From the Sector

SmartERZ wird bis Ende 2025 weiter durch das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) gefördert. Mit einer Fördersumme von 6 Mio. EUR startet das Bündnis mit seinen Partnern, den laufenden Vorhaben und den neu eingereichten Projekten in die zweite Phase der Umsetzung.

Die Vorbereitungen für die zweite Förderphase des WIR!-Bündnisses „SmartERZ: Smart Composites Erzgebirge“ starteten im Juli 2021 mit dem Aufruf an alle 197 Bündnispartner (Stand: 01/2022) zur Einreichung von Onepagern. 22 dieser einseitigen Projektskizzen gingen insgesamt bis Ende August 2021 beim Verbundkoordinator Wirtschaftsförderung Erzgebirge GmbH (WFE) ein. Abgebildet wurden darin innovative Ideen und Projekte in den Bereichen Technologieentwicklung (z. B. Oberflächenfunktionalisierung), der Entwicklung von Applikationen (z. B. in den Bereichen Automotive und Bauwesen) sowie Innovationen bei der Organisations-, Fachkräfte- und Regionalentwicklung. Nach der Begutachtung durch den SmartERZ-Beirat wurden 13 innovative Projektideen für die Abgabe von vollständigen Projektskizzen ausgewählt. Diese ergänzen die Strategie des Bündnisses SmartERZ. Mit zahlreichen Partnern aus Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft soll das Erzgebirge durch Innovationen im Maschinenbau, der Elektrotechnik, Kunststoffverarbeitung, Oberflächentechnik und Textiltechnik zu einem zukunftsfähigen Wirtschaftsstandort entwickelt werden. Ziel ist die Transformation der Region Erzgebirge zu einem führenden Hightech-Standort für neuartige, funktionalisierte Verbundwerkstoffe, sogenannte Smart Composites. Diese Materialien haben ein großes Innovations- und Wachstumspotential. Sie gelten als Schlüsseltechnologie und ermöglichen langfristig eine hohe regionale Wertschöpfung.

Im Ergebnis der Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekte entstehen funktionalisierte Textilien, die mit Sensoren, Aktoren oder Leiterbahnen ausgestattet werden, um beispielsweise Körperfunktionen oder Transportschäden messen und melden zu können, oder funktionalisierte Matrizen, z. B. Formgedächtnispolymere, deren Form nach vorheriger „Programmierung“ thermoreversibel geändert werden kann, oder funktionalisierte Oberflächen mit Selbstheilungseigenschaften bzw. optischen und haptischen Effekten. Darauf aufbauend können funktionsintegrierte Leichtbauelemente (auch: Adaptronikleichtbau), wie Kunststoffräder mit erweiterten Funktionen, z. B. elektrische Radnabenmotoren, entwickelt werden.

Auf Basis des im Oktober 2021 beim Projektträger Jülich (PtJ) eingereichten Konzepts, der Präsentation am 25. Januar 2022 beim BMBF und der anschließenden Diskussion wurden der bisherige Fortschritt, die weitere Planung für die Umsetzungsphase und die Aussichten für eine Verstetigung des Bündnisses von der Expertenjury positiv mit folgendem Statement bewertet. „Das Bündnis ist wirtschaftsgetrieben und stark regional verwurzelt, was eine hohe Anwendungsorientierung und spätere Verwertbarkeit der Ergebnisse sowie konkrete Effekte in der Region erwarten lässt.“ In den kommenden Wochen wird sich der SmartERZ-Beirat erneut beraten, um die endgültige Entscheidung zu den eingereichten Projektskizzen zu treffen. Der Start in die zweite Förderphase, die konkrete Planung mit Timeline und das gemeinsame Ziel bis 2025hat die WFE bereits fest im Blick. Um auch die Bündnispartner und interessierte Unternehmen aus Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft mit einzubeziehen, gibt das SmartERZ-Managementteam am 7. April 2022 in der Online-Veranstaltung SmartCONNECT ein Update zu Neuerungen, Zeitplan und geplanten Projekten.

