Custom Nonwoven To Open Plant In Thomasville, N.C., Add 72 Jobs

Custom Nonwoven Inc. — a manufacturer of polyester nonwoven pads and rolls via a thermal bonding
process, and a subsidiary of Korea-based polyester staple fiber producer Korea Synthetic Fiber —
will invest more than $12.8 million to open a manufacturing plant in Thomasville, N.C., and create
72 jobs. The company received a One North Carolina Fund grant of up to $128,000 to assist it with
the expansion.

The facility will manufacture fire-retardant barrier and mattress pads for use in cushion
seatings for medical, military and institutional applications.

“We are really excited to be a member of the furniture capital of the world, partnered with
the City of Thomasville and Davidson County,” said JM Kim, owner, Customer Nonwoven Inc. “We will
do our best to make a positive impact on the local area by creating more jobs and growing
together.”

October 8, 2013

NatureWorks Offers Two High-Performance Ingeo™ Grades For Fibers, Nonwovens

Minnetonka, Minn.-based NatureWorks LLC has begun commercial production of two high-performance
Ingeo™ biopolymer grades that it reports are suitable for a range of processes used in the
production of fibers and nonwoven fabrics. According to the company, the new grades offer lower
shrinkage, faster crystallization and higher melting points than any other Ingeo fiber-grade resins
currently available.

Ingeo 6100D is a mid-viscosity grade suitable for spunbond nonwoven as well as conventional
staple fiber and filament melt spinning applications. When compared to grade 6202D, which is often
used for those applications, 6100D exhibits a melting point that is  8°C higher; a melting
shoulder that is 15°C higher; approximately 20-percent increased fiber crystallinity; three to four
times the rate of quiescent crystallization; and reduced stress requirements for stress-induced
crystallization. In addition, the fibers, which range from 15 to 35 microns in diameter, exhibit a
high strength-to-weight ratio. Suitable fabric applications include automotive, geotextile, hygiene
and medical.

Ingeo 6260D is a low-viscosity grade used to make fibers that typically range from 2 to 7
microns in diameter, and which are suitable for meltblown nonwoven applications such as filtration
and hygiene. The fabrics produced exhibit 80-percent lower shrinkage than conventional nonwoven
fabrics used for those applications.

Ingeo

Ingeo™ is shown being processed on Biax-Fiberfilm equipment to make meltblown nonwovens.
Photograph courtesy of Biax-Fiberfilm


NatureWorks reports that fibers made using the two new grades enable improved fabric
dimensional stability owing to the reduced shrinkage. Other advantages include increased hydrolysis
resistance and approximately 30-percent higher modulus at temperatures higher than the grades’
glass transition temperatures. Their higher melting point makes them suitable for bicomponent
applications in which they can be combined with Ingeo low-melting-point resins.

“These grades are the result of intensive research and development and significant long-term
investments in state-of-the-art production processes,” said Robert Green, fibers and nonwovens
industry global segment manager, NatureWorks. “These new grades are the first of a number of next
generation solutions.”

October 8, 2013

HanesBrands Completes Acquisition Of Maidenform Brands

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — October 7, 2013 — HanesBrands, a leading marketer of everyday basic apparel
under world-class brands, today announced that it has closed the acquisition of Maidenform Brands,
Inc., for approximately $583 million.

Maidenform is a leading seller of bras, shapewear and panties under brands such as
Maidenform, Flexees, Lilyette, Self Expressions and Sweet Nothings, as well as Donna Karan and DKNY
intimate apparel under license.

Hanes will discuss expected acquisition-related sales and profit contributions and expenses
on its third-quarter 2013 investor conference call anticipated to be held in late October or early
November.

“Maidenform is a great company with strong brands and a rich tradition of innovation in
intimate apparel,” Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll said. “The Maidenform
business and brands are a perfect addition and complement to our core business and brands. This is
an excellent use of our strong free cash flow to create value.”

The acquisition is expected to create growth and cost savings opportunities and increased
scale to serve retailers. The acquisition will complement Hanes’ Innovate-to-Elevate strategy,
which integrates the company’s world-class brands, low-cost supply chain and product innovation.

