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06.03.2024

Browzwear adds complete Color Atlas by Archroma® library

Archroma and Browzwear, a company of 3D digital solutions for the fashion industry, have expanded their partnership to bring the complete Color Atlas by Archroma® library of colors to Browzwear’s VSticher, Lotta and Stylezone platforms.

Designers will now have access to a total of 5,760 color references, with 1,440 colors for polyester added to Browzwear’s existing color library of 4,320 Color Atlas colors for cotton poplin. This will support them to collaborate across the entire supply chain, ensuring color consistency from digital design to production for cotton, polyester and blends.

Crucially, the color references in the Color Atlas by Archroma® have been formulated to comply with leading international eco-standards, allowing designers to select dyes and finishes that meet their desired sustainability profile. Each color is available as a physical color standard that includes precise dyeing recipes and compliance data, as well as access to expert technical support from Archroma around the world.

Archroma and Browzwear, a company of 3D digital solutions for the fashion industry, have expanded their partnership to bring the complete Color Atlas by Archroma® library of colors to Browzwear’s VSticher, Lotta and Stylezone platforms.

Designers will now have access to a total of 5,760 color references, with 1,440 colors for polyester added to Browzwear’s existing color library of 4,320 Color Atlas colors for cotton poplin. This will support them to collaborate across the entire supply chain, ensuring color consistency from digital design to production for cotton, polyester and blends.

Crucially, the color references in the Color Atlas by Archroma® have been formulated to comply with leading international eco-standards, allowing designers to select dyes and finishes that meet their desired sustainability profile. Each color is available as a physical color standard that includes precise dyeing recipes and compliance data, as well as access to expert technical support from Archroma around the world.

More information:
Archroma Browzwear Color Atlas
Source:

Archroma

06.03.2024

SHIMA SEIKI at FIMEC 2024 in Brazil

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, will together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA. participate in the FIMEC 2024 47th International Fair of Leather, Chemicals, Components, Machines and Equipment for Footwear and Tanneries in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil from 12th - 14th March 2024.

FIMEC offers the opportunity to reach out to the Brazilian shoe manufacturing industry with proposals for flat knitted fabrics as an alternative to conventional leather. Since participating in FIMEC over the years, SHIMA SEIKI has steadily expanded its market for shoe-upper knitting machines in Brazil. It will be showcasing its latest computerized flat knitting technology to demonstrate how they apply to footwear and other sportswear as well.

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, will together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA. participate in the FIMEC 2024 47th International Fair of Leather, Chemicals, Components, Machines and Equipment for Footwear and Tanneries in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil from 12th - 14th March 2024.

FIMEC offers the opportunity to reach out to the Brazilian shoe manufacturing industry with proposals for flat knitted fabrics as an alternative to conventional leather. Since participating in FIMEC over the years, SHIMA SEIKI has steadily expanded its market for shoe-upper knitting machines in Brazil. It will be showcasing its latest computerized flat knitting technology to demonstrate how they apply to footwear and other sportswear as well.

The company is showing its new SWG-XR® WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine for the first time in Brazil. SWG-XR® features 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT® products in all needles, and will be knitting WHOLEGARMENT® sportswear at FIMEC. For conventional shaped knitting, the compact SVR®093 machine with a short knitting width is specially developed for knitting shoe uppers, while the workhorse N.SSR®112 shaping machine features the latest garment knitting technology in an economical yet reliable package.
Both SVR®093 and N.SSR®112 will be knitting shoe uppers at FIMEC while utilizing the R2CARRIAGE®, WideGauge® knitting, spring-type moveable sinker, DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb. The classic SFG® seamless glove knitting machine will be knitting safety-oriented work gloves to round out SHIMA SEIKI’s multi-faceted display.

SHIMA SEIKI’s SDS®-ONE APEX4 3D design system will also be available for demonstrations in design
and simulation suited to shoe production.

More information:
Shima Seiki FIMEC shoes Brazil
Source:

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD

05.03.2024

Kelheim Fibres: Trilobal fibres enable better liquid absorption

Kelheim Fibres is showcasing recent research findings at this year's Cellulose Fibres Conference (13rd-14th of March). The development, led by Dr. Ingo Bernt, Project Leader of Fibre & Application Development at Kelheim Fibres, and Dr. Thomas Harter from Graz University of Technology, provides insights into the correlation between the geometry of viscose fibres and the liquid absorption of tampons.

Kelheim Fibres has long been engaged in the functionalization of viscose fibres, including the specific adaptation of fibre cross-sections. The trilobal Galaxy® serves as an example. The current study underscores the properties of the fibre, primarily rooted in its geometry. This involves taking a closer look at the underlying mechanisms. It has been confirmed that, in contrast to the traditionally round viscose fibres and despite similar chemical compositions and mechanical properties, Galaxy® enables significantly better liquid absorption.

