From the Sector

• International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Romatex (Pty) Ltd., South Africa, to supply a new batt forming line.

The line will be dedicated to the production of Maliwatt products used in a wide range of applications, including home textiles. Start-up of the line is planned for the fourth quarter of 2022.

ANDRITZ will deliver dedicated batt forming equipment, mixing an aXcess card and an eXcelle crosslapper to achieve the technical characteristics Romatex requires in terms of product quality and line performance. This new stitchbonding line will enable Romatex to better serve the growing customer requirements in terms of availability of high-quality products.

This will be the third line supplied by ANDRITZ to Romatex in four years. Helmut Höck, General Manager Operations at Romatex, says: “We bought our first line from ANDRITZ in 2017, then another one in 2019. We have been very satisfied with the close collaboration between our companies, the flexibility and reliability of the machines, as well as the excellent service from ANDRITZ over all these years. The experience has been uncomplicated. This has given us the confidence to consider ANDRITZ for a further investment.”

ANDRITZ is one of the global market leaders for supply of nonwoven production technologies, including batt forming equipment for the stitchbonding processes used to make Maliwatt, Malivlies and Multiknit. This segment addresses a variety of applications, including automotive, household, bedding, footwear, wipes, and many others.

Romatex is the leader in Maliwatt stitchbonding in Africa. Its facility is located in Cape Town. One of the company’s key strengths is its product diversification. Today, the company offers a complete range of bed linen, duvets, pillows, and stitchbonded products.

• Mimaki’s Newest Product Series to Transform the Sign Graphics and Textile Markets with Improved Efficiency and Quality 
• Mimaki to launch the 330 Printer Series and the new entry-level cutting plotter series, the CG-AR

Mimaki Europe today announces a brand-new large format inkjet printer series, the 330 Series, including the JV330-160, CJV330-160 and TS330-1600, as well as a new range of CG-AR cutting plotters. Launched during the company’s Global Innovation Days event, the 330 Series leverages Mimaki’s cross-platform strategy, to offer a high-end yet cost effective printing solution across several sectors. Similarly, the CG-AR Series offers users new workflow enhancing, entry-level cutting plotter technologies available in three sizes. Both launches align with Mimaki’s objective to grow both its high-end and entry-level product range, to further encourage and support customers expanding and improving upon their printing services and product offering.

Introducing Mimaki’s latest printers – the 330 Series

Following on from the success of the 100 and 300 Plus Series, the 330 Series was developed to offer mid- to high-end printing models, focusing on high image quality and productivity. As a company renowned for its high-colour range, Mimaki’s newest printers can achieve high resolution, durable prints for both the Sign Graphic and Textile industries. 

The eco-solvent inkjet printers, the JV330-160 and CJV330-160, deliver the high-standard of colour required for indoor and outdoor sign graphics through the new “Deep Color Natural” input profile, offering eye-catching and vivid solid colours, natural skin tones as well as deep reds and neutral greys. With printing speeds of 21.0m2/h during standard mode while using 4 colours, this printer is ideal for print jobs that require quick delivery. The in-built cleaning mechanisms and monitoring features ensure an efficient workflow and allow for longer running times.

Both models feature a newly designed unwinding system that allows three rolls of media to be loaded simultaneously, greatly reducing the time and manpower required to change print media. One operator can bring the desired media into position simply by turning the media changer. Another standard feature is an “XY slitter” - a highly precise cutting technology, which provides in-line X-axis and Y-axis sheet-fed cutting. This eliminates the unwinding and rough cutting from the workflow, helping printers to significantly speed up and streamline the post-process, with less interference needed.

The print-only model JV330-160 as well as the integrated printer and cutter CJV330-160 will be available globally in April 2022.

In addition to the Sign Graphics solutions, Mimaki has also released the TS330-1600, a sublimation transfer inkjet printer, for the textile industry. Enabling both high production and high image quality, and equipped with new functions to improve stable operation, the TS330-1600 can achieve a printing speed of 69m2/h in Draft mode with a 4-colour ink set, with the fastest mode reaching up to 135m2/h. The newest cleaning mechanism applies a cloth wiper that removes unwanted ink from the nozzle surface, reducing ink splatter and improving the overall upkeep of the machine.

