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17.04.2025

New members to Lenzing’s supervisory board

On April 17, 2025, the 81st Annual General Meeting of Lenzing AG adopted the resolution to discharge the members of the Managing and Supervisory Boards acting in the 2024 financial year and set the remuneration of the Supervisory Board members for the 2025 financial year.

In addition, a revised remuneration policy was approved. In order to align the remuneration policy for the Managing Board even more closely with the interests of shareholders, the link to share price performance in performance-based remuneration, in particular, was further strengthened. The new remuneration policy of Lenzing AG is also linked to non-financial sustainability criteria (ESG) in addition to financial performance criteria.

KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- u. Steuerberatungsgesellschaft was appointed as the auditor for both the separate and the consolidated financial statements and also as the auditor of the sustainability reporting for the 2025 financial year.

On April 17, 2025, the 81st Annual General Meeting of Lenzing AG adopted the resolution to discharge the members of the Managing and Supervisory Boards acting in the 2024 financial year and set the remuneration of the Supervisory Board members for the 2025 financial year.

In addition, a revised remuneration policy was approved. In order to align the remuneration policy for the Managing Board even more closely with the interests of shareholders, the link to share price performance in performance-based remuneration, in particular, was further strengthened. The new remuneration policy of Lenzing AG is also linked to non-financial sustainability criteria (ESG) in addition to financial performance criteria.

KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungs- u. Steuerberatungsgesellschaft was appointed as the auditor for both the separate and the consolidated financial statements and also as the auditor of the sustainability reporting for the 2025 financial year.

Elections to the Supervisory Board
The Annual General Meeting also elected Patrick Lackenbucher and Leonardo Grimaldi as new members of the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG until the end of the Annual General Meeting that adopts the resolution that discharges the Supervisory Board members acting in the 2029 financial year. The mandate of Stefan Fida was also extended until the end of the Annual General Meeting that adopts the resolution that discharges the Supervisory Board members acting in the 2029 financial year.

The elections to the Supervisory Board were due to the expiry of the terms of office of Stefan Fida and of Cord Prinzhorn, who is thereby stepping down from the Supervisory Board in order to concentrate in the future on both existing as well as new tasks within the B&C Group. Marcelo Feriozzi Bacci had already stepped down from the Supervisory Board at his own request on December 6, 2024.

As a consequence, the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG continues to consist of ten members elected by the Annual General Meeting: Carlos Aníbal de Almeida Junior, Cornelius Baur, Helmut Bernkopf, Stefan Fida, Markus Fürst, Franz Gasselsberger, Leonardo Grimaldi, Patrick Lackenbucher, Gerhard Schwartz and Astrid Skala-Kuhmann. Stefan Ertl, Stephan Gruber, Bonita Haag, Helmut Kirchmair and Johann Schernberger were delegated to the Supervisory Board by the Works Council.

At the constituent meeting of the Supervisory Board following the Annual General Meeting, Patrick Lackenbucher was elected Chairman, Carlos de Almeida was elected First Deputy Chairman and Stefan Fida was elected Second Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

Source:

Lenzing AG

StitchTogether project Photo Euratex
17.04.2025

StitchTogether project - Turkish social partners present the Istanbul Declaration

On 8-9 April 2025, social partners from the Turkish textile industry met in Istanbul to discuss different topics such as the green and digital transition, due diligence and brand responsibility, skills and training in the textile sector, as well as the next steps in their efforts to achieve broader and more effective social dialogue.

In the context of the EU-funded StitchTogether project, which aims at promoting social partnerships in the European Textiles and Clothing Industry in seven countries in the EU and Türkiye, this seminar was also the occasion to draft the Istanbul Declaration: a joint statement to emphasise the social partners’ strong commitment to work together.

The meeting in Türkiye brought together representatives of the Turkish textile industry, including the Turkish employer association (TTSİS), national trade unions (Teksif, Öz İplik İş, DİSK Tekstil), brands representatives, the Ministry of Labour and stakeholders from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Social Labour Convergence Programme, to discuss the future of the industry.

On 8-9 April 2025, social partners from the Turkish textile industry met in Istanbul to discuss different topics such as the green and digital transition, due diligence and brand responsibility, skills and training in the textile sector, as well as the next steps in their efforts to achieve broader and more effective social dialogue.

In the context of the EU-funded StitchTogether project, which aims at promoting social partnerships in the European Textiles and Clothing Industry in seven countries in the EU and Türkiye, this seminar was also the occasion to draft the Istanbul Declaration: a joint statement to emphasise the social partners’ strong commitment to work together.

The meeting in Türkiye brought together representatives of the Turkish textile industry, including the Turkish employer association (TTSİS), national trade unions (Teksif, Öz İplik İş, DİSK Tekstil), brands representatives, the Ministry of Labour and stakeholders from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Social Labour Convergence Programme, to discuss the future of the industry.

