Samson Debuts WarpSpeed® II

FERNDALE, Wash. — October 1, 2014 — Samson, the worldwide leader in performance cordage, introduces WarpSpeed® II today at authorized Samson retailers in the United States and Canada.  It replaces WarpSpeed, Samson’s flagship running rigging line for more than a decade. WarpSpeed II combines the great attributes of WarpSpeed® with added performance features, a trendy new look, and a value that both club and competitive racers appreciate.
 
WarpSpeed II outperforms lines made with standard high performance polyethylene (HMPE) in static applications due to its core, which is made of creep-mitigating Dyneema® SK78 fiber. The 24-strand polyester cover boasts a variegated color design, is flexible, provides good handling, enhanced abrasion resistance, and excellent performance in stoppers and clutches.  The Samthane-coated core is color coded to match the cover and accommodates cover stripping when racers need to save weight.  Racers and cruisers alike will enjoy the higher strength of smaller diameters and greatly reduced weight that takes the work out of trimming.
 
“We’re excited to bring WarpSpeed II to the sailing community,” said David Krupka, Regional Sales Manager.  “It is built on our reputation of high quality and great performance.  And what makes it even more attractive is that we are bringing it to the market at a better price than its predecessor, WarpSpeed.”
 
WarpSpeed II lives up to Samson’s standard for high performance products that can be trusted for safe and secure use around the boat as a halyard, mainsheet, spinnaker sheet/guy, jib/genoa sheet, or control line. It is available in six sizes from 1/4” – 9/16” in diameter and is available in four color options: variegated black, blue, green, or red with matching core.

Posted October 1, 2014

Source: Samson
 

The Dixie Group Retains Bob Kokoszka to Assist In Integration Of Burtco Enterprises, Inc.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — October 1, 2014 — The Dixie Group, Inc. today announced that it has retained the services of former President and Chief Operating Officer of Burtco Enterprises Robert E. Kokoszka to assist Dixie in the integration process of the recently acquired assets of Burtco Enterprises, Inc., a maker of custom-crafted flooring designed for the hospitality industry.

Kokoszka earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1965, and continued with graduate studies in engineering at Penn State University. His career began in 1958 at Aldon Industries in product development and manufacturing capacities. He has been an officer and board member of Regent Mills and Dorsett Carpet Mills. In 1990, he joined Burton Brown as a partner at Burtco Enterprises where he pioneered the utilization of computerized yarn placement (CYP) technologies for manufacturing patterned soft-surface floorcovering. Bob retired from Burtco in 2012.

Posted October 1, 2014

Source: The Dixie Group

United States And Brazil Reach Agreement To End WTO Cotton Dispute

WASHINGTON — October 1, 2014 — Today, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that the United States and Brazil have reached agreement to settle the longstanding Cotton dispute in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under the terms of the agreement, Brazil will terminate the Cotton case, giving up its rights to countermeasures against U.S. trade or any further proceedings in this dispute. Brazil has also agreed not to bring new WTO actions against U.S. cotton support programs while the current U.S. Farm Bill is in force or against agricultural export credit guarantees under the GSM-102 program as long as the program is operated consistent with the agreed terms. 
 
“I am pleased that the United States and Brazil have found a permanent resolution to the Cotton dispute,” said Ambassador Froman. “Today’s agreement brings to a close a matter which put hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. exports at risk. The United States and Brazil look forward to building on this significant progress in our bilateral economic relationship.”
 
“Through this negotiated solution, the United States and Brazil can finally put this dispute behind us,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Without this agreement, American businesses, including agricultural businesses and producers, could have faced countermeasures in the way of increased tariffs totaling hundreds of millions of dollars every year. This removes that threat and ensures American cotton farmers will have effective risk management tools.”
 