Kelheim Fibres is showcasing recent research findings at this year's Cellulose Fibres Conference (13rd-14th of March). The development, led by Dr. Ingo Bernt, Project Leader of Fibre & Application Development at Kelheim Fibres, and Dr. Thomas Harter from Graz University of Technology, provides insights into the correlation between the geometry of viscose fibres and the liquid absorption of tampons.

Kelheim Fibres has long been engaged in the functionalization of viscose fibres, including the specific adaptation of fibre cross-sections. The trilobal Galaxy® serves as an example. The current study underscores the properties of the fibre, primarily rooted in its geometry. This involves taking a closer look at the underlying mechanisms. It has been confirmed that, in contrast to the traditionally round viscose fibres and despite similar chemical compositions and mechanical properties, Galaxy® enables significantly better liquid absorption.

While the higher specific surface area of trilobal fibres already promotes improved liquid absorption, this is not the main factor accounting for the difference in absorption. Instead, the geometric shape of the fibres proves to be crucial. Trilobal fibres create and maintain a more voluminous, extensive network within the absorbent body, providing a larger volume for liquid absorption.

Dr. Ingo Bernt emphasizes, "The results of our study are not limited to tampons—any application requiring increased absorbency can benefit from the properties of our Galaxy® fibres."

The lecture "Geometry Matters: Unveiling Tampon Absorption Mechanisms" by Dr. Ingo Bernt und Dr. Thomas Harter takes place on the 14th of March at 2:50pm.

Source:

Kelheim Fibres GmbH

Borealis celebrates 30th anniversary (c) Borealis
05.03.2024

Borealis celebrates 30th anniversary

Borealis is commemorating its thirtieth year of operations. Born of a merger between Statoil and Neste, Borealis has expanded from its early Nordic roots to become one of the top polyolefins players. Its dedication to value creation through innovation has produced proprietary and transformative technologies which benefit society and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The company is regularly ranked as Austria's top innovator in the European Patent Index and holds an extensive patent portfolio of around 8,900 granted patents. In Europe in particular, Borealis has for decades bolstered the industrial landscape by investing in its capital assets, and by providing thousands of jobs.

Borealis is commemorating its thirtieth year of operations. Born of a merger between Statoil and Neste, Borealis has expanded from its early Nordic roots to become one of the top polyolefins players. Its dedication to value creation through innovation has produced proprietary and transformative technologies which benefit society and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The company is regularly ranked as Austria's top innovator in the European Patent Index and holds an extensive patent portfolio of around 8,900 granted patents. In Europe in particular, Borealis has for decades bolstered the industrial landscape by investing in its capital assets, and by providing thousands of jobs.

Innovations
Borealis uses technological innovation to add value to polyolefin-based applications, ensure that production processes are made more resource efficient, and to accelerate plastics circularity. Borstar®, the multi-modal proprietary technology for the manufacture of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), has been a mainstay of Borealis success since the start-up of the first Borstar PE plant in Porvoo, Finland in 1995. Borstar has since been joined by other technology brands, like Borlink™, an innovation for the power cable industry; Borstar® Nextension Technology, an innovation that among other benefits facilitates the production of monomaterial applications designed for recycling; or the Borcycle™ M technology for mechanical recycling, which breathes new life into polyolefin-based, post-consumer waste, transforming it into applications with a lower carbon footprint.

Global Expansion
With the strong support of its two majority shareholders OMV (Austria) and The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC, UAE), Borealis continues to expand its global footprint. The joint venture Borouge, established in 1998 in the UAE, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) since 2022, is one of the largest integrated polyolefin complexes. It is currently the site of the company’s largest-ever growth project: Borouge 4, the new USD 6.2 billion facility in Ruwais, which will serve customers in the Middle East and Asia. In North America, the Baystar™ joint venture, founded in 2017 and operated with partner TotalEnergies, entailed the construction of a new ethane cracker as well as the most advanced Borstar plant ever built outside of Europe. The PE Borstar 3G plant in Pasadena, Texas was started up in late 2023 and has brought Borstar to this continent for the first time. Borealis’ commitment to Europe as a production location is evidenced by the new, world-scale propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant currently under construction at Borealis operations in Kallo, Belgium.

More information:
Borealis polyolefins Recycling
Source:

Borealis

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

01.03.2024

Autoneum: New Business Unit for Commercial Vehicles

Autoneum has established a new Business Unit Commercial Vehicles to expand its existing truck business and to increase revenue and profitability in this vehicle segment as part of the Group’s strategic focus on profitable growth. To begin with, the Business Unit will focus on the commercial vehicles business in Europe and South America, as these two regions have a comparable customer base. The Business Unit is responsible for the global commercial vehicles business development, while its financial results will be consolidated within the Business Groups.

Autoneum has established a new Business Unit Commercial Vehicles to expand its existing truck business and to increase revenue and profitability in this vehicle segment as part of the Group’s strategic focus on profitable growth. To begin with, the Business Unit will focus on the commercial vehicles business in Europe and South America, as these two regions have a comparable customer base. The Business Unit is responsible for the global commercial vehicles business development, while its financial results will be consolidated within the Business Groups.

