BANGKOK, Thailand — March 16, 2020 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, has successfully completed Thailand’s first ever cross-border Sustainability-Linked Ninja Loan.
This syndicated loan of $255 million with 5 year bullet maturity, comprises of 16 Japan based banks and institutions is structured with linkage with the sustainability performance of IVL and have a mechanism to adjust to lower interest rate based on IVL’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) score.
Mizuho Bank, one of the largest banks from Japan, is the arranger of this syndicated cross-border Sustainability-Linked Ninja Loan. The loan proceeds will be primarily used for refinancing and will not increase the overall debt.
Sanjay Ahuja, CFO, at Indorama Ventures, said, “We are proud to be the first Thai company to obtain this Sustainability-linked Ninja Loan. Following Thailand’s first ever green loan funded by Mizuho Bank last year, we believe that our sustainability performance and PET recycling initiatives have been recognized.
“IVL’s financial strategy focuses on diversification of the funding base with access to different financial markets, extending maturity profile and optimizing cost of financing. The Sustainability-Linked Ninja Loan has favorable financing terms and will help lower overall borrowing costs.
“I would like to thank Mizuho and all 16 banks and financial institutions who have come together to offer this Sustainability-linked Ninja Loan. IVL is committed to continuously developing itself to improve our value for all stakeholders over the long run.”
HONG KONG — March 13, 2020 — The magnitude of public health and safety issues posed by the rapidly escalating COVID-19 outbreaks have led to the postponement of Gartex Texprocess India, which was slated to make its debut in Mumbai next week. The cooperation partner of Gartex Texprcoess India, Denim Manufacturers Association, and its exhibitors strongly support this move. The Delhi edition continues to be on schedule from August 21-23, 2020.
With the World Health Organization (WHO) officially terming COVID-19 disease a pandemic, it called for a reassessment of the situation in accordance with advisories issued by the public health authorities. As per the travel advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry, the Indian Government has temporarily suspended visas and tightened entry conditions for foreign nationals. Moreover, as per a statement issued by Maharashtra Health Minister Shri Rajesh Tope, no permission will be granted for public gatherings in the state of Maharashtra.
Keeping in line with the advisories issued by the Indian Government, the organizers — Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, have had to act swiftly to postpone the launch of Gartex Texprocess India 2020 which was scheduled to open its doors in Mumbai, next week.
The decision comes after intensive consultations with exhibitors to gain a sense of whether the organisers should proceed with running the show as originally scheduled from March 19-21, 2020. The response was both swift and definitive, with an overwhelming majority opting to postpone. The decision is also supported by the Denim Manufacturers Association (DMA).
“After intensive consultations with exhibitors, we have had to take the difficult decision to postpone Gartex Texprocess India’s launch in Mumbai. The health of our exhibitors, visitors, employees and all the stakeholders is our first priority. The current situation represents a major challenge for the MICE industry over the world and we have to work in line with the local government’s effort to take precautionary measures to control its further spread,” says Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd. “We are glad to have the support of the industry and our exhibitors who’s interests are at the center of this decision. We’re working on next steps to make the process easy and ensure business continuity for the industry going forward,” added Gaurav Juneja, director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.
The organisers intend to announce the new Mumbai launch dates in the coming weeks, after consultations with industry stakeholders. The Delhi edition continues to be on schedule from August 21-23, 2020.
SCHWARZENBACH/SAALE, Germany — March 13, 2020 — In keeping with the motto “inspired by the future”, Sandler again invested in the expansion of both company locations in the anniversary year. With a turnover of 322 million euros ($355 million), the nonwovens manufacturer again reports a successful year 2019.
Openness to new ideas and continuous development – Sandler’s concept for success
From a local wadding factory for upholstered furniture to a high-tech nonwovens producer: Last year, Sandler was proud to celebrate 140 years of company history, being managed today in the fourth generation by Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler. Continuity in leadership, openness to new ideas and continuous development in products are the basis for this Upper Franconian success story. Bavaria’s Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder, MdL, emphasized this particularity in his speech on occasion of the company anniversary celebration, stating that “a company can only shape the future if they continue to evolve — just as Sandler does “.
