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08.03.2024

Final report of the World Pultrusion Conference 2024

The 17th World-Pultrusion-Conference (WPC) took place in Hamburg from 29 February to 1 March. Pultrusion, also known as the extrusion process, is a highly efficient method for producing fibre-reinforced plastic profiles for various applications in the construction/infrastructure and transport sectors.

A record number of almost 150 participants from all over the world attended the event. An international audience of experts from Europe and the USA, as well as China, India and Japan was represented.

The lecture programme with a total of 25 specialist lectures was strongly characterised by the topic of sustainability. The process development of thermoplastic pultrusion and applications in wind energy, solar panels, bridge construction and the automotive industry were also discussed at length. Despite the difficult market environment, many opportunities and possibilities for the pultrusion industry were presented.

The 17th World-Pultrusion-Conference (WPC) took place in Hamburg from 29 February to 1 March. Pultrusion, also known as the extrusion process, is a highly efficient method for producing fibre-reinforced plastic profiles for various applications in the construction/infrastructure and transport sectors.

A record number of almost 150 participants from all over the world attended the event. An international audience of experts from Europe and the USA, as well as China, India and Japan was represented.

The lecture programme with a total of 25 specialist lectures was strongly characterised by the topic of sustainability. The process development of thermoplastic pultrusion and applications in wind energy, solar panels, bridge construction and the automotive industry were also discussed at length. Despite the difficult market environment, many opportunities and possibilities for the pultrusion industry were presented.

The conference takes place every two years in a European country of importance to the pultrusion industry and is organised by AVK for the European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA), in cooperation with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA).

Source:

AVK - Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe e. V / The European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA)

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

(c) lavie, Balsiger Textil AG
06.03.2024

lavie: Multifunktionale Oberleintücher und neue Farbtrends

Lavie präsentiert eine Kollektion multifunktionaler Oberleintücher aus 100% Bio-Baumwolle für warme Tage und laue Nächte. Zusätzlich erweitert lavie seine Leinenbettwäsche Linus um die Farben plum und oat. Die Bettwäsche-Linie Louise aus Bio-Baumwolle wird mit der neutralen Farbe taupe ergänzt.

Oberleintücher
Für die wärmere Jahreszeit lanciert lavie eine multifunktionale, GOTS zertifizierte Oberleintuchkollektion aus 100% Bio-Baumwolle. Ein Oberleintuch allein oder kombiniert mit einem Plaid ersetzt im Sommer das wärmende Duvet. Die Tücher sind ebenso praktische Begleiter an schönen Sommertagen und während lauen Nächten. So können diese auch als Tisch- und Picknickdecke, als Badidecke oder als Zeltplane im Garten und auf der Terrasse eingesetzt werden.

Lavie präsentiert eine Kollektion multifunktionaler Oberleintücher aus 100% Bio-Baumwolle für warme Tage und laue Nächte. Zusätzlich erweitert lavie seine Leinenbettwäsche Linus um die Farben plum und oat. Die Bettwäsche-Linie Louise aus Bio-Baumwolle wird mit der neutralen Farbe taupe ergänzt.

Oberleintücher
Für die wärmere Jahreszeit lanciert lavie eine multifunktionale, GOTS zertifizierte Oberleintuchkollektion aus 100% Bio-Baumwolle. Ein Oberleintuch allein oder kombiniert mit einem Plaid ersetzt im Sommer das wärmende Duvet. Die Tücher sind ebenso praktische Begleiter an schönen Sommertagen und während lauen Nächten. So können diese auch als Tisch- und Picknickdecke, als Badidecke oder als Zeltplane im Garten und auf der Terrasse eingesetzt werden.

Leinenbettwäsche Linus
Linus, die Bettwäschekollektion aus 100% europäischem Leinen, hat antiallergische Eigenschaften, ist saugfähig, schnell trocknend, reissfest und pflegeleicht. Die temperaturregulierenden Fasern haben im Winter einen wärmenden und im Sommer einen kühlenden Effekt. Die Leinenqualität Linus wird um die Farben plum und oat erweitert, als Oberleintücher sowie als Duvets- und Kissenbezüge.
Die Leinenbettwäsche ist nach Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 zertifiziert.