Increasing efficiency with entry-level CG-AR plotting cutter series

Alongside the 330 Series, Mimaki has also launched the CG-AR Series plotting cutters. Available in three different sizes (CG-60AR, CG-100AR and CG-130AR), these plotters go above and beyond current entry-level options available today. Recognising customer demand of shorter delivery times, these cutters provide increased speed and accuracy, all with user-friendly operability. In addition, the cutters have the ability to handle a diverse range of materials, such as PVC, fluorescent and reflective sheets.

• IVL commits to being an industry leader in sustainability under ‘Vision 2030’

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, today reported a record FY2021 performance as the economic recovery drove demand across the company’s global footprint. 

Mr Aloke Lohia, Indorama Ventures Group CEO, said: “In 2021 we proved the resilience of our global footprint and our integrated portfolio across the polyester value chain. The past two years were an unprecedented period of disruption in which our business model’s robustness and our teams’ agility were tested. Having reset our business plan for the ‘new normal’ era, I have never been more confident in our model, our strategy, and our teams."

2021 Summary

In 2021, IVL delivered Core EBITDA of US$1,743 million (up 55% YoY) on production volumes of 14.72 MMT (up 7% YoY). Consolidated Revenue increased 38% YoY to US$14,629 million as consumer confidence rebounded and the company’s resilient model benefited from rising inflation, energy price hikes and supply chain shocks.

Macroeconomic tailwinds supported IVL’s performance, including government stimulus packages. In premium western markets, higher freight rates improved the company’s local import parity pricing advantage. In the fourth quarter, the introduction of China’s dual control policy widened polyester margins. 

IVL’s largest Combined PET segment posted a 39% increase in Core EBITDA to US$1,103 million in the context of strong demand and low inventories. The resetting of PET contracts in 2022 is expected to capture higher freight rates and the consequent beneficial impact on import parity. The segment is expected to enjoy improved margins in 2022.

Integrated Oxides & Derivatives (IOD) recorded a Core EBITDA of US$377 million, up 228% from a year earlier. With higher oil prices expected to continue into 2022, the segment will continue to benefit from shale gas economics, improving MEG spreads, and upside from Lake Charles (IVOL) ethylene cracker, which resumed operations in late 2021. The Oxiteno acquisition, expected to close in H1 2022, will bring complementary products, green energy innovation, and geographical diversification to the IOD segment.

Fibers segment delivered a 37% increase in Core EBITDA of US$268 million as volumes rose 11%. Margins widened due to tighter markets and a favorable product mix, with setbacks coming from energy and commodity price increases, while the ongoing semiconductor shortage impacted the Mobility vertical.

Mr D K Agarwal, CEO and CFO at Indorama Ventures, said: “The performance was a result of a number of important macroeconomic factors, such as heightened crude oil prices, supply disruptions, and resurgent consumer confidence as vaccinations were rolled out in the pandemic’s second full year. These factors led to improved margins and benefited us as a preferred regional supplier that can react quickly to fulfill our customer needs. Our transformation programs that we started three years ago are also delivering efficiency gains faster than planned. As the world emerges from the pandemic, our increased confidence in IVL’s resilient model sets a strong foundation for further growth through 2024.”

Sicomin supported the build of Dubai’s Museum of the Future and supplied its bio-based intumescent gelcoat as well as fire-retardant laminating resins for the production of over 200 double curved panels making up the interior of the Museum’s entrance lobby.

The Museum of the Future, a new addition to Dubai’s skyline by architects Killa Design, engineers Buro Happold and contractor BAM International, opened last week on 22nd February 2022 and features a large percentage of composite materials in the interior construction.

Advanced Fiberglass Industries (AFI) manufactured 230 double curved interior panels, a double-helix DNA structure staircase that scales the full seven levels of the museum and 228 GRP oval shaped light structures for the museums car parking area.