Increase in employees to 880 worldwide
Despite challenges regarding raw material prices in some sales markets — these were lower, resulting in price demands from customers — Sandler Group was able to keep its turnover constant at 322 million euros and achieve good earnings. These positive year-end results create the basis for further growth in the dynamic market environment of the nonwovens industry. During the past year, the 880 Sandler employees in Schwarzenbach and Perry, Ga., developed new nonwoven solutions, steadily expanding the product range and the company’s position as a partner to international customers. Heat-insulating and sound-absorbing materials for the construction industry and room acoustics; efficient filter media for clean air in buildings and vehicles; soft upholstery materials for furniture and bedding; skin-friendly materials for hygiene products; absorbent wipes substrates for cosmetics and household as well as sound insulating nonwovens for more driving comfort in automobiles, buses and trains.
Investments in the double-digit million Euro range
In 2019, the company again invested heavily. A double-digit million euro amount went into the expansion of the headquarters in Schwarzenbach: Two new nonwovens manufacturing lines increase production capacity in technical applications and are the basis for the expansion of business activities.
Sandler is also gradually expanding its U.S. subsidiary — Sandler Nonwoven Corp. in Perry, Ga. — into a competence centre for nonwovens manufacturing. To the northwest of the existing company building, the new 135,000 square feet. building has taken shape in recent months. In the coming weeks, the assembly of a further manufacturing line for nonwovens for hygiene applications will commence here. Start of production is scheduled for autumn this year.
The investment in the USA strengthens Sandler’s position as one of the largest nonwovens manufacturers worldwide. It is part of a series of investments announced on occasion of the company’s anniversary celebration.
Expansion of the share of alternative raw materials
Sustainable business practices for the benefit of staff members, the people in the region, business partners and users of Sandler products has always been one of the cornerstones of the company’s philosophy — in the economic, social and ecological sense.
Therefore, Sandler also takes up the task of creating new product solutions which contribute to the conservation of valuable resources by increasing the use of alternative raw materials. Already today, the company uses about 30-percent renewable and recycled raw materials.
140th anniversary with staff party
On occasion of Sandler’s 140th anniversary, management and staff looked back on company as well as family history. In May, the anniversary was celebrated together with high-ranking guests from politics and business. In mid-July, special moments of the past years and the milestones achieved together were the focus of the Sandler staff party. The management team, employees and their families came together here — with 1,600 guests one of the highlights in the anniversary year.
Outlook
With its committed employees, cross-technology know-how and close partnerships along the entire value chain, Sandler is excellently positioned to master the current challenges and to continue to advance its markets with product solutions for tomorrow.
FREMONT, Calif. — March 16, 2020 — Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI) has named printing technology executive Evandro Matteucci vice president and general manager, Building Materials and Packaging. Matteucci, a long-time senior leader at Kodak™ who is starting in his new position today, replaces former vice president and general manager José Luis Ramón Moreno, who has departed to pursue other career opportunities.
Matteucci has responsibility for the Almassora (Castellón), Spain-based EFI™ Building Materials and Packaging business, which manufactures a portfolio of award-winning solutions, including the industry’s leading, and most technologically advanced, single-pass inkjet corrugated board and ceramic products — the EFI Nozomi C18000 direct-to-board printer and EFI Cretaprint® tile decoration printers.
Matteucci’s role also includes directing operations for EFI’s new, award-winning Cubik line of single-pass printers for wood, concrete and polymer materials. In addition, he will manage the Almassora facility’s development and commercialization of high-quality single-pass inkjet solutions in new and adjacent markets.
“I would like to thank José Luis for his dedication and contributions to EFI and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said EFI Chairman and CEO Jeff Jacobson. “I am also very pleased to welcome Evandro into his new role, where he will deliver sound, customer-focused management advantages that reflect his extensive print technology expertise. I know he will make a significant impact as we continue to bring more productivity, value and innovation to the markets we serve.”
Matteucci’s international career spans more than 25 years in the printing industry in sales, marketing and general management roles. Most recently, he was global VP for Marketing, Business Development and Product Management in the Kodak Print Systems Division. Matteucci, who first joined Kodak in 2005, has also served as Kodak Print Systems’ regional vice president and general manager for the Asia Pacific, Middle East/Africa and Latin America regions. Prior to that, he was Kodak’s APAC regional vice president and general manager for prepress solutions and workflow software. He has also served as Kodak’s EMEA-region vice president of marketing, as well as regional vice president and general manager for Kodak’s prepress operations in EMEA. Prior to working for Kodak, Matteucci held a regional leadership position with Kodak Polychrome Graphics, a joint venture between Kodak and Sun Chemical.