Louise taupe
Die Bettwäsche Louise in dem Ton taupe passt zu (fast) allen Einrichtungsstilen und verfeinert Crème- und Weisstöne. Neben den gängigen Formaten als Kissen- und Duvetbezüge gibt es die Farbe taupe auch als Fixleintuch Lakan. Die Bettwäsche Louise und die Fixleintücher Lakan sind aus der bewährten Bio-Baumwoll-Qualität.

Source:

Balsiger Textil AG / Merlo Communications GmbH

EURATEX: Launch of educational project AEQUALIS-4-TCLF (c) EURATEX
Kick off meeting of the AEQUALIS4TCLF project
06.03.2024

EURATEX: Launch of educational project AEQUALIS-4-TCLF

In the context of the EU Pact for Skills, EURATEX launches an EU co-funded project under ERASMUS+ Programme to support the up-skilling and reskilling in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sectors.  The new project, AEQUALIS-4-TCLF, brings together 19 partners mainly from Eastern and Northern Europe1 who will work together in the coming 4 years to give a boost to upskilling and reskilling of workers in the TCLF industry.

Following the blueprint project SMART4TCLF and complementary to the METASKILLS4TCLF project, AEQUALIS4TCLF prioritizes creating strong links with regional and local entities to boost skills initiatives and establishing an EU-wide Network of TCLF vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) providers. Based on the results from the skills gap analysis, AEQUALIS4TCLF will develop new national skills strategies in seven countries to address specific regional needs, setting a clear path for workforce development with special attention to addressing discrimination and promote diversity in the TCLF industries.

In the context of the EU Pact for Skills, EURATEX launches an EU co-funded project under ERASMUS+ Programme to support the up-skilling and reskilling in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sectors.  The new project, AEQUALIS-4-TCLF, brings together 19 partners mainly from Eastern and Northern Europe1 who will work together in the coming 4 years to give a boost to upskilling and reskilling of workers in the TCLF industry.

Following the blueprint project SMART4TCLF and complementary to the METASKILLS4TCLF project, AEQUALIS4TCLF prioritizes creating strong links with regional and local entities to boost skills initiatives and establishing an EU-wide Network of TCLF vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) providers. Based on the results from the skills gap analysis, AEQUALIS4TCLF will develop new national skills strategies in seven countries to address specific regional needs, setting a clear path for workforce development with special attention to addressing discrimination and promote diversity in the TCLF industries.

1 List of Netherlands, Czechia, Lithuania, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia

Source:

EURATEX

05.03.2024

Denim Expert's Goal: 100% wastewater recycling

The announcement of a new effluent treatment plant (ETP) marks a milestone in Denim Expert's journey towards sustainability. This upcoming facility is a testament to the company's dedication to reducing its ecological footprint and safeguarding local ecosystems through advanced water management techniques.

The new Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) being developed by Denim Expert strives for 100% wastewater recycling. As the ETP rises from concept to reality, Denim Expert embarks on a transition towards its next horizon: aligning with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Wastewater Guidelines Version 2.0.

The announcement of a new effluent treatment plant (ETP) marks a milestone in Denim Expert's journey towards sustainability. This upcoming facility is a testament to the company's dedication to reducing its ecological footprint and safeguarding local ecosystems through advanced water management techniques.

The new Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) being developed by Denim Expert strives for 100% wastewater recycling. As the ETP rises from concept to reality, Denim Expert embarks on a transition towards its next horizon: aligning with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Wastewater Guidelines Version 2.0.

Denim Expert's proactive approach to sustainability has been recognized on a global scale. The company has been named 'New Champion' by the World Economic Forum and has partnered with organizations such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Jeans Redesign program. As one of the first factories to join the Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) and in the process of implementing the 3E program, Denim Expert is dedicated to achieving 100% water reuse and full reliance on solar energy, further solidifying its commitment to driving positive environmental change.

Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe 2024: Start der Datenerhebung (c) bvse
05.03.2024

Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe 2024: Start der Datenerhebung

Ein Bündnis von Organisationen entlang der gesamten Kunststoff-Wertschöpfungskette, von den Herstellern, über die Anwender, bis hin zu der Recyclingbranche und den Industriegewerkschaften ruft seit 1997 alle zwei Jahre zur Teilnahme an der Studie "Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe" auf. Das Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe umfasst Daten zu Produktion, Verarbeitung, Verbrauch, Abfallaufkommen, Verwertung und Wiedereinsatz von Kunststoffen bis hin zum Wiedereinsatz der Recyclate in Deutschland. Das Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe genießt bei Politik, Behörden und Fachöffentlichkeit hohes Ansehen und zeigt, dass Kreislaufwirtschaft ein zentrales Thema für die deutsche Kunststoffbranche ist.

Die Ergebnisse des aktuellen Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe werden voraussichtlich im Oktober 2024 veröffentlicht. Teilnehmen können alle Unternehmen, die Kunststoffe herstellen, verarbeiten, für Endprodukte einsetzen sowie deren Abfälle sammeln und verwerten oder die dafür notwendigen Maschinen herstellen. Die Datenerhebung erfolgt anonymisiert durch die Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH.

Ein Bündnis von Organisationen entlang der gesamten Kunststoff-Wertschöpfungskette, von den Herstellern, über die Anwender, bis hin zu der Recyclingbranche und den Industriegewerkschaften ruft seit 1997 alle zwei Jahre zur Teilnahme an der Studie "Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe" auf. Das Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe umfasst Daten zu Produktion, Verarbeitung, Verbrauch, Abfallaufkommen, Verwertung und Wiedereinsatz von Kunststoffen bis hin zum Wiedereinsatz der Recyclate in Deutschland. Das Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe genießt bei Politik, Behörden und Fachöffentlichkeit hohes Ansehen und zeigt, dass Kreislaufwirtschaft ein zentrales Thema für die deutsche Kunststoffbranche ist.

Die Ergebnisse des aktuellen Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe werden voraussichtlich im Oktober 2024 veröffentlicht. Teilnehmen können alle Unternehmen, die Kunststoffe herstellen, verarbeiten, für Endprodukte einsetzen sowie deren Abfälle sammeln und verwerten oder die dafür notwendigen Maschinen herstellen. Die Datenerhebung erfolgt anonymisiert durch die Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH.

Für die Lebenswegbetrachtung wurden zuletzt mehr als 2.000 Unternehmen aus Kunststofferzeugung, -verarbeitung und -verwertung befragt sowie amtliche und weitere Statistiken herangezogen. Um auch in diesem Jahr wieder eine hohe Abdeckung zu erreichen, werden in Kürze wieder Fragebögen versandt, Telefoninterviews geführt sowie Untersuchungen und Recherchen gestartet.

Das Stoffstrombild wird von der Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH erstellt. Auftraggeber der Studie ist die BKV GmbH mit Unterstützung von PlasticsEurope Deutschland e. V., der Bundesverband der Deutschen Entsorgungs-, Wasser- und Kreislaufwirtschaft e. V., der bvse-Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe und Entsorgung e. V., VDMA e.V. Kunststoff und Gummimaschinen, die IK – Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen e. V., der KRV – Kunststoffrohrverband e. V., VinylPlus Deutschland e.V., der GKV – Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie e. V. AVK – Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe e. V., FSK – Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V., TecPart – Verband Technische Kunststoff-Produkte e. V., pro-K Industrieverband langlebige Kunststoffprodukte und Mehrwegsysteme e. V., der IG BCE Industriegewerkschaft Bergbau, Chemie, Energie, sowie dem VCI – Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V.

Source:

bvse-Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe und Entsorgung e. V.

05.03.2024

Over 330 exhibitors at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles

From 6 – 8 March 2024, over 330 exhibitors from seven countries and regions will convene at of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition to highlight a variety of home textile products. Buyers will be able to source the latest bedding, duvets, pillows, towels, carpets, rugs and many more.

