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INDA remembers CK Wong (c) INDA
03.04.2024

INDA remembers CK Wong

INDA is warmly remembering CK Wong, a veteran of the nonwovens industry for more than five decades and long-time member of INDA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Wong passed away on March 22, 2024 at the age of 86.

Wong recognized the importance of the emerging nonwovens industry in the early 1970s. He began his career in the 1980s as a marketing consultant and, one year later, Wong set up his corporate headquarters in Hong Kong to convert nonwoven roll goods into disposable medical and industrial protection products. Over the past 35 years, Wong’s business grew to include household, beauty salon, sports applications, and other value-added products.

In 1994 Wong’s company officially became U.S. Pacific Nonwovens Industry Limited. His business expanded with a new converting plant in Dongguan, China, and in 2007 he invested in an adjacent building to handle his growing business. In 2018 Wong’s business broadened to include manufacturing PLA nonwovens. In addition to converted products, Wong’s business provided sales, service, and training for nonwovens equipment.

INDA is warmly remembering CK Wong, a veteran of the nonwovens industry for more than five decades and long-time member of INDA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Wong passed away on March 22, 2024 at the age of 86.

Wong recognized the importance of the emerging nonwovens industry in the early 1970s. He began his career in the 1980s as a marketing consultant and, one year later, Wong set up his corporate headquarters in Hong Kong to convert nonwoven roll goods into disposable medical and industrial protection products. Over the past 35 years, Wong’s business grew to include household, beauty salon, sports applications, and other value-added products.

In 1994 Wong’s company officially became U.S. Pacific Nonwovens Industry Limited. His business expanded with a new converting plant in Dongguan, China, and in 2007 he invested in an adjacent building to handle his growing business. In 2018 Wong’s business broadened to include manufacturing PLA nonwovens. In addition to converted products, Wong’s business provided sales, service, and training for nonwovens equipment.

Wong was an active member at INDA since the late 90s. He served as Vice Chair of Finance on the Board of Directors for many years before becoming an Appointee on INDA’s Executive Committee. Wong was instrumental in helping INDA set up partnerships with key contacts and associations in China. He was also the Honorable Chairman for the Guangdong Nonwovens Association (GDNA) and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (Spunbond Division).

More information:
INDA nonwovens
Source:

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

INDA: Five new Board of Directors' members (c) INDA
05.03.2024

INDA: Five new Board of Directors' members

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the election of five new members to serve on its 2024 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors play a key role in advancing INDA’s strategic objectives, actively supporting both the industry and the membership. Their primary responsibility lies in ensuring that INDA remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the broader nonwovens industry, guiding the formulation of policies and programs.

The five new Board members include:

  • Jaren J. Edwards, President, Stein Fibers
  • Edward McNally, Sales Director Nonwoven, Oerlikon Nonwoven
  • Thomas Olsen, Senior Vice President, Americas Business Area, Suominen
  • Patricia A Sargeant, Vice President, Glatfelter Corporation
  • Paul Wood, President, Ontex North America

The Board is comprised of elected Board Officers. One-third of the entire Board is elected each year for a three-year term by INDA’s general membership. INDA’s Executive Committee, empowered to act on behalf of the Board between meetings, consists of the Board Officers plus appointees.
The Executive Committee includes:

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the election of five new members to serve on its 2024 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors play a key role in advancing INDA’s strategic objectives, actively supporting both the industry and the membership. Their primary responsibility lies in ensuring that INDA remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the broader nonwovens industry, guiding the formulation of policies and programs.

The five new Board members include:

  • Jaren J. Edwards, President, Stein Fibers
  • Edward McNally, Sales Director Nonwoven, Oerlikon Nonwoven
  • Thomas Olsen, Senior Vice President, Americas Business Area, Suominen
  • Patricia A Sargeant, Vice President, Glatfelter Corporation
  • Paul Wood, President, Ontex North America

The Board is comprised of elected Board Officers. One-third of the entire Board is elected each year for a three-year term by INDA’s general membership. INDA’s Executive Committee, empowered to act on behalf of the Board between meetings, consists of the Board Officers plus appointees.
The Executive Committee includes:

  • Chair: Mark Thornton, Vice President, The Procter & Gamble Company
  • Vice Chair: Barbara Lawless, VP of Sales and Marketing – Medical Products, Precision Fabrics Group, Inc.
  • Past Chair: Bryan Haynes, Senior Technical Director for Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark Corporation
  • Appointee: Mike Clark, President, Filtration Solutions, Hollingsworth & Vose Company
  • Appointee: Jodi Russell, Vice President R&D, Cleaning Innovation, Packaging & Sustainability, The Clorox Company
  • Appointee: Jeff Stafford, Vice President of Nonwovens, Milliken & Company
  • Appointee: Robert Weilminster, EVP & General Manager, US & Canada – Health, Hygiene and Specialties Division, Berry Global
  • Appointee: Tom Zaiser, CEO, Indorama Ventures
Source:

INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

01.03.2024

Re:NewCell’s bankruptcy application approved

Re:NewCell AB announced that the Stockholm District Court has decided to approve the previously communicated bankruptcy application and has declared the company bankrupt.

The appointed bankruptcy trustee is lawyer Lars-Henrik Andersson at Cirio Advokatbyrå.

February,25 the Board of Directors had decided to file for bankruptcy of Re:NewCell AB at the Stockholm District Court. The reason for the decision to file for bankruptcy was that Re:NewCell has not been able to secure sufficient financing to complete the strategic review, announced on 20 November 2023, with satisfactory result.

As part of the strategic review, Re:NewCell has had well advanced negotiations with its two largest shareholders, H&M and Girindus, its existing lenders BNP Paribas, European Investment Bank, Finnvera (as partial guarantor), Nordea, AB Svensk Exportkredit and potential new investors as well as other stakeholders regarding long-term financing solutions. These discussions have not resulted in a solution which would provide Re:NewCell with the necessary liquidity and capital to ensure its operations going forward.

Re:NewCell AB announced that the Stockholm District Court has decided to approve the previously communicated bankruptcy application and has declared the company bankrupt.

The appointed bankruptcy trustee is lawyer Lars-Henrik Andersson at Cirio Advokatbyrå.

February,25 the Board of Directors had decided to file for bankruptcy of Re:NewCell AB at the Stockholm District Court. The reason for the decision to file for bankruptcy was that Re:NewCell has not been able to secure sufficient financing to complete the strategic review, announced on 20 November 2023, with satisfactory result.

As part of the strategic review, Re:NewCell has had well advanced negotiations with its two largest shareholders, H&M and Girindus, its existing lenders BNP Paribas, European Investment Bank, Finnvera (as partial guarantor), Nordea, AB Svensk Exportkredit and potential new investors as well as other stakeholders regarding long-term financing solutions. These discussions have not resulted in a solution which would provide Re:NewCell with the necessary liquidity and capital to ensure its operations going forward.

"I regret to inform that we have been forced to take this decision to file for bankruptcy. As we have a strong belief in the company’s long-term potential, we have together with our advisors spent very substantial time and efforts into trying to secure the necessary liquidity, capital and ownership structure for the company to secure its future. As part of the negotiations, we have had intense dialogues with both current main owners, new investors and our banks, as well as other stakeholders. However, these discussions have not been successful. This is a sad day for the environment, our employees, our shareholders, and our other stakeholders, and it is a testament to the lack of leadership and necessary pace of change in the fashion industry” says Chairman of the Board of Directors, Michael Berg.

More information:
Renewcell bankruptcy
Source:

Renewcell

Robert van de Kerkhof (c) Karl Michalski
Robert van de Kerkhof
27.11.2023

Robert van de Kerkhof joins HeiQ’s Board of Directors

HeiQ announces the appointment of Robert van de Kerkhof as Non-Executive Director, with effect from 1 January 2024 to the board of HeiQ plc and as Chairman of the Environmental, Occupation, Health & Safety and Sustainability Committee. Robert will also be appointed to the board of HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG (in Switzerland), a subsidiary of HeiQ plc.

Robert van de Kerkhof has over 30 years of experience in general management and sustainability leadership and extensive knowledge of the textiles industry, including cellulosic fiber technology. He founded PEPPER-i2, an advisory company specializing in sustainability and circularity. Robert also serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer and as a Board Member of Lenzing AG, a position he has held since 2014. Robert will be leaving Lenzing and its Board on the 31st. December 2023.

Robert joins HEIQ AeoniQ™ with the firm belief that the novel HEIQ AeoniQ™ man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) are one of the most promising solutions to transform the textile industry, now the second-most polluting in the world, into one of the most sustainable, by rendering fossil fuel-based fibers like polyester obsolete.

HeiQ announces the appointment of Robert van de Kerkhof as Non-Executive Director, with effect from 1 January 2024 to the board of HeiQ plc and as Chairman of the Environmental, Occupation, Health & Safety and Sustainability Committee. Robert will also be appointed to the board of HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG (in Switzerland), a subsidiary of HeiQ plc.