The new Business Unit focuses primarily on the business with components for medium and heavy trucks as well as agricultural commercial vehicles. Following the acquisition of Borgers Automotive in April last year, Autoneum has significantly expanded its product and technology portfolio for these vehicle segments. In combination with the Company’s global presence and diversified customer structure, this provides an ideal basis for future profitable growth. Autoneum already operates plants which manufacture products for the exterior and interior of commercial vehicles in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany and Poland, as well as in Brazil. With the creation of a dedicated Business Unit Commercial Vehicles, Autoneum aims to leverage its existing production footprint in order to further grow the business worldwide.

As with the product portfolio for light vehicles, Autoneum’s multifunctional, lightweight and sustainable systems and components are suitable for commercial vehicles of all drive types. Autoneum is therefore well positioned for the expected increase in electric models due to more stringent environmental regulations.

More information:
Autoneum Automotive acoustic
Source:

Autoneum

01.03.2024

Odlo: Online-Business mit Plattform von SCAYLE

Die Sportbekleidungsmarke Odlo hat sich für die Enterprise-Commerce-Plattform von SCAYLE entschieden, um das eigene Online-Business zukunftsfähig aufzustellen. Der Start der neuen Online-Präsenz von Odlo ist Anfang 2025 geplant.

Durch die Migration zu SCAYLE erhält der in der Schweiz ansässige Hersteller von Funktionsbekleidung eine E-Commerce-Plattform, die für B2C-Marken und Einzelhändler optimiert ist. Der Funktionsumfang von SCAYLE, inklusive spezieller Omnichannel- und Internationalisierungsfunktionen, ermöglicht es dem Sportunternehmen, sein Digitalgeschäft über Shops, Kanäle und Länder hinweg zu steuern.

Die Sportbekleidungsmarke Odlo hat sich für die Enterprise-Commerce-Plattform von SCAYLE entschieden, um das eigene Online-Business zukunftsfähig aufzustellen. Der Start der neuen Online-Präsenz von Odlo ist Anfang 2025 geplant.

Durch die Migration zu SCAYLE erhält der in der Schweiz ansässige Hersteller von Funktionsbekleidung eine E-Commerce-Plattform, die für B2C-Marken und Einzelhändler optimiert ist. Der Funktionsumfang von SCAYLE, inklusive spezieller Omnichannel- und Internationalisierungsfunktionen, ermöglicht es dem Sportunternehmen, sein Digitalgeschäft über Shops, Kanäle und Länder hinweg zu steuern.

Source:

SCAYLE / Vaubel Medienberatung GmbH

01.03.2024

AkzoNobel: New manufacturing plant in Pakistan

A new €26 million manufacturing plant with its own forest has been opened by AkzoNobel in Faisalabad – the company’s largest investment in Pakistan to date.

The 25-acre site, which has facilities for making decorative paint, wood finishes, automotive and specialty coatings, coil coatings and protective coatings, will help to meet increasing customer demand across a variety of markets.

Also incorporated into the Faisalabad location is a forest spanning an area of 5,450 square feet. More than 1,400 native trees and shrubs – planted using the Japanese Miyawaki gardening technique – are expected to grow into a flourishing self-sustaining ecosystem over the next two years.

The site, which employs nearly 200 people, has been constructed to comply with the company’s strict environmental standards and includes a series of sustainability features, such as renewable energy generation and energy efficient design.

A new €26 million manufacturing plant with its own forest has been opened by AkzoNobel in Faisalabad – the company’s largest investment in Pakistan to date.

The 25-acre site, which has facilities for making decorative paint, wood finishes, automotive and specialty coatings, coil coatings and protective coatings, will help to meet increasing customer demand across a variety of markets.

Also incorporated into the Faisalabad location is a forest spanning an area of 5,450 square feet. More than 1,400 native trees and shrubs – planted using the Japanese Miyawaki gardening technique – are expected to grow into a flourishing self-sustaining ecosystem over the next two years.

The site, which employs nearly 200 people, has been constructed to comply with the company’s strict environmental standards and includes a series of sustainability features, such as renewable energy generation and energy efficient design.

Source:

AkzoNobel

Freudenberg: Fully synthetic wetlaid nonwovens for filtration (c) Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH
Freudenberg’s fully synthetic wetlaid material for reverse osmosis membranes
01.03.2024

Freudenberg: Fully synthetic wetlaid nonwovens for filtration

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is unveiling a new 100 percent synthetic wetlaid nonwoven product line made in Germany. The new materials can be manufactured from various types of polymer-based fibers, including ultra-fine micro-fibers, and are designed for use in filtration applications as well as other industrial applications.