Highlighted exhibitors

From 6 – 8 March 2024, over 330 exhibitors from seven countries and regions will convene at of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition to highlight a variety of home textile products. Buyers will be able to source the latest bedding, duvets, pillows, towels, carpets, rugs and many more.

Highlighted exhibitors

  • Bedding – GSI Creos Corporation, Jjiangyin Hongliu Bedsheet Co Ltd, Zhejiang Eider Warmth New Material Co Ltd
  • Down – Anhui Million Feather Co Ltd, Hangzhou Gaga Home Textiles Co Ltd, Shanghai Donglong Home Textile Products Co Ltd
  • Functional pillow & mattress – Changshu Dafa Warp Knitting Co Ltd, Chuzhou Bray Smart Home Appliances Co Ltd, Zhangjiagang Coolest Life Technology
  • Floor – Amore Textile (Suzhou) Co Ltd, Jingyi Fur Products Co Ltd, Shaoxing Jiaohui Home Textile Co Ltd
  • Quilt fillings – Pujiang Boyue Home Textile Co Ltd, Pujiang Huayu Hometextile Co Ltd
  • Textile design – Tela’s Design Lda
  • Towelling – Nantong Dadong Co Ltd, Sunvim Group Co Ltd
  • Loungewear & bath – Suzhou Huazhong Knitting Co Ltd, Zhejiang Demu Textile Technology Co Ltd
  • Upholstery fabrics – Changshu Xinghan Hometextiles Co Ltd, Jiangsu First Home Textile Co Ltd, Shaoxing Chengchong Imp & Exp Co Ltd
  • Home textile technologies – Nantong Mingxing Science & Technology Development Co Ltd, Sichuan Chnki Sewing Machine Co Ltd

Fringe programme
Complementing the exhibitor lineup, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles will feature events to keep attendees up-to-date with emerging developments, trends, and important intuition.
For example, one of the most essential yet often overlooked foundations for sustaining wellness is quality sleep. Throughout day one and two at the Bedding Seminar Area, sleep technology will again be a key topic of discussion, guaranteeing comprehensive insights on sleep quality while tapping into associated business prospects.
Traditional Chinese medicine will also take the spotlight, with talks linking various health issues to remedies. Crossover subjects include topical therapy’s role in a better night’s sleep as well as innovations blending medicinal properties with textile design.
An increasing number of people are choosing to use natural materials and green textiles for their bedrooms and throughout their homes. For this reason, the seminars falling under the "Textiles & Technology" theme will shed light on sustainability and what’s next in the industry.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

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

(c) Premium Exhibitions GmbH
01.03.2024

SEEK and Berlin Fashion Week share dates

SEEK announces a new and earlier date for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 edition. SEEK will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of July 2024. The new platform, THE JUNCTION, connecting the neighboring UNION Showroom at Kühlaus will open its doors from the 30th of June until the 3rd of July. Berlin Fashion Week plans its shows, showrooms and events to take place from the 1st until the 4th of July. The 8th edition of the 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit will inform and animate on the same days as SEEK.

"The past few days we have had productive and most importantly very friendly conversations. The result: Your (the industry’s) wish is our command - for the first time Berlin Fashion Week, UNION showroom, 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit, THE JUNCTION and SEEK will take place at the same time. Together we want to activate: brands, stores and the city." Marie-Luise Patzelt, SEEK

SEEK announces a new and earlier date for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 edition. SEEK will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of July 2024. The new platform, THE JUNCTION, connecting the neighboring UNION Showroom at Kühlaus will open its doors from the 30th of June until the 3rd of July. Berlin Fashion Week plans its shows, showrooms and events to take place from the 1st until the 4th of July. The 8th edition of the 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit will inform and animate on the same days as SEEK.