Background
The Cotton dispute is a decade-long dispute brought by Brazil against the United States at the WTO.  In 2005 and again in 2008, the WTO found that certain U.S. agriculture programs (domestic support to cotton under the marketing loan and countercyclical payment programs, and export credit guarantees under the GSM-102 program) were inconsistent with the United States’ WTO commitments.  In August 2009, WTO arbitrators provided the level of countermeasures that Brazil could impose against U.S. trade.
 
In June 2010, the United States and Brazil signed a Framework Agreement to avert the imposition of countermeasures by Brazil against the United States that at the time would have affected approximately $800 million of U.S. trade, including U.S. intellectual property rights.  The Framework provided specific interim steps and a process for quarterly discussions on the programs at issue.  The United States also made monthly payments to the Brazil Cotton Institute for technical assistance and capacity building activities for the sector under a related Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  During discussions under the Framework over the past four years, Brazil and the United States worked on the elements of a settlement to the dispute, including changes to the operation of the GSM-102 program and changes to cotton domestic support programs.  The Framework expired on February 7, 2014, when the 2014 Farm Bill was enacted.  The Farm Bill included significant changes to U.S. cotton domestic support programs, along with changes to the GSM-102 program.
 
Over the last several months, the United States and Brazil have held intensified discussions to resolve the dispute.  Today, the two governments have reached an agreement that provides for formal termination of the Cotton case at the WTO Dispute Settlement Body within 21 days.  Brazil will also relinquish all rights to countermeasures against U.S. trade.  Other terms and conditions are contained in a MOU that includes new rules governing the fees and tenor for guarantees under the GSM-102 Program, a final transfer of funds to the Brazil Cotton Institute, and limitations on new disputes against U.S. cotton domestic support programs and the GSM-102 program. 
 
The 2014 MOU provides for additional support for the technical assistance and capacity building activities begun under the 2010 Memorandum of Understanding.  The United States will make a one-time final contribution of $300 million to the Brazil Cotton Institute, or IBA.  The 2014 MOU also provides for additional uses for the funds, such as research in conjunction with U.S. institutions.

Posted October 1, 2014

Source: USTR
 

Tencate Advanced Composites Plan For Growth And Expansion With UK Centre Of Excellence

NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom — October 1, 2014 — TenCate Advanced Composites, a leading global composite materials company, announce plans for the growth and expansion of equipment and facilities at their manufacturing facility in Langley Mill (Nottingham), United Kingdom, as part of their growth strategy. The UK plant will be a centre of excellence for thermoset chemistry systems serving the EMEA region. The substantial investment will bring additional capability and capacity for fabric and UD based products, which are ideally suited to serving existing markets like Formula 1 motorsport, automotive and industrial markets. 
 
Additionally, the upgrade will emphasise TenCate customer commitment to support markets such as space, satellites, radomes and select aerospace high temperature end-user applications. Following the acquisition of Amber Composites in January 2013, the company has set out the strategies and plans that will support growth within its target markets and build on a strong portfolio of legacy products with proven capability. This includes the heritage TenCate AmberTool® HX-series of tooling prepregs and pre-impregnated materials for the high performance automobile markets. The UK facility of TenCate Advanced Composites and the additional increase of both capacity and capability is scheduled to be ready mid 2015.
 
Centre of Excellence
Nick Tiffin, Sales and Marketing Director of TenCate Advanced Composites EMEA says: ‘This is very exciting time for the Langley Mill business which has been producing composite materials for over 25 years. Our strategy and plans to grow the business clearly demonstrate our long term commitment to the market and we look forward to being able to service existing and new customers with both prepreg and honeycomb products in the coming years. We clearly see the need for investment in Europe and balancing our manufacturing technology capability and capacity with the North American activities of TenCate, which has itself seen significant growth in previous years’.
 
Posted October 1, 2014
 
Source: TenCate Advanced Composites Europe 

 

The Rupp Report: The Other Way Round

Usually every element in the whole production chain tries to put the responsibility and stock on the shoulders of “the next one.” For decades, and not only in the textile industry, just-in-time is the magic phrase, and nobody wants to play the bank for any customer, keeping a big stock to be ready for quick deliveries. Many so-called experts claim that only with less as much bounded money a company can survive. In the global textile industry, these are mostly the case for consumer goods, and only to certain extend for tailor-made products. But how does one define his company policy if he’s producing some consumer goods, but also tailor-made products?
 
