From the Sector

RONSE - Devan Chemicals, a Belgian-headquartered provider of finishing technologies, recently launched a new multifunctional antimicrobial brand line. The brand line consists of their well-known, but recently rebranded quat-silane antimicrobial solution, combined with extra features. This enables textile manufacturers to apply multiple functionalities via one single treatment.

BI-OME®, Devan’s recently rebranded antimicrobial solution, has been launched with interesting extra features. The speciality chemical provider has combined its antimicrobial technology with other functional finishes in its product range and now offers a variety of combinations:

• BI-OME® Quick dry combines the antimicrobial properties (for odour control) with advanced moisture management properties to promote efficient and faster evaporation to aid cooling and comfort.
• BI-OME® Stretch combines the antimicrobial solution with stretch recovery properties for better fit.
• A more revolutionary variation is BI-OME® AV, which has an antiviral activity in addition to its antimicrobial properties.
• Of course, BI-OME®, the antimicrobial solution without any extra features, remains available.

Devan’s experience with antimicrobial technology goes back a long time. More than 25 years of research led to the creation of the BI-OME® product range. Thanks to the combination of a cross-border support package (mill training, quality control, etc.) and unique product excellence (non-migrating, no use of silver), Devan’s antimicrobial technology is widely chosen across the globe.

BI-OME® is fully BPR and EPA compliant, Oekotex and Bluesign registered, can be delivered worldwide and is applicable for apparel, home textiles, bedding, transport & mobility, etc.

• „Frankfurter Stöffche“ und „Afterwork@Heimtextil“: Abendveranstaltungen für Branchenteilnehmer
•  Kostenfreie Registrierung ab sofort möglich

Zur kommenden Heimtextil (9. bis 12. Januar 2018) hält die Messe Frankfurt erneut Vorteilsprogramme für deutschsprachige Fachbesucher bereit: Raumausstatter und Bettenfachhändler aus Deutschland, Österreich, der Schweiz und Norditalien erfahren über die kostenfreien Besucherprogramme „Heimtextil Insider“ und „Bed’n Excellence“ einen VIP-Status und erleben die Heimtextil auf besonders komfortable und effektive Weise. Ab sofort können sich interessierte Branchenteilnehmer für die beiden Angebote kostenfrei online anmelden.

„Wir möchten die deutschsprachigen Raumausstatter und Fachhändler einladen, die Heimtextil als ihr Branchentreffen Nummer 1 zu erleben. Nur hier erhält man den ganzheitlichen Überblick und trifft auf die wichtigsten Branchenteilnehmer – auf langjährige und neue Geschäftspartner, auf Mitbewerber und Trendsetter“, sagt Olaf Schmidt, Bereichsleiter Textilmessen bei der Messe Frankfurt. „Mit einem umfassenden Service-Paket möchten wir den Aufenthalt in Frankfurt und die Begegnungen auf der Messe so angenehm und effizient wie möglich gestalten. Bei aller Größe und Internationalität unserer Messe ist es uns ein besonderes Anliegen, dass die Heimtextil auch den Heimatmarkt fest im Blick hat.“ Auch Meisterschüler des Raumausstatterhandwerks sind zur Teilnahme am Heimtextil Insider eingeladen. Ebenso heißt die Heimtextil Raumausstatterlehrlinge mit ihren Berufsschulklassen willkommen. Über heimtextil@messefrankfurt.com können Lehrer ihre Klassen für einen kostenfreien Messebesuch anmelden.

Zahlreiche Vorteile
Die beiden Besucherprogramme „Heimtextil Insider“ (für Raumausstatter und Inneneinrichter) und „Bed’n Excellence“ (für Bettenfachhändler) bieten jeweils diverse Vorteile für die jeweilige Zielgruppe an. Dazu zählen unter anderem ein Begrüßungsgeschenk, eine Gratis-Dauerkarte für die Messe sowie Zutritt zu einem bewirteten Lounge-Areal mit WLAN und Garderobenservice. Außerdem kommen den genannten Besuchergruppen spezielle Fachvorträge, geführte Themenrundgänge und eine Vor-Ort-Betreuung zuteil. Darüber hinaus haben Teilnehmer der beiden Besucherprogramme die Möglichkeit, für die Zeit der Messe Hotelzimmer zu reduzierten Preisen zu buchen.

