PMI® at 54.1%; December Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®

TEMPE, Ariz. — January 3, 2019— Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in December, and the overall economy grew for the 116th 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 December PMI® registered 54.1 percent, a decrease of 5.2 percentage points from the November reading of 59.3 percent. The New Orders Index registered 51.1 percent, a decrease of 11 percentage points from the November reading of 62.1 percent. The Production Index registered 54.3 percent, 6.3-percentage point decrease compared to the November reading of 60.6 percent. The Employment Index registered 56.2 percent, a decrease of 2.2 percentage points from the November reading of 58.4 percent. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 57.5 percent, a 5-percentage point decrease from the November reading of 62.5 percent. The Inventories Index registered 51.2 percent, a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from the November reading of 52.9 percent. The Prices Index registered 54.9 percent, a 5.8-percentage point decrease from the November reading of 60.7 percent, indicating higher raw materials prices for the 34th consecutive month.

“Comments from the panel reflect continued expanding business strength, but at much lower levels. Demand softened, with the New Orders Index retreating to recent low levels, the Customers’ Inventories Index remaining too low — a positive heading into the first quarter of 2019 — and the Backlog of Orders declining to a zero-expansion level. Consumption continued to strengthen, with production and employment still expanding, but at much lower levels compared to prior periods. Inputs — expressed as supplier deliveries, inventories and imports — softened as well, with suppliers improving delivery performance, and inventories and imports declining.

Exports continue to expand, but at low levels consistent with November. Price increases relaxed to levels not seen since June 2017, when the index registered 53 percent. The manufacturing community continues to expand, but at much lower levels and at a sharp decline from November,” says Fiore.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 11 reported growth in December, in the following order: Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Wood Products; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Primary Metals. The six industries reporting contraction in December — in the following order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Paper Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

“Growth appears to have stopped. Resources still focused on re-sourcing for U.S. tariff mitigation out of China.” (Computer & Electronic Products)

“Brexit has become a problem due to labeling changes.” (Chemical Products)

“Customer demand continues to decrease [due to] concerns about the economy and tariffs.” (Transportation Equipment)

“Starting to see more and more inflationary increases for raw materials. Also, suppliers [are] forcing price increases due to tariffs.” (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)

“The ongoing open issues with tariffs between U.S. and China are causing longer-term concerns about costs and sourcing strategies for our manufacturing operations. We were anticipating more clarity [regarding] tariffs at the end of 2018.” (Machinery)

“Business is steady, but pace of incoming orders are slowing.” (Furniture & Related Products)

“Business is robust for certain sectors [aerospace] and flat to downward for others [energy]. Tariffs continue to impact business direction and profit.” (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)

“Caution seems to be the outlook. Are we in a correction, or is the market getting ready to slow over time?” (Fabricated Metal Products)

“No major change in business operations towards the end of 2018; however, we are carefully monitoring oil prices and outside influence from market conditions to better understand our 2019 outlook and capital plans.” (Petroleum & Coal Products)

“Customers are hedge buying in December as a result of announced price increases starting in January.” (Textile Mills)

MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE

December 2018
Index Series Index

Dec

 Series Index

Nov

 Percentage

Point

Change

 Direction Rate of Change Trend* (Months)
PMI® 54.1 59.3 -5.2 Growing Slower 28
New Orders 51.1 62.1 -11.0 Growing Slower 36
Production 54.3 60.6 -6.3 Growing Slower 28
Employment 56.2 58.4 -2.2 Growing Slower 27
Supplier

Deliveries

 57.5 62.5 -5.0 Slowing Slower 27
Inventories 51.2 52.9 -1.7 Growing Slower 12
Customers’ Inventories 41.7 41.5 +0.2 Too Low Slower 27
Prices 54.9 60.7 -5.8 Increasing Slower 34
Backlog of O

rders

 50.0 56.4 -6.4 Unchanged Slower 1
New Export

Orders

 52.8 52.2 +0.6 Growing Faster 34
Imports 52.7 53.6 -0.9 Growing Slower 23
OVERALL ECONOMY Growing Slower 116
Manufacturing Sector Growing Slower 28

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
Chemicals; Electrical Components (2); Electronic Components (5); Freight; Labor — Construction; Metal-Based Products; Natural Gas; PET Resin; Printed Circuit Boards; Steel* (4); and Steel-Based Products (8).

Commodities Down in Price
Aluminum (3); Caustic Soda (3); Crude Oil; Gasoline; Steel* (4); and Steel — Hot Rolled (4).

Commodities in Short Supply
Capacitors (18); Electronic Components (8); Hardwood; Labor; Resistors (14); Steel; and Steel-Based Products (3).

The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.

*Indicates both up and down in price.

