From the Sector

adidas launches its new LFSTLR jersey collection, featuring the season 23/24 third jerseys of some its leading clubs, re-imagined as fashion-focused, lifestyle streetwear.

LFSTLR blurs the lines between football performance and streetwear culture, re-defining what it means to represent your club away from the terraces. The collection includes adaptations of the third jerseys of Arsenal, FC Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid, retaining the overall design blueprint of the authentic on-pitch and fan versions but with a focus on wearability and comfort over pure performance for the field of play.

Each jersey is made with an elevated base material, including heavier superior fabrics for additional comfort as well as featuring a more premium trim execution and detailing to truly ramp up the style factor. The application of a tonal adidas badge gives each jersey a clean, crisp look that gives the club crests additional prominence. Between 70-100% of the materials used in each jersey are from recycled or renewable sources.

adidas worked with each club to appoint a Creative Lead, tapping into the worlds of fashion and music, and ensuring the unique flair of each team came through with bespoke individuality:

• Arsenal linked up with Grammy-award winning rapper, Pusha T
• FC Bayern collaborated with Achraf, one of the hottest names in the German fashion and music industry
• Juventus called upon Italian style with fashion photographer Giampaolo Sgura
• Manchester United teamed up with Nigerian Afropop singer-songwriter, Adekunle Gold & Manchester’s The KTNA
• Real Madrid worked with renowned Mexican rapper, Alemán 

OCSiAl, a leader in graphene nanotube technologies, has been granted a construction permit for a nanotube production facility near Belgrade, Serbia. The new nanotube synthesis plant will be launched in 2024 and will have an initial annual capacity of 60 tonnes of graphene nanotubes. Over the next two years, the capacity of this plant will be increased to 120 tonnes per year. “The project will facilitate logistics and lower supply chain costs. European-produced nanotubes and nanotube derivatives will be primarily supplied to our customers in central and western Europe, North America, and Asia,” said OCSiAl Group Senior Vice President Gregory Gurevich.
 
In addition to synthesizing nanotubes, the facility will manufacture nanotube suspensions for lithium-ion battery manufacturers in Europe, the US, and Asia – enough to enhance the performance of more than 1 mln electric cars with an average battery capacity of 75 kWh per car. OCSiAl nanotubes create long and robust electrical networks between active material particles, improving key battery characteristics, including cycle life, lower DCR, C-rate performance, and cohesion between active battery material particles, making the battery electrodes more durable. Graphene nanotubes unlock new battery technologies, including high-silicon content anodes, thick LFP cathodes, fast-charging graphite anodes, and more. They can be applied in both conventional and emerging battery tech, such as a dry battery electrode coating process, and solid-state batteries.
 
As well as synthesizing nanotubes and producing suspensions, OCSiAl project includes manufacturing of nanotube concentrates for high-performance polymers. The project has passed environmental impact assessment and it is 100% powered by green energy. It enjoys support from Serbian municipal and national governments. The plant is planned to be certified in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, and to be compliant with the IATF 16949 automotive industry standard. The project will create more than 200 job opportunities for engineers, scientists, managers, operators, and administrative staff.
 
Currently, OCSiAl has an extensive manufacturing system of nanotube-based products in the regions of highest market demand, such as China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Malaysia, and other countries. The Serbia nanotube hub will operate in conjunction with the company’s operational R&D center and planned graphene nanotube synthesis facility in Luxembourg.

SGL Carbon and Brembo agreed to expand production capacities for the joint venture Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes (BSCCB). Both companies have been working together with BSCCB on the conditions and implementation plans for this in the preceding months. BSCCB will invest around €150 million until 2027 to expand by more than 70% production capacities at the sites in Meitingen (Germany) and Stezzano (Italy).

The capacity enlargement includes the construction of two new production facilities at the SGL Carbon Meitingen site with a total area of around 8,500 m² and the installation of new production machinery. The groundbreaking in Meitingen will take place this fall.