Throughout these positions, he has gained significant expertise in digital print hardware, software and workflow, with keen insights on successful tech development and real-world implementations that help users profitably grow their businesses.
Matteucci’s path in print began in his native Brazil at SENAI-SP Theobaldo de Nigris, where he obtained a Graphics Arts Technician degree. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Marketing and an MBA in Brazil as well. Matteucci also holds an Advanced Management Program degree from IPADE in Mexico City and, most recently, completed Harvard Business School’s General Management Program.
“EFI is in a very exciting phase right now, and I am pleased to participate in the groundbreaking work taking place to make it an even more innovative company,” said Matteucci. “EFI’s Nozomi and Cretaprint solutions have had unparalleled impact driving the analog-to-digital transformation, and I am dedicated to continuing that momentum by helping customers capture new opportunities.”
ATLANTA — March 13, 2020 — Today, Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Inc. announced it is postponing the collocated Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas shows that were scheduled to take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, May 12-14, 2020.
In a statement, Show Director – Technical Shows: Textiles, Sewn Products, Equipment and Technology Kristi Meade, said:
“In light of the worldwide spread of COVID-19 and after heavy analysis in collaboration with event stakeholders, including our partners at ATME-I and co-producers at SPESA, we have collectively decided to postpone Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas.
Up until this point, we were optimistic that May was far enough away to proceed with the events as planned. However, as the situation has evolved, we feel that we must act in the best interest of our exhibitors, visitors, and the industry overall.
The co-location of Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas has become one of the most important meeting places for the technical textile, nonwovens, and sewn products industries. It is here that textile professionals have the opportunity to connect with leaders of industry across all sectors to facilitate the exchange of ideas and generate new business partnerships. With this in mind, we consider it of utmost importance to continue to serve the industry, therefore, Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas will now take place December 15-17, 2020 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
We have considered the wide-range of impacts this will have on our exhibitor and visitor base, and we appreciate your continued support and understanding as we continue to navigate this situation together. Please contact any member of our team with questions or concerns.”
AMSTERDAM — March 13, 2020 — Mimaki Europe, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, has announced that it will host an interactive, action-packed online event — dubbed The Mimaki Virtual Print Festival — designed to provide customers and prospects with a unique combination of information, product demonstrations, competitions and networking opportunities. The event will comprise a series of group webinars and individual virtual meetings starting March 24, 2020, the same date that FESPA 2020 was originally scheduled to open its doors, with Mimaki revealing new features and content every week until the end of April.
Replicating its original FESPA 2020 line-up, Mimaki aims to provide participants with a virtual experience that has as many of the benefits of the original event as possible. To achieve this, the company will offer customers, partners and prospects the opportunity to participate in product demonstrations, virtual FESPA 2020 stand tours, individual meetings to discuss specific business requirements and technology questions and live, knowledge-sharing sessions with FESPA executives. Everything from signage, graphics, textiles, direct-to-shape, 3D print and more will be discussed, with Mimaki encouraging an open dialogue with its industry peers from all market sectors.
Danna Drion, senior marketing manager EMEA, Mimaki Europe, commented: “Mimaki is fully supportive of FESPA’s considered decision to postpone its event and we look forward to participating in the rescheduled event once new dates are confirmed. While we cannot recreate the full experience of attending a FESPA event, we want to ensure that our customers and prospects still have access to as much of the latest product information and educational resources that we intended to share at FESPA 2020 as possible. The Virtual Print Festival allows us to offer the industry exactly that, enabling a host of different virtual interactions designed to inspire, engage and excite our customers and prospects as they see the range of applications and business opportunities enabled by Mimaki’s latest solutions.”
Highlights of The Mimaki Virtual Print Festival include:
Industry Trends with Mimaki and FESPA: Mimaki and FESPA collaborate to present webinars on the current trends, address market challenges and present the latest business opportunities within the print industry.
Product Demonstrations: Short video demonstrations, showcasing the full benefits and capabilities of Mimaki’s latest technologies will be scheduled regularly throughout the event. Headlining the video series will be the versatile Tx300P-1800 MkII, which offers both direct-to-textile and transfer printing.
Virtual Coffee and Briefings: Existing or potential distributors and customers can arrange a 1:1 meeting during the event to speak with an experienced Mimaki representative to gain a more thorough, tailored insight into Mimaki technologies or discuss individual business needs.