Customers in the filtration business can use Freudenberg’s new fully synthetic wetlaid nonwovens in both liquid and air filtration. Applications include reverse osmosis membrane support, support for nanofibers or PTFE membranes as well as oil filtration media. The new materials are suited to use in the building & construction industry or the composites industry.
For filtration applications, the new fully synthetic wetlaid nonwovens are marketed under the Filtura® brand.

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is unveiling a new 100 percent synthetic wetlaid nonwoven product line made in Germany. The new materials can be manufactured from various types of polymer-based fibers, including ultra-fine micro-fibers, and are designed for use in filtration applications as well as other industrial applications.

Customers in the filtration business can use Freudenberg’s new fully synthetic wetlaid nonwovens in both liquid and air filtration. Applications include reverse osmosis membrane support, support for nanofibers or PTFE membranes as well as oil filtration media. The new materials are suited to use in the building & construction industry or the composites industry.
For filtration applications, the new fully synthetic wetlaid nonwovens are marketed under the Filtura® brand.

Versatile and flexible manufacturing
Freudenberg’s fully synthetic wetlaid nonwovens can be made of polyester, polyolefin, polyamide and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), using staple fibers of up to 12mm fiber length and microfibers as fine as 0.04dtex. In terms of weight, the product range spans weights of between 8g/m² and 250g/m². Freudenberg’s flexible wetlaid manufacturing line has the capability to combine various thermal and chemical bonding technologies. The materials have high precision in weight and thickness as well as a defined pore size and high porosity.

Wetlaid capabilities for various applications
In addition to its fully synthetic range, Freudenberg can also incorporate glass fibers, viscose and cellulose. General industry applications for Freudenberg wetlaid nonwovens are surfacing veils for glass-fiber reinforced plastics, compostable desiccant bags, battery separators, acoustics, heatshields, and apparel applications such as embroidery substrates.

Source:

Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH

CARBIOS and Landbell Group: Collaboration for biorecycling plant (c) Landbell Group / CARBIOS
01.03.2024

CARBIOS and Landbell Group: Collaboration for biorecycling plant

CARBIOS and Landbell Group, a global operator of more than 40 producer responsibility organizations (PROs) and a provider of closed-loop recycling solutions, announce the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for the sourcing, preparation and recycling of post-consumer PET waste using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology at its first commercial plant in Longlaville from 2026.  

The partnership will leverage Landbell Group’s expertise and network in the sourcing of PET packaging and textile waste which will be prepared for biorecycling. Thanks to CARBIOS’ highly selective enzyme, less sorting and washing is required compared to current recycling technologies, offering future savings in energy and water use. From 2026, Landbell Group will supply CARBIOS with 15 kt/year of PET flakes, ensuring a steady supply chain for sustainable PET production. These flakes will serve as essential feedstock for CARBIOS’ production of food-grade PTA and MEG, further re-polymerized into PET.

CARBIOS and Landbell Group, a global operator of more than 40 producer responsibility organizations (PROs) and a provider of closed-loop recycling solutions, announce the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for the sourcing, preparation and recycling of post-consumer PET waste using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology at its first commercial plant in Longlaville from 2026.  

The partnership will leverage Landbell Group’s expertise and network in the sourcing of PET packaging and textile waste which will be prepared for biorecycling. Thanks to CARBIOS’ highly selective enzyme, less sorting and washing is required compared to current recycling technologies, offering future savings in energy and water use. From 2026, Landbell Group will supply CARBIOS with 15 kt/year of PET flakes, ensuring a steady supply chain for sustainable PET production. These flakes will serve as essential feedstock for CARBIOS’ production of food-grade PTA and MEG, further re-polymerized into PET.

Through the partnership with Landbell Group in Germany, the supply of multilayer trays through the CITEO tender in France  and the MoU with Indorama Ventures, CARBIOS will have sourced over 70% of its feedstock required for the 50kt/year capacity when its first commercial plant in Longlaville, France, will operate at full capacity. Close to the borders with Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg, the plant’s location is strategic for nearby waste supplies.

Through this partnership with CARBIOS, Landbell Group will ensure that the problematic PET fractions such as multilayered, colored and opaque trays from packaging waste and polyester textile waste are redirected towards recycling. In this way, Landbell Group strengthens its commitment to the development of recycling solutions to enable a circular economy.

28.02.2024

SGL Carbon: New Head of Business Unit Carbon Fibers

As of March 1, 2024, Dr. Denis Hinz will become new Head of SGL Carbon's Carbon Fibers Business Unit. The previous Head, Roland Nowicki, will leave SGL Carbon on May 31, 2024 at his own request to pursue new professional challenges. He will be available to the company as a consultant until his leaving date to support a smooth transition.

Roland Nowicki took over as Head of Carbon Fibers in November 2020 and has successfully driven forward the realignment of the business unit over the past three years.  