DECEMBER 2018 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

PMI®

Manufacturing expanded in December, as the PMI® registered 54.1 percent, a decrease of 5.2 percentage points from the November reading of 59.3 percent. “This indicates growth in manufacturing for the 28th consecutive month. The PMI® recorded a substantial softening in December and retreated to a level not seen since November 2016, when it registered 53.4 percent,” 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 43.2 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the December PMI® indicates growth for the 116th consecutive month in the overall economy and the 28th straight month of growth in the manufacturing sector. “The past relationship between the PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the PMI® for December (54.1 percent) corresponds to a 3.4-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis.”

THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Month PMI® Month PMI®
Dec 2018 54.1 Jun 2018 60.2
Nov 2018 59.3 May 2018 58.7
Oct 2018 57.7 Apr 2018 57.3
Sep 2018 59.8 Mar 2018 59.3
Aug 2018 61.3 Feb 2018 60.8
Jul 2018 58.1 Jan 2018 59.1
 

Average for 12 months – 58.8

High – 61.3

Low – 54.1

New Orders

ISM®’s New Orders Index registered 51.1 percent in December, which is a decrease of 11 percentage points when compared to the 62.1 percent reported for November, indicating growth in new orders for the 36th consecutive month. “Customer demand expansion softened quite notably in December, as the index retreated to an expansion level not seen since August 2016, when it registered 50.5 percent,” says Fiore. A New Orders Index above 52.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

Six of 18 industries reported growth in new orders in December, in the following order: Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment. The five industries reporting a decrease in new orders in December are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products. Seven industries reported no change in new orders in December compared to November.

New Orders %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Dec 2018 19.7 57.5 22.9 -3.2 51.1
Nov 2018 31.0 55.0 14.0 +17.0 62.1
Oct 2018 27.2 54.5 18.3 +8.9 57.4
Sep 2018 31.4 57.7 10.9 +20.5 61.8

Production

ISM®’s Production Index registered 54.3 percent in December, which is a decrease of 6.3 percentage points when compared to the 60.6 percent reported for November, indicating growth in production for the 28th consecutive month. “Production expansion continued in December, but at lower expansion rates compared to prior periods. December expansion was the weakest since October 2016, when the index recorded 54.2 percent,” says Fiore. An index above 51.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production figures.

The 10 industries reporting growth in production during the month of December — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Textile Mills; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. The four industries reporting a decrease in production in December are: Fabricated Metal Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; and Paper Products.

Production %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Dec 2018 21.6 58.8 19.5 +2.1 54.3
Nov 2018 30.6 56.8 12.6 +18.0 60.6
Oct 2018 28.2 60.7 11.2 +17.0 59.9
Sep 2018 33.6 56.7 9.6 +24.0 63.9

Employment

ISM®’s Employment Index registered 56.2 percent in December, a decrease of 2.2 percentage points when compared to the November reading of 58.4 percent. This indicates growth in employment in December for the 27th consecutive month. “Employment continued to expand, supporting production growth, but at the lowest expansion levels since June 2018, when the index registered 56 percent,” 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 the 18 manufacturing industries, the nine that reported employment growth in December — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Paper Products; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The three industries reporting a decrease in employment in December are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. Six industries reported no change in employment in December compared to November.

Employment %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Dec 2018 18.6 70.7 10.7 +7.9 56.2
Nov 2018 22.7 69.1 8.2 +14.5 58.4
Oct 2018 22.5 67.2 10.3 +12.2 56.8
Sep 2018 26.1 62.9 11.0 +15.1 58.8

Supplier Deliveries

The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations slowed in December, as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 57.5 percent. This is 5 percentage points lower than the 62.5 percent reported for November. “This is the 27th straight month of slowing supplier deliveries, but at levels that are more manageable than in prior periods. Respondents continue to note transportation difficulties and lead-time extensions, but fewer respondents are reporting slowing deliveries compared to prior months,” says Fiore. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

The 12 industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in December — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Paper Products; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; and Plastics & Rubber Products. The only industry reporting faster supplier deliveries in December is Primary Metals.

Supplier Deliveries %Slower %Same %Faster Net Index
Dec 2018 17.6 78.0 4.4 +13.2 57.5
Nov 2018 25.9 70.2 3.9 +22.0 62.5
Oct 2018 30.4 66.9 2.7 +27.7 63.8
Sep 2018 28.3 67.1 4.6 +23.7 61.1

Inventories*

The Inventories Index registered 51.2 percent in December, a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from the 52.9 percent reported for November. “Inventories expanded for the 12th consecutive month, but at a slower rate than the prior month. They will likely grow in January due to improved supplier delivery performance,” says Fiore. An Inventories Index greater than 43 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 nine industries reporting higher inventories in December — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Wood Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Chemical Products. The seven industries reporting a decrease in inventories in December — listed in order — are: Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Primary Metals.