At the Stezzano site, production areas will be extended by around 4.000 m² to existing buildings and investments will be made in new production machinery.

The extensive expansion of production capacities will enable Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes (BSCCB) to meet the high market demand and to cover the increasing customer requests in the future. The need for carbon ceramic brake discs from BSCCB increased worldwide. This is mainly due to the high product quality and performance of carbon ceramic brake discs, which meet the specific requirements of automotive manufacturers, especially in the premium and luxury segments, where high braking performance is needed.

OETI - Institute for Ecology, Technology and Innovation’ (or OETI for short), is now working with the independent platform ‘MeineRaumluft’.

OETI and MeineRaumluft will work closely together to make a sustainable contribution to optimising the indoor climate. Starting this autumn, they will implement a groundbreaking initiative in Austria. The primary objective of this initiative is to raise awareness of the significance of indoor air as a factor for health and productivity in work and office environments. This message will be conveyed by means of precise measurements, knowledge sharing as well as practical recommendations

OETI has a great deal of expertise in the field of indoor air measurements and certifications. The accredited institution is certified for emission testing according to ISO 16000 parts 2, 3, 6, 9 and 11 as well as EN 16516. OETI also sets standards for indoor air quality with its CLEANAIR certification.

Spinnova has decided to evaluate its existing strategy to prioritise areas that in the short- to medium-term deliver the fastest time to positive cashflow generation and that create the most value for the company’s stakeholders.
 

The company expects to conclude the assessment of its strategy in the coming months, after which the results will be presented in more detail including key actions and any changes to medium- and long-term business targets. Financial guidance for full year 2023 is unchanged.

Spinnova’s unique sustainable technology is a key differentiator. To recognize the value of its technology offering, the company has decided to review opportunities to expand the licensing of its technology to new customers. In the future, Spinnova sees great potential in developing circular raw materials such as textile waste and agricultural waste, as well as recycled SPINNOVA® fibre. Initial tests show that refining these raw materials into micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) may be more efficient than refining other raw materials Spinnova has worked with. The company has received significant interest from customers wanting to build plants that convert multiple circular raw materials into SPINNOVA® fibre.

Together with Suzano, Spinnova is gathering the learnings from the first Woodspin plant to support the decision making for the next Woodspin factory investment. At the same time Spinnova continues to further develop the technology concept to reduce capital expenditure per tonne of fibre produced compared to the first Woodspin plant. While Suzano develops its MFC process it is expected that the first Woodspin facility will mainly be used for R&D to test new MFC batches and that commercial production volumes will be limited in the short term. The market opportunity and ambition level with Suzano to scale Woodspin’s production capacity remains unchanged

Spinnova will continue to have the option to invest into all future Woodspin and Respin plants, as per the respective joint venture agreements. The company will evaluate whether it participates in these investments based on the value it creates for Spinnova’s shareholders compared to other opportunities to invest Spinnova’s capital. Regardless of whether Spinnova invests its own capital into future plants, Spinnova will continue to be the exclusive technology provider to Woodspin and Respin, and they will continue to be important technology customers of Spinnova.

Autoneum's consolidated revenue increased by 24.1% from CHF 888.7 million to CHF 1 102.6 million in the first half of 2023. The Group grew significantly both organically, thanks to a market recovery in Europe and North America, and inorganically, through the acquisition of the traditional German company Borgers. All business units improved their profitability compared to the prior-year period. EBIT adjusted for special effects increased by CHF 33.0 million to CHF 45.0 million and the EBIT margin rose from 1.4% to 4.1% compared to the prior-year period. EBIT rose by CHF 78.5 million to CHF 84.9 million in the same period, with an increase in EBIT margin of 7.0 percentage points to 7.7%. Autoneum achieved a solid net result of CHF 57.8 million. Business Group North America nearly reached break-even point before special effects. As planned, the Borgers units, consolidated for the first time in the second quarter, made a positive contribution to the overall result from day one.