The Rupp Report recently visited Kuny AG in Kuttigen, Switzerland, which is celebrating 100 years in business. This ribbon manufacturer and narrow weaver goes exactly the opposite way: Serving the customer, even for small lots; and “be ready for any request” is the credo of the company. Central points of success include its extensive range of finished products and stock availability. Particularly important, is the fact that the company is a fully integrated producer. Some 100 people are employed by Kuny, and many employees have worked for the company for 20 years or longer. Back in 1945, the enterprise built a welfare institution for the employees. But first some background …
 
A Bit Of History
In the summer of 1914, Hans Kuny-Thommen laid the foundation for today’s Kuny. Things began with a few looms, and the company struggled through difficulties caused by World War I. Initially, cotton tapes and ribbons for slippers were produced. In the mid-1930s, the first products were exported to Belgium and Holland. Despite World War II, the company continued to prosper. Kuny produced 140-centimeter-wide plush fabrics for linings, upholstery and seat covers. However, this division closed in 1964, and production was then focused on narrow fabrics and ribbons.
 
Over the following decades, the company grew specializing in high-class ribbon manufacturing. Since the mid-1960s, up to 90 percent of total sales have been exported — 55 percent in the European Economic Community countries (forerunner of the European Union), 20 percent in the European Free Trade Association States and the remaining 25 percent overseas. In 1964, the year the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. During that period in the 1960s, Kuny produced some 8 million meters of ribbons every year.
 
Company-Owned Dye House
Another important step to success, was adding velvet ribbon production for the fashion industry. For this purpose and for the first time in the history of the company, a separate continuous ribbon dyeing line was established in 1965. Today, more than 90 percent of all ribbons are dyed using the continuous process.
 
In 1978, thanks to its ongoing success, Kuny enlarged its premises with a new weaving hall and a new office building. With the increased importance of polyester, a dyehouse for polyester products was built in 1982, followed by a new warehouse in 1987. These products have formed an important cornerstone of the company’s success for many decades. Fashion demands in the 1990s, led printed ribbons to become more and more important. Seeing a new market opportunity, Kuny set up its own printing shop.
 
 
Hook-And-Loop Fasteners
In the mid-1970s, international patents for hook-and loop fasteners, commonly known by the brand name “Velcro,” had expired. At the beginning of the 1970s, Gottfried Kuny-Scherrer, the father of Hans Georg Kuny, developed the so-called “mushroom tape”, a product that became quickly a top seller for Kuny. In terms of adhesion, mushroom tapes have advantages compared to traditional hook-and-loop fasteners. In many application areas, the ribbons sold like hotcakes — which is still the case today.
 
A Growing Group
With the acquisition of Germany-based silk ribbon manufacturer Seidenbandweberei Säckingen GmbH in 1975, the company took an important step into the European market. Another step towards the European market was made in 1992, with the acquisition of United Kingdom-based ribbon manufacturer Berisfords Ltd. These acquisitions were followed in 2002, by the takeover of a very traditional Switzerland-based company, Bally Band AG. During those years, Kuny had an export share of more than 90 percent.
 
To secure a supply of quality yarns for its products, Kuny acquired Bäumlin & Ernst AG, one of the top yarn and twist producers in Switzerland. With its sister company Berisfords, the group now had a second fully integrated production facility.
 
The Key To Success
At a press conference prior to the jubilee event with handpicked customers and suppliers, Kuny CEO René Lenzin and Chairman of the Board Hans Georg Kuny mentioned that the company generally is working with sales representatives all over the world. Thanks to an extensive global clientele in countries from Europe to the United States to Japan and even Australia, current sales decreases in Europe were absorbed mostly by these overseas markets. The Rupp Report spoke with customers from Europe and Japan at the event and they all said that Kuny with its excellent service and quality cannot be compared to any other ribbon manufacturer in Europe, or even the world. One customer mentioned if he orders before lunchtime, the delivery is made the same day.
 