Inventories %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Dec 2018 20.9 60.6 18.4 +2.5 51.2
Nov 2018 23.4 59.0 17.6 +5.8 52.9
Oct 2018 18.8 63.6 17.5 +1.3 50.7
Sep 2018 20.6 65.4 14.0 +6.6 53.3

Customers’ Inventories*

ISM®’s Customers’ Inventories Index registered 41.7 percent in December, which is 0.2 percentage point higher than the 41.5 percent reported for November, indicating that customers’ inventory levels were considered too low. “Customers’ inventory levels are too low for the 27th consecutive month, and when reviewed with the other elements of demand, new orders and backlog, reflect the only positive sentiment to future production growth,” says Fiore.

No industry reported customers’ inventories as too high during the month of December. The 13 industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low during December — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Wood Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Transportation Equipment.

Customers’ Inventories % Reporting %Too High %About Right %Too Low  

Net

  

Index
Dec 2018 82 4.3 74.7 21.0 -16.7 41.7
Nov 2018 79 8.9 65.1 26.0 -17.1 41.5
Oct 2018 79 10.1 66.4 23.5 -13.4 43.3
Sep 2018 79 6.0 69.0 25.0 -19.0 40.5

Prices*

The ISM® Prices Index registered 54.9 percent in December, a decrease of 5.8 percentage points from the November reading of 60.7 percent, indicating an increase in raw materials prices for the 34th consecutive month. “The price increases across all industry sectors continue, but at sharply lower levels compared to prior months. This is the lowest month of price expansion since June 2017, when the index registered 53 points. The Business Survey Committee noted that price increases are continuing to soften and/or decline in metals (steel and aluminum). Increases continue for freight, labor, electrical and electronic components, printed circuit board assemblies and products manufactured primarily from steel. Shortages continue for electrical and most electronic components. Aluminum, steel and caustic soda prices are down,” says Fiore. A Prices Index above 52.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.

Eight of the 18 industries reported paying increased prices for raw materials in December, in the following order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; and Primary Metals. The five industries reporting a decrease in prices for raw materials in December are: Textile Mills; Furniture & Related Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Fabricated Metal Products.

Prices %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Dec 2018 26.8 56.1 17.1 +9.7 54.9
Nov 2018 32.0 57.3 10.7 +21.3 60.7
Oct 2018 51.1 41.0 7.9 +43.2 71.6
Sep 2018 42.3 49.1 8.6 +33.7 66.9

Backlog of Orders*

ISM®’s Backlog of Orders Index registered 50 percent in December, which is 6.4 percentage points lower than the 56.4 percent reported in November, indicating order backlogs were unchanged for the month. “Backlogs did not grow during December, with only three of the big six industries recording expansion,” says Fiore.

The six industries reporting growth in order backlogs in December — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; and Transportation Equipment. The five industries reporting a decrease in order backlogs during December are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. Six industries reported no change in backlog of orders in December compared to November.

Backlog of Orders % Reporting  

%Higher

  

%Same

  

%Lower

  

Net

  

Index
Dec 2018 89 19.8 60.3 19.9 -0.1 50.0
Nov 2018 88 27.7 57.5 14.9 +12.8 56.4
Oct 2018 89 26.9 57.8 15.3 +11.6 55.8
Sep 2018 89 26.7 57.9 15.4 +11.3 55.7

New Export Orders*

ISM®’s New Export Orders Index registered 52.8 percent in December, 0.6 percentage point higher compared to the November reading of 52.2 percent, indicating growth in new export orders for the 34th consecutive month. “Exports remained relatively constant with the prior two months and are at low expansion levels not seen since late 2016. Five of the six big industry sectors contributed to the expansion,” says Fiore.

The six industries reporting growth in new export orders in December — listed in order — are: Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The four industries reporting a decrease in new export orders in December are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. Seven industries reported no change in new export orders in December.

New Export Orders % Reporting  

%Higher

  

%Same

  

%Lower

  

Net

  

Index
Dec 2018 80 13.9 77.7 8.4 +5.5 52.8
Nov 2018 81 12.9 78.6 8.4 +4.5 52.2
Oct 2018 80 12.3 79.7 8.0 +4.3 52.2
Sep 2018 80 19.4 73.3 7.3 +12.1 56.0

Imports*

ISM®’s Imports Index registered 52.7 percent in December, a decrease of 0.9 percentage point when compared to the 53.6 percent reported for November, indicating that imports grew in December for the 23rd consecutive month. “Imports expansion softened further for the third consecutive month. The index achieved its lowest rate of expansion since May 2017, when it registered 52.3 percent,” says Fiore.