Dr. Denis Hinz has been with SGL Carbon for more than six years and has held various management positions during this time, including Head of Operations of the Fuel Cell Components division and Managing Director of SGL Fuel Cell Components GmbH in Meitingen since December 1, 2021. The graduate engineer from the Technical University of Munich is an experienced manager who is well networked within SGL Carbon and has closely followed the development of Carbon Fibers in recent years.

As of March 1, 2024, Dr. Denis Hinz will become new Head of SGL Carbon's Carbon Fibers Business Unit. The previous Head, Roland Nowicki, will leave SGL Carbon on May 31, 2024 at his own request to pursue new professional challenges. He will be available to the company as a consultant until his leaving date to support a smooth transition.

Roland Nowicki took over as Head of Carbon Fibers in November 2020 and has successfully driven forward the realignment of the business unit over the past three years.  

Dr. Denis Hinz has been with SGL Carbon for more than six years and has held various management positions during this time, including Head of Operations of the Fuel Cell Components division and Managing Director of SGL Fuel Cell Components GmbH in Meitingen since December 1, 2021. The graduate engineer from the Technical University of Munich is an experienced manager who is well networked within SGL Carbon and has closely followed the development of Carbon Fibers in recent years.

More information:
SGL Carbon Dr. Denis Hinz
Source:

SGL Carbon

FET: New Senior Materials and Process Scientist (c) FET
R&D Manager Dr Jonny Hunter (left) welcomes Dr Kristoffer Kortsen, Senior Materials and Process Scientist
28.02.2024

FET: New Senior Materials and Process Scientist

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK has appointed Dr Kristoffer Kortsen as Senior Materials and Process Scientist. He will report directly to R&D Manager, Dr Jonny Hunter, who joined FET in early 2023 in a growing Research and Development team.

Kortsen’s main area of work is in Gel Spinning of UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). His contribution will help provide gel spinning expertise and equipment in the near future to a range of industries including medical, aerospace, defence aerospace and marine.

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK has appointed Dr Kristoffer Kortsen as Senior Materials and Process Scientist. He will report directly to R&D Manager, Dr Jonny Hunter, who joined FET in early 2023 in a growing Research and Development team.

Kortsen’s main area of work is in Gel Spinning of UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). His contribution will help provide gel spinning expertise and equipment in the near future to a range of industries including medical, aerospace, defence aerospace and marine.

He completed a Master’s in chemistry at KU Leuven, graduating magna cum laude in 2018. For his Master’s placement, he worked on the production of impact modifier additives for PVC at Kaneka Belgium. Continuing a partnership with this international chemical manufacturing company, he joined the Howdle group at the University of Nottingham for a PhD project looking into the industrial potential of scCO2 dispersion polymerisations for additive production. After graduating, he worked in the Shaver group at the University of Manchester, developing a holistic approach to plastics recycling and sustainability across the many stakeholders in the field.

Source:

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET)

Eastman and Patagonia join forces to address textile waste (c) Eastman
28.02.2024

Textile waste: Eastman and Patagonia join forces

Eastman announces a partnership with Patagonia to address textile waste.

The outdoor apparel company teamed up with Eastman to recycle 8,000 pounds of pre- and post-consumer clothing waste, which Eastman processed through its molecular recycling technology. The process involves breaking down Patagonia’s unusable apparel into molecular building blocks that Eastman can use to make new fibers.

"We know apparel waste is a major problem, and consumers increasingly want better, more sustainable solutions when their most loved clothing reaches the end of its life," said Natalie Banakis, materials innovation engineer for Patagonia.

"Our collaborations show the world what’s possible when it comes to sustainability,” said Carolina Sister Cohn, global marketing lead for Eastman textiles. “We have the technology to make the textiles industry circular, and we know it requires collaboration with innovative brands to make circular fashion possible. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to more collaborations throughout 2024."

Eastman announces a partnership with Patagonia to address textile waste.

The outdoor apparel company teamed up with Eastman to recycle 8,000 pounds of pre- and post-consumer clothing waste, which Eastman processed through its molecular recycling technology. The process involves breaking down Patagonia’s unusable apparel into molecular building blocks that Eastman can use to make new fibers.

"We know apparel waste is a major problem, and consumers increasingly want better, more sustainable solutions when their most loved clothing reaches the end of its life," said Natalie Banakis, materials innovation engineer for Patagonia.

"Our collaborations show the world what’s possible when it comes to sustainability,” said Carolina Sister Cohn, global marketing lead for Eastman textiles. “We have the technology to make the textiles industry circular, and we know it requires collaboration with innovative brands to make circular fashion possible. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to more collaborations throughout 2024."

28.02.2024

AkzoNobel: Nominations for Supervisory Board

AkzoNobel has announced that Mrs. Jaska de Bakker, Mrs. Ute Wolf and Mr. Wouter Kolk will be nominated for appointment to the company’s Supervisory Board, while Mr. Byron Grote – currently Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee – will be nominated for a fourth term of one year.

Mrs. De Bakker is a financial leader with experience in strategy, governance and ESG. Currently a board member at various companies, she was previously CFO at Royal FrieslandCampina and at Royal HaskoningDHV.
 