Kuny’s product range is characterized by a variety of articles and colors. The four main ribbon types are velvet, satin, grosgrain and printed. In satin ribbons, approximately 100 colors are available from stock in 9 different widths. At the press conference, the Rupp Report asked about minimum quantities. Lenzin said the minimum run for special products is 500 meters. “However,” he said with a smile, “we can also produce 500,000 meters.”
 
Fully Integrated Value Chain
The Kuny Group is well positioned for today and into the future. With its various companies, it has a fully integrated value chain, which is linked ideally in terms of technical level and market handling. In order to further improve internal logistics and to optimize production processes, the company replaced some old sheds over the past 12 months. The new building was completed just in time for the anniversary celebration. “With this new building structure on the one hand, it was possible to improve and streamline operating procedures,” said Lenzin. “And on the other hand, thanks to cutting-edge insulation, we can save as much as 28,000 liters of fuel oil per year.”
 
Overcoming Hard Times
The financial crisis of 2008 represented an enormous challenge, reported Hans Georg Kuny. The year 2009 was decisive for a safe future of the company: At that time, Kuny AG, with its group of companies was brought into a holding company. For the Kuny Group, continuity of the company was always a top priority. That’s why the Kuny family has realigned ownership in the same year. Current shareholders are René Lenzin, Dr. Niklaus Honauer and Hans Georg Kuny.
 
Bright Future
Over the past fiver years, a lot of money was invested in a modern computer science solutions. These substantial expenditures on infrastructure help to ensure smooth and problem-free order processing.
 
In the industry of narrow fabrics, the Kuny Group is recognized as a reliable international problem solver. And this will continue, according to company representatives Lenzin and Kuny: “We want to consolidate our top position in the market with moderate and safe growth and guarantee absolute delivery reliability. Therefore, we constantly optimize our machinery. To respond flexible to market and customer needs, throughput times and work management are permanently reduced and customer services further perfected.” And the end of the press conference, Kuny said: “Other suppliers outsourced their production by accepting a lower quality. We did the contrary — we invested in better machinery and personnel, resulting in better quality and customer reliability. That’s why we look very positive heading into the future.”

September 30, 2014

 

Covolan Indústria Têxtil Ltda. Is OEKO-TEX® Company Of The Month For September 2014

ZURICH, Switzerland — September 23, 2014 — Originally conceived as hard-wearing work trousers, jeans have become a real cult object of the fashion industry over recent decades. Whether young or old, almost everyone owns at least one pair of jeans and, over time, jeans labels have come up with countless classic styles. The Brazilian company Covolan Indústria Têxtil Ltda provides the material for the fashionable jeans look with an important added extra: the company was the first textiles company in Brazil to be awarded STeP by OEKO-TEX® certification based on their proven sustainable production conditions and social responsibility.

The clearly defined objective of Covolan is sustainable development, which comprises, on the one hand, the continuous improvement of quality and productivity and, on the other hand, a reduction in the use of natural resources and minimisation of waste generation. Frederico Maziero, Industrial Director at Covolan, explains: “In our fast-moving industry, it is essential that we use innovative products to meet our customers’ demands for new trends. Ideally we can even pre-empt them.” These customers are well-known jeans labels located mainly in Columbia, Mexico, Peru and Spain who, for their part, also adapt to their requirements of their customers. Given the increasing awareness of increased product safety for clothing textiles, Covolan was thus quick to take this opportunity to have their manufactured fabrics inspected in accordance with the human-ecological requirements of the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. “With the certification of all of our articles in accordance with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, we can offer our customers reliability; with the STeP by OEKO-TEX certification, we can demonstrate responsibility.”

