeiten in Krisenzeiten sein könnten und wie schnell Volkswirtschaften in eine Rezession gerieten, wenn Produkte aus systemrelevanten Bereichen nicht mehr vor Ort hergestellt würden, stellte die IVC fest.

Auch die Chemiefaserindustrie gehört zu den Branchen, die entlang vieler Wertschöpfungsketten systemrelevante Produkte herstellt. Im Zeichen der Corona-Pandemie stehen hier vor allem Chemiefasern im Vordergrund, die zur Herstellung von Desinfektionstüchern, Inkontinenzprodukten, Luftfiltern, Atemschutzmasken und dazu passenden Abdeckvliesen sowie Verbandsstoffen und sonstigen medizinischen Produkte eingesetzt werden.

Mitgliedsbetriebe der IVC, die vor der Corona-Pandemie noch kurz vor der Insolvenz standen, hätten nun volle Auftragsbücher. Gäbe es diese Produktionsstätten nicht mehr, würde die bundesweite Tragepflicht von Mund-Nasenschutzmasken mangels Menge an dafür notwendigen Chemiefasern auf dünnem Eis stehen.

Die Erkenntnis über die Notwendigkeit einer europäischen Produktion scheine bei den europäischen Institutionen, speziell der European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), noch nicht angekommen zu sein, bemängelt die IVC. Man ignoriere Aussagen internationaler Experten und riskiere bewusst eine Schließung oder Abwanderung der Produktionsstätten aus Europa. Dabei habe schon die Finanzkrise in den Jahren 2008 und 2009 den positiven Beitrag einer industriellen europäischen Produktion zum Erhalt der wirtschaftlichen Stabilität aufgezeigt.

Die wirtschaftliche Situation der gesamten Chemiefaserindustrie werde trotz der Systemrelevanz auch in Corona-Zeiten bis aufs Äußerste strapaziert. Die Chemiefaserindustrie braucht „Luft zum Atmen“, die ihr jedoch durch die Zunahme an wettbewerbsverzerrenden europäischen Regularien genommen werde, beklagt der Verband. Zum Patienten dürfe sie aber nicht werden. Die europäische Bevölkerung habe den Wert einer vor Ort produzierenden Branche erkannt. Nun hoffe die Chemiefaserbranche auf rechtzeitigen Erkenntnisgewinn auch in der europäischen Bürokratie.

 

 

Source:

Industrievereinigung Chemiefaser e.V.

VDMA: Mask production: Nothing runs without textile machinery (c) VDMA Textilmaschinen
21.07.2020

VDMA: Mask production: Nothing runs without textile machinery

  • Protective masks, everyday masks, disinfecting wipes and surgical gowns are goods in demand in times of corona.
  • In their manufacture, textile machines are at the beginning of the production chain.

The production of the textile raw material is the first step of the usually multi-stage production processes. Members of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association are at the beginning of this technological chain.

The production of protective masks starts with the manufacture of the filter material, which for surgical masks as well as FFP2 and FFP3 respirator masks consists of fine-pored nonwoven fabric to intercept coronaviruses. In addition to the systems, machines and components used for this purpose, measurement and control technology ensures the highest quality of important parameters such as basis weight and air permeability. Nonwovens used for respiratory masks have to meet the same high-quality requirements as the masks – to ensure the protection of the mask wearer.

  • Protective masks, everyday masks, disinfecting wipes and surgical gowns are goods in demand in times of corona.
  • In their manufacture, textile machines are at the beginning of the production chain.

The production of the textile raw material is the first step of the usually multi-stage production processes. Members of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association are at the beginning of this technological chain.

The production of protective masks starts with the manufacture of the filter material, which for surgical masks as well as FFP2 and FFP3 respirator masks consists of fine-pored nonwoven fabric to intercept coronaviruses. In addition to the systems, machines and components used for this purpose, measurement and control technology ensures the highest quality of important parameters such as basis weight and air permeability. Nonwovens used for respiratory masks have to meet the same high-quality requirements as the masks – to ensure the protection of the mask wearer.

Members of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association have reacted to the new market requirements in a very short time and developed new technologies for knitted, warp knitted as well as woven mouth and nose masks that can be produced without the need for sewing. For surgical masks, FFP2 respirators and social distancing masks, a wide variety of other materials and combinations of materials are used (nonwovens, woven fabrics, knitted or warp knitted fabrics and laminates thereof). Elastic bands are required to wear the masks and several association members provide technologies for their production.