Mrs. Wolf is a seasoned finance professional with more than 25 years of experience in financial management and corporate planning. She served as CFO of Evonik Industries AG for ten years and, prior to that, she held several senior positions within various industries and companies.
 
Mr. Kolk is the current CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia. With more than 32 years of experience in commercial, operational, supply chain, strategic and general management roles, he brings a wealth of knowledge in different geographies and businesses.

AkzoNobel has announced that Mrs. Jaska de Bakker, Mrs. Ute Wolf and Mr. Wouter Kolk will be nominated for appointment to the company’s Supervisory Board, while Mr. Byron Grote – currently Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee – will be nominated for a fourth term of one year.

Mrs. De Bakker is a financial leader with experience in strategy, governance and ESG. Currently a board member at various companies, she was previously CFO at Royal FrieslandCampina and at Royal HaskoningDHV.
 
Mrs. Wolf is a seasoned finance professional with more than 25 years of experience in financial management and corporate planning. She served as CFO of Evonik Industries AG for ten years and, prior to that, she held several senior positions within various industries and companies.
 
Mr. Kolk is the current CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia. With more than 32 years of experience in commercial, operational, supply chain, strategic and general management roles, he brings a wealth of knowledge in different geographies and businesses.

Subject to the approval of his re-appointment, Mr. Grote will lead the supervision of the external auditor selection process, whereby the external audit firm of AkzoNobel will be replaced, starting with the audit of the 2026 financial statements. His re-appointment also ensures continuity during the change of the PWC lead partner in charge of the AkzoNobel account, as of the audit of the 2024 financial statements.  

The appointments and re-appointment will be put to shareholders for approval at the Annual General Meeting being held on April 25. Mrs. Pam Kirby, who is completing her second four-year term, will step down as member of the Supervisory Board as per the same date.

Source:

AkzoNobel

28.02.2024

Führungswechsel bei ERWO Holding und Hoftex Group AG

Die ERWO Holding, Obergesellschaft der Südwolle Group, sowie die Hoftex Group AG, eine mittelständisch strukturierte Gruppe von Unternehmen der Textilindustrie, haben die Berufung von Manuela Spörl (51) zur neuen CEO mit Wirkung vom 1. März 2024 bekanntgegeben. Sie folgt in dieser Funktion auf Klaus Steger, der, wie bereits im vergangenen Jahr angekündigt, planmäßig aus dem Vorstand beider Unternehmen ausscheidet. Zeitgleich mit dem Führungswechsel an der Spitze beider Unternehmen übernimmt Daniel Köster (44) das Amt des CFO von Manuela Spörl. Der Vorstand von ERWO Holding und Hoftex Group besteht mit Manuela Spörl und Daniel Köster künftig aus zwei Personen.

Die studierte Diplom-Betriebswirtin Manuela Spörl ist bereits seit dem Jahr 2000 für die Hoftex Group tätig. Ihre berufliche Laufbahn begann sie im Bereich Konzern-Controlling, 2012 wurde sie zur Referentin des Vorstandes ernannt. 2015 wurde ihr Prokura erteilt, es folgten schließlich die Schritte zur CFO der Hoftex Group 2020 und zur CFO der ERWO-Gruppe 2022.

Die ERWO Holding, Obergesellschaft der Südwolle Group, sowie die Hoftex Group AG, eine mittelständisch strukturierte Gruppe von Unternehmen der Textilindustrie, haben die Berufung von Manuela Spörl (51) zur neuen CEO mit Wirkung vom 1. März 2024 bekanntgegeben. Sie folgt in dieser Funktion auf Klaus Steger, der, wie bereits im vergangenen Jahr angekündigt, planmäßig aus dem Vorstand beider Unternehmen ausscheidet. Zeitgleich mit dem Führungswechsel an der Spitze beider Unternehmen übernimmt Daniel Köster (44) das Amt des CFO von Manuela Spörl. Der Vorstand von ERWO Holding und Hoftex Group besteht mit Manuela Spörl und Daniel Köster künftig aus zwei Personen.

Die studierte Diplom-Betriebswirtin Manuela Spörl ist bereits seit dem Jahr 2000 für die Hoftex Group tätig. Ihre berufliche Laufbahn begann sie im Bereich Konzern-Controlling, 2012 wurde sie zur Referentin des Vorstandes ernannt. 2015 wurde ihr Prokura erteilt, es folgten schließlich die Schritte zur CFO der Hoftex Group 2020 und zur CFO der ERWO-Gruppe 2022.

Der Finanzexperte und studierte Diplom-Kaufmann Daniel Köster wurde bereits im vergangenen November in den Vorstand von ERWO Holding und Hoftex Group berufen. Köster verfügt über langjährige Erfahrung in Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Steuern und Controlling und fungierte zuletzt seit Ende 2019 als Group CFO beim niedersächsischen Familienunternehmen Stiebel Eltron, wo er in dieser Funktion auch Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung war.

