From the Sector

Circ, the US-based pioneer in textile-to-textile recycling, has closed its latest investment round led by Taranis through its Carbon Ventures fund, with continued support from existing strategic investors, including Inditex, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, and Avery Dennison, a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. This latest funding builds on Circ’s major technical and commercial progress over the past 18 months and helps fuel the company’s push to scale its revolutionary recycling technology, advancing its mission to transform the fashion industry’s waste problem into a circular solution.

Circ is uniquely positioned to transform the industry as the only company with the demonstrated ability to recycle polycotton blends and recover both fractions for textiles, having successful public collaborations with Zara, Mara Hoffman, United Arrows, Chrisitan Siriano, and more.

As Circ moves toward launching its first industrial-scale blended textile recycling plant, this partnership brings more than capital—Taranis, owned by the Perenco Group, will contribute deep expertise in developing and operating large industrial projects. Taranis’s experience engineering complex, high-volume processes will be invaluable in commercializing Circ’s technology globally.

Taranis, an investment and asset management company dedicated to sustainable industrial solutions, sees Circ’s model as a key step in reducing the environmental impact of global supply chains. Beyond financial investment, Taranis is providing direct technical validation of Circ’s processes to accelerate the transition from demonstration-scale to industrial-scale production.

“Circ has developed and demonstrated a breakthrough solution for circularity in fashion, and we believe our industrial expertise can help take it to the next level,” said Emmanuel Colombel, CEO of Taranis. “Our goal is to support scalable, pragmatic technologies that reduce waste and emissions. Circ’s vision aligns perfectly with that mission, and we’re excited to support Circ in its journey toward a more circular and responsible fashion industry.”

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.

Allergies and asthma are widespread diseases that could arise during embryonal development in the womb. A team led by Empa researcher Tina Bürki is investigating the possible causes of this. The focus is on nanoplastic particles, which could lead to the development of a hypersensitive immune system in the child. The project is supported by the Eduard Aeberhardt Foundation and another foundation.

Asthma, hay fever or chronic skin conditions: The occurrence of allergic reactions is diverse and on the rise. Among other things, environmental factors during the child's early development in the womb are suspected, which lay the foundation for later illnesses. A team of researchers from Empa, ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Zurich and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen is now focusing on micro- and nanoplastics. It is already known that the tiny plastic particles enter the body of pregnant women via drinking water, food and air and find their way to the unborn child. Here they could affect the fragile immune system of mother and child. Moreover, they are able to transport other pollutants, allergens and pathogens.

The team led by project manager Tina Bürki and Sina Ruhstaller from Empa's Particles-Biology Interactions laboratory in St. Gallen are particularly interested in the placenta, the central interface between mother and child. The organ forms exclusively during pregnancy and supplies the child with nutrients and messenger substances for a healthy development. The placenta could therefore play a decisive role when it comes to the immune response of mother and child to foreign substances.

It is already clear that nanoparticles can disrupt the communication between the placenta and the unborn child. However, the effect of micro- and nanoplastics on the immunological function of the placenta and the effects on the fetal immune system have not yet been elucidated. "There is thus an urgent need for a correct risk assessments of environmental pollutants for pregnant women," says Bürki.

In order to analyze the entire process of nanoparticle exposure, the researchers will examine the micro- and nano-abrasion of everyday plastic products and evaluate the interactions with typical allergy-causing substances and pollutants. Finally, using cell cultures of the human placenta and fetal blood cells, the transport in the body and the reaction to the various particles and pollutant-particle combinations can be mapped as realistically as possible. "By releasing hormones and other mediators, the contaminated placenta could contribute to abnormal developments in the child's immune system," says Tina Bürki. For the sustainable use of safe plastic products, it is therefore essential to know whether and which polymers have an increased potential to trigger allergies, says the Empa researcher.

The new research project now aims to provide a holistic view of the significance of plastic particles during pregnancy. To achieve this, experts from the fields of materials science, cell biology and allergy research are working together with clinical experts. The project is funded by the Eduard Aeberhardt Foundation and another foundation.

EDANA has announced the three nominees for the FILTREX™ Innovation Award 2025, recognizing outstanding innovation in the filtration industry. The FILTREX™ Innovation Award honors innovation in the filtration sector, recognizing the ongoing commitment to excellence by manufacturers of nonwoven-based filtration products and components.