"The past few days we have had productive and most importantly very friendly conversations. The result: Your (the industry’s) wish is our command - for the first time Berlin Fashion Week, UNION showroom, 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit, THE JUNCTION and SEEK will take place at the same time. Together we want to activate: brands, stores and the city." Marie-Luise Patzelt, SEEK

Source:

Premium Exhibitions 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

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

ECHA: 21% REACH registrations evaluated

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), between 2009 and 2023, has performed compliance checks of approximately 15 000 registrations, representing 21 % of full registrations.  The Agency has met its legal target for dossier evaluation, which was increased from 5 % to 20 % in 2019. While, for substances registered at quantities of 100 tonnes or more per year, ECHA has checked compliance for around 30% of them.  

In 2023, the Agency conducted 301 compliance checks, covering more than 1 750 registrations and addressing 274 individual substances. These checks focused on registration dossiers that may have data gaps and aim to enhance the safety data of these substances. As a result, 251 adopted decisions were sent to companies, requesting additional data to clarify long-term effects of chemicals on human health or the environment.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), between 2009 and 2023, has performed compliance checks of approximately 15 000 registrations, representing 21 % of full registrations.  The Agency has met its legal target for dossier evaluation, which was increased from 5 % to 20 % in 2019. While, for substances registered at quantities of 100 tonnes or more per year, ECHA has checked compliance for around 30% of them.  

In 2023, the Agency conducted 301 compliance checks, covering more than 1 750 registrations and addressing 274 individual substances. These checks focused on registration dossiers that may have data gaps and aim to enhance the safety data of these substances. As a result, 251 adopted decisions were sent to companies, requesting additional data to clarify long-term effects of chemicals on human health or the environment.

ECHA will now put more focus on following up the requests sent to companies. In the follow-up evaluation process, the Agency assesses the incoming information for compliance. The outcome of the incoming data is shared with the Member States and European Commission to enable prioritisation of substances. ECHA will work closer together with the Member States for enforcement of non-compliant dossiers.  

Compliance of registration dossiers will remain a priority for ECHA for the coming years. This year, the Agency will review the impact of the Joint Evaluation Action Plan, aimed at improving REACH registrations compliance, and, together with stakeholders, develop new priority areas to work on.

 

Source:

European Chemicals Agency

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

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 

23.02.2024

Kelheim Fibres: Price increase for viscose fibres from 1 April 2024

Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a leading manufacturer of specialty viscose fibres, has announced to increase its prices by 12% to 15% for specialty viscose fibres starting April 1, 2024.

With the strong rebound in cotton fibre prices, there has been a sharp increase in the demand for viscose, especially in Asia. In the face of the rapid rise in interest rates, wages, chemicals, and environmental costs, accompanied by depressed fibre prices over the past years, Kelheim Fibres sees no other choice than to start improving margins back to sustainable levels by raising the base price.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a leading manufacturer of specialty viscose fibres, has announced to increase its prices by 12% to 15% for specialty viscose fibres starting April 1, 2024.

With the strong rebound in cotton fibre prices, there has been a sharp increase in the demand for viscose, especially in Asia. In the face of the rapid rise in interest rates, wages, chemicals, and environmental costs, accompanied by depressed fibre prices over the past years, Kelheim Fibres sees no other choice than to start improving margins back to sustainable levels by raising the base price.

Source:

Kelheim Fibres

23.02.2024

Südwesttextil: Beschluss des Vermittlungsausschusses fatales Signal für Wirtschaft

Der Vermittlungsausschuss von Bundestag und Bundesrat hat am 21. Februar zum Wachstumschancengesetz getagt. Nach der Verabschiedung des Bundestags am 17. November 2023 wurde der Vermittlungsausschuss Ende November mit der Begründung einberufen, dass die Änderungsvorschläge nur punktuell übernommen und kurzfristige Ergänzungen vorgenommen wurden.

Der gestern beschlossene Kompromiss beinhaltet zwar verschiedene steuerliche Erleichterungen, Förderungen von Investitionen und Bürokratieabbau, streicht aber die zentrale Klimaschutz-Investitionsprämie. Das Entlastungsvolumen beläuft sich nach ursprünglich angestrebten sieben Milliarden Euro nur noch auf 3,2 Milliarden Euro. Der Kompromiss muss nun noch durch Bundestag und Bundesrat bestätigt werden – dieser Schritt steht nach wie vor auf der Kippe.