Starke Partner aus der Branche
Für den „Heimtextil Insider“ engagieren sich renommierte Unternehmen und Verbände: Neben Bella Gardinenkonfektion, DecoTeam, Erfal, Höpke, MHZ, Schmitz-Werke und der RZ Raumausstatter-Zeitschrift stehen auch das Deutsche Tapeteninstitut, der Fachhandelsring (FHR) und der Zentralverband Raum und Ausstattung (ZVR) hinter der Aktion.

Branchentreffen am ersten und dritten Messeabend
Zum zweiten Mal lädt die Heimtextil am ersten Messeabend (Dienstag, 9. Januar 2018, ab 18 Uhr) Branchenteilnehmer zum „Frankfurter Stöffche“ in die Halle 5.1 ein. Der Frankfurter Abend steht im Zeichen des geselligen Beisammenseins bei hessischer Gastfreundschaft. Es ist der ideale Treffpunkt für Raumausstatter, Inneneinrichter, Objektplaner und Fachhändler, um sich mit Ausstellern, Verbänden und Einkaufs-kooperationen auszutauschen.
Bettenfachhändler sind traditionell am Messedonnerstag, den 11. Januar 2018, ab 18 Uhr zum Branchentreffen „Afterwork@Heimtextil“ in der Halle 8.0 eingeladen. Bei Musik und Drinks lassen Industrievertreter und Händler der Bettenfachbranche den Messetag in entspannter Atmosphäre ausklingen.

„Trendspot Retail“: Inspirationen für den Handel
Einen Anlaufpunkt für Händler und Shop-Betreiber stellt während der Messe der „Trendspot Retail“ dar. Das Areal in der Halle 11.1 umfasst einen „Chromatic Store“ sowie eine „Biophilia Lounge“ und bietet interessierten Besuchern Anregungen für ihren eigenen Shop – in puncto Ladengestaltung, Produktauswahl, Marketing und vielen weiteren progressiven Handelsthemen.

Nachwuchsraumausstatter im Blickpunkt
Mit dem Berufswettbewerb für Raumausstatter „EuroInterior“ wechselt ein attraktives Branchen-Event auf die Heimtextil. Der Nachwuchs-wettbewerb des Europäischen Raumausstatterverbands findet in der Halle 5.1 eine neue internationale Bühne und begeistert mit spannenden Live-Demos: Über zwei Tage werden die landesbesten Nachwuchsraumausstatter und -innendekorateure aus Deutschland, Österreich, der Schweiz und Südtirol vor den Augen der Besucher polstern, tapezieren und Boden verlegen, ehe am Messedonnerstag der Preis verliehen wird.

Weitere Informationen sowie Anmeldung (mit dem Code HPM88)
zu „Heimtextil Insider“ (für Raumausstatter): www.heimtextil-insider.com

Weitere Informationen sowie Anmeldung (mit dem Code BEPI88)
zu „Bed’n Excellence (für Bettenfachhändler):
www.heimtextil.de/bednexcellence

• Druckdesigns nach Kundenwunsch
• Objekttextilien: Immer mehr individuelle Dekostoffe gewünscht

Emsdetten - „Wir hätten auf den Vorhängen, Kissen und Skirtings gern unser eigenes Wunschmotiv, passend zum Farbkonzept unseres Hauses.“ Ein Wunsch, den Textilhersteller drapilux von seinen Objektkunden des Öfteren hört – und problemlos erfüllen kann. Mittlerweile stehen vom Inbetween in Leinenoptik bis zum Black-Out insgesamt 13 bedruckbare Grundwaren zur Verfügung.

Individualität ist in: drapilux verfügt über die technische Kompetenz, Flexibilität und Qualitätssicherheit, um auf individuelle Druckwünsche zu reagieren. „Angefangen hatte es mit unserer 200°-Kollektion, mit der wir erstmals Dekostoffe nach dem Baukastenprinzip auf den Markt gebracht haben“, sagt Vertriebsleiter Hubert Reinermann. Ein Prinzip, das nach wie vor beliebt ist, denn verschiedene Themenwelten, Dessins, Farbvarianten und Grundwaren können ganz nach den Wünschen des Kunden miteinander kombiniert werden.