Robert van de Kerkhof has over 30 years of experience in general management and sustainability leadership and extensive knowledge of the textiles industry, including cellulosic fiber technology. He founded PEPPER-i2, an advisory company specializing in sustainability and circularity. Robert also serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer and as a Board Member of Lenzing AG, a position he has held since 2014. Robert will be leaving Lenzing and its Board on the 31st. December 2023.

Robert joins HEIQ AeoniQ™ with the firm belief that the novel HEIQ AeoniQ™ man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) are one of the most promising solutions to transform the textile industry, now the second-most polluting in the world, into one of the most sustainable, by rendering fossil fuel-based fibers like polyester obsolete.

Robert has also held senior positions as President of the Austrian Fiber Institute, President and Board Member of CIRFS – the European Man-made Fibres Association, and Chairman of the ReHubs Business Council for Euratex, which is the voice of the European Apparel and Textile Industry.

Source:

HeiQ

INDA’s Wes Fisher named a 2023 Top Lobbyist (c) NILE
15.11.2023

INDA’s Wes Fisher named a 2023 Top Lobbyist

INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces that Director of Government Affairs Wes Fisher was named a 2023 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). The list includes professionals with legislative success in 2023, have been innovative in their field, are held in high regard by their peers, give back to their community through charity or pro bono work, and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Fisher joined INDA in 2022, he previously held senior government affairs positions at the Pet Advocacy Network and the National Automatic Merchandising Association. His work at INDA has included interfacing with lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders at the state, local, federal, and international levels and participating in UN negotiations regarding the ongoing Global Plastics Treaty. He serves on the board of directors of the Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG) and in 2022 was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Virginia Rare Disease Council.

INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces that Director of Government Affairs Wes Fisher was named a 2023 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). The list includes professionals with legislative success in 2023, have been innovative in their field, are held in high regard by their peers, give back to their community through charity or pro bono work, and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Fisher joined INDA in 2022, he previously held senior government affairs positions at the Pet Advocacy Network and the National Automatic Merchandising Association. His work at INDA has included interfacing with lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders at the state, local, federal, and international levels and participating in UN negotiations regarding the ongoing Global Plastics Treaty. He serves on the board of directors of the Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG) and in 2022 was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Virginia Rare Disease Council.

Source:

INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

12.09.2023

IVC Board: Stefan Braun succeeds Klaus Holz

The new chairman of the Industrievereinigung Chemiefaser e. V. is Stefan Braun, managing director of Indorama Ventures Mobility Obernburg GmbH.

Braun, who had already held the chair twice between 2014 and 2020, was elected in June 2023 at the IVC annual members' meeting in Lenzing, Austria. Klaus Holz, Managing Director of Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany GmbH, was not available for re-election after one term as IVC Chair and two previous terms as Vice-Chair.

The IVC General Assembly appointed Dieter Feldmann, Managing Director of CERDIA Produktions GmbH, as Deputy Chairman. He succeeds Werner Häller, COO of Monosuisse AG, who did not stand for this position. The previous Treasurer of the IVC, Dr. Till Boldt, Managing Director of ENKA International Lux SE & Co. KG, was confirmed in office for the fifth consecutive term.

All elections took place according to rotation. Deviating from the usual mandate of 3 years, the Board of Directors had itself elected for a shortened term until June 2024.

The new chairman of the Industrievereinigung Chemiefaser e. V. is Stefan Braun, managing director of Indorama Ventures Mobility Obernburg GmbH.

Braun, who had already held the chair twice between 2014 and 2020, was elected in June 2023 at the IVC annual members' meeting in Lenzing, Austria. Klaus Holz, Managing Director of Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany GmbH, was not available for re-election after one term as IVC Chair and two previous terms as Vice-Chair.

The IVC General Assembly appointed Dieter Feldmann, Managing Director of CERDIA Produktions GmbH, as Deputy Chairman. He succeeds Werner Häller, COO of Monosuisse AG, who did not stand for this position. The previous Treasurer of the IVC, Dr. Till Boldt, Managing Director of ENKA International Lux SE & Co. KG, was confirmed in office for the fifth consecutive term.

All elections took place according to rotation. Deviating from the usual mandate of 3 years, the Board of Directors had itself elected for a shortened term until June 2024.

