Stella Mccartney Reveals Ground-Breaking KOBA® Fur-Free Fur — A Sustainable Bio-Based Faux Fur With Up To 100 percent DuPont™ Sorona® Plant-Based Fibers
PARIS — October 1, 2019 — Stella McCartney becomes the first fashion designer to launch sustainable and ground-breaking KOBA® Fur-Free Fur — the world’s first faux-fur made using plant-based ingredients.
Vegetarian and cruelty-free since day one, animal welfare is at the heart of the brand’s ethos and Stella is incredibly excited to be pushing the boundaries of sustainability in her signature Fur-Free Fur, providing her customers with an ethical option that is also better for the planet.
KOBA faux fur by ECOPEL is made with recycled polyester and up to 100 percent DuPont™ Sorona® plant-based fibers, creating the first commercially available faux furs using bio-based ingredients The new KOBA®= Fur-Free Fur can be recycled at the end of its long life, helping to keep ensure it never ends up as waste and closes the fashion loop, something that Stella is incredibly passionate about, as she pushes toward circularity. It’s 37 percent plant-based Sorona material means that it consumes up to 30 percent less energy and produces up to 63 percent less greenhouse gas than conventional synthetics.
Stella McCartney comments, “I am incredibly excited about this new eco-friendly, bio- based Fur-Free Fur. It is another big step toward the future of fashion being sustainable and animal free.”
Created by ECOPEL, KOBA integrates up to 100-percent DuPont Sorona polymer homofilament fibres to offer a soft, versatile, and long-lasting fur alternative, and the first commercially available faux fur using bio-based ingredients.
Renee Henze, global marketing director, DuPont Biomaterials commented: “Stella McCartney has led the industry that is now increasingly moving away from the use of animal-based furs, and this collaboration allows both her cruelty-free and sustainability values to go hand in hand. With KOBA faux fur, we expect to see the use of bio-based materials gain even greater use and acceptance in the textile and fashion industry.”
Comment from Christopher Sarfati, CEO of ECOPEL: “We’ve been working with Stella McCartney for several years and we have clearly been positively influenced by her values. Not only are we proud to offer animal-friendly alternatives to fur but are even more proud to take the road less traveled in designing new ways to create faux fur. From recycled to bio- based, we are supporting a transition toward more sustainable materials.
This first onyx black KOBA Fur-Free Fur coat with Alter-Nappa detailing is a prototype revealed exclusively at the Summer 2020 show, front row on Natalia Vodianova. The KOBA Fur-Free Fur will be developed as part of the Stella McCartney Collections from 2020.
Posted October 1, 2019
Source: DuPont
Continental Structural Plastics, A Teijin Group Company, Breaks Ground On Facility In Seguin, Texas
AUBURN HILLS, Mich — October 1, 2019 — Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) — a global supplier of highly-engineered, composite vehicle components — broke ground today for a manufacturing facility in Seguin, Texas. This new facility, located near Interstate 10, Rio Nogales Drive and 8th Street, is expected to be fully operational by 2021.
CSP and its parent company Teijin, are making a capital investment of approximately $70 million to construct the 200,000 square-foot facility, which is being built to support future growth and to help the company maintain its competitive advantage. The facility will result in the creation of 200 production, engineering and administrative jobs. This location will become CSP’s 19th global manufacturing facility, its 14th in North America, and the Teijin Group’s 25th global composite component manufacturing facility.
“We continue to see growth opportunities for our advanced composite and multi-material components globally, so we’re making sure we have the manufacturing capabilities necessary to meet our customers’ needs,” explained Steve Rooney, CSP CEO. “We are truly grateful to the State of Texas, the City of Seguin and Guadalupe County for the support we’ve received in initiating this project, and we look forward to being an active member of the Seguin community.”
CSP selected the Seguin location for its newest manufacturing plant based on a number of factors, including availability of a skilled workforce, proximity to a number of customer and potential customer facilities in Texas and surrounding states, and a variety of incentives and abatements offered, including a land grant and tax abatement from the City of Seguin, and a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant from the State of Texas, in exchange for specific capital investment and workforce commitments by CSP.
Posted October 1, 2019
Source: Continental Structural Plastics, a Teijin Group company
Arkema Completes The Acquisitions Of Prochimir And Lambson
COLOMBES, France — October 1, 2019 — On October 1, 2019, Arkema completed the acquisitions of Prochimir, manufacturer of high-performance adhesive films, and Lambson, specialized in photoinitiators for photocure resins.