Adaptable mould technology from Danish company Adapa, was introduced by Advanced Fiberglass Industries, Dubai (AFI) to ensure that the interior panels could be delivered in line with the project schedule. As well as allowing each panel shape to be rapidly configured without the machining of traditional moulds, the adaptive mould technology massively reduced waste generated in the moulding process, contributing to the building’s low carbon LEED platinum credentials.

With a challenging structural and fire safety specification defined, Sicomin’s bio-based SGi128 intumescent gelcoat and SR1122 fire retardant laminating epoxy were chosen for the panels, an additional advantage being that in addition to high fire properties, SGi 128 is also formulated with over 30% carbon from renewable sources, reducing the final carbon footprint significantly.  

Sicomin worked alongside the panel manufacturer, providing technical support for the fire test panels and the initial Adapa moulding trials.

• Patterning from the cloud
• SwapKnit – KARL MAYER's first Smart Machine function revolutionizes the way of guide bar control

A view of machine data from anywhere and at any time, service support as if on site but from far away, patterning from the cloud: digitalization offers completely new possibilities in warp knitting, which KARL MAYER is using to offer its customers a wide range of advantages for their business. In doing so, the world market leader is pursuing a well thought-out strategy: coordinated innovation activities are being used above all to rethink aftersales support and machine maintenance, and to develop coordinated offers in three areas. These are Care Solutions, Digital Solutions and Smart Machine.

Smart Machine comprises special functions that are backed by KARL MAYER's expertise and enable customers to maximize their productivity. In addition, a previously unattainable reproducibility of quality is possible.

A first solution for this is SwapKnit. The new patterning concept manages completely without pattern discs, but still enables the high operating speeds typical of mechanical guide bar drives. The basis for this is the networking of the machine via the k.ey device with the KM.ON cloud.

• Speed of operation and pattern change
• Lapping procurement per individual purchase or flat rate
• Best article reproducibility

Further steps to follow
As the first Smart Machine offering, SwapKnit marks the start of digital innovations with which KARL MAYER offers its customers more benefits from its machines. Further innovations will follow.
"In our development activities, in addition to the important topics such as more speed and flexibility, we also have simplified handling and the possibilities of automation in mind. We want maximum efficiency with minimum operating effort," says Kay Hilbert.

• Konzentration auf profitable Umsatzbringer

Bei der Messe Frankfurt hofft man auf ein baldiges Abklingen der Pandemie, um wieder geschäftlich aktiv werden und Umsätze erzielen zu können.
Die Geschäftsführung der Messe Frankfurt sei entschlossen, das Unternehmen schnellstmöglich wieder auf den Wachstumspfad zurückzuführen. „Um dies zu erreichen, werden wir uns vollständig auf unsere profitablen Umsatzbringer konzentrieren, die wir fortan ohne weitere finanzielle Mittel unserer Gesellschafter oder anderer Dritter auf unserem Messegelände steuern und entwickeln können“, sagt Wolfgang Marzin, Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung der Messe Frankfurt.
 
Dazu habe das Management eine Reihe von sich ergänzenden Maßnahmen umgesetzt, die in den Monaten des Geschäftsstillstands vorbereitet worden seien und sich auf das Portfolio der Veranstaltungen sowie ergänzende Dienstleistungen bezögen: Die Hypermotion wird in einer veränderten Form weitergeführt; die gesellschaftlich relevanten Themen moderner Mobilitätskonzepte werden als Konferenzthemen weiterentwickelt und leisten auch künftig einen wichtigen Beitrag zu einem gesellschaftlichen und fachlichen Diskurs.
 
Die Fachmesse Musikmesse Frankfurt wird nicht fortgesetzt. Die Gründe hierfür seien marktbedingt. Die Marktstruktur habe sich derart verändert, dass keine wirtschaftliche Perspektive für das Produkt mehr erwartet werden könne. Davon unberührt bliebe die erfolgreiche Music China, die einen erheblichen Wertbeitrag für das Unternehmen leistet.
 
„Die Konsumgütermessen wurden bereits unter dem Motto „Home of Consumer Goods“ zusammengefasst, ein Konzept, das national wie international auf Zustimmung und Interesse in den Märkten stößt“, so Detlef Braun, Geschäftsführer der Messe Frankfurt.
 