Live Chat with the Experts: For those who have a one-off question or are unable to attend a full briefing, Mimaki experts from every field will be available to speak over a live chat during the first week of the event (24th March to 27th March).
For live updates on session announcements, competitions and more information about the Virtual Print Festival, as well as how to register, attend and participate, visit www.mimakieurope.com/virtual-print-festival.
DORKING, England — March 13, 2020 — FESPA and APS have reached the decision to postpone the FESPA Brasil 2020 event, which was scheduled to take place next week, March 18-21, 2020, at Expo Center Norte, Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The move follows the recent announcement of the postponement of the FESPA 2020 events in Madrid, Spain, originally scheduled for March 24-27, 2020 (Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Sportswear Pro).
The postponement of FESPA Brasil 2020 follows consultation with FESPA’s local partner and trade event organiser APS Eventos Corporativos, as well as FESPA’s leading exhibitors in the region, in light of the global escalation of the coronavirus crisis in recent days.
FESPA CEO Neil Felton commented: “We have been monitoring the situation in Brazil closely since the virus outbreak, as in Europe. Until recently, the relatively low number of confirmed cases in Brazil meant there was little exhibitor support for postponement. However, the rapidly changing global picture in the last week has led us to re-evaluate our risk assessment for this event. Consequently, we have made the decision to postpone the event until later in 2020, in the interests of the health and wellbeing of our Latin American event community.”
The FESPA Brasil team is in direct communication with all exhibitors and pre-registered visitors regarding the postponement, and will proceed in due course to explore the available options for rescheduling.
CHICAGO — March 13, 2020 — The drupa trade fair scheduled for June 16-26, 2020, will be postponed to April 20-30, 2021. In doing so, Messe Düsseldorf is following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government to take into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when assessing the risk of major events. Based on this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2), including in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation. In addition, there is the general ruling issued by the city of Düsseldorf on March 11, 2020, in which major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time are generally prohibited.
“The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory boards and sponsoring associations,” emphasized Werner M. Dornscheidt, chairman of the board of management of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. It also reflects the wishes of individual industries: “As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors”.
“The city of Düsseldorf is following the instructions of the state government. Our aim is to slow down the spread of the corona virus so that the health system can continue to function properly,” emphasized Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the state capital of Düsseldorf and chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Düsseldorf trade fair company.
Delaying the spread of the virus as far as possible is also a declared goal according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). In order to fulfil Messe Düsseldorf’s responsibility for risk prevention, the company primarily had to minimize the increased risk of infection at major events. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission at major events, which the Robert Koch Institute has clearly defined — such as ventilation of the venue appropriate to the risk of infection, the exclusion of persons from risk groups and the comprehensive installation of entrance screening, were practically impossible to implement. Also, comparable measures were and are unreasonable in view of the unforeseeable rapid development and the size of the various events with up to 60,000 participants.
drupa president Claus Bolza-Schünemann also agrees with this: “A postponement of drupa was unavoidable after the latest developments. The decision is therefore right and responsible. Many exhibitors start their logistical preparations middle of March — today’s announcement of the postponement enables all those affected to react now, reschedule and prepare for the event date in April 2021. The excitement for ’embrace the future’ remains undiminished — also in 2021”.
In view of the increased risk entailed by a fair with significant international participation, the industry associations also welcome the announcement: “drupa is the most important meeting place for the international printing industry,” said Dr. Markus Heering, managing director of the Printing and Paper Technology Trade Association of the VDMA. “True to the motto ’embrace the future’, it is characterized by personal, international contact and live product presentations. The risk of infection would simply be too high at present. We therefore support the decision to postpone the event and look forward to the date next year.”
The Düsseldorf hotel industry is also sending out an important signal through its umbrella organization DEHOGA (Trade Association for the Hospitality Industry): “We appeal to our members and the entire industry to be flexible when it comes to rebooking by exhibitors and visitors. The Düsseldorf trade fairs such as drupa play an enormously important role for the city, the hotel industry and the catering trade. It would be counterproductive not to show goodwill in this situation,” as both DEHOGA-Representatives Giuseppe Saitta (Chairman Düsseldorf/District Group Rhein-Kreis Neuss) and Rolf D. Steinert (Düsseldorf/Rhein-Kreis Neuss Hotels and Tourism Group) emphasize.