Der Vermittlungsausschuss von Bundestag und Bundesrat hat am 21. Februar zum Wachstumschancengesetz getagt. Nach der Verabschiedung des Bundestags am 17. November 2023 wurde der Vermittlungsausschuss Ende November mit der Begründung einberufen, dass die Änderungsvorschläge nur punktuell übernommen und kurzfristige Ergänzungen vorgenommen wurden.

Der gestern beschlossene Kompromiss beinhaltet zwar verschiedene steuerliche Erleichterungen, Förderungen von Investitionen und Bürokratieabbau, streicht aber die zentrale Klimaschutz-Investitionsprämie. Das Entlastungsvolumen beläuft sich nach ursprünglich angestrebten sieben Milliarden Euro nur noch auf 3,2 Milliarden Euro. Der Kompromiss muss nun noch durch Bundestag und Bundesrat bestätigt werden – dieser Schritt steht nach wie vor auf der Kippe.

Als Wirtschafts- und Arbeitgeberverband der baden-württembergischen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie sieht Südwesttextil den Beschluss des Vermittlungsausschusses als fatales Signal für die Wirtschaft. Hauptgeschäftsführerin Edina Brenner erklärt: „Die Verabschiedung des Wachstumschancengesetzes in seiner ursprünglichen Form hätte entscheidende Impulse für Wachstum und Bürokratieabbau gesetzt – für alle Unternehmen. Mit Blick auf die großen Herausforderungen unseres Wirtschaftsstandorts, die nicht zuletzt der Jahreswirtschaftsbericht unterstreicht, ist der Kompromiss ernüchternd.“ Dass auch über diesen Kompromiss noch Uneinigkeit herrscht und sich eine Verabschiedung noch weiter hinauszögern könnte, kritisiert Südwesttextil und fordert: „In der aktuellen wirtschaftlichen Situation gilt es für alle demokratische Parteien, Initiativen für die Zukunft der deutschen Wirtschaft überparteilich so schnell wie möglich voranzubringen.“

Source:

Südwesttextil – Verband der Südwestdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie e.V.

Pointcarre integrates Archroma's portfolio of 5,760 colors Photo: Archroma
23.02.2024

Pointcarre integrates Archroma's portfolio of 5,760 colors

Archroma Textile Effects expands the digital textile design and production system (CAD/CAM) Pointcarre with its entire portfolio of 5,760 colors.

Pointcarre Textile Software enables fashion, home furnishing and technical textiles designers to create accurate digital samples, streamline the fabric weaving, knitting and printing processes, and produce realistic presentations of their collections.

Incorporating the Archroma color portfolio into this workflow will allow designers to bring their ideas to life with greater speed and accuracy. They will not only have access to a vast searchable library of Archroma colors, but they will also be better able to produce the exact color they need at the factory.

All of the Archroma color references can be formulated with dyes that meet leading international eco-standards and the brand customer’s desired sustainability profile.

To support customers to optimize the potential of the new color library, Pointcarre is offering new interactive e-learning modules on its Academy training platform, as well as assistance in several languages.

Archroma Textile Effects expands the digital textile design and production system (CAD/CAM) Pointcarre with its entire portfolio of 5,760 colors.

Pointcarre Textile Software enables fashion, home furnishing and technical textiles designers to create accurate digital samples, streamline the fabric weaving, knitting and printing processes, and produce realistic presentations of their collections.

Incorporating the Archroma color portfolio into this workflow will allow designers to bring their ideas to life with greater speed and accuracy. They will not only have access to a vast searchable library of Archroma colors, but they will also be better able to produce the exact color they need at the factory.

All of the Archroma color references can be formulated with dyes that meet leading international eco-standards and the brand customer’s desired sustainability profile.

