From the Sector

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is presenting a wide range of advanced solutions for numerous industries and markets at this year's IDEA Show in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. These include innovative applications for filtration, construction, energy, cleaning, composites, printing and healthcare as well as for the packaging industry.

From surface nonwovens for improved corrosion resistance, battery separator solutions that increase the life cycle, performance and safety of energy storage systems to the innovative Enka® solutions for pre-vegetated green roof constructions.

Flexible wetlaid technology for filtration, building & construction, energy and packaging
One highlight of this year's IDEA Show are the many different applications of Freudenberg’s unique wetlaid technology, which allows for a high level of customization together with a wide range of technical possibilities in weights, types of fibers and compositions. Thanks to the high versality of its production lines and product range, Freudenberg can meet the needs of key wetlaid markets: filtration, building & construction, energy and packaging.

The company will present its wetlaid solutions in the field of sound absorption in buildings, as well as for diverse markets such as energy, composites and horticulture. Battery separators based on wetlaid nonwoven technology increase the life cycle and safety of energy storage systems. In the composite industry, Freudenberg surfacing veils ensure abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, smooth surfaces, and enhanced mechanical strength for fiber-reinforced plastics. In addition, bio-based materials will be presented, which are ideal for biodegradable plant propagation systems.

Alongside the wetlaid nonwovens, the experts will also be showcasing their innovations in fine denier spunbond technology.

Enka®Solutions: Adapting to the changing construction industry
Another highlight of Freudenberg’s portfolio at the IDEA Show are the Enka®Solutions applications tailored to the roofing and construction market. For example, the Enka® BioCarrier that is particularly suitable for green roofs will be on display. The carrier material from Freudenberg enables pre-vegetated green roof constructions and consists of 100% bio-based raw materials. Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous ecological and financial benefits.

Am 3. April 2025 lud das STFI zum Akademiefrühstück ein, das zum Thema Mitarbeitermotivation Unternehmen der sächsischen Textilbranche sowie Vertreter der TU Chemnitz, Bundesagentur für Arbeit und der IHK Chemnitz zusammenbrachte.

In einer Podiumsdiskussion wurden Aspekte wie „gelernte Resignation“ sowie Last und Lust der Arbeit beleuchtet. Das Dilemma vieler Unternehmen ist, dass finanzielle Anreize oder ein Urlaubplus nur kurzfristig wirken. Im Austausch wurde klar, dass die Identifikation mit der Arbeit und individuelle Handlungsspielräume eine nachhaltige Basis sind, die die Motivation steigern kann. Die Experten waren einhellig der Meinung, dass eine Identifikation der Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter mit den hergestellten Produkten nicht nur die Motivation, sondern auch letztlich das wirtschaftliche Ergebnis von Unternehmen verbessern kann. Zudem muss die Grundbotschaft eines Unternehmens klar sein und von allen Führungsebenen gelebt werden.

Aus dem Erfahrungsspektrum der Unternehmer hörten die Gäste, wie viel entschlossene Kommunikationsarbeit die Veränderung in Unternehmen erfordert und dass diese auf Augenhöhe stattfinden muss. Gerade der geregelte Informationsaustausch in Schichtbetrieben durch Shopfloormanagement bietet zudem Potenzial. Gleichwohl kommt der individuellen Mitarbeiterförderung eine enorme Rolle zu. Durch geeignete Qualifizierung und Weiterbildung können Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter verantwortungsvollere Aufgaben bewältigen und zum Vorbild für Kolleginnen und Kollegen werden.

Das Fazit zum Akademiefrühstück 2025: Gelungene Mitarbeitermotivation ist eine Teamaufgabe, zu der jeder seinen Anteil im Unternehmen beisteuern muss, und für die viele Faktoren in Einklang gebracht werden müssen, damit ein tragfähiges Netz entsteht.

Seit diesem Frühjahr hat Gebr. Otto Baumwollgarne mit der Auszeichnung „EUCOTTON“ im Programm. Die Fasern für diese Garne stammen aus Griechenland und Spanien, Länder, mit einer langen Tradition in der Baumwollerzeugung und einem umfassenden Know-how.

Die EUCOTTON-Initiative gehört zur European Cotton Alliance (ECA), einer Gruppe von Baumwollverbänden und Zusammenschlüssen in Griechenland und Spanien, also den Ländern, die europäische Baumwolle produzieren. Der Hauptsitz befindet sich im griechischen Larissa und im spanischen Sevilla gibt es eine Zweigstelle. Die ECA existiert seit 2019.