Together, social partners call upon the 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. The Istanbul Declaration also includes a series of priorities, confirming social partners’ commitment in working together for a more competitive and fair Turkish textile industry.   

Judith Kirton-Darling, IndustriAll Europe's general secretary stated that “There are more than 1 million workers in the textile industry in Türkiye, who are facing many challenges which they have to adapt to. We stand in solidarity with our Turkish partners and recall the fundamental importance of freedom of association and freedom of collective bargaining in both law and practice, essential for the sector’s economic resilience.”

Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX Director General, stressed that “Turkish companies face important challenges to adapt to a fast changing environment. This requires flexibility and joint efforts from workers and employers alike, to remain competitive. A constructive and open social dialogue is critical in this regard.”

Source:

Euratex

INDA Honors Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly with 2025 Lifetime Service Awards Graphic by INDA
17.04.2025

INDA Honors Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly with 2025 Lifetime Service Awards

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, proudly announces Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly as the recipients of the 2025 INDA Lifetime Service Awards. Carl and Lynda are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA.

“I am thrilled to recognize Carl and Lynda for their exceptional dedication and impactful contributions,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs at INDA. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy play vital roles in shaping the future of the nonwovens industry. I am looking forward to seeing and giving them their Awards at Hygienix and IDEA®25.”

 

  • Carl Cucuzza will receive his award during the Hygienix™ Conference on November 18th at 4:30 pm.
  • Lynda Kelly will receive her award during IDEA®25 on April 29th at 4:45 pm.

Here are the Award recipients:

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, proudly announces Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly as the recipients of the 2025 INDA Lifetime Service Awards. Carl and Lynda are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA.

“I am thrilled to recognize Carl and Lynda for their exceptional dedication and impactful contributions,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, Director of Education & Technical Affairs at INDA. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy play vital roles in shaping the future of the nonwovens industry. I am looking forward to seeing and giving them their Awards at Hygienix and IDEA®25.”

 

  • Carl Cucuzza will receive his award during the Hygienix™ Conference on November 18th at 4:30 pm.
  • Lynda Kelly will receive her award during IDEA®25 on April 29th at 4:45 pm.

Here are the Award recipients:

Carl Cucuzza: INDA Lifetime Service Award
“I am deeply honored and thankful to receive this Lifetime Service Award from INDA. It has been a blessing to collaborate with a close-knit community of dedicated professionals who continually innovate in ways that improve lives while protecting the environment. I’m grateful for the recognition and continue to be excited to see steady growth through the entrepreneurial spirit that is a hallmark of this industry.”

Carl Cucuzza, prior to retirement, was President and Managing Partner of Teknoweb North America, a key supplier of converting equipment for wet and dry wipes, facemasks, and similar disposable products. He also partnered with his son in establishing the Hot Melt Supply Company, which provides service and support for adhesive applications in the disposables, product assembly, and packaging industries.

Prior to that, Carl was General Manager of Newco Enterprises, Inc. and Global Sales and Marketing Manager for the Nonwovens Systems Group of Nordson Corporation. In that role, Carl directly managed the North American and European sales efforts to disposables producers and personally coordinated hot melt systems sales and support activities for a major producer’s global baby diaper production expansion through the 1990s.

Carl is a past board member of INDA, Organizing Committee member, Moderator and Presenter for over 35 years at Vision, WOW, Hygienix, and various other domestic and international conferences. He has been recognized by the state of Georgia with the Award for Product Development and Management Excellence and has received seven patents for machinery and processes for the production of disposable products. He has also published numerous technical papers and articles, consulted on disposables projects, and acted as an expert witness.

Born and raised in Bradford, PA, and living in Monroe, GA, he and his wife Toni have been married for 47 years and have four children and four grandchildren,

Lynda Kelly: INDA Lifetime Service Award
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive the INDA Lifetime Service Award. Growing up in this amazing industry has been a remarkable journey, working alongside so many incredible colleagues across the globe to develop and sell unique nonwoven product solutions and technologies. As an industry, we have achieved so much over the decades, and I am proud to have been part of its evolution. It has truly been an incredible experience!

Lynda Kelly served as Senior Vice President, Americas & Business Development for Suominen Corporation until her retirement in 2023, due to health challenges. She dedicated nearly a decade to Suominen, where she led the Care team then transitioned to lead Americas sales team alongside global product and business development professionals. Under her leadership, the company successfully advanced its sales, market presence, and innovative products to achieve optimal profitability.

Lynda began her career at Kendall, which later merged into International Paper/Veratec and eventually became BBA Nonwovens. Throughout her tenure, she managed sales and marketing across various sectors, advancing into leadership roles. Early in her career, she embraced an expatriate assignment in Toronto, Canada, which provided her with early exposure to the rapidly growing spunmelt market.