Werner M. Dornscheidt is pleased about the general consensus and encouragement in this special situation: “We would like to thank all partners for their excellent cooperation in making these difficult and time sensitive decisions. We are pleased that together dates were found so quickly in order to provide all those affected with reliability in planning.”
LEUNA, Germany — March 13, 2020 — DOMO Chemicals, a producer of high-quality engineering materials for a diverse range of markets, has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art plant in Zhejiang, China. The new plant will be capable of producing 50,000 tons of sustainable and innovative engineered nylon compounds each year. The company signed a new factory project through “cloud contract” with PingHu DuShan port Economic Development District on February 20, 2020. Production is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.
DOMO Chemicals will invest 12 million euros ($13 million) in the new plant, which will have more than 11,500 square meters of floor space. The company plans to install multiple production lines at the first stage of development, which would offer an estimated capacity of 25,000 tons per year. There will be enough additional space available to cope with future demand requirements. The move is in line with the company’s global growth strategy with a strong focus on the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
Speaking during a video ceremony of the signing, Vice President Global Engineering Plastics Ludovic Tonnerre, stated: “DOMO Chemicals has only been operating in China since 2015, but we are growing rapidly. Despite the current coronavirus challenges, we are confident that China will lead the world in embracing a future generation of sustainability and e-mobility solutions. We are very grateful to the government and relevant departments for their patience and assistance and are confident in our long term cooperation, relationships and mutual opportunities.”
The new plant will be located in the convenient transportation port area of DuShan Pinghu city, Zhejiang province, which is in close proximity to Shanghai and facing the East China Sea. The modern factory will integrate R&D, production, and sales. It will mainly develop and produce modified engineering plastics such as nylon 6, nylon 6.6* and high temperature nylon (HTN). These products meet the rising market demand for modified materials for the automotive, electronics and consumer industries.
DOMO will implement measures that exceed the requirements for environmental protection for the equipment, processes and technologies used at the new plant. The company will be investing in new air and water treatment technologies, and in the reduction of water and energy consumption. This is in line with the overarching DOMO Philosophy: “Caring is our formula.”
The contract, which was signed remotely during the ongoing coronavirus situation, demonstrates DOMO’s long term commitment to the Chinese economy and the resilience of local Chinese colleagues and partners. DOMO has strictly complied with the government’s protection requirements at all times and diligently checked on the wellbeing of the work personnel.
Fabrizio Cochi, general manager Asia/Pacific at DOMO Chemicals concluded: “When DOMO Engineering Plastics started in China, we operated a small plant with two machines, with the aim of supplying our global automotive customers. In 2019, despite the slowdown of the Chinese economy, we were already selling 6,000 tons of engineering nylon compounds to diverse local applications. I believe that we are about to enter a period of rapid development in China once today’s hurdles are overcome. We remain strongly committed to China and the APAC region.”
*DOMO does not sell or distribute any Technyl grades to customers and distributors outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland. TECHNYL® is a registered trademark of Domo.
MORRISVILLE, Pa. — March 12, 2020 — Gelest Inc., an innovator in materials science and the manufacturer of BIOSAFE® Antimicrobials, announced today that it is ramping up the production of its Biosafe Antimicrobials to meet surging demand.
Biosafe Antimicrobials are found in a wide range of EPA-approved applications among them: Certainty® SmartBoost™ Laundry Additive for healthcare uniforms, NWA Quat Keeper™ Foodservice Towels for restaurants and cafeterias, and King Microshield® for medical equipment and facilities. These are used to preserve treated articles by preventing the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew.
As hygiene awareness grows due to the global COVID-19 outbreak, the public is taking extra precautions to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria on the clothing they wear and the surfaces they touch. Consequently, demand for sanitizers, disinfectants, and antimicrobials are on the rise. Gelest, like so many suppliers, is ramping up production to meet the demand increases.
“Our Morrisville facility has the capacity and experience to adapt production to demand,” said Shiming Wo, vice president and general manager Life Science of Gelest. “By rapidly developing new applications of Biosafe Antimicrobial and quickly ramping up the production responding to the market demand, Gelest is living up to its commitment to fighting against antimicrobial resistance through partnership with private industries, governments, and non-governmental organizations worldwide.”
In 2019, Gelest joined The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Challenge initiated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Biosafe Antimicrobials inhibit microorganism growth by physically puncturing the microbe’s cell membrane and destroying the microbes on contact. As previously reported, this mode of action has significantly less tendency for microbes to develop resistance through adaption and mutation.