„Unser Gelände ist so entwickelt, dass wir bei Bedarf auch zwei oder mehr Veranstaltungen zeitgleich beherbergen können. Beginnend mit der Prolight + Sound stehen für die Messe Frankfurt für das Jahr 2022 allein in Frankfurt 135 Messen, Kongresse und Konzerte an“, ergänzt Uwe Behm, Geschäftsführer der Messe Frankfurt.
 
Mit den Entscheidungen zu den Portfoliobereinigungen sowie der Neuaufstellung beispielsweise der Medienservices des Unternehmens – verbunden mit einem deutlich erweiterten digitalen Angebot – könne sich die Messe Frankfurt vollständig auf ihre profitablen Umsatzbringer konzentrieren. Sie werde ihre digitalen Angebote forciert vermarkten, neue Gastveranstaltungen für Frankfurt gewinnen und sich den Zukunftsthemen Nachhaltigkeit und Digitalisierung widmen.

• Winners in Six Categories to be Announced at IDEA® 2022 in Miami Beach

Online voting for the IDEA® Achievement Awards representing the “best of the best” innovations in the global nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry in six categories will open on Feb. 28.

Industry professionals will have the opportunity to vote for the winners from the finalists and see award-winning achievements in person at IDEA® 2022, the World’s Preeminent Event for Nonwovens & Engineered Fabrics, March 28-31, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Presented by INDA, in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine, the awards recognize the leading introductions in equipment, raw materials, short-life, long-life and nonwovens products, and sustainability. To vote on the Nonwovens Industry website, visit: https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/idea-reg-achievement-awards

In addition, INDA will unveil the IDEA® 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and Nonwovens Industry will announce the IDEA® Entrepreneur Achievement Award recipient at the event.  

All of the winners will be announced on March 30 at a ceremony at IDEA® from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. moderated by Dave Rousse, President, INDA and Karen, McIntyre, Editor, Nonwovens Industry.

The INDA Technical Advisory Board, consisting of technical professionals from member companies, has narrowed the competition from more than 100 online nominations to the following 18 finalists selected for their leading innovations since the last IDEA show in 2019.

The industry will have the chance to select their top choices from the three finalists in each of the following six categories through the online voting process:

IDEA® Equipment Achievement Award

• ESC-8 – Curt G. Joa, Inc.
  Imagine endless combinations of insert and chassis designs for adult incontinence production at the push of a button. With patent-pending ESC-8™ Electronic Size Change Technology, JOA has addressed the need for automated product size change. The release of this industry-leading, first-of-a-kind technology gives customers the flexibility to configure endless insert and chassis combinations while maintaining higher production speeds and minimizing raw material usage. The ESC-8™ can be integrated into new and existing machines.
   
• Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode – Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc.
  Elastics are an integral component to many hygiene products. Imagine a diaper or incontinence product that is reliable, adhesive-free and extremely soft. Herrmann Ultrasonics Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode technology provides just that, in an industry first, easy-to-use closed-loop feedback manufacturing solution. The fixation of the elastic threads is accomplished with ultrasonic energy that offers a wide process window, without the need for tool changeovers, at processing speeds above 2,000 ft./min.
   
• Doffer Airlay Card – Technoplants SRL
  With airlaying suction and a doffing system like traditional roller cards, the Doffer Airlay Card makes it possible to produce carded webs with doffer in thicknesses from 10 to 1.500 gsm. With top and bottom suction, it can produce a partly carded and partly airlaid web. This card can comb, separate and make parallel all types of natural, synthetic and regenerated fibers for applications including hygiene, filtration, medical and gradient acquisition distribution layer (ADL).

IDEA® Raw Material Achievement Award

• sero™ premium hemp fiber – Bast Fibre Technologies Inc.
  sero™ 100 percent premium hemp fibers are the result of years of the company’s top-to-bottom supply chain experience. BFT’s proprietary processing technology is employed to carefully clean, individualize, and soften bast fibers that meet stringent nonwoven technical standards and are plastic-free, tree-free, and compostable. sero™ fibers are a plug-and-play replacement for plastic fibers that run seamlessly on major nonwoven platforms without compromising production speeds, efficiency, or uniformity.
   