Künftig wird sich Klaus Steger verstärkt um seine Aufgaben innerhalb der International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) kümmern, zu deren Präsidenten er im Mai 2023 gewählt wurde. Seine Amtszeit in diesem Verband geht bis 2026.

Source:

Charles Barker Corporate Communications GmbH

Graphic CHT Germany GmbH
28.02.2024

PERFORMANCE DAYS: CHT presents sustainable textile innovations

At the PERFORMANCE DAYS Functional Fabric Fair in Munich on 20 and 21 March 2024, CHT will present its latest sustainable textile technologies with a focus on dyeing and effect chemicals.

These products are used to finish textiles with special functions such as water repellency, breathability and efficient moisture transport. Significant amounts of water and energy can be saved during the dyeing and finishing process, resulting in a lower CO2 footprint.

In addition to effect chemicals, CHT will be presenting its dyeing products with a focus on the use of bio-based, biodegradable and recycled materials to support the circular economy.

At the PERFORMANCE DAYS Functional Fabric Fair in Munich on 20 and 21 March 2024, CHT will present its latest sustainable textile technologies with a focus on dyeing and effect chemicals.

These products are used to finish textiles with special functions such as water repellency, breathability and efficient moisture transport. Significant amounts of water and energy can be saved during the dyeing and finishing process, resulting in a lower CO2 footprint.

In addition to effect chemicals, CHT will be presenting its dyeing products with a focus on the use of bio-based, biodegradable and recycled materials to support the circular economy.

Source:

CHT Germany GmbH

26.02.2024

AkzoNobel: Full-year 2023 results

Highlights Q4 2023 (compared with Q4 2022)

  • Revenue in constant currencies up 4% on higher volumes and pricing (reported revenue -3%)
  • Operating income improved to €214 million (2022: €103 million)
  • Adjusted operating income at €221 million (2022: €126 million); ROS at 8.7% (2022: 4.8%); €244 million before €23 million negative impact from hyperinflation accounting
  • Net cash from operating activities positive €574 million (2022: €291 million)

Highlights full-year 2023 (compared with full-year 2022)

Highlights Q4 2023 (compared with Q4 2022)

  • Revenue in constant currencies up 4% on higher volumes and pricing (reported revenue -3%)
  • Operating income improved to €214 million (2022: €103 million)
  • Adjusted operating income at €221 million (2022: €126 million); ROS at 8.7% (2022: 4.8%); €244 million before €23 million negative impact from hyperinflation accounting
  • Net cash from operating activities positive €574 million (2022: €291 million)

Highlights full-year 2023 (compared with full-year 2022)

  • Revenue in constant currencies up 5% driven by pricing (reported revenue -2%)
  • Operating income improved to €1,029 million (2022: €708 million)
  • Adjusted operating income at €1,074 million (2022: €789 million), despite €77 million adverse
  • currency effects from translation; ROS at 10.1% (2022: 7.3%)
  • Adjusted EBITDA at €1,429 million (2022: €1,157 million), despite €92 million adverse currency
  • effects from translation
  • Net cash from operating activities positive €1,126 million (2022: €263 million)
  • Net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio improved to 2.7 (2022: 3.8)
  • Final dividend proposed of €1.54 per share (2022: €1.54)

Outlook mid-term
For the mid-term, AkzoNobel aims to expand profitability to deliver an adjusted EBITDA margin of above 16% and a return on investment between 16% and 19%, underpinned by organic growth and industrial excellence. The company aims to lower its leverage to around 2 times in the mid-term, while remaining committed to retaining a strong investment grade credit rating.

More information:
AkzoNobel financial year 2023
Source:

AkzoNobel

KARL MAYER GROUP: Natural fibre composites and knit to shape products at JEC World 2024 (c) FUSE GmbH
26.02.2024

KARL MAYER GROUP: Natural fibre composites and knit to shape products at JEC World 2024

At this year's JEC World 2024 from 5 to 7 March, KARL MAYER GROUP will be exhibiting with KARL MAYER Technical Textiles and its STOLL Business

One focus of the exhibition will be non-crimp fabrics and tapes made from bio-based yarn materials for the reinforcement of composites.

"While our business with multiaxial and spreading technology for processing conventional technical fibres such as carbon or glass continues to do well, we are seeing increasing interest in the processing of natural fibres into composites. That's why we have a new product in our trade fair luggage for the upcoming JEC World: an alpine ski in which, among other things, hemp fibre fabrics have been used," reveals Hagen Lotzmann, Vice President Sales KARL MAYER Technische Textilien.

The winter sports equipment is the result of a subsidised project. The hemp tapes for this were supplied by FUSE GmbH and processed into non-crimp fabrics on the COP MAX 5 multiaxial warp knitting machine in the KARL MAYER Technical Textiles technical centre.