With sales of around 30 million euros, Prochimir completes Bostik’s range of technologies in industrial adhesives.
Lambson, with sales of approximately 45 million euros, enables Sartomer to offer its customers in the electronics, 3D printing, composites, inks and coatings markets, a larger and perfectly complementary range.
These two acquisitions will contribute to further strengthening the share of specialties in the Group’s portfolio, in line with its long-term ambition to achieve more than 80 % of sales in these businesses.
A designer of materials and innovative solutions, Arkema shapes materials and creates new uses that accelerate customer performance. Our balanced business portfolio spans high-performance materials, industrial specialties and coating solutions. Our globally recognized brands are ranked among the leaders in the markets we serve. Reporting annual sales of 8.8 billion euros in 2018, we employ approximately 20,000 people worldwide and operate in close to 55 countries. We are committed to active engagement with all our stakeholders. Our research centers in North America, France and Asia concentrate on advances in bio-based products, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation
Posted October 1, 2019
Source: Arkema
PMI® at 47.8%; September Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®: Textile Mill Sector Reports Contraction
TEMPE, Ariz. — October 1, 2019 — Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in September, and the overall economy grew for the 125th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.
The report was issued today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee: “The September PMI® registered 47.8 percent, a decrease of 1.3 percentage points from the August reading of 49.1 percent. The New Orders Index registered 47.3 percent, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the August reading of 47.2 percent. The Production Index registered 47.3 percent, a 2.2-percentage point decrease compared to the August reading of 49.5 percent. The Employment Index registered 46.3 percent, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from the August reading of 47.4 percent. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 51.1 percent, a 0.3-percentage point decrease from the August reading of 51.4 percent. The Inventories Index registered 46.9 percent, a decrease of 3 percentage points from the August reading of 49.9 percent. The Prices Index registered 49.7 percent, a 3.7-percentage point increase from the August reading of 46 percent. The New Export Orders Index registered 41 percent, a 2.3-percentage point decrease from the August reading of 43.3 percent. The Imports Index registered 48.1 percent, a 2.1-percentage point increase from the August reading of 46 percent.
“Comments from the panel reflect a continuing decrease in business confidence. September was the second consecutive month of PMI® contraction, at a faster rate compared to August. Demand contracted, with the New Orders Index contracting at August levels, the Customers’ Inventories Index moving toward ‘about right’ territory and the Backlog of Orders Index contracting for the fifth straight month (and at a faster rate). The New Export Orders Index continued to contract strongly, a negative impact on the New Orders Index. Consumption (measured by the Production and Employment indexes) contracted at faster rates, again primarily driven by a lack of demand, contributing negative numbers (a combined 3.3-percentage point decrease) to the PMI® calculation. Inputs — expressed as supplier deliveries, inventories and imports — were again lower in September, due to inventory tightening for the fourth straight month. This resulted in a combined 3.3-percentage point decline in the Supplier Deliveries and Inventories indexes. Imports contraction slowed. Overall, inputs indicate (1) supply chains are meeting demand and (2) companies are continuing to closely match inventories to new orders. Prices decreased for the fourth consecutive month, but at a slower rate.
“Global trade remains the most significant issue, as demonstrated by the contraction in new export orders that began in July 2019. Overall, sentiment this month remains cautious regarding near-term growth,” says Fiore.
Of the 18 manufacturing industries, three reported growth in September: Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. The 15 industries reporting contraction in September — in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Textile Mills; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Primary Metals; Transportation Equipment; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Machinery; Furniture & Related Products; and Computer & Electronic Products.
WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING
“Second month in a row in which shipments have outpaced new orders.” (Computer & Electronic Products)
“Continued softening in the global automotive market. Trade-war impacts also have localized effects, particularly in select export markets. Seeing warehouses filling again after what appeared to be a short reduction of demand.” (Chemical Products)
“Business outlook remains cautious. Orders seem to be decreasing, but luckily not as sharp of a decrease as we were expecting.” (Transportation Equipment)
“Chinese tariffs going up are hurting our business. Most of the materials are not made in the U.S. and made only in China.” (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)
“General market is slowing even more than a normal fourth-quarter slowdown.” (Fabricated Metal Products)
“Demand softening on some product lines, backlogs have reduced, and dealer inventories are growing.” (Machinery)
“Business has been flat for us. Year-over-year growth has slowed dramatically.” (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)
“We have seen a reduction in sales orders and, therefore, a lower demand for products we order. We have also reduced our workforce by 10 percent.” (Plastics & Rubber Products)
“Incoming sales are sluggish for this time of year.” (Furniture & Related Products)
“Economy seems to be softening. The tariffs have caused much confusion in the industry.” (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)
| MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE
September 2019 |
||||||
| Index | Series Index
Sep |
Series Index
Aug |
Percentage Point Change | Direction | Rate of Change | Trend* (Months) |
| PMI® | 47.8 | 49.1 | -1.3 | Contracting | Faster | 2 |
| New Orders | 47.3 | 47.2 | +0.1 | Contracting | Slower | 2 |
| Production | 47.3 | 49.5 | -2.2 | Contracting | Faster | 2 |
| Employment | 46.3 | 47.4 | -1.1 | Contracting | Faster | 2 |
| Supplier Deliveries | 51.1 | 51.4 | -0.3 | Slowing | Slower | 43 |
| Inventories | 46.9 | 49.9 | -3.0 | Contracting | Faster | 4 |
| Customers’ Inventories | 45.5 | 44.9 | +0.6 | Too Low | Slower | 36 |
| Prices | 49.7 | 46.0 | +3.7 | Decreasing | Slower | 4 |
| Backlog of Orders | 45.1 | 46.3 | -1.2 | Contracting | Faster | 5 |
| New Export Orders | 41.0 | 43.3 | -2.3 | Contracting | Faster | 3 |
| Imports | 48.1 | 46.0 | +2.1 | Contracting | Slower | 3 |
| OVERALL ECONOMY | Growing | Slower | 125 | |||
| Manufacturing Sector | Contracting | Faster | 2 | |||
Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Supplier Deliveries Indexes.
*Number of months moving in current direction.
COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE AND IN SHORT SUPPLY
Commodities Up in Price Natural Gas; Precious Metals.
Commodities Down in Price Aluminum (6); Base Oil; Corrugated Boxes (4); High-Density Polyethylene; Nylon; Pulp (2); Scrap; Steel (3); Steel – Hot Rolled (2); and Steel Products (9).
Commodities in Short Supply Castings; Electronic Components (2); and Helium (3).
Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.
SEPTEMBER 2019 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES
PMI® Manufacturing contracted in September, as the PMI® registered 47.8 percent, a decrease of 1.3 percentage points from the August reading of 49.1 percent. This is the lowest reading since June 2009, the last month of the Great Recession, when the index registered 46.3 percent. “The PMI® contracted for the second straight month. The contraction continues six straight months of softening in manufacturing. Only one of the PMI® subindexes (Supplier Deliveries) registered at a level associated with expansion. Two of the six big industries expanded, and four contracted,” says Fiore. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.
A PMI® above 42.9 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the September PMI® indicates growth for the 125th consecutive month in the overall economy, and the second month of contraction following 35 straight months of growth in the manufacturing sector. “The past relationship between the PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the PMI® for September (47.8 percent) corresponds to a 1.5-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis,” says Fiore.
THE LAST 12 MONTHS
| Month | PMI® | Month | PMI® | |
| Sep 2019 | 47.8 | Mar 2019 | 55.3 | |
| Aug 2019 | 49.1 | Feb 2019 | 54.2 | |
| Jul 2019 | 51.2 | Jan 2019 | 56.6 | |
| Jun 2019 | 51.7 | Dec 2018 | 54.3 | |
| May 2019 | 52.1 | Nov 2018 | 58.8 | |
| Apr 2019 | 52.8 | Oct 2018 | 57.5 | |
| Average for 12 months – 53.5
High – 58.8 Low – 47.8 |
||||
New Orders
ISM®’s New Orders Index registered 47.3 percent in September, an increase of 0.1 percentage point when compared to the 47.2 percent reported for August. This indicates that new orders contracted for the second month in a row. “Aside from last month, this is the lowest reading since June 2012, when the New Orders Index registered 47.2 percent. The previous low point was 46 percent in April 2009. Two of the top six industry sectors expanded, and four contracted in September,” says Fiore. A New Orders Index above 52.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).