Covolan Indústria Têxtil Ltda. was founded in 1966 as a producer of materials for the clothing industry. The company still manufactures at the two Brazilian locations of Santa Barbara D’Oeste in the state of São Paulo and Petrolina in the state of Pernambuco.

With around 1000 employees and a capacity of five million metres of fabric per month, Covolan is one of the leading companies in the Brazilian textile industry. The company’s range includes denim material from pure cotton, cotton-polyester mixes with and without elastane as well as textiles with special treatments such as printing and finishes. All processing steps from yarn to finished fabrics are carried out in-house. All processes in weaving, dying and textile finishing are subject to a highly effective quality and environmental management system. Optimisation measures are constantly implemented throughout the whole company in the context of sustainability. These primarily include the avoidance of harmful substances in production, strict controls for waste water and exhaust air, optimised energy usage and health and safety.

The concept of sustainability is even considered in product development within the company. This is also apparent with the general use of sustainably produced BCI cotton, which, amongst other things, excludes the use of child labour. At Covolan, particular pride is taken in the product line “Denim Genius” which uses an innovative process technology for dying and finishing. “The “Genius” system from Italy is our showpiece and it guarantees savings in water usage of around 40% and of up to 70% in chemical usage”, stated Frederico Maziero. “In addition,” he adds, “around one fifth of total production can currently be manufactured in an even more environmentally friendly way using the “Genius” method – and this trend is increasing.”

In a word…
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important and is already realized in diverse ways in many companies. Frederico Maziero, Industrial Director, provide some information on sustainability at Covolan.

1. What value does your company place on sustainability?

Sustainability is treated as the most important management issue in our company. Sustainability is neither treated in second place nor as a superficial matter, nor used as a simple marketing tool or fashionable buzzword. On the contrary, we adopt practices that produce significant results for both the environment as well as our community. We understand that sustainability is the basic condition for the success of our business, securing its implementation in all our production processes.

2. What makes Covolan stand out?

We understand that the main points that distinguish Covolan are not only related to environmental sustainability but include social and entrepreneurial responsibility as well. We are a company that performs in an ethical way, in tune with our principles and values, which are clearly established in our daily routines. From year to year, respect to our employees, customers and suppliers as well to our community, reflect our positive results and growth. This respect creates a commitment of all personnel involved, allowing our evolution by means of constant improvement of our processes, reducing negative impact on our environment.

3. Why have you decided on certification as per STeP by OEKO-TEX?

We decided on both STeP and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications, understanding that besides corroborating our other certifications so far obtained, these give us credit for the several actions implemented during the last years in terms of Quality Management,

Health and Safety and Chemical Management in the production areas, as well as Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. It is our understanding that with the STeP Certification we have the most complete and thorough evaluation of our management practices, contributing for the growth of our organization.

4. How is sustainability implemented from a business point of view at your company?

We are certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and practice additional quality management with efficient and successful programs (5S), with educational and orientation actions in place. In all areas, processes and projects remit to sustainability that is implemented in our daily business, making sure that these became common practice among all our employees.

5. What opportunities do you think arise from sustainable corporate management?

We foresee many benefits and opportunities with our sustainable management: economy through cost reduction in processes, recycling of materials, reuse of water and electrical energy. Additionally, we create satisfaction for our employees through increasing environmental awareness, allowing working in a company committed to sustainability with a good image for its consumers and the community in general.

Posted September 30, 2014

Source: The Oeko-Tex Association
 

Ahlstrom Introduces Ahlstrom VaporCool™, Dynamic SMS Fabric For Single-Use Scrubs

HELSINKI, Finland — September 30, 2014 — Ahlstrom, a global high performance fiber-based materials company, introduces Ahlstrom VaporCool™ a soft SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) fabric treated with adaptive technology to create a smart fabric designed for conversion into single-use surgical scrub suits.
 
Ahlstrom VaporCool is a soft, textile-like, dynamic fabric that offers outstanding comfort. Worn in direct contact with the skin, the fabric works as an extension of the wearers’ body helping to regulate their body temperature. When hot, the fabric boosts evaporation providing a cooling effect. When cool, the fabric holds in moisture acting as an insulating layer.
 