The nominees are:

GESSNER – Lignin-Saturated Cellulose Filter Media
GESSNER’s innovative lignin-saturated cellulose filter media sets a new standard in sustainable filtration. Designed to reduce your product’s carbon footprint, this eco-friendly solution replaces fossil-based resins with renewable lignin, saving up to 100 kg of crude oil per ton of material. Perfect for engine air, oil, and fuel filter elements, it combines top-tier filtration performance and durability with lower formaldehyde emissions during curing. Experience sustainability without compromise - achieve high-efficiency filtration, optional flame retardancy, and a tangible step towards a greener future with our lignin filter media.

Hollingsworth & Vose – NanoWave®ESA
Hollingsworth & Vose is a manufacturer of engineered materials. Their innovation NanoWave®ESA is an all-synthetic 3D media designed for high efficiency respiratory protection. Filters can be designed with minimum media processing while extending the filter life. It is free of PFAS, is safe to use, and can meet the demand for smaller and smaller filters without compromising on comfort. NanoWave®ESA can be produced with a stretch so that highly efficient, stretchable, breathable and drapable garment can be cut to size.

Johns Manville – Evalith®
Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company, and a leader in the filtration business with manufacturing lines in Europe and the US, has pioneered an innovative recycling process that converts post-industrial HVAC bio-soluble glass microfiber filtration media waste into compounded pellets for injection molding. The resulting pellets, with 30% glass fiber, are being used to create durable, second-life products. This eco-friendly solution prevents landfill waste, reduces CO₂ emissions, and supports a circular economy.. It ensures that the produced PP tapes from the starEX tape extrusion line are wound into perfect packages that improve productivity and fabric quality on the looms. The bevelled bobbin edges avoid that tapes come off during doffing, transport and handling and increase loom efficiency during weaving. The automatic bobbin change procedure of twinTAPE winders reduces operator work significantly, and the patented linear traverse system features an infinitely variable stroke, allowing a wide variety of bobbin designs. As the winder does not need lubrication, maintenance work is reduced to cleaning, which saves significant amounts of operator time.

Each of the three companies will have a 10-minute slot to present its innovation during the FILTREX™ 2025 event, held on 25-26 March 2025 in Vienna, Austria. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their votes and select the winner, with the award being presented during a reception at the end of the first day.

Since its launch in 2004, FILTREX™ has established itself as the leading platform for professionals in the filtration media sector. This two-day conference gathers executives and technical experts from across the industry, including filter media producers, converters, raw material suppliers, testing equipment manufacturers, laboratories, and research institutions. The programme offers insights into market trends, cutting-edge filter materials, advancements in media design, air and liquid filtration, automotive applications, and developments in testing and standardization.

Suominen has published Sustainability Agenda for the period 2025–2030. The agenda crystallizes Suominen’s sustainability themes and targets.

Suominen’s Sustainability Agenda is built around four key themes that reflect the most important topics for the company and its stakeholders: People and safety, Sustainable nonwovens, Low impact manufacturing and Corporate citizenship. These themes are based on Suominen’s double materiality assessment, completed in 2024, which reaffirmed their relevance from the previous Sustainability Agenda period (2020–2025).

Themes and KPI’s
The four themes create basis for actions and targets. Through the sustainability themes Suominen evaluated its performance and reports on its achievements on an annual basis.

People and safety

• Zero lost time accidents (LTA)
• Diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) index 80%

Sustainable nonwovens

• More than two thirds of consumed raw materials are from plant-based resources
• More than half of our new R&D initiatives focus on advancing the development of sustainable products

Low impact manufacturing

• Reducing scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions with limiting global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement
• Zero manufacturing waste to landfill

Corporate citizenship

• All qualified raw material suppliers assessed against Suominen’s sustainability criteria
• All employees have completed Suominen’s sustainability training program

"These KPI’s reflect our commitment to sustainability and help us measure our impact as well as drive meaningful change. By setting clear targets, we ensure continuous progress toward a safer workplace, a more sustainable product portfolio and responsible operations," says Noora Lindberg, Director, Sustainability & Marketing.

“Sustainability is embedded in everything we do – it is a key driver of success for both us and our customers. Suominen is committed to being the frontrunner in sustainable nonwovens and our innovation work is strongly focused on developing more sustainable nonwoven solutions that meet our customers' needs,” says Tommi Björnman, President & CEO of Suominen.

Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium launch 'Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation,' a study investigating the key drivers of fibre fragmentation. The research aims to challenge root causes and assumptions, address data gaps, and validate test methods. Tackling the issue at the source, this project is c reated to advance the industry knowledge needed to mitigate fibre fragment pollution.  
 