The 10 industries reporting growth in imports during the month of December — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Transportation Equipment; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products. The four industries reporting a decrease in imports during December are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Primary Metals; Paper Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

Imports % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Dec 2018 86 16.7 72.0 11.3 +5.4 52.7
Nov 2018 83 18.7 69.8 11.5 +7.2 53.6
Oct 2018 86 17.6 73.5 8.9 +8.7 54.3
Sep 2018 85 19.4 70.2 10.4 +9.0 54.5

*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 decreased by eight days in December to 142 days. Average lead time for Production Materials was unchanged at 68 days. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies decreased by one day to 32 days.

Percent Reporting
Capital Expenditures Hand-to-
Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days
Dec 2018 19 5 11 22 23 20 142
Nov 2018 19 5 9 22 22 23 150
Oct 2018 20 5 8 19 25 23 152
Sep 2018 19 7 10 19 23 22 147
Production Materials Hand-to-
Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days
Dec 2018 11 35 27 17 6 4 68
Nov 2018 9 35 30 15 8 3 68
Oct 2018 13 32 26 18 8 3 67
Sep 2018 12 34 28 15 7 4 68
MRO Supplies Hand-to-
Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days
Dec 2018 37 41 14 5 3 0 32
Nov 2018 37 39 15 6 3 0 33
Oct 2018 37 39 14 7 2 1 35
Sep 2018 38 36 16 7 3 0 34

 

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®)

Egyptian Cotton™ Steering Committee Announced To Safeguard The Future Of The Brand

GIZA, Egypt — January 3, 2019— The Egyptian government has appointed an official steering committee to safeguard the future of the Egyptian Cotton™ brand.

The new steering committee of Government and trade representatives has been appointed by the Minister of Trade & Industry. It will be responsible for the licensing and promotion of Egyptian Cotton globally, as well as policing the integrity of the supply chain to ensure full compliance, traceability and transparency.

The Cotton Egypt Association (CEA), which until now has had sole responsibility for licensing and promoting the luxury cotton brand, has been incorporated into the new structure.

Khaled Schuman, executive director of CEA and head of the newly formed Egyptian Cotton Logo Unit, said: “I am proud to be a member of the new steering committee will build on the work already carried out by the CEA to promote Egyptian Cotton globally, protect the supply chain and ensure the welfare of the workers.

“We are aware that deceptive practices by some manufacturers are damaging the Egyptian Cotton brand.  It has, in some cases, resulted in a loss of confidence and trust, neither of which are acceptable. We will reinforce the credentials of genuine Egyptian Cotton as an ethical and sustainable brand, the cultivation and production of which supports whole communities.”

The full make-up of the new steering committee will include: two members from The Ministry of Trade & Industry; two members from the Alexandria Cotton Exporters Association (ALCOTEXA); two members from Cotton Egypt Association (CEA); one member from the Holding Company for Cotton, Spinning, Weaving & RMG; one from the Ministry of Agriculture and one from the High Council of Textiles.

Mr Schuman added: “The creation of this strong steering committee reflects The Egyptian Government’s strong will to make a real reform in the Egyptian Cotton’s Supply chain.”

The brand has been on a course to recovery since 2011 when output fell drastically — following political upheaval. Despite the setbacks, Egyptian Cotton is still widely recognised by the consumer as a luxury brand and a recent US consumer survey found Egyptian Cotton was the name most people associated with quality and were prepared to pay a premium for, ahead of Pima cotton, Turkish cotton and Supima.

Recent moves to improve confidence in the Egyptian Cotton logo include the introduction of a partnership with Bureau Veritas and a new rigorous accreditation process, which uses DNA testing to distinguish between genuine Egyptian Cotton and regular cotton.

Exports of Egyptian Cotton grew by 181.6% from December to February this year, and in August an investment of LE24bn ($1.3bn) for modernizing Egypt’s textile sector was announced.

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: Cotton Egypt Association

AVGOL To Demonstrate Fit Family Of Nonwovens Technology At IDEA 2019

TEL-AVIV, Israel — January 3, 2019— Avgol, a global manufacturer of high-performance nonwoven fabric solutions, is to showcase its Forward Innovative Thinking (FIT) family of nonwoven technologies at IDEA 2019.

Developed to respond to consumer needs and desires, FIT technologies and chemistries address softness, skin wellness, barrier and fluid management complexities in hygiene applications, including the baby diaper, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products markets.

Avgol’s FIT strategy represents the company’s commitment to harnessing expertise to anticipate the needs of consumers. It includes the creation of high-performance technologies that are designed to be modular in nature and can be used alone, or in combination, to provide a palette of solutions for product designers.

The family includes beneFIT™, comfortFIT™ and enhanceFIT™, as well as Waveform 3D™ – a new process that enables the modification of nonwoven fabrics to extend innovation capabilities and enhance performance and comfort for consumers.