To support customers to optimize the potential of the new color library, Pointcarre is offering new interactive e-learning modules on its Academy training platform, as well as assistance in several languages.

More information:
Archroma Pointcarre CAD/CAM Software
Source:

Archroma

19.02.2024

Lectra: Financial statements for 2023

  • Revenues: 477.6 million euros (-6%)
  • EBITDA before non-recurring items: 79.0 million euros (-15%)
  • Net income: 32.6 million euros (-26%)
  • Free cash flow before non-recurring items: 45.3 million euros
  • Dividend: €0.36 per share

Lectra’s Board of Directors, chaired by Daniel Harari, reviewed the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2023. Audit procedures have been performed by the Statutory Auditors.

Currency changes between 2022 and 2023 mechanically decreased revenues and EBITDA before non-recurring items by 3.9 million euros (-3%) and 1.7 million euros (-8%) respectively in Q4, and by 11.2 million euros (-2%) and 4.8 million euros (-6%) respectively in the year, at actual exchange rates compared to like-for-like figures.

  • Revenues: 477.6 million euros (-6%)
  • EBITDA before non-recurring items: 79.0 million euros (-15%)
  • Net income: 32.6 million euros (-26%)
  • Free cash flow before non-recurring items: 45.3 million euros
  • Dividend: €0.36 per share

Lectra’s Board of Directors, chaired by Daniel Harari, reviewed the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2023. Audit procedures have been performed by the Statutory Auditors.

Currency changes between 2022 and 2023 mechanically decreased revenues and EBITDA before non-recurring items by 3.9 million euros (-3%) and 1.7 million euros (-8%) respectively in Q4, and by 11.2 million euros (-2%) and 4.8 million euros (-6%) respectively in the year, at actual exchange rates compared to like-for-like figures.

OUTLOOK
While the 2023 full-year results were affected by the adverse environment, they also attest to the substantial improvement in the fundamentals of the Group's business model, which will have a positive impact on 2024 results. Persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties could nevertheless continue to weigh on investment decisions by the Group's customers.

While the most recent indicators seem to suggest that the situation is unlikely to deteriorate further, the timing and magnitude of a rebound in new system orders remain uncertain.

Outlook for 2024
To facilitate analysis, the accounts of Lectra excluding the Launchmetrics acquisition ("Lectra 2023 Scope") will be analysed separately from the Launchmetrics accounts in 2024.

The Group has based its 2024 objectives on the exchange rates in effect on December 29, 2023, in particular $1.10/€1. When converting 2023 results using the exchange rates retained for 2024, 2023 revenues are mechanically reduced by 4.7 million euros (to 472.9 million euros) and 2023 EBITDA before non-recurring items is reduced by 2.2 million euros (to 76.8 million euros). Thus, for the Lectra 2023 Scope, the comparisons between 2024 and 2023 printed below are based on constant exchange rates.

At this early stage of 2024, continuing low visibility regarding orders and revenues from new systems makes it impossible to predict the actual timing and scale of the future rebound in this area. On the other hand, visibility is high for recurring revenues, which accounted for 68% of total revenues in 2023 and will continue to grow in 2024.

In light of the above, Lectra has set as its objective for 2024, for the Lectra 2023 Scope, to achieve revenues in the range of 480 to 530 million euros (+2% to +12%) and EBITDA before non-recurring items in the range of 85 to 107 million euros (+10% to +40%).

The low end of the revenues range is based on the absence of a rebound in new systems orders, which would remain stable in 2024 relative to 2023, with a 6% decline in revenues from perpetual software licenses, equipment and accompanying software and non-recurring services, as the order backlog was lower on December 31, 2023 than a year before.

The high end of the revenues range reflects a gradual rebound in new systems orders, which at year-end 2024 would be back to year-end 2022 level.
 
In addition, Launchmetrics revenues (for the consolidation period from January 23 to December 31) are projected to be in the range of 42 to 46 million euros, with an EBITDA margin before non-recurring items of more than 15% (assuming an exchange rate of $1.10/€1).