In addition to her time at Suominen, Lynda brought deep expertise to the nonwovens industry through 11 years at First Quality Nonwovens, where she helped expand their spunmelt nonwovens offerings in the medical market. She also gained valuable insights into consulting during her two years with John Starr.

A devoted contributor to the nonwovens industry, Lynda remains a long-term supporter of INDA initiatives. She played a significant role as a key member of INDA’s AAMI medical disposable standards committee, helping to shape critical industry-wide guidelines. From 2019 to 2022, she served on the INDA Board of Directors, navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic and advocating for collaboration across the sector. While at Suominen, she championed wellness-focused events like the “Run or Walk with Suominen,” blending industry engagement with health, fun, and community.

Lynda’s passion for the nonwovens industry extended beyond her professional contributions. Known for her enthusiasm, she often turned personal encounters into learning opportunities. For example, she would often examine new nonwoven products in a hospital or doctor’s office to spark inspiration. This curiosity drove her to learn more, initiate meaningful conversations, and implement innovative changes within her own teams.

Above all, Lynda cherishes the relationships she developed throughout her career. From colleagues to friends, she believes the most rewarding part of her journey was the people who enriched it. For Lynda, the true heart of the nonwovens industry has always been the connections and partnerships that make it thrive.

Source:

INDA

17.04.2025

Insolvenzen und Kundenabwanderung bei 15 Euro Mindestlohn

Der BTE begrüßt und unterstützt ausdrücklich die Erklärung des HDE Handelsverband Deutschland und weiterer bedeutender Wirtschaftsverbände gegen einen staatlich festgelegten Mindestlohn. Die aktuelle Diskussion um eine politisch vorgegebene Erhöhung des Mindestlohns auf 15 Euro im Jahr 2026 lässt auch viele Textil-, Schuh- und Lederwarenhändler um ihre Existenz bangen.  

Der BTE begrüßt und unterstützt ausdrücklich die Erklärung des HDE Handelsverband Deutschland und weiterer bedeutender Wirtschaftsverbände gegen einen staatlich festgelegten Mindestlohn. Die aktuelle Diskussion um eine politisch vorgegebene Erhöhung des Mindestlohns auf 15 Euro im Jahr 2026 lässt auch viele Textil-, Schuh- und Lederwarenhändler um ihre Existenz bangen.  

Ein Großteil der Unternehmen kann sich eine solch hohe Kostensteigerung betriebswirtschaftlich nicht leisten. Im stationären Textil- und Outfithandel stagnieren seit Jahren die Umsätze, während die Kosten in den letzten fünf Jahren um rund 20 Prozent gestiegen sind. Die Mindestlöhne haben sich seit Anfang 2022 sogar um über 30 Prozent erhöht. „Viele mittelständische Fachgeschäfte würde eine weitere Steigerung auf 15 Euro und die damit notwendigen Anpassungen in höheren Gehaltsstufen in die roten Zahlen treiben“, erläutert BTE-Präsident Mark Rauschen.
 
Das läge vor allem daran, dass Kostensteigerungen wegen des intensiven Wettbewerbs in der gesamten Fashionbranche kaum an die Kunden weitergegeben werden könnten. Ansonsten wanderten die Kunden in preiswertere Handelsformate ab. „Im ungünstigsten Fall landen sie dann bei asiatischen Billigplattformen mit oft minderwertiger und zum Teil rechtlich nicht verkaufsfähiger Ware“, warnt Rauschen. „So gehen Arbeitsplätze und Steuereinnahmen in Deutschland verloren!“
 
Selbst tragen können die meisten Geschäfte solch hohe Personalkostensteigerungen nicht. Nach einer aktuellen BTE-Umfrage waren die Hälfte der Textil-, Schuh- und Lederwarenhändler bereits im letzten Jahr defizitär (inkl. kalkulatorischer Kosten). Bei mehr als einem Viertel betrug der operative Verlust sogar mehr als fünf Prozent vom Umsatz. „Wenn jetzt als Folge der Mindestlohnerhöhung die Gehälter überdurchschnittlich steigen, rechnen wir mit einer Insolvenz- und Schließungswelle im Fashion- und Schuhhandel“, prognostiziert der BTE-Präsident.

Dabei sind gerade mittelständische Fachgeschäfte auf gute Mitarbeiter angewiesen, weil sie ihren Kunden eine hohe Service- und Beratungsqualität bieten wollen. „Wir zahlen dafür gerne gute und leistungsgerechte Gehälter, einen politisch festgelegten Mindestlohn lehnen wir aber grundsätzlich ab“, konstatiert Mark Rauschen. „Die Tarifautonomie hat in Deutschland aus gutem Grund Verfassungsrang und muss vor politischen Eingriffen geschützt bleiben!“

Source:

BTE Handelsverband Textil Schuhe Lederwaren