Nick Carter, director of Market Business Intelligence and Intellectual Property at Avgol, said: “IDEA is a premier event in the nonwovens and engineered fabrics sector and an excellent platform for Avgol to inform and educate delegates on our latest market-leading and pioneering technologies.

“We look forward to demonstrating how our FIT technologies can offer a truly tailored solution for enhanced performance and end-user comfort.”

IDEA is an industry leading event drawing the world’s premier professionals in nonwovens and engineered fabrics.  The 2019 event takes place between March 25-28 at Miami Beach Convention Center and is expected to attract over 7,000 attendees and companies from more than 70 countries. Avgol will be located at booth 928 and welcome delegates to stop by.

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: Avgol

OEKO-TEX® New Regulations 2019

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — January 2, 2019— In 2019 the goal of the OEKO-TEX® Association is again to reinforce consumer protection and sustainability along the value creation chain for textiles and leather; the existing guidelines for the Oeko-Tex product portfolio have thus been amended again for the start of the year. The new regulations will come into effect after a three-month transition period on 1 April 2019.

Below you will find an initial overview of some important changes:

Oeko-Tex already complies with the new “REACH Annex XVII CMR Legislation”

The substance benzene and four amine salts have been included in the STANDARD 100 by Oeko-Tex and LEATHER STANDARD by Oeko-Tex and limit values have been defined. The substance quinoline, which has been under observation by Oeko-Tex since 2018, is now also regulated with a limit value.

In the course of “standardization” of the limit value requirements, the requirement “<” now applies for almost all limit values.

For over 25 years, the Oeko-Tex’s strategy has not been to wait for legislation but to be proactive in the field of consumer protection as a pioneer. As a result of the implementation of the above-mentioned updates, the STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD already comply with the requirements of the new “REACH Annex XVII CMR Legislation” (Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1513). In contrast, this legislation addressing 33 CMR substances will only be applied for products from 1 November 2020 on. Thus, Oeko-Tex is way ahead and also covers many other parameters related to consumer protection.

Further new additions to the limit value catalogues

New to the limit value catalogues are various Substances of Very High Concern: these are the siloxanes D4, D5 and D6 as well as diazene-1,2-dicarboxamide (ADCA). Furthermore, a requirement has now been made with regard to the extractable part of the metals barium and selenium.

In Annex 6 of the STANDARD 100 by Oeko-Tex, limit values have been made stricter for various parameters. This relates to the parameters for phthalates (softeners), alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates as well for per- and polyfluorinated compounds. The even more stringent requirements for residues in textile materials will result in an overall lower impact on the environment, workers and consumers.

Glyphosate under observation

In 2019 two new product groups will be under observation: glyphosate and its salts as well as the carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances.

Glyphosate products in particular, currently the quantitatively most important ingredient in herbicides, received a lot of media attention during 2017 and 2018 and were the subject of fierce controversial debates around the world. At the end of 2017, approval for glyphosate and for further use was only temporarily extended by the EU to five years – under protest from different consumer groups and environmentalists. With the “Under observation” action, the Oeko-Tex Association is now looking more closely at the substance group in relevant textile materials and is analysing the situation in more detail.

Expanded product portfolio for sustainable production conditions

The STeP assessment will be extended to leather production facilities in 2019. The name will also be changed in the course of this integration: “Sustainable Textile Production” will become “Sustainable Textile and Leather Production” – the product name STeP remains the same.

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: OEKO-TEX® Association

Hydrofinity Announces Regional Sales and Service Partnerships for its Sustainable Laundry Solution

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — January 3, 2019— Hydrofinity (formerly known as Xeros), today announced that it signed a series of regional full-service sales and distribution service agreements across the United States for its sustainable near-waterless commercial laundry systems.

These partnerships follow on the agreements Hydrofinity signed with Eastern Laundry System (ELS) covering New England, New York and New Jersey and with Your Laundry Source in Georgia, who are covering their home state as well as Alabama and South Carolina.

Hydrofinity’s new regional sales and service partners include:

  • Viking Services, SAESPY and ECW – covering California;
  • Clean Source – covering Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona;
  • RJ Kool – covering the Midwest;
  • Industrial Laundry Systems – covering Florida;
  • Consolidated Laundries – covering Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina;
  • Tippett – covering Maryland and Delaware; and
  • Mill Creek – covering Pennsylvania.

These regional distributors will now service all existing and future Hydrofinity customers in the United States ensuring local support and service is of the highest standard and provided in a timely manner. These distributors will continue to stock and sell Hydrofinity commercial washing machines, featuring Xeros Technologies.

“These agreements in the US follow similar agreements recently signed covering China, Dubai and South Africa. They will enable our Hydrofinity business to increase revenues from a lower cost base while continuing to provide customers with excellent service,” said Mark Nichols, Chief Executive of Xeros.