Of 18 manufacturing industries, three reported growth in new orders in September: Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. The 11 industries reporting a decline in new orders in September — in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Wood Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products.
| New Orders | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 18.8 | 55.2 | 26.0 | -7.2 | 47.3 |
| Aug 2019 | 17.5 | 56.6 | 25.9 | -8.4 | 47.2 |
| Jul 2019 | 23.0 | 52.1 | 24.9 | -1.9 | 50.8 |
| Jun 2019 | 24.6 | 55.9 | 19.5 | +5.1 | 50.0 |
Production
ISM®’s Production Index registered 47.3 percent in September, which is a decrease of 2.2 percentage points when compared to the 49.5 percent reported for August, indicating the second consecutive month of contraction. “Prior to this month’s reading, the previous low point was in April 2009, when the index registered 36.7 percent. Two of the big six industry sectors expanded, and two contracted. There was a 4-percentage point shift to the ‘lower’ category. Production output was able to improve customer-inventory positions, but backlog-orders contraction rates accelerated compared to the prior month,” says Fiore. An index above 51.7 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production figures.
The three industries reporting growth in production during the month of September are: Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The 11 industries reporting a decrease in production in September — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Paper Products; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Fabricated Metal Products.
| Production | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 20.3 | 52.5 | 27.2 | -6.9 | 47.3 |
| Aug 2019 | 22.0 | 54.7 | 23.2 | -1.2 | 49.5 |
| Jul 2019 | 19.7 | 59.4 | 20.8 | -1.1 | 50.8 |
| Jun 2019 | 31.7 | 48.7 | 19.6 | +12.1 | 54.1 |
Employment
ISM®’s Employment Index registered 46.3 percent in September, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points when compared to the August reading of 47.4 percent. This indicates contraction in September for the second consecutive month. “A reading of 46.3 percent is the lowest since January 2016, when the Employment Index registered 44.6 percent. Two of the six big industry sectors expanded, and three contracted during the period. There was a 4-percentage point shift to the ‘lower’ category. Comments were generally neutral concerning hiring for attrition. Force reduction comments were minimal, but 29 percent of employment comments were cautious regarding employment expansion,” says Fiore. An Employment Index above 50.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.
Of 18 manufacturing industries, four reported employment growth in September: Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Textile Mills; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. The 11 industries reporting a decrease in employment in September, in the following order, are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Primary Metals; Paper Products; Wood Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Machinery.
| Employment | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 14.6 | 62.3 | 23.0 | -8.4 | 46.3 |
| Aug 2019 | 15.0 | 66.0 | 19.0 | -4.0 | 47.4 |
| Jul 2019 | 19.2 | 66.3 | 14.5 | +4.7 | 51.7 |
| Jun 2019 | 26.2 | 61.2 | 12.6 | +13.6 | 54.5 |
Supplier Deliveries
The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations slowed in September, as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 51.1 percent. This is 0.3 percentage point lower than the 51.4 percent reported for August. “This is the 43rd straight month of slowing supplier deliveries, but at marginal rates. This indicates that supply chain constraints continue to have minimal impact on production performance. Thirty-four percent of supplier delivery comments indicate improvement in deliveries. Respondents noted increased difficulty in transporting products from China and more difficulty (compared to August) in planning for road freight transit times,” says Fiore. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.
The nine industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in September — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Primary Metals; Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products. The five industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in September are: Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Transportation Equipment.
| Supplier Deliveries | %Slower | %Same | %Faster | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 10.8 | 81.0 | 8.2 | +2.6 | 51.1 |
| Aug 2019 | 12.7 | 77.8 | 9.5 | +3.2 | 51.4 |
| Jul 2019 | 13.1 | 80.8 | 6.1 | +7.0 | 53.3 |
| Jun 2019 | 9.7 | 83.0 | 7.3 | +2.4 | 50.7 |
Inventories*
The Inventories Index registered 46.9 percent in September, a decrease of 3 percentage points from the 49.9 percent reported for August. This is the lowest reading since December 2016, when the index registered 46 percent. “The index contracted for the fourth straight month. Inventories were again depleted relative to production, due primarily to the close attention being paid to input material receipts relative to new orders received,” says Fiore. An Inventories Index greater than 44.3 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).
The four industries reporting higher inventories in September are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Wood Products; Primary Metals; and Chemical Products. The 10 industries reporting a decrease in inventories in September — in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Plastics & Rubber Products; Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Paper Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components.
| Inventories | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 16.3 | 61.3 | 22.5 | -6.2 | 46.9 |
| Aug 2019 | 19.4 | 61.0 | 19.7 | -0.3 | 49.9 |
| Jul 2019 | 17.4 | 64.1 | 18.4 | -1.0 | 49.5 |
| Jun 2019 | 16.5 | 65.1 | 18.4 | -1.9 | 49.1 |
Customers’ Inventories*
ISM®’s Customers’ Inventories Index registered 45.5 percent in September, which is 0.6 percentage point higher than the 44.9 percent reported for August, indicating that customers’ inventory levels were considered too low. “Customers’ inventories are too low for the 36th consecutive month,” says Fiore.