Die 200°-Kollektion ist nicht die einzige Möglichkeit, die die Marke drapilux – welche durch moderne Druckmaschinen und das eigene Designstudio als Vorreiter in Sachen Digitaldruck gilt – seinen Kunden bietet. 13 bedruckbare Grundwaren stehen zur Verfügung. Dazu zählen strukturierte Deko- und Möbelstoffe, Unis, Inbetweens in Leinenoptik, Stores, Satin, Black-Out- und Dim-Out-Textilien. Dieses Druck-Grundwaren-Portfolio hat drapilux in einer speziellen Bemusterungsform neu und pointiert zusammengestellt. Alle Druckgrundwaren sind nun auf einer Objektkarte zusammengefasst:

„Ab 25 Metern Ware ist alles machbar“, sagt Vertriebsleiter Reinermann. Jüngstes Referenzobjekt ist ein Pflegeheim des Ev. Stifts Freiburg, das für die Vorhänge in der Cafeteria um ein orientalisches Motiv bat. „Gemeinsam mit dem Kunden erarbeitete ich das Motiv, und das Designstudio passte dies dann farblich an den Bodenbelag an“, so Elmar Ritter, Objektberater und Digitaldruck-Spezialist bei drapilux.

Bei fast allen der flammhemmenden Textilien können nach dem Druck zudem die intelligenten Funktionen – z. B. drapilux all in one mit luftreinigender und antimikrobieller Wirksamkeit – aufgebracht werden.

• Lectra contributes to Faurecia Seating Business Group Industry 4.0 readiness and “digital enterprise” transformation initiative

Paris, September 26, 2017 – Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials, is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Faurecia through the signing of a global agreement for its Seating Business Group.

The cutting process for the production of seat covers, headrests and interiors is an increasingly strategic part of Faurecia’s Seating activity. Faurecia Seating supplies vehicle complete seats, frames, mechanisms and trim covers to major carmakers worldwide, whose manufacturing processes are gradually evolving toward Industry 4.0.

Faurecia Seating aims to double the production of its existing manufacturing facilities by reinforcing operations with advanced manufacturing technologies. The company’s extended partnership with Lectra entails focusing on operational excellence initiatives across its automotive seating division.

Standardization of the Vector® fabric-cutting solution—endowed with preventive and predictive maintenance capabilities and the highest-performance cutting system available on the market to date—will be instrumental to the implementation of these initiatives throughout the division’s fabric cutting facilities. Faurecia currently has more than 60 Vector fabric cutting solutions in production worldwide.

“More than ever, we face major challenges in terms of flexibility, agility and productivity—producing more while reducing costs,” observes Hagen Wiesner, Executive Vice President, Faurecia Seating. “Our cutting processes have become strategic in reaching these goals. Faurecia’s ‘digital enterprise’ project aims to achieve operational excellence in virtually every aspect of our organization. Together with Lectra, we will make this a reality in the cutting room, with smart automation and predictive maintenance”.

“Given the profound transformations gripping manufacturing, helping our customers ready their operations for the Fourth Industrial Revolution has become without question our core mission,” remarks Daniel Harari, Lectra Chairman and CEO. “Faurecia is among the automotive suppliers at the forefront of this movement. Digital technologies and industry expertise are the business enablers that will allow manufacturers to connect inside and outside the value chain in the near future.”

Zarte Pastelltöne, unterbrochen von weniger dichten weißen Streifen, verleihen der drapilux-Herbstneuheit Artikel 764 eine besondere Verspieltheit und Leichtigkeit. Als Vorhang, Inbetween oder Flächenvorhang verwendet, lässt er den Blick durchs Fenster nach außen zu, verhindert jedoch die Sicht nach innen.

Wie alle drapilux-Stoffe ist er mit der flammhemmenden Zusatzfunktion drapilux flammstopp ausgestattet. In Kombination mit drapilux air (luftreinigend) und bioaktiv (keimreduzierend) entspricht er somit den hohen Ansprüchen des HealthCareBereichs – funktionell wie visuell. Der Artikel wurde sapeziell für den Einsatz in Krankenhäuser, Pflegeeinrichtungen und Arztpraxen entwickelt. 