The first fabric of its kind, VaporCool uses moisture management to offer enhanced comfort to surgical professionals. Working under bright lights and dressed in high-barrier surgical apparel, surgeons operate under intense pressure for hours. These conditions cause their body temperature to rise, increasing the production of sweat. Discomfort caused by feeling hot and sticky can quickly shake concentration and impair cognitive abilities. Ahlstrom VaporCool works with the body to relieve discomfort and improve concentration.

Posted September 30, 2014

Source: Ahlstrom
 

Teijin Named To Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index For Sixth Consecutive Year

TOKYO — September 30, 2014 — Teijin Limited announced today that it has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index (DJSI Asia/Pacific), a global benchmark for socially responsible investing, for the sixth consecutive year.
 
DJSI, which was jointly introduced in 1999 by Dow Jones and Swiss-based RobecoSAM, which researches and evaluates socially responsible investment, is a leading index of sustainability. Every year, the index assesses the economic, environmental and social performance of some 3,300 companies to identify those that demonstrate sustainability leadership.
 
Teijin was named one of five Japanese companies among the 10 firms in the DJSI Asia/Pacific’s Chemical Industry. In total, 148 companies out of 600 were selected for this year’s index.
 
Teijin also is included in other international SRI indices, such as the FTSE4Good Index and the ETHIBEL Investment Register. Teijin appreciates the continued recognition of its leadership in sustainability through responsible industrial development befitting customers, society and the environment, as well as shareholders.

Posted September 30, 2014

Source: Teijin
 

James H. Heal & Co. Ltd. Acquired By Battery Ventures

HALIFAX — September 24, 2014 — James Heal, a 142-year old company that designs and manufactures test instrumentation and test materials for the global textile and garment industry, has been acquired by Battery Ventures. Boston-based Battery Ventures is an investment firm focused on technology and innovation worldwide with $4.7 billion in assets under management. In partnership with Battery, James Heal will continue its long-standing tradition of pursuing growth. Battery’s additional resources will support increased investment in technology and complementary acquisitions. 

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

“We are very proud to be associated with the James Heal brand and the team; they are universally recognized as the technology, quality and thought leaders in the textile testing market.  Together, I believe we will achieve a new level of international success,” said Battery Ventures General Partner Jesse Feldman.

James Heal offers a comprehensive product line of test instruments, test materials, services and calibration to the textile market. The company tests a wide range of textile properties including strength, abrasion, colour-fastness, flammability, pilling, snagging and shrinking. The company will be continuing its proud tradition of high-quality manufacturing in the north of England that began in 1872. 

“Battery is an experienced and knowledgeable investor in the test and measurement market,” said David Repper, who has been James Heal’s Managing Director since 1982. “We look forward to working together to continue the James Heal methodology of unparalleled textile-technology expertise, design and innovation.” The company has won two Queen’s Awards, in 2012 and 1995, the highest and most prestigious corporate business award in the United Kingdom.

Following the acquisition, Amanda McLaren, the company’s current Manufacturing Director, will take over the responsibilities of Managing Director from David Repper. The rest of the board of directors, including Elliot Rich, Sales Director; Neil Pryke, Innovation Director; and Michael Minich, Financial Director; will continue to lead the company under the new ownership.

David Repper will continue to be involved as a consultant to James Heal on a part-time basis to assist with product development, customer relations and operations, and also to help to ensure a smooth transition period.

As part of the deal, Battery executive-in-residence Don Templeman will join James Heal as Chairman and Director. Templeman has over 20 years of global, general-management experience and was previously the president and CEO of Princeton Instruments Inc., a division of industrial-technology company Roper Industries Inc.

“The opportunity to put my industrial-technology background to work with such an established, yet cutting-edge company is tremendously appealing, and I look forward to working with existing management to take James Heal’s business to the next level,” Templeman said.