The five industries reporting customers’ inventories as too high during the month of September are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Fabricated Metal Products. The nine industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low during September — listed in order — are: Wood Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.
| Customers’ Inventories | % Reporting | %Too High | %About Right | %Too Low | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 77 | 12.8 | 65.4 | 21.9 | -9.1 | 45.5 |
| Aug 2019 | 79 | 11.9 | 66.0 | 22.0 | -10.1 | 44.9 |
| Jul 2019 | 74 | 10.5 | 70.5 | 19.1 | -8.6 | 45.7 |
| Jun 2019 | 77 | 11.1 | 66.9 | 22.0 | -10.9 | 44.6 |
Prices*
The ISM® Prices Index registered 49.7 percent in September, an increase of 3.7 percentage points from the August reading of 46 percent, indicating raw materials prices decreased for the fourth consecutive month. “Prices contracted in September, but at a slower rate compared to August. Respondents reported decreases in prices for aluminum, corrugate, oil, plastics, wood pulp and steel products. The panel also reported price growth in natural gas and electronic components,” says Fiore. A Prices Index above 52.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.
Five of the 18 industries reported paying increased prices for raw materials in September: Petroleum & Coal Products; Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products. The 12 industries reporting a decrease in prices for raw materials in September — listed in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Wood Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Transportation Equipment.
| Prices | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 16.4 | 66.5 | 17.1 | -0.7 | 49.7 |
| Aug 2019 | 14.9 | 62.2 | 22.9 | -8.0 | 46.0 |
| Jul 2019 | 15.9 | 58.4 | 25.7 | -9.8 | 45.1 |
| Jun 2019 | 19.7 | 56.4 | 23.9 | -4.2 | 47.9 |
Backlog of Orders*
ISM®’s Backlog of Orders Index registered 45.1 percent in September, which is 1.2 percentage points lower than the 46.3 percent reported in August, indicating order backlogs contracted for a fifth consecutive month, at a faster rate in September. “Backlogs continued to contract, and demand remained weak. Four of the six big industry sectors’ backlog contracted during the period,” says Fiore.
None of the 18 industries reported growth in order backlogs in September. The 11 industries reporting a decrease in order backlogs during September — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Machinery; and Fabricated Metal Products. Seven industries reported no change in order backlogs in September as compared to August.
| Backlog of Orders | % Reporting | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 89 | 15.0 | 60.2 | 24.8 | -9.8 | 45.1 |
| Aug 2019 | 87 | 17.9 | 56.8 | 25.3 | -7.4 | 46.3 |
| Jul 2019 | 88 | 13.6 | 59.0 | 27.5 | -13.9 | 43.1 |
| Jun 2019 | 88 | 17.8 | 59.2 | 23.0 | -5.2 | 47.4 |
New Export Orders*
ISM®’s New Export Orders Index registered 41 percent in September, 2.3 percentage points lower compared to the August reading of 43.3 percent, indicating that new export orders contracted for the third month in a row. “The index had its lowest reading since March 2009 (39.4 percent). One of the six big industry sectors expanded, and five contracted during the period. Many respondents continued to note global trade softness as a reason for sluggish activity,” says Fiore.
The two industries reporting growth in new export orders in September are: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The 11 industries reporting a decrease in new export orders in September — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Paper Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products.
| New Export Orders | % Reporting | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 77 | 6.3 | 69.6 | 24.2 | -17.9 | 41.0 |
| Aug 2019 | 75 | 10.4 | 65.8 | 23.8 | -13.4 | 43.3 |
| Jul 2019 | 75 | 8.5 | 79.3 | 12.2 | -3.7 | 48.1 |
| Jun 2019 | 77 | 13.2 | 74.5 | 12.3 | +0.9 | 50.5 |
Imports*
ISM®’s Imports Index registered 48.1 percent in September, an increase of 2.1 percentage points when compared to the 46 percent reported for August, indicating that imports contracted in September for the third consecutive month. “Five of the six big industry sectors contracted, with one expanding during the period. Imports Index contraction slowed during September,” says Fiore.