Materials for masks can be treated with textile chemicals to make them antiviral and antibacterial. For this purpose, the VDMA member companies offer application systems which apply the corresponding chemicals to fabric webs. As already mentioned, quality assurance is extremely important for medical products. For this purpose, member companies of the VDMA offer software systems with which each mask can be traced through the entire production process.

VDMA members also offer solutions for the assembly of respirator masks, some of which were developed at short notice. These solutions enable respirators to be produced that meet the relevant standards and the highest quality requirements of customers and market surveillance. This applies to systems for the production of surgical masks and FFP respirators. At the end of the production chain, machines are used to pack masks in single or multiple packs.

In pandemic times, the demand for protective gowns (so-called surgical gowns) also increases. The same applies to disinfecting wipes. For these textile products, too, VDMA members manufacture tailor-made machines for production through to packaging. The quality of the products is ensured by means of measurement and control technology.

In the wake of the corona crisis, VDMA Textile Machinery has launched a new series of web events called "Textile Machinery Webtalk". Here, experts from up to four VDMA member companies present their innovative technologies on a specific topic in a maximum of 90 minutes and are available to answer questions from participants. The presentations are held in English. Participation in the web events is free of charge.
Topics of the first two webtalks were:
"Technologies for the production of melt-blown nonwovens for respiratory protection masks (FFP masks and surgical masks)."
"Technologies for the production of respiratory protection masks (FFP masks and surgical masks)."

The format is well received. Around 180 people from more than 30 countries took part in the first two webtalks. With this format, the VDMA reaches both textile and nonwovens manufacturers who already manufacture these products and companies that want to invest in new business areas.

The next webtalk will take place on 23 July 2020 from 14.00 to 16.00 (CEST) on the current topic "Technology solutions to produce fully-fashioned community face masks." Experts from KARL MAYER, STOLL by KARL MAYER and Jakob Müller will be presenting their technologies for producing everyday textile masks to an international expert audience. Interested parties can register here.

Source:

VDMA Textilmaschinen

21.07.2020

ITM 2021: Accelerating the Textile Sector that Has Become Stationary Due to Pandemic

The ITM 2021 Exhibition, which is postponed to 22-26 June 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, will direct the world and Turkish textile industry, which will demonstrate a vigorous comeback in the post-pandemic period.

The ITM Exhibition, which was planned to be held between 2-6 June this year, was postponed to 22-26 June 2021 due to the troublesome Coronavirus pandemic. Participating companies in countries that had to interrupt their production, especially Italy, France, Spain, Germany and China, which were most affected by the virus, welcomed the postponement of the ITM Exhibition. The countries, holding similar opinions that it is not possible to save from the pandemic without effective drug treatment or vaccine against coronavirus, started normalization process by increasing their protective measures while fighting against the pandemic.

The ITM 2021 Exhibition, which is postponed to 22-26 June 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, will direct the world and Turkish textile industry, which will demonstrate a vigorous comeback in the post-pandemic period.

The ITM Exhibition, which was planned to be held between 2-6 June this year, was postponed to 22-26 June 2021 due to the troublesome Coronavirus pandemic. Participating companies in countries that had to interrupt their production, especially Italy, France, Spain, Germany and China, which were most affected by the virus, welcomed the postponement of the ITM Exhibition. The countries, holding similar opinions that it is not possible to save from the pandemic without effective drug treatment or vaccine against coronavirus, started normalization process by increasing their protective measures while fighting against the pandemic.

More information:
ITM textile machinery fair
Source:

ITM

AFFIX Labs launches world’s first long-lasting surface treatment to kill the coronavirus © 2020 AFFIX Labs
Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs is a versatile anti-viral surface treatment that has been scientifically proven to last for months on any surface or textile while effectively killing the COVID-19 pathogen upon contact. Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs can be implemented onto any surface.
20.07.2020

AFFIX Labs launches world’s first long-lasting surface treatment to kill the coronavirus

  • Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs is a versatile anti-viral surface treatment that has been scientifically proven to last for months on any surface or textile while effectively killing the COVID-19 pathogen upon contact.
     

Helsinki - Leading chemical binding expert AFFIX Labs has harnessed its global experience in disease prevention to create the first long-lasting surface treatment proven to kill COVID-19. Si-Quat combines a safe and well-established disinfectant and a proprietary chemical binding technique, so that the active ingredient can kill viruses, including SARS-COV-2. Testing at Portugal’s Biochemistry Institute at the University of Lisbon proves that Si-Quat effectively kills the COVID-19 pathogens that it comes into contact with.

  • Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs is a versatile anti-viral surface treatment that has been scientifically proven to last for months on any surface or textile while effectively killing the COVID-19 pathogen upon contact.
     

Helsinki - Leading chemical binding expert AFFIX Labs has harnessed its global experience in disease prevention to create the first long-lasting surface treatment proven to kill COVID-19. Si-Quat combines a safe and well-established disinfectant and a proprietary chemical binding technique, so that the active ingredient can kill viruses, including SARS-COV-2. Testing at Portugal’s Biochemistry Institute at the University of Lisbon proves that Si-Quat effectively kills the COVID-19 pathogens that it comes into contact with.

“Tragedies have unfolded across the globe, affecting different countries at varying degrees. The second waves of COVID-19 are just appearing on the horizon. This long-lasting surface treatment is a viable, accessible solution across cultures. By killing the COVID-19 pathogen on surfaces before it can infect people, the Si-Quat solution is a game changer. It can provide increased security and peace of mind to your communities, as well as your customers,” says Tom Sam, CEO of AFFIX Labs.

Si-Quat has been tested to kill 99.99% of microbes within minutes, while still being fully safe to touch. Proven to be effective for about a month on frequently touched surfaces, it is the longest lasting anti-viral surface treatment available to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The product is non-corrosive, free from silver salts and heavy metal nanoparticles, and perfectly safe to touch.

Several major agencies around the globe have already accepted quaternary ammonium, the main ingredient in the surface coating, to be an effective surface treatment against the novel coronavirus, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Environmental Protection Agency, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the European Chemical Agency (ECHA).

Si-Quat was invented in January 2020 by the AFFIX Labs’ Repeltec development team to specifically help combat the COVID-19 outbreak. The product is based on the trusted and safe disinfectant quaternary ammonium, which is chemically bound to align silane quaternary ammonium molecules (silane quats) in a highly effective manner. Positively charged nitrogen particles then actively attract viruses and bacteria, penetrating the membranes and killing them within minutes.

Rigorous testing has shown Si-Quat to adhere to almost any surface, performing as the most durable surface treatment commercially available. Due to its incredibly strong layer, the solution only wears down on surfaces after thousands of touches or multiple cleaning cycles. This means that on heavily used surfaces, such as door handles and counters, Si-Quat will be effective for about a month. On rarely touched surfaces like walls, it has the potential to protect for years. Since the product is incredibly easy to apply, technicians require minimal training and only basic protection. They simply have to brush or spray Si-Quat onto the surface and allow it to dry for 6 hours.

“Other sanitising solutions require reapplication to every surface several times daily, interrupting business operations. This results in additional costs and disruptions at a time when many companies are already struggling,” Sam explains. “By combining proven efficacy, safety and long durability, Si-Quat is emerging as an important weapon in the battle against the spread of COVID-19.”

AFFIX Labs has begun to roll out the distribution of Si-Quat across the globe, with new regions being serviced every week. It is currently looking for distribution partners in local markets.

The project leading to the development of Si-Quat included funding from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union, under the Horizon 2020 Framework for Research and Innovation.

Neonyt (c) Messe Frankfurt GmbH
17.07.2020

Neonyt on Air: Community Power

Gelungene Premiere

Mit Neonyt on Air ist die Messe Frankfurt angesichts Corona ins kalte Wasser gesprungen und hat in den vergangen fünf Tagen die Sustainable Fashion-Community in Online-Talks zusammengebracht.

Ob Digitalisierung, Diversity, Lifestyle oder die Frankfurt Fashion Week – bei Neonyt on Air gab der Veranstalter, die Messe Frankfurt, vom 13. bis 17. Juli 2020 gemeinsam mit zahlreichen Brands und Partnern Einblick in Themen, die die Sustainable Fashion-Branche aktuell bewegen.

„Neonyt on Air hat gezeigt: Der Bedarf an Austausch in der Fashion-Branche und die Motivation, gemeinsam einen Wandel einzuleiten, sind enorm. Wir freuen uns bereits jetzt auf die nächste physische Ausgabe der Neonyt. Denn deutlich wurde auch: Mode lebt von Persönlichkeiten, von Inszenierung und Inspiration. Da können digitale Formate begleiten, aber keinen vollen Ersatz bieten“, sagt Thimo Schwenzfeier, Show Director der Neonyt bei der Messe Frankfurt.