Für Gebr. Otto sind die EUCOTTON-Garne eine willkommene Ergänzung des Produktportfolios, mit Schwerpunkt auf nachhaltigen und innovativen Garnen. Kurze Wege und regionale Partner, sowohl in der Beschaffung als auch in der Weiterverarbeitung, gehören zur Strategie des traditionsreichen Textilbetriebs mit Spinnerei, Zwirnerei und Färberei. Vor dem Hintergrund der neusten zollpolitischen Entwicklungen gewinnt der lokale Ansatz für Gebr. Otto zunehmend an Bedeutung.

Die europäische Rohbaumwolle stammt aus Spanien und Griechenland. Bisher wird ein Viertel dieser Fasern auch in Europa verarbeitet. Der Rest wird exportiert, um über teilweise große Umwege – bis nach Südostasien – als textile Endprodukte in die EU zurück zu gelangen. „Das ist schon aus ökologischen Gründen wenig sinnvoll“, befindet Otto-Geschäftsführer Merkel. Auch vor dem Hintergrund zunehmender Handelsbeschränkungen und Probleme in den weltweiten Lieferketten müsse ein europäisches Sourcing Priorität haben. „Es sollte unser Anliegen sein, europäische Baumwolle mehrheitlich in Europa zu verarbeiten, zumal sie eine außerordentlich hohe Qualität aufweist.“

Vorteile des europäischen Baumwollanbaus
Basis für die hohe Qualität der EUCOTTON-Garne sind fortschrittliche Produktionsmethoden, darunter die ausschließlich maschinelle Ernte. Die sorgfältigen Ernteverfahren sorgen dafür, dass die Fasern nahezu frei von Verschmutzungen sind, beispielsweise durch Fremdfasern. Auch beim Reinigen und Entkörnen wird mit modernster Technik gearbeitet.
Baumwollfasern aus spanischer und griechischer Ernte sind außergewöhnlich gleichmäßig in Bezug auf Faserlänge, -stärke und -dicke. „Das alles zahlt auf die Spinnfähigkeit der Fasern ein“, weiß Andreas Merkel. „Sie können außerdem enorm vielfältig weiterverarbeitet werden.“

Ökologische und gesellschaftliche Verantwortung
Jenseits der technischen Vorteile des Rohstoffes liefert EUCOTTON wichtige Benefits in Punkto ökologische und gesellschaftliche Verantwortung: Das gentechnikfreie Saatgut schont das Ökosystem und die natürlichen Ressourcen. Dasselbe Ziel verfolgt das Wasser-Management: Baumwollanbau ist wasserintensiv und Maßnahmen wie Tröpfchenbewässerung und Präzisionslandwirtschaft können den Impact reduzieren. Das Prinzip „Minimieren“ gilt auch beim Einsatz von Pestiziden und Insektiziden.

„Wenn wir unsere Baumwolle aus Europa beziehen, dürfen wir sicher sein, dass der gesetzliche Rahmen, beispielsweise hinsichtlich Arbeitszeiten und Arbeitssicherheit, eingehalten wird“, ergänzt Andreas Merkel.

Kurze Wege schaffen Verlässlichkeit
Neben Transparenz und hoher Qualität sind die verlässliche und schnelle Verfügbarkeit ein weiteres Argument für EUCOTTON. „Natürlich wächst hochwertige Baumwolle auch andernorts auf der Welt, beispielsweise in Peru oder den USA. Allerdings tritt sie dann erst mal eine sechs- bis achtwöchige Schiffsreise an, bevor sie in Deutschland ankommt.“ Von Spanien reist die Rohbaumwolle zuverlässig in fünf Tagen mit dem LKW bis vor die Haustür des Weiterverarbeiters.

Textile interior design at its best is an integral part of Heimtextil. Designer and architect Patricia Urquiola expressed this spectacularly in January in Frankfurt with her installation ‘among-us’. Now the leading trade fair is making its mark at Milan Design Week: exclusive products by Patricia Urquiola, created specifically for Heimtextil, are celebrating their premiere at the Design Week in Milan. Set within a diverse interior setting, they highlight the vital role textiles play in holistic design.