Water scarcity is at a crisis level around the globe and traditional commercial laundry machines are notoriously wasteful, particularly when it comes to water and energy use. Hydrofinity’s near-waterless laundry systems allow hotels and commercial laundries to save water, energy and detergent on every wash load enabling a reduction of energy usage in laundry operations by up to 50%, and water usage by up to 80% – a truly sustainable solution.

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: Hydrofinity

Asahi Kasei Bemberg™ To Return To Première Vision New York

JAPAN— January 3, 2019— Since 1931, Bemberg™ is a new material definition for responsible luxury. The one for cool exquisite comfort, whose smart heritage is born in a circular economy.

Made by Asahi Kasei, the company is the sole maker of this one-of-a-kind, matchless, high-tech natural material, with a unique and precious touch and feel.

Starting from September 2018, Asahi Kasei has launched the Bemberg brand in Europe, with an openness and positive approach that facilitates a stronger, more focused role in the market while supporting our partner’s strengths too.

It is about enhancing core values through a now even better, more refined product and process that supports our partner’s mission to materially benefit the whole supply chain with beautiful products and open, honest communication. This is the key reason to launch the Bemberg™ global brand, taking the next steps on a journey that redefines a new future of contemporary luxury this unique fiber represents.

And for this, manufacture is playing its key role in the global role out of the latest Bemberg innovations. Bemberg is presenting a selection of premium lining, not only 100% Bemberg plains but also interesting blends with elastane and cotton and stylish striped and fancy designs. Pioneering partner mills for apparel textiles featured at the booth include: Ekoten, Ipeker, Sidónios Malhas, Silver Textiles and SMI Tessuti.

Moreover, you will be able to enjoy the circularity of the Bemberg story: its source, manufacture and end-of-life credentials, as well as checking the LCA study, also signed by ICEA and validated by Paolo Masoni, a step that confirms a new quality profile and standard for Bemberg with a more responsible and unique position today. Full GRS certification, Oeko-Tex 100, ISO 14001, & Eco-Mark.

Also Bemberg can add to its premium position on responsible issues, starting from its raw material choice that clearly demonstrates its circular economy approach. Bemberg is made from a cotton linter bio-utility waste, a natural derived and abundant source, and a truly unique one in the smart fiber arena that doesn’t deplete food or forestry resources.

Bemberg has new Compostability Certification. Innovhub-SSI report confirms Bemberg filaments disintegrate at 100% value within the limits specified by the UNI EN 13432, point A.3.1 for disintegration in the composting process. Also related is a new Ecotoxicity metric to EN 13432:2000 Annex E, the compost obtained from the Bemberg filaments according

to ISO 16929:2013 revealed the absence of any ecotoxicity effect respect higher plants. The Bemberg  filaments tested for the presence of heavy metals and other toxic hazardous substances comply with the requirements specified by the UNI EN 13432, for the substances listed in table A.1.

Remarkable this season, Bemberg started a collaboration with Martin Greenfield, one of the world’s most renowned tailor company based in Brooklyn. The company, founded in 1977 by Martin Greenfield, realizes hand tailored men’s clothing to meet the requirements of innovative designers, specialty retailers, costume designers, stylists and individuals. For their finest made-to-measure suits, they choose Bemberg Yarn Dyed Lining produced in Italy and Japan for its preciousness and exquisite comfort.

Other premium brand adoption is the one of Ilaria Nistri, the Italian brand of the namesake designer who, after years of experience in the family fabric business, first presented her line to press and buyers, becoming a finalist of the prestigious Who is on next? competition in 2008. The brand, for the SS 2018 selected several Infinity’s Bemberg fabrics for poetical and essential styles.

One of the brand’s strengths is its deep knowledge of fabrics and its ability to combine contrasting materials, overlapping or inserting them
to create a fluid
silhouette that
appears elegant yet
edgy at the same
time. An avant-garde
collection of timeless
pieces, where stylish research and easy wearing coexist. And a quality 100% made in Italy.

Asahi Kasei is proud to present the Bemberg heritage that delivers a true precious uniqueness through responsible smart innovation and transparency. To make contemporary luxury materials that provoke emotive responses through its rarity, sensuality, research and creativity. The ingrained knowledge and know-how behind the brand adds value to the supply chain, working only with the best, amplifying our partner’s knowledge and dynamic commitment too.

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: Asahi Kasei Corp. Fibers and Textiles SBU

Record Results At All In Print China 2018

CHICAGO, Ill. — January 3, 2019— The 7th All in Print China (AIP 2018) recently closed with record results in Shanghai: 1,030 national and international exhibitors showcased printing technology trends and developments on almost 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space (34% increase compared to the last staging) to 100,933 visitors. With these figures, All in Print China was the world’s largest comprehensive printing exhibition in 2018.