Economic conditions in the automotive supply industry improved in the first half of 2023 compared to the prior-year period. There was a slight easing of supply chains and a rise in production volumes among vehicle manufacturers already in the first quarter of 2023. This was especially true in markets that had previously been heavily impacted by supply chain bottlenecks.

Global automobile production climbed by 11.8%* compared with the prior-year period, although consumer demand was somewhat dampened by high vehicle prices in some markets. In this improved market environment and supported by the acquisition of the automotive business from Borgers, a long-standing German company, as of April 1, 2023, Autoneum increased its revenue and net result substantially in the first six months compared with the same period of the previous year.

• Positive revenue development supported by inorganic growth
• Significant improvement of operational profitability and solid net profit
• Equity ratio influenced by the acquisition of Borgers Automotive
• Creation of a capital band
• Business Groups
• Integration of Borgers automotive business
• Working on behalf of electromobility with sustainable noise absorption in underbody
• shields
• Change to the Group Executive Board
• SBTi recognizes Autoneum’s science-based targets

Outlook unchanged
According to the current S&P market forecasts, it is expected that global automobile production will climb by 5.7%* in 2023 compared with 2022. Autoneum anticipates that production volumes in the various regions will develop in line with the forecasts. Customer negotiations are ongoing and Autoneum expects that the increase in costs for raw materials, energy, transportation and staff will be completely offset in the second half of the year. Based on the forecast market development and the renegotiated customer agreements, Autoneum confirms the outlook that it published in March 2023. The Company expects total revenue of CHF 2.4 to 2.5 billion at unchanged exchange rates for the financial year 2023, an EBIT margin of 3.5% to 4.5% excluding one-time effects and a free cash flow in the higher double-digit millions, excluding acquisition-related net cash outflows.

For more information, see attached document.

*Source: S&P market forecast – August 15, 2023

From mechanical engineering to the construction industry, from logistics to rescue technology – tensioning and clamping systems fulfil important tasks in a number of industries. The possible uses of technical textiles for industrial applications of this kind are manifold.

Patented and precisely configured
The ElasTool system from the elastics expert consists of a connection tool and a rubber rope connected to this tool via integrated locking elements. The stainless steel, aluminium or plastic connection tool and the rubber rope – with a thickness of between 12 and 38 mm – are each configured to fit precisely. The highlight of the patented connection solution: the more tensile force is exerted, the more the rope is jammed. Thanks to the locking system, ElasTool still provides a secure hold even when the diameter of the rubber rope narrows to up to 60 percent due to the tensile load. A crucial advantage over conventional end connections by pressing.

Economical and low maintenance
The system has further advantages: the textile solution runs quietly. Unlike clamping systems with steel cable springs, there is no creaking here. In addition, textiles, plastic and aluminium are particularly lightweight materials. ElasTool therefore saves energy. Another benefit: the connection system works without lubricating oil. While conventional tensioning and clamping solutions in industrial plants and products have to be oiled regularly, the JUMBO textile system works completely maintenance-free.

Versatile and easily interchangeable
Depending on the area of application of the ElasTool, the interchangeable head can be exchanged: Plastic hook instead of aluminium eyelet, stainless steel flange instead of aluminium hook – for example. The interchangeable head can be replaced effortlessly and without special tools.

"A lifting system in a high-bay warehouse, a trolley in a crane, damping for compressors or crash systems – these are just three of the many possible applications. We adapt the dimensions, material, force-stretch behaviour, flame retardancy – like all properties – specifically to the respective project," emphasises Carl Mrusek, Chief Sales Officer of JUMBO-Textil. "Thus, with ElasTool, we offer a safe load connection for a wide variety of applications in industry."