The project brings together major fashion brands and manufacturers including adidas, Bestseller, C&A, Inditex, Kering, Levi Strauss & Co., Norrona, ON, Paradise Textiles, and Positive Materials, with Under Armour joining as a project partner. Testing will be conducted across three laboratories - Paradise Textiles, Under Armour, and IMPACT+ Network from Northumbria University - to analyse fibre fragmentation in cotton knit, cotton woven, and polyester knit fabrics.  

BEHIND THE BREAK: Data required to understand root causes of fragmentation  
Fibre fragmentation is a significant topic of concern across the industry, with studies highlighting the potential threat to ecosystems and human health. This underscores the urgent need for the development of effective strategies aimed at mitigating the negative impact of fibre fragments.  
 
In recent years, several domestic and industrial mitigation efforts have been developed to capture fibre fragments before they enter air, water, and soil. However, the focus lies in reducing fibre fragments from entering the environment downstream, rather than tackling the problem at the source.

It is pivotal for the industry to better understand the root causes and mechanisms of fibre fragmentation. Therefore, under this initiative, Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium are launching:  

• A new report, which aims to offer a snapshot of the issue of fibre fragmentation through the lens of the textile and fashion industry, unpacking various aspects of this complex issue (definition, sources and pathways, root causes, analytical test methods, solution portfolio, biodegradation, toxicity and regulation).  
• “Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation” project, identifying root causes of fibre fragmentation within manufacturing processes (such as different dye methods) and how these influence fibre fragmentation. It will focus on three different fabric types - cotton knit, cotton woven and polyester knit. The project includes various testing methods, leveraging the expertise of project partners Under Armour, Impact+ and Paradise Textiles. You can learn more about the testing details here.

"Fibre pollution is a challenge that the industry faces as a whole, so we are partnering with The Microfibre Consortium to contribute to the foundation of data that will help us better understand the root causes of fibre fragmentation. The focus on different testing methods will allow us to reduce uncertainty, take a common direction and set priorities for future research and initiatives within the industry.” Katrin Ley, Managing Director at Fashion for Good.  

This initiative aims to identify the most effective approaches to tackling fibre fragmentation at the source through the following insights:  

• Enhancing Test Methods: Validate and refine testing techniques to ensure accuracy, reliability, and alignment with industry standards.
• Strengthening Data Correlation: Compare results across methods to identify variations, uncover discrepancies, and establish clearer data connections.
• Driving Improvements: Address limitations in current methods, expand databases, and support better design and supply chain practices.
• Supporting Stakeholders: Equip partners and industry players with practical strategies to reduce fragmentation through improved design and manufacturing.
• Informing Policy: Provide valuable insights into contamination and fibre structures to shape effective regulations and policies.

To read the report and learn more about the project click here.
“Partnering with Fashion For Good has helped to unite the project partners behind the ongoing need for alignment on closing fibre fragmentation knowledge gaps. With this rallied support, we can build on the existing state of knowledge and make great strides in addressing urgent topic challenges for a future of informed, science-led and integrated mitigation action.” Kelly Sheridan, CEO at The Microfibre Consortium.
 
“By conducting this study, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing microfibre release. Our goal is to leverage data-driven insights to improve our processes, product design, and sourcing practices, thereby contributing to a less polluting industry. Collaboration across stakeholders is crucial to accelerating our progress toward a more sustainable future.” Lucie Anne Martinol, Textile Innovation Lead at ON.  
 
“At Paradise Textiles, we recognise that the future of the fashion and textile industry hinges on our ability to address challenges like fibre fragmentation head-on. By partnering with Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium, we're bringing collective insights together to validate theories on the root causes of fibre fragmentation. Our objective is to identify processes and strategies that mitigate fibre pollution through informed textile design and manufacturing processes. We're excited about continuing this critical work and pioneering innovative technologies that can reshape the industry for the better.” Lewis Shuler, Head of Innovation at Alpine Group/Paradise Textiles
 
“Positive Materials believes that reducing fibre fragmentation requires innovation at every stage. Our partnership with Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium on Behind the Break is critical because we're not just aiming to reduce shedding; we're making sure our materials maintain the high standards our customers depend on. It’s about finding that balance where environmental responsibility drives innovation, not compromises it.” Elsa Parente, Co-CEO & CTO of Positive Materials

On 19-20 February 2025, social partners from the Italian textile and fashion industry met in Rome to deepen their understanding of the upcoming EU legislations and their impact on the Italian textile industry, as well as to further discuss the next step in their effort for a more broad and effective social dialogue. In the context of the EU co-funded StitchTogether project, which aims at promoting social partnerships in the European Textiles and Clothing Industry, the meeting was also the occasion to draft the Rome Declaration: a joint statement to emphasise the social partners’ strong commitment to work together.