Hanes funded the acquisition with cash on hand and short-term borrowings on its revolving
credit facility, which will be retired through free cash flow.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor and King & Spalding LLP
served as legal counsel to Hanes.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking
statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can
generally be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “project,”
“estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “continue” or similar expressions. In particular, among
others, statements about expectations regarding the effects of the Maidenform acquisition,
including growth, cost-saving opportunities, increased scale and the impact on the
Innovate-to-Elevate strategy are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements inherently
involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those projected in these statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an
expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is based on the
current plans and expectations of our management, expressed in good faith. However, there can be no
assurance that the expectation or belief will result or will be achieved or accomplished, and
actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. A
number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated
by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to our ability to achieve expected
synergies and successfully complete the integration of Maidenform and the level of expenses and
other charges related to the acquisition.

We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should
not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. All
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update
or revise forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances that arise
after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by
law.

Posted October 8, 2013

Source: HanesBrands

Celanese Is The Chemistry Inside Innovation™ – A Brand Delivering Value Through Collaboration, Technology And Solutions

DALLAS, SHANGHAI and FRANKFURT — October 1, 2013 — As customer needs diversify – and the complexity
of their solutions increase – identifying the right partners and the right solutions can be the
difference between product success or failure.

Recognizing this need, Celanese, a global technology and specialty materials company, is
simplifying its brand architecture to capture in a single brand the full suite of Celanese
technology, resources, products and solutions. This change moves Celanese toward achieving its
vision of becoming the first-choice chemistry solution source for its customers.

“Our vision represents Celanese’s depth and breadth of industry and chemistry knowledge, the
capabilities to innovate for our customers, the dedication to creating value, and a commitment to
partnerships to help our customers succeed,” said Mark Rohr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“We believe the phrase that best describes Celanese is ‘The chemistry inside innovation™’.”

Becoming ‘One Celanese’

There are several changes Celanese is making to support this vision and to communicate its
value proposition to customers. Beginning today, Celanese is launching a unified brand that
represents the company’s multiple businesses and capabilities.

Historically, Celanese was represented by separate businesses, including: Acetate Products,
Acetyl Intermediates, Advanced Fuel Technologies, Clarifoil, Emulsion Polymers, EVA Performance
Polymers, Nutrinova, and Ticona Engineering Polymers. Each of these names will fade and be replaced
by Celanese.

“Going forward, everyone in Celanese, our world-class products, our process technologies and
solutions from historical businesses will now be represented by one Celanese name,” said Rohr.

Some of these products, solutions and technologies include:

  • cellulose derivatives such as Clarifoil® and CelFX® matrix technology;
  • emulsion polymers including EcoVAE®, TruModa® and Vinamul®;
  • engineered materials such as Hostaform® / Celcon® POM, GUR® UHMW-PE and Celstran LFRT;
  • EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer products including Ateva® and VitalDose®;
  • food ingredients including Sunett® and the Qorus® sweetener system; and
  • intermediate chemistry products and technologies such as AOPlus®, VAntagePlus® and TCX®
    Technology.

“The new Celanese brand reinforces the power of our global organization. The brand also
speaks to our unwavering focus on the safety of our people, plants and products; our commitment to

operations excellence; and the strength of Celanese’s talented employees who collaborate with
our customers to develop fresh solutions that solve their most critical needs,” said Rohr.

To view elements of the new Celanese brand, including the new Celanese logo, company video
and brochure, go to: www.celanese.com/TheChemistryInsideInnovation.

Introducing The New Celanese Brand At K 2013

Celanese and its products and solutions will be showcased at the flagship plastics and rubber
industry event, K 2013, in Dusseldorf, Germany, Oct. 16-23.

“K 2013 is an opportunity to demonstrate our ability to be the first-choice chemistry
solution source for our customers,” said Rohr. “We look forward to celebrating our brand launch and
sharing the full breadth of our chemistry, technology and global business expertise at K 2013.”

To experience the new Celanese brand at K-Trade Fair 2013, including the Celanese K 2013
website and booth, visit: www.celanese.com/Tradeshows/K-Trade-Fair-2013.aspx

Posted October 8, 2013

Source: Celanese

Finland To Lead The Way As A Designer Of Cellulose-based Products

The combination of strong design competence and cutting-edge cellulose-based technologies can
result in new commercially successful brands. The aim is for fibre from wood-based biomass to
replace both cotton production, which burdens the environment, and polyester production, which
consumes oil. A research project launched by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Aalto
University and Tampere University of Technology aims to create new business models and ecosystems
in Finland through design-driven cellulose products.