ElasTool from JUMBO-Textil

• Lightweight and flexible alternative to conventional tensioning and clamping systems
• Suitable even in small installation spaces
• With individual specifications and infinitely customisable dimensions
• Connection tool optionally made of plastic, aluminium or stainless steel
• Rubber rope in a thickness of 12 to 38 mm
• Rubber rope made of polyamide, polyester, recycled PES, polypropylene, aramid, Dyneema, monofilament, natural fibres
• Different interchangeable head shapes possible
• As an end connection or for coupling with other machine elements
• Tensile load up to 600 N, in individual cases more than this
• Individually configurable e.g. with hook, eyelet or flange

As part of the 12-piece collection, adidas introduces the SST Jacket – for men and women – as well as the Avacourt in a refreshed look. Both pieces share a bold blue hue – synonymous with the outfit that Billie Jean King wore in the Battle of the Sexes match – which is applied throughout the collection as a consistent design story.

The SST Jacket is inspired by the classic adidas tennis tracksuits from the era when Billie Jean King was at the height of her career, changing tennis on and off the court for years to come.

The Avacourt, having originally launched in 2022, is created and engineered to best support women when playing tennis – featuring a women’s specific last, increased torsion, softer materials and a midfoot support saddle. Updates for the 2023 season bridge today’s silhouette with the one worn by Billie Jean King 50 years ago – which was adidas’ first ever signature tennis shoe for women – via its color story, as well as key material updates. The suede leather tongue has a retro feel and soft premium touch, with the toe guard made from a synthetic suede finishing. Adding to the comfort, the heel collar is lined with terry cloth – a fabric synonymous with the era.

Other key pieces in the collection include the Tennis Modular Leotard AEROREADY Pro with detachable skirt, the Tennis Transformative AEROREADY Dress Pro that evolves into two different styles, and the Tennis Reversible AEROREADY Match Skirt Pro with Tennis HEAT.RDY Short Tight Pro layered underneath. For men, key pieces include the Tennis HEAT.RDY Freelift Polo Shirt Pro, the Tennis Reversible AEROREADY Freelift T-Shirt Pro and the Tennis AEROREADY 2 IN 1 Short Pro.

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Korean subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI KOREA INC., will participate in the Preview in SEOUL exhibition in Seoul, Republic of Korea this month (23rd - 25th of August 2023).

SHIMA SEIKI will show its SWG061N2 compact WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine which can produce a wide range of WHOLEGARMENT® items in their entirety without the need for linking or sewing. The SWG-N2 series “Mini” range is suited to the production of small knit items and accessories such as gloves, socks, hats and scarves as well as cozies, shoe uppers, bags, card cases, glasses cases, smartphone covers and other personal items. The N.SVR093SP is a conventional shaped knitting machine featuring a loop presser bed that yields novel fabrics with special inlay patterns that are produced by inserting yarn into knit fabric in a weave fashion, offering new and exciting possibilities in hybrid knit-weave textiles. Both machines will be shown knitting such items as bags and sporting goods to demonstrate the capability of current knitting technology for producing non-apparel items.

SDS®-ONE APEX design system and APEXFiz® subscription-based design software will also be on display. Both support the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. Virtual samples can furthermore be used in e-commerce to gauge consumer demand before production begins. Feeding that information back to production and combined with on-demand WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology, production can be adjusted to optimize inventory and minimize leftover waste. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.

SGS and FibreTrace®, a digital and physical traceability provider in traceable fiber technology, have joined forces to develop a new Fiber Integrity Protocol for the textile industry.

The partnership will support brands worldwide to strengthen confidence in product claims made across a range of materials through the integration of traceability technologies, such as FibreTrace® MAPPED and FibreTrace® Verified, with robustly audited pathways.

Work has begun on the development of the protocol which will combine testing, verification, chain of custody checking and product markers. To further enhance the robust implementation of verification and compliance across the full value chain, SGS is also supporting FibreTrace® to:

• Support suppliers to demonstrate compliance and accurate reporting within the FibreTrace® digital platform
• Review the compliance and traceability of fibers and materials prior to the application of FibreTrace® physical technology (for example at recycled polyester collection points)
• Help brands and retailers to carry out on-site scanning and to verify fibers with the use of FibreTrace® physical and digital technology