The meeting in Rome brought together representatives of the Italian textile industry, including the Italian employer association (Confindustria Moda), national trade unions (Femca-Cisl, Filctem-Cgil and Uiltec-Uil), regional clusters and companies to discuss the future of the industry. Together, they discussed the proposal for a sectoral industrial policy strategy to present to the Italian Government and the EU Commission for the support, consolidation and development of the textile-clothing supply chain.

The Rome Declaration includes a series of priorities, confirming social partners’ commitment in working together for a more competitive and fair Italian textile industry. The Declaration also calls upon the Italian Government and the European Union to support the upcoming transformation of the textile and clothing industries, technology and skills upgrades, regional development and just transition.

Says Judith Kirton-Darling, IndustriAll Europe's general secretary stated that “the Italian textile industry employs around 300,000 workers, or 24% of the European workforce in the textile and clothing sector, making it the largest in Europe. In a context of numerous challenges for the European textile industry, such as unfair globalization, green and digital transition, social dialogue is a real lever for improving working conditions and job security. We are committed alongside our Italian partners to a resilient and attractive textile industry in Italy”.

Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX Director General, stressed that “Italy represents 36% of the total European textile and fashion industry; it is critically important therefore to maintain a strong Italian textile industry, which can be a benchmark for other countries. Combining quality, creativity and innovation is the recipe for success. This requires a dynamic company spirit, where employers and employees work hand in hand.”

With the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Fibers, Processing and Recycling Solutions at Innovative Composite Center FIP-MIRAI@ICC, the Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV and the Innovative Composite Center (ICC), Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT) in Kanazawa area are setting new standards in the circular economy. With a total budget of 2 million euros - half funded by the Fraunhofer-Society and half by the ICC - the platform aims to develop solutions to global challenges in the field of composite recycling. A Fraunhofer Innovation Platform (FIP) is a temporary research unit hosted and operated by a research institution abroad, which is set up in close cooperation with one or more Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany. With “Mirai”, the Japanese word for “future”, the FIP-MIRAI@ICC sends out a clear signal: Waste is seen as a valuable resource and reused through new technologies. The aim is to create a forward-looking circular economy that guarantees sustainability for future generations. At the heart of the five-year cooperation (2025-2029) is a central location in Kanazawa area, which brings together researchers from the Fraunhofer IGCV and the ICC with companies, universities and customers.

Global challenges as an opportunity for innovation
The increasing use of composite materials in industries such as aerospace, wind energy and sports is leading to rising volumes of hard-to-recycle waste. As early as 2023, 75 kilotons of carbon fiber waste were produced worldwide, and 350 kilotons are expected by 2028 in aviation alone. The growing use of hydrogen technologies in mobility and transportation will further exacerbate this problem.

Technological innovations for sustainability
The German-Japanese collaboration pools technological expertise: the Fraunhofer IGCV contributes its expertise in fiber-matrix separation, quality assurance of recyclates and the wet-laid process, while the ICC contributes its pressing processes and continuous double-belt press technology. Together, this creates a unique “one-stop-shop” offering for companies looking for solutions for the recycling of composite materials.

Appearance at the JEC World 2025
A first insight into the work of FIP-MIRAI@ICC will be provided at JEC World 2025 in Paris, where the platform will be represented at the Japan Pavilion. Companies, researchers and industry experts are invited to visit the stand and discuss the latest developments.

A boost for the circular economy
FIP-MIRAI@ICC aims to act as a catalyst for sustainable technologies and transform waste streams into valuable resources. The close partnership between German and Japanese players paves the way for a sustainable and future-proof industry. With this initiative, science and industry are joining forces to turn global challenges into opportunities. With the vision of promoting ecological and economic sustainability, FIP-MIRAI@ICC is setting new standards in international cooperation.

Waterloo researchers develop cloth that can heat up by 30 degrees Celsius after 10 minutes of sun exposure.

A new type of cloth developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can heat up when exposed to the sun thanks to innovative nanoparticles embedded in the fabric’s fibre. This advance represents an innovative and environmentally friendly option for staying warm in the winter.