Als einwohnerstärkster Landkreis Ostdeutschlands hat das Erzgebirge eine solide Entwicklungsbasis. Mit der zweithöchsten Industrie- und Handwerkerdichte in Sachsen ist die Region in zahlreichen B2B-Zulieferketten etabliert und kann eine ausgeprägte Branchenvielfalt vorweisen. Auch die Arbeitslosenquote ist im Erzgebirge eine der niedrigsten in ganz Deutschland mit einem Höchststand an sozialversicherungspflichtigen Arbeitnehmern. Dem gegenüber stehen kleinteilige Firmenstrukturen mit geringer Produktivität, die Abhängigkeit vom Metall-Automotive-Sektor mit geringen Margen in Transformation und das niedrigste Lohnniveau auf Basis des Medianentgeltes. Hier setzt SmartERZ an: Das Netzwerk verbindet kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen und bezieht auch aktuelle Forschungsprojekte ein, so dass sich Kooperationen finden und die Innovationskraft der Region durch Wissenstransfer und Zusammenarbeit voll ausgeschöpft werden kann. Unter den 197 Bündnispartnern befinden sich 152 Wirtschaftsunternehmen, 30 wissenschaftliche und 15 gesellschaftliche Einrichtungen, die gemeinsam aktiv werden können. Der Fokus auf Smarte Composite verhilft dem Erzgebirge und der geballten Technologiekompetenz der ansässigen Unternehmen zu einer überregionalen Sichtbarkeit, was wiederum zu Aufträgen mit größerem Volumen beitragen soll. Basierend auf dieser erwünschten Entwicklung können Fachkräfte gehalten und neue Stellen zu besseren Konditionen geschaffen werden.

Die digitale Innovationsplattform innovERZ.hub wurde im Hinblick auf die projektübergreifende Innovationsentwicklung im Erzgebirge, den vorbereitenden Austausch und weitere Kooperationsvorhaben im November 2020 von der WFE ins Leben gerufen. Wirtschaftsunternehmen, öffentliche Institutionen und wissenschaftliche Einrichtungen können hier online Kooperations-, Umsetzungs- und Fertigungspartner suchen und finden.

On March 10th, JEC Group and Composites Expert have signed a partnership agreement to promote E-learning Composites Academy, the first 4.0 training platform dedicated to manufacturing processes of composite materials.

This partnership will start with two first steps: an introduction webinar session on March 15th at 4pm CET, and two sessions of training during JEC World 2022, on Tuesday, May 3rd and Wednesday, May 4th, in Paris where Composites Expert will present the E-learning Composites Academy, a new pedagogical approach aimed at appropriating knowledge of polymer transformation specially developed by Composites Expert.

Tools have been designed to combine the theoretical part (E-Learning course platform) and the practical part (BOXs, software, process simulator, exercises through manipulation) to observe complex phenomena, with the aim of mastering and optimising transformation processes. The aim of this presentation is to introduce people to the learning method and the interactivity of the teaching aids used in industry and education.

“One of JEC Group’s objectives is to develop access to education to help the composites industry to attract and train talented professionals. So, we are very proud to announce this partnership and to support Composites Expert initiatives, as joining common efforts and strategies will benefit to the overall industry”, stated Anne-Carole Barbarin, Content and Product development Director.

“The partnership with JEC Group is a major step towards the development of our training platform, while several manufacturers have already supported us, such as Arkema, Chomarat, Daher, Diatex, Pinette PEI, Porcher, Sopara, joining JEC World to officially launch our platform is an amazing opportunity.”, stated Jean-Pierre Cauchois, CEO Composites Expert.

These training sessions are targeting companies’ employees who would like to improve their expertise, to study professional reconversion, the companies who would like to know more or use composite materials, and universities and school for students to go from theory to practical exercises.