• ODOGard – Rem Brands, Inc.
  Rem Brands, Inc.’s patented ODOGard® technology is a revolutionary advancement in odor elimination. This next-generation odor elimination mechanism works by covalent molecular bonding to malodors. Malodors are permanently attached to the ODOGard® molecule, changing them into non-odorous molecules forever. ODOGard® can be impregnated into pulp fluff and other kinds of media. Whether  malodors come from the air or from hygiene products, ODOGard® has it covered.
   
• SharoWIPES™ – Sharon Laboratories
  SharoWIPES™ by Sharon Laboratories, Israel, is a technological breakthrough from in-depth scientific research addressing industry needs for more “clean label, non-irritating, eco-friendly” consumer wet wipes. With their unique anti-biofilm mechanism, SharoWIPES™ offer dual protection from microbial contamination of both the wet wipe formula, as well as the non-woven fabric. SharoWIPES™ preservation systems deliver broad-spectrum protection at low levels contributing to wet wipe brand equity with free from, microbiome friendly, vegan and biodegradable claims.
   

IDEA® Short-Life Product Achievement Award

• MDP™ – Dermasteel, Ltd.
  MDP™ presents a breakthrough approach to restoring the quality of life for men experiencing bladder leakage. MDP™ is a revolutionary nonwoven product for men coping with light urinary incontinence that is invisibly discreet, effective, comfortable, and reliable. It features Body ID Technology™ for customized adjustment, variable elasticity strapping, self-reflexive side panels for unimpeded breathability, form-fitting to the unique characteristics of each man’s anatomy, and the smallest carbon footprint of any comparable male incontinence option.
   
• Organic 2.0 – Ellepot A/S
  In young plant propagation, plastic products are used in large quantities. Ellepot’s new paper is a game-changer supporting plastic exit strategies. During six years in development, Ellepot and Ahlstrom-Munksjö partnered with OrganoClick, the developer of special binders using organocatalysis, a field of chemistry awarded the Nobel Prize in 2021. The product is approved for organic crops in Germany, the UK, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden and Canada and certified okay home compostable and biodegradable in soil.
   
• LifeSavers Wipes – LifeSavers LLC
  LifeSavers Wipes are personal hygiene wipes that change color if they detect abnormal health indicators in the urine. The launch product is a diabetic wipe, which will change color if there are abnormal levels of glucose in the urine. The wipes are therefore triple purposed as they assist with personal hygiene after urinating, act as an early warning system, and serve as an instant glucose monitor. UTI and kidney disease wipes are next in line.
   

IDEA® Long-Life Product Achievement Award

• Canopy Hero Pro – Canopy
  Today’s reusable respirators are uncomfortable, limit communication, and can lose effectiveness after cleaning. Disposable options pose similar issues and generate waste. Canopy® has created a next-generation, reusable respirator for healthcare workers that’s comfortable, easy to clean, exceeds federal safety standards, has a transparent front to allow for improved communication, costs less than disposables, and can help save 7,200 tons of waste daily. Its patented, transparent, fully mechanical filter helps protect those who protect us.
   
• Long-Life Cellulose-based Nonwovens for Higher Performance in Reusable Baby Diapers – Kelheim Fibres GmbH and Sumo Diapers
  Innovation exemplified: the trend-setting Sumo Baby Cloth Diaper shows how needle-punched/thermobonded nonwovens find their way into reusable diapers, thanks to Kelheim Fibres’ specialty viscose fibers with adjusted cross-sections (trilobal and hollow). This technology pushes liquid management capabilities and the absorbency of washable hygiene products to new levels, creating a unique duality of high-performance and high-sustainability credentials, and opening up new fields of application.
   
• Nanofiber Cabin Air Filter – MANN + HUMMEL GmbH
  MANN+HUMMEL has developed a hybrid media by combining electret-based spunbond and a pure mechanical filtration layer of ultrafine polymer fibers. The result: an outstanding separation of PM1 particles up to 95 percent, according to DIN EN ISO 16890. This technology enables stable filtration performance and long-term efficiency over the whole filter lifetime. The nanofiber layer can be combined with any cabin air filter media of the MANN+HUMMEL range, improving air quality in a vehicle’s cabin significantly.
   