At this year's JEC World 2024 from 5 to 7 March, KARL MAYER GROUP will be exhibiting with KARL MAYER Technical Textiles and its STOLL Business

One focus of the exhibition will be non-crimp fabrics and tapes made from bio-based yarn materials for the reinforcement of composites.

"While our business with multiaxial and spreading technology for processing conventional technical fibres such as carbon or glass continues to do well, we are seeing increasing interest in the processing of natural fibres into composites. That's why we have a new product in our trade fair luggage for the upcoming JEC World: an alpine ski in which, among other things, hemp fibre fabrics have been used," reveals Hagen Lotzmann, Vice President Sales KARL MAYER Technische Textilien.

The winter sports equipment is the result of a subsidised project. The hemp tapes for this were supplied by FUSE GmbH and processed into non-crimp fabrics on the COP MAX 5 multiaxial warp knitting machine in the KARL MAYER Technical Textiles technical centre.

The STOLL Business Unit will be focussing on thermoplastic materials. Several knit to shape parts with a textile outer surface and a hardened inner surface will be on display. The double-face products can be made from different types of yarn and do not need to be back-moulded for use as side door panels or housing shells, for example. In addition, the ready-to-use design saves on waste and yarn material.

26.02.2024

SGL Carbon: Review of options for Business Unit Carbon Fibers

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step. Overall, a share of sales amounting to around € 179.6 million after nine months in 2023 (9M 2022: € 269.0 million) is therefore under review. The CF sales share corresponded to 21.9% of SGL Carbon's consolidated sales after nine months in 2023 (9M 2022: 31.5%). Adjusted EBITDA of the Business Unit excluding the result from joint ventures amounted to minus € 10,9 million after nine months in 2023 (9M 2022: € 27,9 million). Despite the operating loss of CF after nine months in 2023, SGL Carbon maintains its guidance for fiscal year 2023. This shows the positive development of the three other business units and the resilience of SGL Carbon's business model.

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step. Overall, a share of sales amounting to around € 179.6 million after nine months in 2023 (9M 2022: € 269.0 million) is therefore under review. The CF sales share corresponded to 21.9% of SGL Carbon's consolidated sales after nine months in 2023 (9M 2022: 31.5%). Adjusted EBITDA of the Business Unit excluding the result from joint ventures amounted to minus € 10,9 million after nine months in 2023 (9M 2022: € 27,9 million). Despite the operating loss of CF after nine months in 2023, SGL Carbon maintains its guidance for fiscal year 2023. This shows the positive development of the three other business units and the resilience of SGL Carbon's business model.

Carbon Fibers manufactures textile, acrylic and carbon fibers as well as composite materials at seven locations in Europe and North America. Following the temporary drop in demand for carbon fibers from the important wind industry market, the Business Unit's sales and earnings fell significantly in the course of fiscal year 2023. Due to the importance of the wind industry for the European Green Deal, SGL Carbon and many experts assumed that the wind industry recovers quickly. Unfortunately, this is currently not the case. Even if demand picks up, the company assumes that Carbon Fibers will need additional resources to remain competitive in the international market environment and to exploit market opportunities in the best possible way. Against this background, SGL Carbon is reviewing all possibilities to support a positive further development of the Carbon Fibers Business Unit.

More information:
SGL Carbon carbon fibers
Source:

SGL Carbon SE 

Generating its own energy with solar panels Photo Karl Mayer Group
Generating its own energy with solar panels
23.02.2024

Karl Mayer Group: Generating its own energy with solar panels

The Karl Mayer Group is reducing its ecological footprint when it comes to energy utilisation: The Group's largest photovoltaic system to date has just been installed at its headquarters in Obertshausen.

Following the construction of a stable substructure, the first photovoltaic elements were installed on the roof of the assembly hall in Obertshausen on 16 February 2024. This will be followed by the step-by-step conversion of other roofs. If everything goes according to plan, around 6,000 modules will have been installed on an area of approx. 12,000 m² and over 60,000 metres of cable laid by the middle of the year.

"With a total output of 2.4 MWp, we will be able to generate over 35% of the total electricity consumption at the site ourselves," explains Michael Sustelo, Head of Facility Management at the Karl Mayer Group.

The Karl Mayer Group is reducing its ecological footprint when it comes to energy utilisation: The Group's largest photovoltaic system to date has just been installed at its headquarters in Obertshausen.

Following the construction of a stable substructure, the first photovoltaic elements were installed on the roof of the assembly hall in Obertshausen on 16 February 2024. This will be followed by the step-by-step conversion of other roofs. If everything goes according to plan, around 6,000 modules will have been installed on an area of approx. 12,000 m² and over 60,000 metres of cable laid by the middle of the year.

"With a total output of 2.4 MWp, we will be able to generate over 35% of the total electricity consumption at the site ourselves," explains Michael Sustelo, Head of Facility Management at the Karl Mayer Group.

Source:

Karl Mayer Group