SHANGHAI — March 24, 2016 — The economy was on everyone’s minds last week as the latest Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition took place against a backdrop of uncertainty in the global textile industry. And while some in the industry are feeling the impact of China’s slowdown, many international exhibitors at the fair reported little or no impact from the economic situation. “We expected sentiment to be down somewhat this year, but we were pleasantly surprised by the relative optimism from exhibitors and buyers by the end of the fair,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. explained on the final show day. “It is reasonable to say the industry in China is going through a period of change but it is far from in decline, with the development and growth of this fair over the last year a strong indicator of this. We need to keep things in perspective as well: with overall growth remaining above 6 percent for the foreseeable future, this will still present many opportunities for overseas suppliers in China.”

As further proof that the industry is more resilient than assumed, particularly in China, the visitor figure rose once again, the third consecutive increase since the Spring Edition’s move to Shanghai in 2014. The new record set was over 71,000 buyers (which includes buyers from the concurrent Yarn Expo, CHIC and PH Value fairs who also entered the Intertextile Shanghai halls), a roughly 13 percent increase compared to 2015 (62,649). “We weren’t expecting such strong growth in the buyer figure this year given the macroeconomic climate, however the more than 500 extra exhibitors (total: 3,155 from 27 countries and regions) would have played a part in the increase,” Ms Wen continued.

Exhibitors and buyers express confidence about future

Across various product categories, exhibitors in the International Hall were cautious yet positive about the Chinese and wider textile industry in the coming year. Explaining that their regular buyers had already placed orders and they had received many new enquiries as well, Jose Maria Loren from Spain-based Luca Cuccolini, an accessories supplier, commented: “We don’t think the economy will affect us much. This exhibition is good to attract buyers not just from China, but also Asia, so it helps us to sell our products throughout the region.” French company Malhia Kent were also optimistic about the future. “The high end of the market will always be resilient here; it’s slowed down recently but it’s not getting worse,” said Aris Arakelian, commercial manager. “We received one big order and a few others on the first day of the fair, and our turnover in China has been very good.”

Buyers reiterated the sentiment of exhibitors. “Mid- to high-range apparel market is the main core of our business and is largely unaffected by the economy,” said Yuan Hui, a sourcing representative for Chinese apparel brand 15 Hours. Hui also appreciated the organization of the exhibitors in country and product groupings that allowed him to easily source his target fabrics. “The fair gives me a comprehensive range of products for selection, so despite the size, I can find exactly what I’m looking for.”

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2016 was co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.

Posted March 24, 2016

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

WILMINGTON, Del., and MONTREAL — March 24, 2016 — Megatrends such as resource consumption, environmental issues, and population growth across the globe have created a demand for environmentally friendly bio-based solutions. However, the time it takes to develop a bio-based solution can be time consuming for manufacturers as the base structure of the urethane has to be altered at the molecular level. To address this need, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products and BioAmber will launch a co-sponsored polyol sampling program at UTECH North America, April 6 -7, in Charlotte, N.C., to accelerate the speed to market for bio-based solutions.

“Bio-based alternative products manufactured from renewable resources can have advanced technical properties and functionality compared to their petroleum-based counterparts,” explains Laurie Kronenberg, global marketing director for DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products.  “Jointly DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products and BioAmber have developed and characterized multiple bio-based polyols.  The immediate availability of these polyols in addition to the characterization data enables urethane manufacturers to perform faster initial testing of bio-based solutions.”

“These polyols are the building blocks that deliver high performance in a variety of polyurethane applications, from footwear and waterproof films to artificial leather and coating, adhesives and elastomer applications.  We are providing these to accelerate innovation for our customers,” advises Louise Batchelor, vice president of Marketing for BioAmber.

To learn more, attend the sustainability sessions or stop by the UTECH NA Expo: “Production of Bio-based Polyester Polyols for New Polyurethane Applications,” presented by Bob Miller, account manager, North America, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products – Wednesday, April 6, 2016, 12:30 p.m., Charlotte Convention Center, Theater 1
“Bio-Based Succinic Acid: A Building Block for Succinate Polyester Polyols in Modified Thermoplastic Urethanes for Elastomers and Hot Melt Adhesives,” presented by Bill Coggio, Global Applications and Technology Support manager, Bio Amber – Thursday, April 7, 2016, 10:00 a.m., Charlotte Convention Center, Theater 1

Posted March 24, 2016

Source: DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Co.

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — March 23, 2016 — Americhem Group, a global provider of color and additive and engineered compound solutions for the polymer industry, has announced the acquisition of Vi-Chem Corp., a supplier of specialty engineered compounds used in injection molding, extrusion and blow molding applications. The sale was completed on March 18, 2016, and the resulting company will be known as Vi-Chem, an Americhem Group company.

“The Vi-Chem team has built a leadership position in specialty TPE and PVC compounds for the automotive industry,” remarked Rick Juve, CEO of Americhem Group. “We look forward to providing further resources to expand the business geographically and also into Americhem’s other current vertical markets. This is about bringing continual innovation and broadened solutions to our customers across the globe.”

Vi-Chem, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., employs 85 people. In addition to the automotive market, they serve customers in the industrial, building and construction, medical, consumer, and electrical and electronic industries. The company’s headquarters in Grand Rapids encompasses 170,000 square feet and will serve as Americhem Group’s center of excellence for TPE and PVC compound solutions.

“The consolidation of our companies will create a broad portfolio of products for our customers,” said Bryan Kazmer, vice president and general manager, Vi-Chem. “Our companies focus on technological solutions, deep relationships and customized products for our combined customer base. Together, we’ll give our customers more choices than ever before.”

Vi-Chem also houses research and development laboratories that are certified to the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard, an accreditation that certifies the capabilities of testing and calibration laboratories. The company is also accredited to the ISO/TS 16949:2009 automotive specific manufacturing standard.

“The addition of Vi-Chem is strategic and further expands our automotive portfolio of products and services,” said John Deignan, president, Americhem. “The automotive and transportation industry is already one of the pillars of our business, and this move adds capabilities and technological innovations that will benefit Americhem Group’s customers and the industry as a whole.”

Americhem Group’s portfolio includes Americhem color and additive solutions, Infinity LTL engineered compounds and now Vi-Chem TPE and PVC compounds. The Group employs approximately 800 people across ten manufacturing and technical service sites across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Posted March 23, 2016

Source: Americhem Group