IDEA® Sustainability Advancement Award

• Pureflow8 – In Flight Material Separator – Diaper Recycling Technology Pte. Ltd.
  New bolt-on additions to the company’s Generation 8 recycling platform guarantee increased performance in terms of material purity and work efficiency. While recovering up to 87 percent of diaper waste raw material’s financial investment, DRT pushes the boundaries further to meet sustainability targets and include active pulp scanning, fluidizing SAP re-gen technology, and gravimetric pulp refeed processes. DRT recognizes its teams and suppliers who have worked tremendously hard to complete this major milestone.
   
• Fitesa® 100 Percent BioBased Bico – Fitesa
  Fitesa® S Bico 100 percent BioBased PE/PLA is a technically sophisticated plant-sourced nonwoven that has been successfully applied in innovative baby diapers as topsheet, backsheet, and front ear components to deliver classic spunbond strength with good abrasion resistance and converting performance. It is responsibly sourced, PE soft, and sustainable, leaving a negative carbon footprint by reducing environmental CO2. It represents the next generation of hygienic nonwovens designed to make work easier and life better.
   
• Fiber-based Screw Caps – Glatfelter Corp. and Blue Ocean Closures
  Finally, an alternative to metal and plastic screw caps! Blue Ocean Closures partnered with Glatfelter and ALPLA to accelerate and produce sustainable and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. The companies optimized their use of renewable and recyclable wood fibers and airlaid materials by creating paper-based screw caps that are durable, strong, and water-resistant. The method of proprietary vacuum press forming allows for low production cost and high scalability.
   

IDEA® Nonwoven Product Achievement Award

• Sontara® Silk – Glatfelter Corp.
  Sontara® Silk perfectly fits facial contour, is luxurious on the skin, and has a minimal environmental impact. When infused with lotion, these masks have enhanced elasticity, conform closely to the skin, and have excellent adhesion. Sontara® Silk has superior translucency and ensures even penetration of active ingredients onto the skin. Sontara® Silk fabric is manufactured with premium fibers derived from natural raw material. These sustainable materials allow the product to be biodegradable and compostable.
   
• HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo – Sustainable Nonwoven Substrates – Suominen Corporation
  Suominen’s latest moist tissue product, HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo achieves dry tissue dispersibility through a proprietary blend of 100 percent sustainable cellulosic materials, minimizing environmental impact. This flushable nonwoven has a premium hand feel for a luxurious consumer experience. In addition, it passes dispersibility standards set by INDA (GD4) and the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG.) HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo is produced in Europe and North America and represents multi-year development and market insights to deliver a personal care product ideal for today’s consumer.
   
• LS SAF™ Nonwoven Fabrics –Technical Absorbents
  Technical Absorbents developed a new grade of Low Shrink (LS) superabsorbent fiber (SAFTM) for use within a new range of nonwovens that are more resistant to shrinkage. The new LS SAFTM fiber and resulting fabrics were developed in response to demand from the medical industry for a superabsorbent nonwoven suitable for use in advanced wound pad dressings. The new fiber was engineered to be capable of withstanding the moisture used in the EtO sterilization process.

Moving forward after this year, the IDEA® Achievement Award will be presented every two years under the new cycle announced for the event with the subsequent IDEA® taking place April 23-25, 2024.

Manufy, a marketplace for sustainable fashion production has reached its thousandth production request. The platform connects conscious brands with sustainable manufacturers in hopes to create a cleaner future for the clothing industry.

The right conditions
The start-up, which launched in december of 2020, has seen a sharp increase in production requests the last couple of months. With trade shows being cancelled due to covid, lots of manufacturers and brands are looking for new ways to do business. Going digital was one of the logical steps. “We’ve seen many users that were used to more traditional ways of working join Manufy,” says co-founder Michiel Dicker. “Some of them didn’t have a website, so our platform helps them become visible online.”