Usbekische Baumwolle ist rehabilitiert: Die Cotton Campaign lässt ihren langjährigen Boykottaufruf fallen. „Wir freuen uns über diesen längst überfälligen Schritt“, sagt Silvia Jungbauer, Hauptgeschäftsführerin von Gesamtmasche. „Die Internationale Arbeitsorganisation (ILO) berichtet schon seit mehreren Jahren positiv zur usbekischen Baumwollernte: Kinder- und Zwangsarbeit gehören dort der Vergangenheit an.“ Die EU gewährt dem Land seit 2021 sogar zollfreien Marktzugang und honoriert damit Usbekistans besondere Anstrengungen im Sozial- und Umweltbereich.

Für die deutsche Textilbranche ist das Ende des Boykotts eine gute Nachricht. Der Handel mit usbekischen Baumwollprodukten war zwar nie sanktioniert, doch seit 2009 hatten insgesamt 331 international tätige Marken und Einzelhändler ein „Baumwollversprechen“ der NGO unterzeichnet. „Der Boykott-Aufruf der Cotton Campaign vergrößerte Usbekistans Abhängigkeit von Russland und China“, meint Silvia Jungbauer. „Diese Entwicklung können wir jetzt aufhalten.“

Die ILO spornt indessen internationale Hersteller an, sich in dem Land zu engagieren, denn inzwischen gilt Usbekistan als nachhaltige Beschaffungsalternative zu China. Die ILO attestiert Usbekistan in ihrem aktuellen Monitoringbericht, dass die Baumwollernte frei von Kinder- und Zwangsarbeit abläuft. Seit April 2021 gewährt die Europäische Union Usbekistan zollfreien Marktzugang durch den Sonderstatus “GSP+”. Diesen erhalten nur Entwicklungsländer, die erwiesenermaßen 27 internationale Konventionen in den Bereichen Arbeit, Soziales, Umwelt und Menschenrechte umgesetzt haben und auch einhalten.

Seit 2021 arbeitet GESAMTMASCHE mit dem usbekischen Textilverband UZTEKSTILPROM in einem Partnerschaftsprojekt zusammen, das vom Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung gefördert wird. Das Projekt bietet Unternehmen in Deutschland und Usbekistan eine Plattform für wirtschaftliche Kooperation und soll den nachhaltigen Handel zwischen beiden Ländern stärken.

• Stephan Sielaff replaces interim CEO Cord Prinzhorn

• CFO Thomas Obendrauf will not extend his contract

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

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

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

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

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

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

• INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, today announced six new board members and its 2022 slate of officers to guide the success of the nonwovens industry and its members.

Elected by the INDA membership to three-year terms that began on March 1, the new board members bring a high level of diverse expertise and insight to the management of the association as it moves forward with its vibrant growth.

“I am delighted to welcome such a strong group of new board members who bring deep industry knowledge and insights to provide strategic stewardship for our association,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President. “We look forward to working with them to advance INDA’s new value proposition to enhance our industry’s leadership position and deliver greater value to our members.”

The new board members are from global leaders Lenzing Group, Bast Fibre Technologies, Reifenhauser Reicofil, Rockline Industries, Hollingsworth & Vose Company and Principle Business Enterprises.  

INDA also announced Bryan Haynes, Ph.D., R&E Technical Director Kimberly-Clark, has been named Chairman of the Board. Barbara Lawless, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Medical Products, Precision Fabrics Group, Inc. has been elected Vice Chair of Finance, and Richard Altice, President and CEO of NatureWorks, has been appointed to INDA’s Executive Committee.

The new board members are:

• Jürgen Eizinger, Senior Commercial Director, Nonwovens Business EU/AM/MEA, Lenzing Group

Eizinger has nearly 20 years of fiber industry experience. He has been with the Lenzing Group since 2001 and most recently was Vice President of the Global Nonwoven Business. He has worked at multiple locations around the world and held various commercial, engineering and technical customer services roles.

• Jim Posa, President and General Manager, Bast Fibre Technologies, Inc.