The two industries reporting growth in imports during the month of September are: Petroleum & Coal Products; and Nonmetallic Mineral Products. The 11 industries reporting a decrease in imports in September — in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Fabricated Metal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.
| Imports | % Reporting | %Higher | %Same | %Lower | Net | Index |
| Sep 2019 | 81 | 14.0 | 68.3 | 17.8 | -3.8 | 48.1 |
| Aug 2019 | 81 | 8.5 | 74.9 | 16.5 | -8.0 | 46.0 |
| Jul 2019 | 83 | 8.6 | 76.7 | 14.7 | -6.1 | 47.0 |
| Jun 2019 | 83 | 11.1 | 77.8 | 11.1 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
*The Inventories, Customers’ Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders and Imports Indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.
Buying Policy
Average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures increased by four days in September to 148 days. Average lead time for Production Materials decreased by two days in September to 63 days. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies decreased by five days in September to 32 days.
Percent Reporting
| Capital Expenditures | Hand-to-Mouth | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days | 6 Months | 1 Year+ | Average Days | |||
| Sep 2019 | 22 | 5 | 9 | 16 | 26 | 22 | 148 | |||
| Aug 2019 | 21 | 4 | 11 | 18 | 26 | 20 | 144 | |||
| Jul 2019 | 20 | 6 | 8 | 18 | 27 | 21 | 148 | |||
| Jun 2019 | 19 | 4 | 11 | 16 | 29 | 21 | 151 | |||
| Production Materials | Hand-to-Mouth | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days | 6 Months | 1 Year+ | Average Days | |||
| Sep 2019 | 11 | 33 | 30 | 18 | 6 | 2 | 63 | |||
| Aug 2019 | 10 | 35 | 29 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 65 | |||
| Jul 2019 | 11 | 36 | 26 | 18 | 6 | 3 | 65 | |||
| Jun 2019 | 12 | 32 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 72 | |||
| MRO Supplies | Hand-to-Mouth | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days | 6 Months | 1 Year+ | Average Days | |||
| Sep 2019 | 40 | 35 | 17 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 32 | |||
| Aug 2019 | 40 | 34 | 15 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 37 | |||
| Jul 2019 | 40 | 36 | 16 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 31 | |||
| Jun 2019 | 37 | 37 | 17 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 36 | |||
Posted October 1, 2019
Source: Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®)
JEC Asia 2019: A Compelling Conference Programme And Speakers
PARIS — October 1, 2019 — JEC Asia 2019 features a fulfilling conference program with experts from the industry, giving their insights on the latest developments in high-performance composite technologies and applications. A large panel of industry experts will take the stage to discuss the most recent innovations but also the challenges that the different application industries will face in the future.
JEC Asia Key Figures:
- 3 day-conference sessions;
- 40+ international speakers;
- 4 composites tours;
- 450+ business meetings;
- Startup Booster competition; and
- Innovation awards and planet.
Conference sessions topics include: Carbon Fiber, Automotive, and Aeronautics
- Carbon fibers session ‒ part of the International Carbon Festival Conference: world-class experts will discuss carbon fibers and other forms of carbon materials and their latest developments on Nov. 13 from 11 am to 6 pm, with our partner KCTech.
- Claudio Jarreta Neto, Non-metallic Materials Consultant at Petrobras, will speak about Composites for Off-Shore Applications at 11:25 am
- Professor Sung Ha, Hanyang University, will give a review of Hydrogen Pressure Vessel Technology at 11:50 am
- Tadashi Uozumi, Principal Engineer from Murata Machinery to speak about Multiple filament winder – High-Speed Production System for CFRP High-Pressure Hydrogen Vessels at 12:15 pm
- Automotive session: speakers from various Tier companies will discuss composite golden triangle and new hybrid solutions on Nov. 14, 9 am to 4 pm.
- Dr. Bin WEI, Senior Manager Lightweight at NIO, will open the automotive full-day conference with an exclusive presentation on the future of Electric Vehicles, Lightweight and Composites’ Innovations at 9 am. NIO is a global-Chinese electric vehicle company offering premium smart electric vehicles and providing the best user experience.
- G. Kalkoffen from CARBON TT will present their latest composite innovations at 12 pm
- Choon Soo Lee, Team Leader at Hyundai Motor Group on the subject of Development Status of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites for Automotive Application at 2 pm
- Aeronautics session about faster processes and new materials on Nov. 15 from 9 am to 3:30 pm with our partner, CFK Valley.