An increase was also noticed on the brand side of Manufy. With most new brands being digital natives that have a strong focus on sustainability, the platform helps them to get started.

One-stop-shop
The production requests being placed on the platform cover a wide range of garments. Hoodies and t-shirts are popular, but the Manufy team also sees lots of shoes, caps, bags, dresses, swimwear and lingerie requests coming in. “This sometimes leads us to having to find manufacturers specifically for the job, but it helps us to create a better user experience!” explains Dicker.

Manufy uses feedback from its users to keep improving the platform. Aside from finding new manufacturers to fill production requests the team has been working on a lot of new functionalities based on input from users. A new version of the platform will be released very soon. “With Manufy 2.0 it will become easier to organise your projects, place re-orders and have all your production details in one place. Manufy will be your one-stop-shop for all your sourcing needs!” says Dicker.

Kornit Digital Ltd. announced on 26th January the official opening of its new scalable, state-of-the-art ink manufacturing facility in Kiryat Gat, Israel.  

The modern, 11,000-square-meter facility incorporates advanced automation, sophisticated workflows, and innovative technologies for production optimization. The new high-volume production facility is expected to fulfill global demand for Kornit consumables for the next decade.

Recently completed at an estimated investment of $25 million USD, the facility was built in accordance with the highest quality, safety, and security standards, reflecting the Company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets embedded in Kornit Digital’s 2020 Impact Report.

“This is a key milestone in our journey to become a $1 billion company by 2026 and will ensure we can support the tremendous growth our customers are experiencing, for many years to come,” said Ronen Samuel, Kornit Digital’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to lead the charge for a cleaner and more responsive textile industry as we continue to write the operating system for sustainable fashion and textiles on demand.”

HighRadius, Anbieter von KI-basierter Order-to-Cash-, Treasury-Management- und Record-to-Report-Software, verzeichnet ein beschleunigtes Wachstum in der EMEA-Region, das von innovativen Technologien und dem konsequenten Fokus auf der Wertschöpfung für seine Kunden getrieben wird. Seit dem Europastart hat das Unternehmen mehr als 300 Digitalisierungsprojekte in 37 Ländern durchgeführt und Niederlassungen in Paris und Amsterdam eröffnet, um sein schnelles Wachstum in der Region zu unterstützen. HighRadius hat zudem Treasury- und Record-to-Report-Funktionen zur Ergänzung seiner branchenführenden Order-to-Cash-Lösung entwickelt. Neue globale Partnerschaften mit Genpact, Deloitte, Ernst & Young und Accenture werden die Wertschöpfung für die HighRadius Kunden weiter steigern und die digitale Transformation in Shared-Services-Organisationen und im Office of the CFO beschleunigen.

Das Beratungs- und Marktforschungsunternehmen IDC wies auf der Pressekonferenz in Frankfurt darauf hin, wie wichtig es ist, bestehende Prozesse im Finanz- und Rechnungswesen weiterzuentwickeln. Dazu Marco Becker, Senior Consultant bei IDC: „Aufgrund der steigenden Komplexität von Einkaufsprozessen und digitalen Geschäftsmodellen wirken automatisierte, intelligente und agile Order-to-Cash-Prozesse nicht nur als Wettbewerbsvorteil, sondern entwickeln sich auch zu einer Notwendigkeit für die Zukunft.“ IDC hat HighRadius als „Leader“ in seinem IDC MarketScape für Software zur Automatisierung des Debitorenmanagements ausgezeichnet.

Bayer bestätigt den Nutzen, den die Implementierung der KI-gestützten Technologie von HighRadius auf seinen ERP-Systemen gebracht hat. „Autonomous Receivables von HighRadius stellt eine End-to-End-Plattform bereit, die die wichtigsten Debitorenprozesse miteinander verknüpft“, sagt Zahre Cinibulak, O2C GPO Financial Operations CH/PH. „Die Plattform kann unsere globalen Order-to-Cash-Prozesse über Länder- und Geschäftsbereichsgrenzen und über die gesamte ERP-Landschaft hinweg verarbeiten.“ Bayer hat HighRadius bereits in 12 Ländern erfolgreich implementiert.