With the theme “Enter the Era of Intelligent Printing”, AIP 2018 was designed according to the “7+3” plan, covering all segments of the industry. These included the seven classic themed pavilions: Digital Pre-press Pavilion, Comprehensive Printing Pavilion, Post-press Converting Pavilion, Packaging Equipment Pavilion, Label Industry Pavilion, Ink & Innovative Materials Pavilion as well as the Comprehensive/Packaging Pavilion. New were the three special areas Flexible Packaging Equipment, Corrugated Box Equipment and Spay Printing Equipment. In order to present a wider range of intelligent manufacturing, innovative and technological developments and highlight the theme of the exhibition, the AIP organizers also set up two special zones –  the Innovation Factory and the Intelligent Factory.

The exhibitors were very satisfied with the amount and quality of the visitors, the number of international buyers and the professionalism of the organizers.

The exhibits at AIP 2018 were supported by more than 100 forums, technical exchanges and conferences. At the 2018 World Printing and Communication Forum Council Meeting representatives from various countries held in-depth discussions on how to better promote the development of the printing industry in their own countries and how to enhance the social status of the printing industry. The “Dialogue with the World: Face a New Era of Intelligent Printing – 2018 World Printing and Communication” featured Liu Xiaokai, Director General of Department of Printing and Distribution, SAPPRFT, as the keynote speaker and industry associations from China, the U.S., Japan, India, Australia and renowned  companies such as HP, Goss China, Founder Electronics, Artron, Yuto and Sunglow shared their knowledge. At the 2018 All in Print China Conference “The Future of Intelligent Manufacturing”, seven leading suppliers presented cutting-edge intelligent manufacturing-related technologies for the printing sector.

Over 300 participants took part in the 2018 Global Label Technology Summit Forum and the Intelligent Label – 2018 “Sun Cup” Awards Ceremony of Asia Label Printing. Other events included the 2019 China International Paper Packaging Forum & Paper  Industry Chain Solution Demonstration, the C9 Printing and Packaging Quality Control and Evaluation Conference, the 2018 Digital Printing in China Technology Summit Forum and the 2018 “KONICA MINOLTA & Keyin” Digital Printing Elite Invitation Awards ceremony.

Since its first staging in 2003, AIP has developed into the most influential professional exhibition for the Chinese printing industry

The 8th All in Print China will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from October 12-16, 2020.

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America

Devan Chemicals Promotes Deep Sleep Via Its R-Vital™ Range With A New, CBD-Encapsulated Fabric Treatment

RONSE, Belgium — January 3, 2019— Devan Chemicals NV, the Ronse-based developer of finishing technologies for textiles, plans to showcase some of its latest health and wellness solutions at the upcoming Heimtextil trade show in Frankfurt, Germany.

Heimtextil, the world’s largest international trade fair for home and contract textiles, takes place this January 8-11 at Messe Frankfurt, where Devan will occupy Booth B28 in Hall 11.0.

Millions of people suffer from insomnia, insufficient sleep or other sleep disorders. Revitalising the body through sleep is vital for all. To help, Devan has now added cannabidiol, or CBD, to its R-Vital™ sleep-promoting range of microencapsulated active ingredients that enhance textiles with anti-oxidative effects. This rich CBD tincture or extract has a balancing effect that helps facilitate a good night’s sleep.

Originating from ancient civilisations in Asia, CBD-rich hemp has long been used for its positive health benefits. Devan has succeeded in encapsulating this CBD, which is extracted from hemp, a non-psychoactive type of cannabis.

Devan has applied its expertise to encapsulate active ingredients or extracts such as CBD and valerian root for use in its sleep-promoting R-Vital range of products. These can be applied to everything from bedding to sleepwear fabrics. When the skin touches the fabric, the resulting friction causes the capsules to break, releasing the ingredients to the body.

Since skin is our body’s largest organ, it is ideal for transporting these ingredients, adding comfort, care and well-being to the body while sleeping.

Argan oil from the Moroccan Desert enhances hair care

Berber women in the Moroccan dessert have harvested argan oil for the last 3,500 years, but it has only just been discovered by the rest of the world. Especially for Muslim women who wear hijabs, argan oil is an important element in their haircare.

Devan is pleased to now have added argan oil to its Health & Wellness range. Sleeping on a pillow containing argan oil capsules can help to hydrate and nourish the hair and scalp. Devan has leveraged its R-Vital range to create its own blend for specific and unique solutions, including for pillow covers, bed sheets, cover sheets and sleepwear.