Posa has 30-plus years of nonwovens experience and has successfully led businesses from startups to some of the largest companies in the nonwovens market. He has developed and implemented strategic business, development, operational and acquisition growth plans. His teams have worked with businesses focused on most of the major end use markets such as hygiene, wipes, filtration, medical and industrial. As a senior executive, Posa has led global businesses at Fiberweb, BP/Amoco, CEO of a Nisseki/Amoco joint venture (ANCI), Lydall, and Nitto America. A long-time INDA supporter, he has previously served on committees and as a Board member.

• Markus Mueller – Sales Director and Board Member, Reifenhauser Reicofil

Mueller brings to the INDA Board 35 years of experience with Reifenhauser in the nonwovens and film industries. His experience has included roles as PLC Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Project Manager and Sales Manager. Mueller has extensive knowledge of the global hygiene and medical nonwovens markets. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Cologne.

• Matt Koele, Director of Global Materials Development, Rockline Industries

Koele is based at Rockline’s headquarters in Sheboygan, WI.  Before joining Rockline in 2012, he has held several business and Research and Development (R&D) leadership positions at SC Johnson and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. An inventor with over 10 patents, Koele is a magna cum laude graduate of Michigan Technological University in Chemical Engineering.

• Mike Clark, President, Filtration Solutions, Hollingsworth & Vose Company

Clark joined H&V in 2003 and has held numerous leadership positions in the U.S. and Germany. He previously served as the President of the High Efficiency and Specialty Filtration Division from 2009 to 2020.  Before joining H&V, Clark was a strategy consultant for eight years working with Fortune 100 manufacturing companies. He holds a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

• Andrew Stocking, Ph.D., President and CEO, Principle Business Enterprises, Inc. (PBE)

Stocking joined PBE in 2017 after a career in engineering, technology, nonprofits and government. He was named President and COO in 2018, then President and CEO in 2020, becoming the third-generation leader of the family-owned organization. He previously held roles in the private sector and within federal government offices, including the Department of Energy and Congressional Budget Office. He earned a BS in Chemical Engineering and an MS in Civil Engineering from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in Resource Economics from the University of Maryland.

The 21-member board is comprised of elected Board Officers. One-third of the entire Board is elected each year for a three-year term by a majority vote of INDA’s general membership. INDA’s Executive Committee, empowered to act on behalf of the Board between meetings, consists of the Board Officers plus four appointees.

• Project delivered on schedule and at budget after two and a half years of construction despite challenges arising from a global pandemic
• New state-of-the-art lyocell plant with a capacity of 100,000 tons will help serve the growing demand for sustainably produced fibers
• Important milestone towards a carbon-free future has been set

The Lenzing Group is pleased to announce the completion of its key lyocell expansion project in Thailand. The new plant, one of the largest of its kind in the world with a nameplate capacity of 100,000 tons per year, started production on schedule and will help to even better meet the increasing customer demand for TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers. For Lenzing, the project also represents an important step towards strengthening its leadership position in the specialty fiber market and into a carbon-free future.

The construction of the plant located at Industrial Park 304 in Prachinburi, around 150 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, started in the second half of 2019 and proceeded largely according to plan, despite the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The recruiting and onboarding of new employees has been successful. Investments (CAPEX) amounted to approx. EUR 400 mn.

“The demand for our wood-based, biodegradable specialty fibers under the TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and VEOCEL™ brands is growing very well. In Asia in particular, we see huge growth potential for our brands based on sustainable innovation. With the production start of the lyocell plant in Thailand, Lenzing reached an important milestone in its growth journey, supporting our ambitious goal to make the textile and nonwoven industries more sustainable”, said Robert van de Kerkhof, Member of the Managing Board.

In 2019, Lenzing made a strategic commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030. The target is to be climate-neutral by 2050. Due to the established infrastructure, the site in Thailand can be supplied with sustainable biogenic energy and contribute significantly to climate protection.

Together with the key project in Brazil and the substantial investments at the existing sites in Asia, Lenzing is currently implementing the largest investment program in its corporate history (with more than approx. EUR 1.5 bn). Lenzing will continue to drive the execution of its strategic projects, which are to make a significant contri-bution to earnings from 2022.