Don Templeman will work closely with Amanda McLaren, Elliot Rich, Michael Minich, Neil Pryke and the rest of the team to further develop James Heal’s current product portfolio of leading testing instruments and test materials and continue to expand the company’s market share.

Battery is continuing to expand its investment activity in the industrial-technology markets and has completed more than 25 industrial-related transactions across the U.S. and Europe since 2003.

Posted September 26, 2014

Source: James H. Heal
 

Dupont India Consumer Study: India’s Confidence In Green & Biobased Products Is Highest In Global Index

HYDERABAD, India — September 25, 2014 — The DuPont Green Living Survey: India, conducted by TNS Global, found that a majority of Indian consumers are familiar with green products, have confidence that green products are better for the environment, and feel that biobased ingredients enhance the desirability of a product.

DuPont, a leader in market-driven science and innovation, commissioned this nationwide survey with an objective to better understand awareness and attitudes of Indian consumers toward green and biobased products. The survey was the third such study by the company with the first in North America (U.S. and Canada) and the second in China. The research took place in 12 major Indian cities with 1,270 respondents giving face-to-face interviews.

“Green and biobased solutions are not only essential to address the challenges of India’s growing population, but also an expectation of a younger generation and rising middle class. We are particularly encouraged that there is broad awareness of green products across the country with India’s younger generation leading the way,” commented Vikram Prabhu, regional business director, Asia Pacific, DuPont Industrial Biosciences.

“The potential for green and biobased products in India is apparent from this survey,” said Dr. Renu Swarup, MD, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and senior advisor, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology.  “We must work together to bridge consumer demands and the ability of new technology innovations to meet their demands, if we were to realise India’s seventh millennium development goal of ensuring environmental sustainability.”

Attitudes and Awareness
In the survey, more than 63 percent of consumers are familiar with green products and of those, 85 percent have confidence that they are better for the environment.  These consumers believe biobased ingredients not only make a product green, but also provide better performance, critical to long-term adoption.

It is interesting to note that India’s confidence in green products being better for the environment (85 percent) is higher than other countries surveyed by DuPont in previous years.  Previous studies showed China with 70 percent confidence, Canada with 65 percent and the United States with 60 percent.

However, Canada (78 percent) and the United States (76 percent) lead in overall familiarity with green products over India (63 percent) and China (43 percent).

Regional Comparisons
Regionally, familiarity of green products was found to be highest in South (83 percent) and East  (68 percent), followed by West (42 percent) and North (53 percent). Consumers from South India also are most confident (95 percent) that green products are better for the environment.

Purchasing Trends
Awareness of green products is high across the country, with younger consumers below age 30 showing the highest level of familiarity (69 percent) followed by ages 51+ (60 percent) and ages 31-50 (58 percent).   Since nearly 50 percent of India’s current population is below the age of 25, there is strong potential for green product adoption and demand growth. Currently, more than two-thirds (67 percent) of consumers are likely to purchase apparel, personal care, hygiene and household products made from biobased ingredients that offer environmental benefits.

Conclusions
“Science is at the heart of everything we do at DuPont. We are working collaboratively to find sustainable, innovative, market-driven solutions for the Indian market. The Green Living Survey confirms that India’s population is increasingly becoming environmentally conscious and demonstrates their growing preference for more sustainable products.  We see great opportunity for biobased solutions in India, and our new biosciences laboratories at the DuPont Knowledge Centre in Hyderabad are specifically focused on meeting the green aspirations of Indian consumers,” said Balvinder Singh Kalsi, president, South Asia and ASEAN, DuPont.

Across the market, roughly half of consumers recognize the term “biobased” in conjunction with green products and say that biobased ingredients enhance the desirability of a product, enough so that they would consider paying a premium price for these products.

About the Green Living Survey: India
The research is based on face-to-face interviews with Indian consumers in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmadabad, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Patna and Kochi.   The survey was conducted by TNS Global, India.

Posted September 26, 2014

Source: DuPont
 

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