• Sustainability Zone
• Intelligent Bespoke
• Aufstrebende Marken sind die neuen Stars

Overseas exhibitors found the fair an effective platform to open up the Asian market
Buyers benefited from wide range of quality exhibitors

The 23rd edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is over, with both exhibitors and buyers satisfied with the business outcomes resulting from the fair’s four days. The largest home textiles trading event in Asia was held from 23 – 26 August, attracting 1,106 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. Given the strengthening market conditions in China the fair maintained its popularity, with the number of trade buyers increasing to 38,964 from 99 countries and regions (2016: 37,779 from 98 countries and regions). The show also attracted more international buyers this edition, with a 16% increase in those coming from abroad. “Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles has once again proven its leading position in Asia as a business and order platform for the industry. There was a noticeable positivity from both exhibitors and buyers this edition regarding the current and future situation of the domestic market, so we are optimistic about the industry for the next year,” Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said.

Overseas exhibitors found the fair an effective platform to open up the Asian market

As the leading event of its kind in the region, the fair successfully attracts a number of Chinese and Asian buyers every year, ensuring suppliers can develop their business further in the region. This year, seven country and region pavilions including Belgium, India, Korea, Morocco, Pakistan, Taiwan and Turkey were formed, with exhibitors from all of satisfied they could meet their target buyers.

While being in the minority at the fair, European brands still managed to catch the attention of visitors due to strong interest in their products from Asia. The Italian upholstery supplier Enzo Degli Angiuoni Spa was satisfied with the number of Asian buyers, particularly Chinese, that they met at the fair. Mr Stefano Laurenzano, Export Area Manager expressed: “A lot of visitors that saw us here last year have come back again and are serious about cooperating with us. Here you can get a lot of new contacts and discover the Asian market. We’ve had mainly Chinese buyers, but have had more Asian buyers from South Korea, India, Malaysia and elsewhere to visit us this year. We are seeing more business here in recent years.”

Being a newcomer to the fair, Iceland Duvet ehf felt the potential in China. “We’ve had enough buyers including retailers and manufacturers visiting our booth to make our participation worthwhile. The interest from the buyers has been genuine. Being a European brand helps more than at fairs in Europe as we can stand out more here,” Mr Ragnar Ludvik Runarsson, representative said.

Indian exhibitor, Paramount Textile Mills Ltd has been joining the fair for three years. “Apart from meeting our existing customers, we’ve had enquiries from potential new customers from China as well as overseas including the US and South America,” Mr Ram. M., Director of Marketing & Finance said.

Also with three years’ participation, Mr Samir Tazi, General Manager of PIF Textile Emotions from Morocco affirmed the show’s effectiveness in meeting important buyers and decision makers. “It’s easier for us to meet them here compared with some smaller European fairs. Thanks to Intertextile Shanghai, we have also met the major players in China.” Talking about this year’s result, he continued: “We were very busy. We met with more people than any other fairs. There are a lot of new buyers and also returning buyers checking out our new products.”

Participating in the Korea Pavilion, Sangwon Textile Co Ltd found the fair helpful in attracting distributors and wholesalers from Southeast Asia. Mr Jeon Hyeon Tae, Sales Manager said: “We have found about five potential and quality distributors from Taiwan, India, Philippines and Singapore on the first day. We also got to meet a number of wholesalers who prefer to buy from us directly at the fair.” He added that Intertextile Shanghai is also an ideal platform to launch new products for their existing clients.

As the largest pavilion this year, the Turkey Pavilion was in the limelight of the show, with both new and veteran exhibitors finding it useful to exhibit in Intertextile Shanghai. Bezmez Ev Tekstil did not intend to receive any orders in their first show, but was surprised to obtain three in just one day. These concrete results reassured their likelihood of coming back next year. “We definitely see the potential for Turkish products here in China as Chinese companies prefer quality products nowadays,” Mr Ayhan Bezmez, representative, further commented. Mr Fahri Goksin, Vice President of Gokhan Tekstil agreed with Mr Bezmez that Chinese buyers are in favour of new things like imported goods and Western brands. His company has been in the Shanghai fair for six years and continued to get satisfactory results. “We’re looking for retailers, wholesalers and online buyers. We’ve had all of these visiting our booth already.”

Domestic exhibitors satisfied with the number of potential customers and orders received

Recently, there is strong signs suggesting that the home textiles market in China is recovering with both imports and exports rising gradually. The positive outcome that Chinese exhibitors achieved at the August’s fair have resonated with the market condition. It is no surprise to see a number of domestic booths packed with visitors throughout the days. SohoCUT is a case in point. To them, Intertextile Shanghai is the place for actual business. “Compared with other fairs we’ve been to, this is the exhibition where a huge number of international buyers gather. We met buyers from China, Mexico, Russia, the US, India and Southeast Asia. We even got large orders for the first two days.” Mr Wheatley Weng, Managing Director said.