Two pieces designed by Patricia Urquiola exclusively for Heimtextil are staged in Milan. With their organic shapes, the ‘Gruuvelot’ sofa and the padded sculpture ‘Mushmonster’ by Moroso morph to their surroundings and invite touching and interaction. ‘Gruuvelot’ represents an organism that expands and unfolds within space. Exceptional protrusions, extensions and volumes form a flowing seating ecosystem that adapts to the body and offers a variety of possibilities for interaction. ‘Mushmonster’ is inspired by the shape of a giant mushroom and shows an organism in constant metamorphosis. At the same time, it contains a filling that enables sustainable production and complex shapes. The covering designed by Patricia Urquiola envelops the padded object. Sustainable and innovative: the fabric is produced using a water-based and CO2-saving printing process.

Until Sunday, the upholstered pieces will merge with a new design environment at the heart of Milan Design Week. Patricia Urquiola designed the Palazzo Bovara for Elle Decor. Under the title ‘Alchemica’, the installation explores the home as a transforming organism that changes throughout the day, the seasons and the stages of life. The designer plays with the metaphor of alchemy, the senses, balance and opposites. She invites visitors to experience the metamorphosis in different rooms. Right in the centre: the padded sculptures of the Heimtextil installation ‘among-us’. ‘Gruuvelot’ is positioned in the purification and light phase in a reflective room with light tones. In the indoor garden, ‘Mushmonster’ is part of a union of opposites and biomorphs in moving, cyclical light.

Die Beaulieu International Group gibt den Verkauf ihres Geschäftsbereichs für technische Textilien in Europa bekannt, der unter dem Firmennamen Beaulieu Technical Textiles (BTT) bekannt ist.

In den letzten Jahren hat die B.I.G. ihr Portfolio gründlich auf seine strategische Eignung hin überprüft. Dieser disziplinierte Ansatz im Portfoliomanagement ermöglicht es der B.I.G., ihre Ressourcen effektiver einzusetzen und höhere Renditen zu erzielen.

Beaulieu Technical Textiles wird an Fonds verkauft, die von RCP mit Sitz in München beraten werden. RCP ist eine unabhängige, internationale Private-Equity-Gesellschaft, die branchenübergreifend in Europa investiert. Ihr Schwerpunkt liegt auf Sondersituationen und Transformationsumgebungen, insbesondere auf Unternehmensausgliederungen. RCP entwickelt und transformiert aktiv Unternehmen durch Leistungsverbesserungen und Buy-and-Build-Strategien.

Michael Nier, Partner und Head of Operations bei RCP, erklärt: "Wir sehen in BTT trotz der jüngsten Herausforderungen ein großes Potenzial. Wie schon bei unseren erfolgreichen Transformationen von PowerTech Converter, Axicom und SIK Peitz werden wir die notwendigen Ressourcen, die strategische Ausrichtung und das operative Know-how bereitstellen, um die Rentabilität von BTT wiederherzustellen und langfristiges Wachstum zu fördern. Wir glauben an das Talent und das Engagement des Managements und der Mitarbeiter von BTT und werden gemeinsam daran arbeiten, das Unternehmen zu stärken, neue Möglichkeiten zu erschließen und einen nachhaltigen Weg in die Zukunft zu finden."

Das lokale Management von BTT bleibt an Bord, und die Mitarbeiter werden zu den gleichen Gehalts- und Arbeitsbedingungen übernommen. Beaulieu Technical Textiles hat seinen Sitz in Komen, Belgien, und beschäftigt heute 194 Mitarbeiter.

Finanzielle Einzelheiten der Transaktion werden nicht bekannt gegeben.

EIM (Environmental Impact Measuring), the leading global platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing—trusted by the world's top brands and textile production centers—presents the "Innovations and Challenges in Denim Finishing: 2024 Report." This pioneering report provides an analysis based on accurate, objective data from over 115,000 denim finishing processes collected through the EIM platform, setting new benchmarks for sustainability in the industry.

The report reveals that 63% of the analyzed processes are already classified as low environmental impact, reflecting a positive shift toward more responsible practices. However, it also highlights critical challenges, such as the high use of hazardous chemicals (24% of processes), particularly pumice stones and potassium permanganate—practices that urgently require safer and more sustainable alternatives due to their negative effects on both the environment and worker health.