IVC Managing Director Dr Wilhelm Rauch will leave IVC after almost 22 years when his contract expires on 31 January 2024 and will take on new tasks. The chemist with a doctorate and REACH expert is looking forward to making his expertise available to companies across sectors in the future.

Source:

Industrievereinigung Chemiefaser e.V. (IVC)

(c) Hypetex
15.03.2023

Michael Dowse joins Hypetex Board

UK advanced materials and technology firm Hypetex, a manufacturer of coloured carbon fibre, has appointed Michael Dowse as a Non-Executive Director and Board Member.

Dowse brings experiences across sport and retail, following leadership roles at some of the biggest sports organisations and companies in the world. He was a Global Director for Nike before becoming President and General Manager Outdoor Americas for Amer Sports, managing brands such as Salomon, Arc’Teryx and Suunto.

As President of Wilson Sporting Goods (2013-2019), Dowse led 1,500+ colleagues in delivering the company’s global strategy, corporate operations, and manufacturing across more than 160 countries. He then took up the position of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the United States Tennis Association (2020-2022).

Dowse will join a group of advisors at Hypetex, which includes Board Chairman Neil MacDougall and former Diageo Chief Financial Officer Nick Rose. They will support CEO Marc Cohen and Chief Technology Officer Nigel Dunlea as they continue to expand the company’s presence in sport and other sectors worldwide.

UK advanced materials and technology firm Hypetex, a manufacturer of coloured carbon fibre, has appointed Michael Dowse as a Non-Executive Director and Board Member.

Dowse brings experiences across sport and retail, following leadership roles at some of the biggest sports organisations and companies in the world. He was a Global Director for Nike before becoming President and General Manager Outdoor Americas for Amer Sports, managing brands such as Salomon, Arc’Teryx and Suunto.

As President of Wilson Sporting Goods (2013-2019), Dowse led 1,500+ colleagues in delivering the company’s global strategy, corporate operations, and manufacturing across more than 160 countries. He then took up the position of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the United States Tennis Association (2020-2022).

Dowse will join a group of advisors at Hypetex, which includes Board Chairman Neil MacDougall and former Diageo Chief Financial Officer Nick Rose. They will support CEO Marc Cohen and Chief Technology Officer Nigel Dunlea as they continue to expand the company’s presence in sport and other sectors worldwide.

Source:

Hypetex

Stephan Sielaff Photo: Lenzing. Stephan Sielaff appointed as new CEO of Lenzing AG
09.03.2022

Stephan Sielaff appointed as new CEO of Lenzing AG

  • Stephan Sielaff replaces interim CEO Cord Prinzhorn

  • CFO Thomas Obendrauf will not extend his contract

  • Chairman of the Supervisory Board Peter Edelmann will no longer be available as Chairman at the end of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

  • Cord Prinzhorn returns to Supervisory Board and will take over as Chairman

The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG has appointed Stephan Sielaff, the former CTO/COO of Lenzing AG, as the new CEO effective April 01, 2022. He succeeds Cord Prinzhorn, who took over as interim CEO in the fourth quarter of 2021. Cord Prinzhorn will return to the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG. The Managing Board will thus be reduced again from five to four members.

  • Stephan Sielaff replaces interim CEO Cord Prinzhorn

  • CFO Thomas Obendrauf will not extend his contract

  • Chairman of the Supervisory Board Peter Edelmann will no longer be available as Chairman at the end of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

  • Cord Prinzhorn returns to Supervisory Board and will take over as Chairman

The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG has appointed Stephan Sielaff, the former CTO/COO of Lenzing AG, as the new CEO effective April 01, 2022. He succeeds Cord Prinzhorn, who took over as interim CEO in the fourth quarter of 2021. Cord Prinzhorn will return to the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG. The Managing Board will thus be reduced again from five to four members.

Stephan Sielaff holds a degree in chemical engineering and held various management positions at Unilever and Symrise from 1993 to 2014. Between 2014 and 2020, he was responsible for the strategic development of the company as a Member of the Board of Directors (COO) at the Swiss specialty chemicals company Archroma – an important supplier of the textile and paper industry. He was appointed Chief Technology Officer and COO of Lenzing AG as of March 01, 2020.

CFO Thomas Obendrauf has informed the Supervisory Board that he will not be available for a further extension of his contract, which expires in June 2022. The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG is already working on a timely replacement. Mr. Obendrauf will be available to the company in an advisory capacity until a successor is appointed.

Peter Edelmann will leave the Supervisory Board upon his own request, effective April 26, 2022. Cord Prinzhorn will return to the Supervisory Board and will take over as Chairman.