The fabrics of Wujiang Linwang Weaving Mill is also sought after at the fair. Being a company that do both exports and domestic trade, they are happy to connect with local and overseas customers during the show. “We’ve collected around 100 leads on the first day, of which 70% are domestic and the remaining being international. The overseas visitors are from Italy, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Chile and Korea that our products precisely meet their requirement. We see high chances of cooperation after the fair.” Mr Kenny, Sales Manager said.

Given the prevailing smart home concept in China, Somfy China Co Ltd which specialised in advanced sun-protection system has become one of the highlights at the fair. Ms Nancy Nan, Chief Executive Officer mentioned: “The visitor flow has been really high that our booth is swarmed by buyers. Amongst those visitors, there is no lack of medium to high-end customers who placed orders immediately.”

Editors assembled to promote high-end products

To cater to the ascending standards of Chinese customers, Intertextile Shanghai once again brought editors together in hall 5.1 to maximise their exposure to their target buyers. As foreign brands with subsidiaries in China, JAB and Prestigious see the growing interest in their premium products in China. “We pay attention to the changing buying habits of Chinese consumers and, as such, have started promoting a series of products under a unified lifestyle trend. It’s obvious that we are gaining more awareness from buyers at the fair,” Mr William Lin, Vice President of JAB ANSTOETZ Interior (Shanghai) Co Ltd said. He also appreciated the specific display area for imported fabrics and the organisers’ attempt to attract more designers, which helped them meet more potential customers. Apart from getting onsite orders, Prestigious Textiles (Shanghai) Ltd also considers the show a promotion platform. “There is great demand for our products in China. Though we achieved similar sales compared with last year, through this fair our brand has been well introduced to the market,” Mr Lewis Liu, Sales Director expressed.

Originating from China, Euroart Co Ltd was another editor that successfully showcased their latest collection at the fair. “It is a good time to join the most influential home textiles exhibition in Asia as we have just launched new products in May. We are satisfied as some of our existing clients plus new visitors came to our booth,” Ms Guo Jianhua, Director Assistant said.

Industry players benefit from the expanded Digital Printing Zone

The demand for digital printing solutions has been growing in recent years, especially as the industry has put more emphasis on green production. As such, the Digital Printing Zone expanded in size this edition, incorporating a Seminar Area and more exhibitors.

As an Italian company, MS Printing Solutions Srl experienced the potential of the sector in China. “The fair has been busy, and we’ve had steady flow of buyers coming through. The potential in digital printing here is just beginning. The Chinese government is pushing companies to reduce their pollution, so it has a big advantage in this regard over traditional textile printing,” Mr Walter Oggioni, Regional Sales Manager stated, adding that the company has been growing very fast globally, especially in China, Turkey, India and Pakistan.

This potential holds for domestic machine manufacturers as well. Specialising in the production of digital printing machines, Guangzhou Xu Cheng Electronic Technology Co Ltd was at the fair to meet fabrics suppliers. Mr Jesse Luo, Overseas Manager explained: “Compared with exhibitions for textile machinery, Intertextile Shanghai attracts more fabrics suppliers, which are our target clients. It helps even more as we are located in this special zone. We’ve been talking to a lot customers, including overseas buyers who are also interested in our machines.”

A series of seminars also provided opportunities for the industry to share their insights on this emerging sector. As a speaker, Foshan Sanshui Yingjie Precision Machinery believed the session was mutually beneficial for them and the audience. “Attendees are from the whole sector including manufacturers and end users, so we can discuss different perspectives. It will facilitate our improvement,” Mr Peng Jichang, General Manager said. Mr Scott Bai, representative of Huntsman Textile Effects (China) Co Ltd also benefited from visiting the zone and the seminar. “Together with seminar, the Digital Printing Zone can professionally present the current situation for the industry. When suppliers and users come together, we can discover the way to enhance this technology.”