- Professor Dr.-Ing. Axel Herrmann, Head of Predevelopment at AIRBUS COE VTP at 9 am
- Jens Boelke, Head of Composites & New Technologies at Thomas Technik at 9:25 am
- Georg Lonsdorfer, Business developer at Airbus Americas Engineering at 9:50 am
- Dr. Joachim H. Henning, Director Innovation & Communication at CFK Valley at 10:40 am.
- Charlotte Troubat, Marketing manager at Chomarat on High-performance thermoplastic multiaxial reinforcement in aerospace structure at 12:05 pm
- Sean Henson, Global Product Manager at Aero Ascent Aerospace on Composites & Additive Manufacturing Composite Tooling & Additive Manufacturing at 1:30 pm
In addition to this programme, the 2019 edition of JEC Asia will welcome for the first time the eMove360° ASIA exhibition and conferences focusing on the critical topics of electric mobility, Charging & Energy, Battery & Powertrain, as well as Vehicles and Mobility Concepts.
eMove360° ASIA conference sessions themes include:
- Trends of E-mobility and Self-Driving Vehicles: trends and future of e-mobility in Asia
- Battery and Power Train
- E-mobility Charging and Energy
New in 2019: Innovation Stage Programme
This year JEC Asia will feature an exclusive Innovation Stage Programme to put the spotlight on the startups that participate in Startup Booster competition. Communications and business experts will host several sessions on business, management, and marketing as a way to provide insights and advice on how to run a successful startup business, leverage funds, find new investors and so on.
Part of the program includes the following sessions on Nov. 14 (within the Startup Village):
- Pitching Skills Session – Shine in the Spotlight & Bring More Value to Your Messages with Mr Peter HOPWOOD, Founder, Hopwood Communications, as host,
- What Makes Entrepreneurs and Startups Successful in the South Korean Composites Industry with Mr Sung Kyu HA, Professor, and Head of Center for Structures & Composites, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering at Hanyang University as host,
- How to Raise Money in Asia Pacific with Mrs Ellen YE, Investment Director Asia-Pacific, Solvay Ventures
- How to Commercialize Advanced Materials and Composites Technology with Henry SHIN, Director, Kolon Composites Innovation Center,
And on the same day, at the Startup Branch (KITA Startups Incubator at COEX) :
- The 4th Industrial Revolution: Implementing IoT and AI to Composite Materials & Manufacturing with Avner BEN-BASSAT, Founder & CEO of Plataine
- Startup Booster & JEC Innovation Awards Ceremony
Posted October 1, 2019
Source: JEC Group
Ascend To Introduce Odor-Fighting And Nonwoven Textile Technologies At K 2019
HOUSTON — October 1, 2019 — Ascend Performance Materials will launch new fiber technologies for textiles, apparel and filtration applications at K 2019.
Acteev™ is a textile resin with a non-silver antimicrobial additive to provide odor-fighting performance for the life of a garment. For apparel applications, Acteev is easily dyeable and does not discolor or wash away after laundering like topical fabric treatments.
“The apparel industry is moving toward more sustainable, longer lasting and higher performance garments,” said Steve Manning, Ascend’s senior director for business development and technology. “Acteev combines nylon 6,6 with an antimicrobial additive to produce a fiber that is functional, durable and better for the environment than topical garment treatments because it requires no water or solvents for application onto the finished garment.”
Acteev joins Endur by Ascend™ and No-Shock® anti-static fibers as the company grows its functional fiber portfolio.
Ascend is also developing a series of nonwoven PA66 nanofiber membranes with grades designed for apparel and filtration applications. When used in apparel, Ascend’s nanofiber membrane provides superior breathability in outerwear without being bulky or stiff, while maintaining protection from the elements.
The filtration grades of the company’s nanofiber membranes are designed for use in air- and hydrocarbon-filtration applications and offer increased efficiency with reduced pressure loss. Because the nanofibers are made from PA66, they are resistant to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and chemicals.
“We developed a new process for producing PA66 nanofiber that creates a membrane with fiber diameters ranging from 350 to 600 nanometers,” said Manning. “Unlike other nanofiber production processes, our technology uses no solvents — reducing the environmental impact from production.”
Ascend sales and technical representatives will be at the company’s stand 6A07 at K 2019 in Dusseldorf Oct. 16-23.
Posted October 1, 2019
Source: Ascend Performance Materials
Meteor To Work With Epson On Electronics, Software To Drive PrecisionCore Printheads
CAMBRIDGE, England — September 30, 2019 — Meteor Inkjet Ltd. — a supplier of electronics, software tools and services for industrial inkjet — is further expanding its product portfolio with the launch of the HDC‑ES3200 driver card for Epson S3200 PrecisionCore printheads.