• Company underlines commitment to helping customers meet 2030 sustainability goals

Avgol® Industries 1953 Ltd, a global leader in the manufacture of high-performance nonwoven fabric solutions, will use this month’s IDEA22 to underline its commitment to helping customers meet their long-term sustainability objectives.

The company will highlight the latest work in biodegradation technology for polyolefin nonwoven fabrics at the Miami Beach event, showcasing its own range of component nonwoven fabric solutions. Together with its sister companies from Indorama Ventures Limited (‘IVL’) – who will be presenting biodegradation capable polyolefin and polyester fibers – Avgol will discuss with visitors how specific products can help businesses achieve their 2030 sustainability goals.

The annual highlight of the industry is the International Conference on Cellulose Fibres in Cologne, where the latest innovations were showcased: new cellulose fibre technologies for various feedstocks and a wide range of hygiene and textile products as well as alternatives to plastics and carbon fibre for lightweight constructions.

This year, for the first time, there were 230 participants from 27 countries. About 60 were able to attend on site – with strict Corona safety measures – while the others were able to attend online and participate in questions and discussions.

The conference gave deep insights into the promising future of cellulose fibres, which fit perfectly into the current trends of circular economy, recycling and sustainable carbon cycles.

An important focus at the conference was alternative sources of cellulose. The increasing demand for cellulose fibres cannot be met in the long run with wood and used textiles alone. At the conference, a variety of agricultural by-products and biogenic waste were presented in presentations and panel discussions, such as orange and banana peels, grain and hemp straw. Much of this is high-volume and has not been put to high-value use so far. Exciting opportunities for the future cellulose fibre industry.

Innovation Award
Live at the conference, host nova-Institute and award sponsor GIG Karasek GmbH granted the “Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year” award to one of six highly interesting products.

• First Winner: Carbon Fibres from Wood – German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (Germany)
• Second Winner: Fibers365, Truly Carbon-Negative Virgin Fibres from Straw - Fibers365 (Germany)
• Third Winner: Sustainable Menstruation Panties: Application-driven Fibre Functionalisation – Kelheim Fibres (Germany)

Wie so viele Ereignisse musste auch die Jubiläumsfeier der Deutschen Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung (DITF) verschoben werden. So waren es am 22.2.2022 100+1 Jahre Textilforschung, die gefeiert wurden. Unter dem Motto „Let’s celebrate the textile future“ hatten die DITF ins Haus der Wirtschaft in Stuttgart eingeladen.

Zu Beginn der Veranstaltung nahm der DITF-Jubiläumsfilm die Zuschauer mit auf eine Zeitreise und zeigte Impressionen von der Gründung des Deutschen Forschungsinstituts für Textilindustrie in Reutlingen-Stuttgart bis zu den heutigen Technika und Laboren des modernen Forschungszentrums in Denkendorf, wo sich ab den 70er-Jahren alle Forschungsbereiche zusammengefunden hatten: von der Chemie über den Maschinenbau, die Verfahrenstechnik zu den Wirtschaftswissenschaften.

Die Bedeutung der Denkendorfer Textilforschung für alle Zukunftsthemen unterstrichen die Wirtschaftsministerin des Landes Baden-Württemberg, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut und die Parlamentarische Staatsekretärin im Bundeswirtschaftsministerium, Dr. Franziska Brantner. Dr. Brantner lobte die DITF dafür, sich immer wieder neu zu erfinden und neu zu entdecken. Damit trage das Forschungszentrum wesentlich dazu bei, Digitalisierung und Klimaschutz zusammenzubringen.

Für die Festvorträge konnten Dr. Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE, Professor Klaus Müllen, Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, und Peter Dornier, Lindauer Dornier, gewonnen werden. Alle drei widmeten sich zentralen Zukunftsthemen wie Nachhaltigkeit und Digitalisierung. Dr. von Dewitz zeigte am Beispiel von VAUDE, dass Umwelt- und Klimaschutz den wirtschaftlichen Erfolg nicht bremsen, sondern für Wachstum sorgen können. Obwohl Textilunternehmen bisher nicht als umweltfreundlich gelten, haben sie großes Innovationspotenzial und können ganzheitlich Verantwortung übernehmen.