Progress in water consumption management is also considered, as this remains one of the key environmental challenges for the textile sector. The report shows that the current average water usage in denim finishing is 30 liters per garment—still above the recommended benchmark of 22.5 liters per garment. Effective strategies for reducing water consumption include optimizing rinsing processes, selecting fabrics that require less aggressive treatments, and implementing technologies such as ozone, e-flow, and smart foam systems.

Among the proposed improvements are also the adoption of advanced technologies to reduce chemical use and protect worker health, such as the strategic selection of ZDHC-certified chemicals and the automation and digitalization of manual processes.

Begoña García, creator of the EIM platform and co-author of the report, states: “For years, the textile industry has lacked reliable tools to measure its environmental impact, making data-driven decisions difficult. This report marks a crucial step toward transparency and continuous improvement, showing that technology is key to measuring and reducing environmental impact.”

The report aims to support informed decision-making based on verifiable data, positioning EIM as a global standard essential for transparency and ongoing sustainability improvements in the textile industry.
The full report is available for download and will be updated annually, serving as a vital tool for brands and suppliers to collaborate in reducing their environmental footprint and advancing toward a more responsible and sustainable production model.

With a clear focus on sustainability, Barmag, a subsidiary of the Swiss Oerlikon Group, is presenting comprehensive solutions from its product brands Oerlikon Barmag and Oerlikon Neumag for DTY and carpet yarn production at the Morocco Stitch & Tex Expo in Casablanca. From May 13 to 15, trade visitors can talk to experts from Barmag and the joint venture BB Engineering (BBE) at the Unionmatex booth (booth B4) to get an idea of the portfolio of the chemical fiber machine manufacturer.

Sustainable and efficient – the production of DTY yarns
Oerlikon Barmag offers a wide range of DTY machine configurations for the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality textured yarns made of various polymers – from polyester and polyamide to polypropylene, PLA and PTT. The modular machines – whether manual or automatic – produce yarns for excellent downstream processing at optimal OPEX costs.

Fancy yarns increasingly in demand
The demand for textiles with special characteristics is continuously increasing. For the production of these effect yarns, such as cotton-like DTY, linen-like DTY or wool-like DTY, Oerlikon Barmag offers a variety of processes and additional components. With its high-quality and flexible technology as well as its detailed knowledge of the yarn path and the required parameter settings, Oerlikon Barmag is the ideal partner for the successful and flexible production as well as the continuous further development of these specialty yarns.

Extended product range for carpet yarns
Thanks to its comprehensive knowledge of all relevant technologies in manmade fiber spinning, Oerlikon Barmag is the only manufacturer worldwide that can expand its range for the production of carpet yarns. The system concept, based on a POY and texturing process, is designed for the carpet and home textile sector and produces particularly soft and bulky polyester threads with BCF-like properties. The aim is to produce yarns with a titer of up to 1300dtex and over 1000 filaments, such as 1300dtex f1152, 660dtex f1152 and 990dtex f768. The machine concept includes the well-known WINGS HD POY winder and the eAFK Big-V texturing machine.

Innovative bicomponent BCF yarn for the carpet market
Quality, efficiency and performance – with its latest development in the field of bicomponent yarns for carpet production, Barmag's product brand Oerlikon Neumag is meeting the carpet market's demand for innovative BCF yarns. The new BICO-BCF yarn is characterized by a richer and higher volume and simultaneously significantly reduces the raw material consumption during carpet manufacturing.

VarioFil® – versatile compact spinning system for diverse applications and specialties
The VarioFil® system from BBE is ideal for a broad range of products, whether it be carpets, upholstery fabrics, fashion, sports, seat belts or airbags. This compact turnkey spinning line is particularly suitable for producers of small batches or specialized products. It flexibly processes various polymers such as PET, PP, PA 6, PA 6.6 and PBT. In combination with Oerlikon Barmag texturing machines, a wide range of textile standard yarns as well as textured yarns with BCF-like properties can be produced.

The VarioFil® R+ enables the direct recycling and processing of PET bottle flakes and PET waste from the start-up process into POY. This sustainable machine concept offers a high degree of product flexibility, including the production of spun-dyed yarn.

JeTex® air texturing offers a versatile product portfolio
BB Engineering also offers flexible solutions for the subsequent texturing of yarns. The JeTex® air texturing system perfectly complements the Oerlikon Barmag DTY systems and expands the product portfolio to include high-quality ATY based on POY and FDY for various textile applications. The centerpiece of the system is the texturing box developed by BB Engineering, which ensures gentle yarn treatment with reliable texturing effects and production efficiency.