Buyers benefited from wide range of quality exhibitors

Intertextile Shanghai is the largest trading platform in Asia with the whole spectrum of home textiles and accessories on offer. Hence, visitors, be they Chinese or overseas, can access a wide range of quality suppliers that meet their sourcing needs. Australian buyer, Mr Glenn Whitchurch from Trabeth Textiles, was impressed with his sourcing journey. “The polyester quality of domestic exhibitors has been unbelievable. What’s more, we’ve found the Chinese suppliers to be very flexible in meeting our needs, they’re clearly keen to accommodate overseas buyers.” Mr Whitchurch also commented favourably on the product range at Intertextile Shanghai compared to European fairs.

One ongoing trend at the fair over recent years is the increasing quality of domestic suppliers, which attracts buyers to come back and source. Mezanin V SRL from Moldova is a long-term supporter of the show, and place orders every year. Its Vice Director, Mr Mihail Tornea remarked: “It is an important event for us to meet new suppliers from China. We are selective with the suppliers we work with, but the Chinese companies here meet our requirements. As a sourcing event, Intertextile Shanghai is the best place to be.”

The fair’s VIP buyer programme also assists buyers in meeting worldwide exhibitors at ease. Mr Bibo Lan is the co-founder of Loft Curtains in the US and he is excited to meet lots of potential suppliers here. “The arrangement for VIPs is satisfying and it helps a lot to have my target exhibitor information in advance. The largest benefit of our visit is that we met Libeco from Belgium, while we also confirmed to work with a blackout supplier at the fair,” he said.

Chinese buyers agreed that Intertextile Shanghai is the most effective sourcing platform in Asia. “Overseas suppliers like Turkey exhibitors are our main interest. So far, we have connected with four to five exhibitors in hall 4 and will place orders with them soon. In terms of exhibitor number and the product range, I feel that the fair has improved a lot. It is my favourite show with a lot of overseas products to discover,” Mr Huang Shenghua, General Manager of Ziranfeng Home Textile Co Ltd said.

Concurrent events inspired the industry

Apart from facilitating business between exhibitors and visitors, the fair also incorporated various design elements via a series of concurrent events. These included display area like Trend Area, International Fiber Art Exhibition and Home Furnishing Crossover Exhibition where participants could find innovative designs and ideas.

This was also the first time the Andrew Martin International Interior Design Summit and the fair took place concurrently. Experts from the interior design, architecture and art sectors were invited to share and discuss their views on the transformation of design in the new information era. Mr Kot Ge, founder of a domestic interior design studio, LSDCASA was delighted to join, and shared: “This show always attracts many top interior designers and it’s my pleasure to meet them here. Interior design and home textiles are closely related and new concepts can bring along improvement.”

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA). The next Autumn Edition will take place in August 2018, while the Spring Edition runs from 14 – 16 March 2018.
To find out more about this fair, please visit: www.intertextilehome.com.
For more information about Messe Frankfurt textile fairs worldwide, please visit: http://texpertise-network.messefrankfurt.com.

• Asia comes to Paris and is ready to buy

The next Business Beyond Borders matchmaking event will take place in Paris at Texworld, the leading textile, clothing and apparel trade fair, September 2017.

After two successful matchmaking sessions at Genera (Madrid) and African Utility Week (Cape Town), the next Business Beyond Borders (BBB) matchmaking event turns its attention to one of the most renowned European trade fairs – Texworld - the leading textile, clothing and apparel trade fair. Twice a year Texworld Paris welcomes exhibitors and professional buyers from all over the world a rich variety of products from basic textiles to creative high-end fabrics of excellent quality. Hosting thousands of visitors, Texworld Paris is famous as the must-attend market for textile companies, especially from the EU and Asian side.

Business Beyond Borders supports businesses, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Clusters, to operate internationally. During the fair, BBB facilitates the participation and meetings between relevant potential trading partners from Europe and abroad with the aim of assisting them in the conclusion of business deals.

Welcoming Arnaldo Abruzzini, CEO of EUROCHAMBRES, says “with over 80% international exhibitors, Texworld is the perfect marketplace for EU textile SMEs keen to do business internationally”. Takin into account the Free Trade Agreements which have been concluded by the EU in the last five years and those that are currently under negotiation, the EU is making several progresses in facilitating international trade as well as on the simplification of the Rules of Origin. “The BBB matchmaking at Texworld present itself an opportunity to increase the export rate of textile and clothing products to non-EU markets, which currently stands at 20%.”