Gelungene Premiere

Mit Neonyt on Air ist die Messe Frankfurt angesichts Corona ins kalte Wasser gesprungen und hat in den vergangen fünf Tagen die Sustainable Fashion-Community in Online-Talks zusammengebracht.

Ob Digitalisierung, Diversity, Lifestyle oder die Frankfurt Fashion Week – bei Neonyt on Air gab der Veranstalter, die Messe Frankfurt, vom 13. bis 17. Juli 2020 gemeinsam mit zahlreichen Brands und Partnern Einblick in Themen, die die Sustainable Fashion-Branche aktuell bewegen.

„Neonyt on Air hat gezeigt: Der Bedarf an Austausch in der Fashion-Branche und die Motivation, gemeinsam einen Wandel einzuleiten, sind enorm. Wir freuen uns bereits jetzt auf die nächste physische Ausgabe der Neonyt. Denn deutlich wurde auch: Mode lebt von Persönlichkeiten, von Inszenierung und Inspiration. Da können digitale Formate begleiten, aber keinen vollen Ersatz bieten“, sagt Thimo Schwenzfeier, Show Director der Neonyt bei der Messe Frankfurt.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt GmbH

Dinnovative Luftfilter tötet Corona-Virus nachweislich ab (c) Dinnovative GmbH
Dinnovative Luftfilter mit integriertem Ding-Filter
09.07.2020

Dinnovative Luftfilter tötet Corona-Virus nachweislich ab

Kaiserslautern - Der von Dinnovative entwickelte und patentierte Ding-Filter eliminiert Viren, Bakterien und Schimmelporen in hoher Effizienz. In China wurde der Luftfilter jetzt erfolgreich ebenfalls auf die Abtötung des SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) im BSL3-Labor in ILAS (Chinese Academy of Medical Science) getestet. Innerhalb von nur einer Stunde wurden 99,9% der Corona-Viren beseitigt.

Der Dinnovative Luftfilter ergänzt die bestehenden Hygiene-Maßnahmen, das Infektionsrisiko in Räumen und Büros zielgerichtet zu minimieren. Für eine breite Nutzung ist dieser in verschiedenen Ausführungen für Atemschutzmasken, Luftreiniger und Klimaanlagen verfügbar. In China wird der Ding-Filter bereits erfolgreich in Atemschutzmasken und Luftfiltern eingesetzt.

Der Luftfilter von Dinnovative verfügt über eine spezielle, patentierte Kupfer-Oberfläche, enthält keine chemischen Biozide und ist damit in der Nutzung für die Gesundheit in jeder Beziehung unbedenklich.

Kaiserslautern - Der von Dinnovative entwickelte und patentierte Ding-Filter eliminiert Viren, Bakterien und Schimmelporen in hoher Effizienz. In China wurde der Luftfilter jetzt erfolgreich ebenfalls auf die Abtötung des SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) im BSL3-Labor in ILAS (Chinese Academy of Medical Science) getestet. Innerhalb von nur einer Stunde wurden 99,9% der Corona-Viren beseitigt.

Der Dinnovative Luftfilter ergänzt die bestehenden Hygiene-Maßnahmen, das Infektionsrisiko in Räumen und Büros zielgerichtet zu minimieren. Für eine breite Nutzung ist dieser in verschiedenen Ausführungen für Atemschutzmasken, Luftreiniger und Klimaanlagen verfügbar. In China wird der Ding-Filter bereits erfolgreich in Atemschutzmasken und Luftfiltern eingesetzt.

Der Luftfilter von Dinnovative verfügt über eine spezielle, patentierte Kupfer-Oberfläche, enthält keine chemischen Biozide und ist damit in der Nutzung für die Gesundheit in jeder Beziehung unbedenklich.

Das Corona-Virus SARS-CoV-2 wird in erster Linie über die Luft von Mensch zu Mensch beim Husten und Niesen sowie über Aerosole beim Sprechen übertragen. Befinden sich mehrere Personen in einem Raum, im Büro, Restaurant bis hin zum Klassenzimmer, können Luftreiniger mit eingesetztem Ding-Filter damit das Ansteckungsrisiko wesentlich verringern.

Die Dinnovative GmbH aus Kaiserslautern entwickelt und produziert innovative Spezialfilter und Luftreiniger für verschiedene Anwendungen. Basis dessen ist der inzwischen international zum Patent angemeldete Ding-Filter, der die angesaugte Raumluft effizient von Viren, Bakterien und Schimmelsporen befreit.

Source:

Dinnovative GmbH