“From waste to value” with VacuFil and Visco
BBE's VacuFil PET recycling system transforms textile waste into high-quality rPET melt. The technology is based on decades of experience in extrusion, filtration and spinning and combines gentle large-area filtration with targeted IV control. VacuFil processes various input materials, from bottle flakes to production waste and post-consumer waste. The patented Visco+ component removes volatile contaminants and automatically regulates the IV. The recycled melt can be added to the main melt stream, pelletized into chips or fed directly back into the spinning mill. The VacuFil system is modular and flexibly adaptable to customer needs.

The Lenzing Group, a leading provider of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, announces personnel changes in the company’s Managing Board. The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG and Dr. Walter Bickel, Chief Transformation Officer of Lenzing AG, have mutually agreed to end the temporary mandate of Mr. Bickel and that Mr. Bickel will step down from his operational activities at the end of March 2025.

Mr. Bickel was appointed to the Managing Board of Lenzing AG as of April 15, 2024 to strengthen the Lenzing Managing Board and to be responsible for the further development and implementation of the performance program. Under his leadership, a significant overachievement of the planned contributions from the performance program could be realized. The basis for future significant improvement steps is established, and the program has been structured in a way that it can now be continued by Lenzing AG seamlessly.

The Lenzing Group’s holistic performance program pursues the overarching goal of significantly increasing long-term resilience to crises and greater agility in order to respond to market changes. The program initiatives are primarily aimed at improving EBITDA and generating free cash flow through increased profitability and sustainable cost excellence. Numerous activities are being undertaken to strengthen sales, such as acquiring new customers for the most important fiber types and expanding into new markets, which are already having a positive impact on sales. In addition, the Managing Board expects significant cost savings, of which more than EUR 130 m could already be realized in 2024.

In addition to the positive effects in the 2024 financial year on revenue development (+5.7 % increase in revenue compared to 2023) and earnings development (+30.4 % increase in EBITDA compared to 2023), the performance program also improved free cash flow to EUR 167.0 mn (compared to minus EUR 122.8 mn in 2023). Lenzing AG will continue to consistently implement the ongoing performance program with the aim of achieving annualized cost savings of over EUR 180 mn from the 2025 financial year onwards.

The Austrian specialist in plastics recycling systems and components, EREMA, has appointed a long-time employee as Global Sales Director: Christoph Wöss, previously Business Development Manager for the Bottle division, will take over the newly created position within the EREMA management team on April 1, 2025.

Christoph Wöss has been part of the EREMA Group for 24 years and possesses in-depth market knowledge. With his extensive experience, he is well-versed in the international markets and the specific requirements of the plastic recycling industry. In his new role, he will manage EREMA’s global sales activities and drive the company’s strategic development in the global market. In this context, Christoph Wöss will lead the international sales team and work closely with EREMA's global subsidiaries to strengthen the company's market presence.

The initiative will deploy 60 vehicles by 2030, aiming for a 90% reduction in Cavalinho’s fleet transport carbon emissions.

Solvay is advancing its sustainability efforts by partnering with Cavalinho, the leading road transport provider for its operations in Brazil. This collaboration aims to reduce the carbon footprint of Solvay's operations in Paulínia, the largest chemical complex in Brazil, which produces over 1.2 million tons of chemicals annually. Solvay will be one the first companies in Brazil to adopt biofuel-powered trucks for transportation, supporting its goal of cutting scope 3 emissions by 20% by 2030.

The project, launched on April 1, 2025, at Solvay's Paulínia site, will start operations in 2026 with an initial fleet of 20 vehicles, each with a range of 650 km. To achieve a 90% reduction in Cavalinho’s transport carbon emissions, the fleet will grow to 60 vehicles by 2030. This strategic move addresses Brazil's infrastructure challenges for long-haul electric truck travel, offering a sustainable alternative through biofuel.

This initiative is part of Paulínia's broader sustainability push. Solvay recently announced a climate project to replace two-thirds of the steam produced in its boilers, currently using fossil natural gas, with a biomass boiler initiative. Since 2005, the Paulínia site has achieved a 95% CO₂ reduction, which will reach 97% by 2027 with the biomass initiative.