Devan’s Q10 blend aids sports recovery through textiles

During the recent Performance Days fabric trade fair in Munich, a specific member of Devan’s R-Vital range of functional finishes — a blend of “Ubiquinol (Q10), sea kelp and thyme oil” — earned praise from the jury, which awarded it a “100% Jury Like” stamp. That designation means that all members of the jury selected the sample, a recognition granted to only a handful of the 1,400 applications.

The Q10 blend offers sports recovery through textiles. It reinforces the body’s antioxidants, thereby disarming damaging free-radicals and having an overall anti-aging effect. Devan collaborated on development of this product with Japanese pharmaceutical company Kaneka Corp.

Posted January 3, 2019

Source: Devan Chemicals NV

Lenzing & Hyosung Collaborate To Launch New Sustainable Fabric Collection At ISPO 2019

LENZING, Austria/SEOUL, South Korea — January 2, 2019— Two global fiber producers will present a new sustainable fabric collection at the upcoming ISPO show in February 2019. This new collaboration will showcase the sustainable benefits of the two companies’ leading brands; TENCEL™ Modal from Lenzing and creora® elastane from Hyosung offering brands & retailers new levels of performance and innovation.

“This Lenzing & Hyosung collaboration fits perfectly under the slogan Better Together” says Andreas Guertler, head of Active & Outdoor Global Business Development for Lenzing AG.

“The combination of natural softness, comfort & performance from TENCEL and the power, fit and recovery of creora elastane allows us to offer customers new products for sports & leisure clothing with unrivalled sustainable credentials” added Andreas.

The collection offers:

  • LENZING™ ECOVERO™ with creora eco-soft for a softer touch, whiter whites & low heat settable for reduced energy consumption
  • TENCEL Modal & creora  PowerFit for smooth, natural feel with superior shaping and compression
  • TENCEL Modal & creora Black for breathable, softer touch and deeper black with no grin through

“We are delighted to partner with Lenzing with this innovative fabric collection to deliver enhanced performance with products that use less energy & water and improved environmental care that today’s informed consumers demand” says Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, EMEA Marketing Director –Performance Textiles Business, Hyosung.  “Collaboration is the way forward as the textile industry seeks creative & performance solutions throughout the value chain and to meet changing market dynamics.  This is just the start of our cooperation with our friends at Lenzing!”

Hyosung are the largest elastane producers in the world and this is the second time they have exhibited at the ISPO show. As part of the Hyosung product story they will showcase 4 key trends featuring creora elastane, MIPAN™ nylon and polyester fibers under the SS2020 themes:

  • Protect the Body – MIPAN aqua-x, askin, aerowarm, aerolight, creora Fresh
  • Help Save the Earth – MIPAN regen, regen, creora Black, creora eco-soft
  • Fast Fashion – MIPAN rexy, MIPAN duo, prizma, creora Color+

Lenzing & Hyosung Collection – creora eco-soft

Hyosung fabrics have also been chosen for the 2019 ISPO Textrend for the Street Sport, Eco Era and Base Layer categories. Come and see these winners and the very latest in sustainable textile technology.

creora Hyosung at ISPO — Hall C4, Stand 326

Posted January 2, 2019

Source: The Lenzing Group & Hyosung

Columbia Sportswear Company Announces Closing In Buyout Of China Joint Venture With Swire Resources Limited

PORTLAND, Ore. — January 2, 2019— Columbia Sportswear Co. today announced that effective January 2, 2019, it has closed its buyout of the remaining 40 percent interest in Columbia Sportswear Commercial (Shanghai) Co., the joint venture in China with Swire Resources Ltd., a subsidiary of Swire Pacific Ltd..

“We thank Swire Resources for contributing to the success and growth of the Columbia brand in China. They have been an exceptional partner for us over the years and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with them in Hong Kong and Macau,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia’s president and CEO. “We are very pleased with the positioning of the Columbia brand, and are committed to investing in the continued long-term success of Columbia in the crucial Chinese market. The acquisition is consistent with our strategy to accelerate investment as a brand-led, consumer-focused business in the areas of highest growth potential for our existing brands.”

The joint venture began operations on January 1, 2014, with headquarters in Shanghai. Columbia Sportswear owned 60 percent of the operation and Swire owned 40 percent, with profits and losses shared in similar proportions.

Future plans include continued investments in building the Columbia brand in China, as well as expansion of direct and dealer-operated retail locations. Columbia also intends to maintain the existing management team, staff, dealers, and distribution networks that have helped the Columbia brand flourish in China.

As previously announced, John Soh will become the general manager of Columbia Sportswear Commercial (Shanghai) Company in mid-February 2019.

Swire Resources will continue to serve as the exclusive independent distributor of Columbia Sportswear in Hong Kong and Macau.

Dutch’s position as CEO was effective January 1, 2019.

Posted January 2, 2019

Source: Columbia Sportswear

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