Wearable heated clothing typically relies on metals or ceramic heating elements to heat up and an external power source, which could pose safety risks for users.

This new cloth incorporates conductive polymer nanoparticles that can heat up to 30 degrees Celsius when exposed to sunlight. The design requires no external power and can also change colour to visually monitor temperature fluctuations.

“The magic behind the temperature-sensitive colour change lies in the combination of nanoparticles embedded in the polymer fibres,” said Yuning Li, a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Chemical Engineering, and part of the research team that includes Chaoxia Wang and Fangqing Ge from the College of Textile Science and Engineering at Jiangnan University in China.

“The nanoparticles are activated by sunlight, enabling the fabric to absorb heat and convert it into warmth.”

The fibre is created using a scalable wet-spinning process, combining polyaniline and polydopamine nanoparticles to enhance light absorption and improve photothermal conversion. Thermoplastic polyurethane serves as the spinning matrix, while thermochromic dyes enable the reversible color-changing feature. The resultant fiber can be woven into fabric for wearable applications.

In addition to its temperature-changing capability, the Waterloo researcher’s new fabric can stretch out by as much as five times its original shape and withstand as much as two-dozen washings while still maintaining its function and appearance. Its reversible colour-changing ability provides a built-in temperature monitoring feature to ensure the wearer’s safety and convenience.

“We prioritized durability, ensuring the fabric could withstand repeated use and environmental exposure while maintaining its innovative properties,” said Li.

The Waterloo team is exploring more cost-effective alternatives to polydopamine to make the smart fabric technology more accessible. Future developments will focus on scaling the production process and reducing costs without compromising on the fabric’s innovative properties.

The fabric’s potential applications include aiding in cold rescue situations and solar-powered pet clothing to help keep them comfortable when outside during the winter.

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites. On February 23, 2024, SGL Carbon had already announced that it was reviewing all strategic options for the Carbon Fibers business unit. The joint venture Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes S.p.A. (BSCCB), which is allocated to the Carbon Fibers business unit for accounting purposes, is not affected by the restructuring.

A complete sale of the Business Unit Carbon Fibers was intensively evaluated, but is no longer considered feasible. Dr. Stephan Bühler, the responsible member of the Board of Management of SGL Carbon, explains: “We are in the initial phase of restructuring the Business Unit Carbon Fibers. We therefore ask for your understanding that we are currently unable to provide any specific details regarding individual site closures and the exact restructuring period. Our goal is to quickly begin the implementation in order to create clarity for our employees. We will begin the implementation of the restructuring as quickly as possible in order to contain the operating losses of CF and the associated impact on the entire SGL Carbon in the short term.”

The company is expecting one-time cash effects in the amount of approximately €50 million over the next two years due to the extensive restructuring.

Carbon Fibers produces textile, acrylic and carbon fibers at seven sites in Europe and North America, with around 870 employees. After a slump in demand for carbon fibers for the wind industry, the business unit's sales and earnings fell significantly in the course of fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

“The earlier expectations for carbon fibers as a future material for the automotive industry have not been fulfilled. The wind energy industry was also unable to compensate the shortfall in demand. In combination with increasing global over-capacities, high operating losses were incurred over the last two years, which weighed on the entire SGL Carbon,” said Andreas Klein, CEO of SGL Carbon, explaining the decision to restructure the Carbon Fiber business.

Preliminary sales and adjusted EBITDA 2024
Based on preliminary figures, Carbon Fibers generated sales of around €210 million in fiscal year 2024 (previous year: €224.9 million). According to preliminary figures, the negatively adjusted EBITDA of Carbon Fibers, excluding the share of the earnings of the joint venture BSCCB, amounted to around minus €27 million in fiscal year 2024 (previous year: minus €10.9 million), as expected.

The continued weak business development of Carbon Fibers also impacts the group. Based on preliminary figures, group sales of SGL Carbon amounted to approximately €1,026 million (previous year: €1,089.1 million) in fiscal year 2024. Preliminary adjusted EBITDA for the group of approximately €163 million was slightly below the prior-year level (2023: €168.4 million), but in line with the given guidance for 2024. Based on the current economic conditions and forecasts for some of our markets, such as the automotive and semiconductor industries, SGL Carbon expects the market environment to remain challenging in 2025.

Further information on the business development in 2024 and the final financial figures can be found in the SGL Carbon Annual Report, which will be published together with the outlook for the current fiscal year on March 20, 2025.