Announced by Epson in May at the FESPA Global Print Expo, PrecisionCore printheads embody differentiated technology that enables outstanding image quality, productivity, durability and printhead scalability.
Duncan Ferguson, Epson Europe’s vice president, Professional Printing & Robotics said: “Epson is keen to help as many customers as possible convert from analogue to digital printing. We think the best way to ensure seamless adoption of our printheads is for our customers to engage with technically excellent companies that have significant experience in industrial inkjet. Meteor’s long track record of offering robust, reliable printhead electronics and software gives me confidence that our customers will be in a safe pair of hands.”
Clive Ayling, Meteor’s managing director commented: “Meteor has enjoyed an easy relationship with Epson in our development of electronics and software to drive the S3200 printhead. We’re excited about the potential this printhead offers and we look forward to further opportunities to work with Epson on printheads to come.”
Posted September 30, 2019
Source: Meteor
Baikowski: Acquisition Of Mathym SAS
PARIS — September 30, 2019 — As all the conditions precedent have been met, Baikowski® hereby confirms its acquisition of Mathym SAS, a company with which it commenced negotiations in July 2019.
Mathym is an innovative company operating in the area of nanomaterials and specializing in the development, manufacture and commercialization of nanodispersions. Its products are notably used in the biomedical — dental and orthopaedic — sectors, as well as for ceramic, surface coating and 3D printing applications, where they contribute to providing or reinforcing critical properties — such as radio-opacity, refractive index or durability — of composite materials. The company, founded in 2013, currently employs 10 people within its R&D, production, QHSE and support functions.
“This first acquisition, just a few months after our listing with Euronext Growth, illustrates our determination to provide Baikowski with new impetus,” said Benoît Grenot, Baikowski’s CEO. “The transaction allows us to extend our know-how by integrating a talented team and provides the perspective of new markets, new advanced technological applications and a new product platform complementing Baikowski’s existing product range”.
“Our entire team is very happy to be joining up with Baikowski,” said Julien Alberici, Mathym®’s CEO. “Our partnership will enable Mathym to contribute its unique know-how with regard to the manufacture of innovative nanodispersions. The transaction will also provide Mathym’s historical products the benefit of Baikowski’s sales network worldwide and more particularly in Japan and the USA”.
Baikowski has existed for a hundred years and is a manufacturer of specialist industrial minerals and more particularly, of ultra-pure alumina powders and formulations as well as of other high quality oxides and composites such as spinel, ZTA, YAG and cerium for technical ceramic applications, precision polishing, crystals and additives or coverings. The quality of Baikowski’s products is appreciated by a variety of high-tech markets including the lighting, watchmaking, mobile phone, microelectronic, automotive, defense and medical industries. In 2018, Baikowski achieved revenue of 42 million euros.
Posted September 30, 2019
Source: Baikowski®
Orion Engineered Carbons Announces Expanded Roles For Niewiem, Riveros, And Reers
HOUSTON — September 30, 2019 — Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. a worldwide supplier of specialty and high-performance carbon black, today announced the following changes in its executive management team:
Pedro Riveros is appointed senior vice president Global Rubber Carbon Black and General Manager for the Americas. Riveros joined Orion in June 2019 and previously held the position of senior vice president and general manager Americas. In his new role, Pedro will be responsible for the Global Rubber Carbon Black product line and all aspects of the Americas region. He will continue to report to CEO Corning Painter.
Sandra Niewiem is appointed senior vice president Global Specialty Carbon Black and general manager for the EMEA Region. Dr. Niewiem joined Orion in December 2013 and previously held the position of vice president Global Product Management and Business Development Specialty Carbon Black. In her new role, Niewiem will be responsible for the Global Specialty Carbon Black product line and all aspects of the EMEA region. She will continue to report to Painter.
Michael Reers is appointed chief administration officer. Reers joined Orion in September 2012 and previously held the position of senior vice president and group controller. In his new role, Michael will be globally responsible for Information Technology and Carbon Black Oil procurement. He will report to Painter.
“These leaders have demonstrated excellent capabilities and a bias for action,” Painter said. “In their new roles they can further expand their contributions to Orion and our valued customers.”
Erik Thiry, formerly senior vice president Rubber Carbon Black, has left the company to pursue other business interests.
Posted September 30, 2019
Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.