Im Anschluss konnten die Besucher durch eine Ausstellung bummeln, in der die zwölf Kompetenz- und Technologiezentren der DITF Beispiele ihrer Forschung zeigten.

• The “new normal” by Südwolle: responsible, seasonless and high performance

The concept of seasonality in the F/W 2023/24 collection is increasingly vague, in favour of more functional categories in terms of performance, sustainability, innovative content and style.

Yarns are predominantly pure wool or blends, corresponding with the new concept of “dressing well” which is gaining ground among consumers – an individual style that promotes wellbeing at various times of the day, a fluid, personal idea of elegance, that fits daily activities with ease.

The new formal replaces the traditional suit with “smart casual” jackets and trousers -comfortable, and carefully cut, they feature quality materials that guarantee wearability as well as durability. Focus on these factors makes for more informed and less impulse buying.

The renewed interest in heritage is met with Südwolle's wool know-how and its basic essentials, updated to make them more sustainable by choosing certified fibres and chlorine-free anti-shrink treatments, for products with a longer lifespan thanks to domestic washing at low temperatures.

Sustainable innovation attentive to performance and durability goes hand in hand with the selection of earth-friendly recycled, recyclable and traceable materials blended with natural fibres.

Overview of the collection
The words inspiring the new collection are: sustainable, responsible, natural, recycled and high-performance.

A leading position goes to the OTW® line of weaving yarns made with Omega Twist® technology, developed and patented by Südwolle Group, which gives yarns enhanced performances in terms of reduced pilling, greater elasticity, strength and durability.

Espresso TEX Nm 48/2 (100% untreated wool,20.5μ) was created to value the authentic naturalness of wool. Made with undyed, untreated merino wool, it is a twisted yarn for weaving, ideal, for example, for flannel suits and jacket. It is available in 4 shades of brown obtained by mixing different percentages of untreated raw wool and undyed, naturally brown wool.
Eolo Nm 24/2 (100% wool 20.5 µ) is an example of circular production and reuse of recycled wool within the Karma project. Starting with in-house pre-and post-production waste, a partly carded, partly combed, product is created at Südwolle Group facilities where this type of process can be carried out.

Rhein GOTSNm 64/1 and Nm 64/2 (100% wool 19.5 µ) is the new pure woolyarn with GOTS –Global Organic Textile Standard certification, which certifies its organic provenance. The same traceable origin applies to Lerici GOTS X-COMPACT®Nm 60/1 (70% GOTS certified wool 19.5μ, 30% Schappe Mulberry silk), a glossy yarn with reduced pilling effect for improved anti-abrasion performance, obtained with X-COMPACT® spinning technology.

Performance paired with reduced energy consumption is the added value of SRP ClarkNm 60/2 (48% wool 23.5μ, 44% cationic polyester, 8% Donegal viscose), also available in a stretch version. The cationic polyester can be dyed blended with the wool, making double dying unnecessary and so saving on water and energy consumption. The addition of pre-dyed red, green or brown Donegal viscose to the blend creates a fluid look enhanced with slubbing and micro-nep effect.

Rosvic Nm 40/2 (98% wool 19.5μ, 2% Lycra®44 dtex) is a twisted yarn with Basolan treatment for comfort fabrics. It has a slightly textured surface with a contrasting or tone on tone micro mouliné pattern.

Key players among the circular knitting and hosiery yarns are Basak Nm 80/1(80% wool TEC. 20% polyamide 2.2 dtex), OTW® Barone GRS Nm 60/2(60% wool 23.5 µ TEC, 40% RENU™ recycled cationic polyester 2.2 dtex) and OTW®Concorde Nm 88/2(100% wool 19.3 µ TEC), available in the new colour cards.