The event will also be supprted by Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the world’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. “With over 15 EEN partners co-organising the event – says Federica Leonetti, Chair of the Textile & Fashion EEN Sector Group – the companies taking part in the BBB matching event at Texworld will receive personalised support to be successful in their goals.”  

Companies attending the BBB Matchmaking will be able to benefit from a unique package:

• Revenue up 11 percent to EUR 1,149.1 mn
• EBITDA increase of 38.8 percent to EUR 270.7 mn
• Detailed planning for new production plant for TENCEL® fibers in Thailand in Progress
• New sales offices opened in Turkey and Korea
• New EcoVeroTM branded viscose fibers with very favorable ecological footprint launched

The Lenzing Group generated new record highs in the first half of the 2017 financial year for both revenue and earnings. The key underlying factors were good capacity utilization, higher selling prices and an attractive product mix. Lenzing will continue to focus on the disciplined implementation of the Group strategy sCore TEN, in order to be even closer to the customer and to further expand the offering of specialty fibers.

Consolidated revenue increased by 11 percent from the first half of the previous financial year to EUR 1,149.1 mn. Consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were up 38.8 percent to EUR 270.7 mn, corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 23.6 percent in comparison to 18.9 percent in the prior-year period. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased by 57.4 percent to EUR 204.2 mn, resulting in a higher EBIT margin of 17.8 percent (H1 2016: 12.5 percent). The profit for the period improved by 58.9 percent to EUR 150.3 mn, and earnings per share climbed 59 percent to EUR 5.55 per share.

“The first half-year developed very well for the Lenzing Group, and we are pleased with the best half-year period in the company’s history. We will continue our disciplined implementation of the sCore TEN strategy. The expansion of new state-of-the-art production capacities for our specialty fibers is proceeding well and will support our customers in their own expansion efforts for products made of our botanic fibers. The decision to set up a subsidiary and acquire a respective landplot in Thailand is the next step in the implementation of this strategy. On the innovation side we are proud that after the introduction of RefibraTM branded lyocell fibers, we launched now EcoVeroTM. This is a particularly high-performance fiber featuring a very favorable ecological footprint and sets the new benchmark for the entire industry – from fiber to garment”, states Stefan Doboczky, Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group. “Assuming that fiber market conditions remain at current levels, we expect a substantial earnings improvement in 2017 compared to 2016.”

At Heimtextil, which is to be held in Frankfurt from 9 to 12 January 2018, Trevira GmbH will be represented together with some important Trevira CS clients in Hall 4.2 at a 1,305 m2 booth.
The core of this joint booth will be a Trevira exhibition. Participating clients will present their latest Trevira CS collections for home textiles and commercially used textiles at individual stands around this core exhibit. The joint stand is located in close proximity to the new exhibition “Interior. Architecture. Hospitality. EXPO” of Messe Frankfurt.
“We are delighted to be able to make a significant contribution to the new thematic focus of Hall 4.2 with our trade fair concept for next year. It enables us to offer a platform to our clients allowing them to reach important decision-makers. In

addition, visitors to the trade fair will appreciate being able to find such a large number of Trevira CS novelties and collections in a one-stop-shop,” says Anke Vollenbröker, Head of Marketing at Trevira GmbH.
Trevira CEO Klaus Holz is pleased that the idea of a joint stand has been so well received by their clients. “The high level of demand shows that our concept of a comprehensive partnership with our clients pays off. Our long-standing clients appreciate that we not only offer them high quality and sustainably produced fibres and yarns, but that we also support them with our technical expertise and in marketing their Trevira fabrics.”

The following clients will be represented with a large selection of their beautiful and modern Trevira CS fabrics at the joint booth in January: Baumann Dekor Ges.m.b.H., Engelbert E. Stieger AG, FIDIVI Tessitura Vergnano S.p.A., Jenny Fabrics AG, Johan van den Acker Textielfabriek B.V., Mattes & Ammann GmbH & Co. KG, Pugi R.G. S.R.L., Spandauer Velours GmbH & Co. KG, SR Webatex GmbH / Getzner Textil AG, Swisstulle AG, Tessitura Mario Ghioldi & C. srl, Torcitura Fibre Sintetiche S.p.A., Torcitura Lei Tsu S.r.l., Vlnap a.s. / Wagenfelder Spinning Group, Wintex S.r.l., Mersem Teksil San. Ve Tic. Ltd. Sti, Teksko Kadife Kumas San. Ve Tic. A.S.