The joint research project is called Design Driven Value Chains in the World of Cellulose
(DWoC). The objective is to develop cellulose-based products suitable for technical textiles and
consumer products. The technology could also find use in the pharmaceutical, food and automotive
industries. Another objective is to build a new business ecosystem and promote spin-offs.

The breakthrough for these new products and services is expected to take a few years.
State-of-the-art cellulose processing technologies could generate production value of up to EUR 2-3
billion in Finland’s forestry, textile and mechanical engineering industries, and in entirely new
business sectors.

This is one of two strategic projects launched by Tekes – Finnish Funding Agency for
Technology and Innovation intended to help transform Finnish business life. The project received
nearly EUR 3 million in funding from Tekes for the opening research stages in 2013-2015.

Finlandcellulose2

Designers Envision Consumer Products Of The Future

Aalto University students participate in the project by offering fresh new perspectives on
Finnish cellulose products.

“The research project provides an opportunity to use design methods to turn cellulose raw
material into products, services and business. Designers contribute to the project by introducing
an experimental method of creating prototypes, as well as the ability to visualise something that
doesn’t yet exist. This allows us to take consumer perspective into account at different stages of
the programme,” explains Professor Pirjo Kääriäinen from the Aalto University’s Department of
Design.

According to Kääriäinen, design as a strategic resource in the industry is so far relatively
untapped. As a working method, industrial design brings a user-focused perspective to the project,
opening new and unexplored opportunities for commercial use of the materials and for envisioning
new products. This work combines with the creation of business ecosystems in line with the
principles of sustainable development.

New materials and technologies are a source of inspiration to designers. The first sessions
with technology developers were filled with excitement and bursts of innovation. For researchers,
the notion of design needs affecting the material being created was particularly interesting.

FinlandCellulose

New Technologies In Yarn Manufacture

Researchers seek to combine Finnish design competence with cutting-edge technological
developments to utilise the special characteristics of cellulose to create products that feature
the best qualities of materials such as cotton and polyester. Product characteristics achieved by
using new manufacturing technologies and nanocellulose as a structural fibre element include
recyclability and individual production.

The first tests performed by professor Olli Ilkkala’s team at the Aalto University showed
that the self-assembly of cellulose fibrils in wood permits the fibrils to be spun into strong
yarn.

VTT has developed an industrial process that produces yarn from cellulose fibres without the
spinning process. VTT has also developed efficient applications of the foam forming method for
manufacturing materials that resemble fabric.

 

 “In the future, combining different methods will enable production of individual fibre
structures and textile products, even by using 3D printing technology,” says Professor Ali Harlin
from VTT.

Usually the price of a textile product is the key criterion even though produced sustainably.
New methods help significantly to shorten the manufacturing chain of existing textile products and
bring it closer to consumers to respond to their rapidly changing needs. Projects are currently
under way where the objective is to replace wet spinning with extrusion technology. The purpose is
to develop fabric manufacturing methods where several stages of weaving and knitting are replaced
without losing the key characteristics of the textile, such as the way it hangs.

Finland’s Logging Residue To Replace Environmentally Detrimental Cotton

Cotton textiles account for about 40% of the world’s textile markets, and oil-based polyester
for practically the remainder. Cellulose-based fibres make up 6% of the market. Although cotton is
durable and comfortable to wear, cotton production is highly water-intensive, and artificial
fertilisers and chemical pesticides are often needed to ensure a good crop. The surface area of
cotton-growing regions globally equates to the size of Finland.

Approximately 5-6 million tons of fibre could be manufactured from Finland’s current logging
residue (25-30 million cubic metres/year). This could replace more than 20% of globally produced
cotton, at the same time reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 120-150 million tons, and releasing
enough farming land to grow food for 18-25 million people. Desertification would also decrease by
approximately 10 per cent.



Posted October 8, 2013

Source: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

JEC Americas 2014 To Colocate With Techtextil North America, Texprocess Americas

Paris-based JEC Group, an organization dedicated to promoting the use of composites solutions, has
formed a strategic alliance with Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Inc. North America — a subsidiary of
Frankfurt-based trade show organizer Messe Frankfurt GmbH — in order to expand its resources in
North America. As part of the partnership, JEC will colocate the spring 2014 edition of the JEC
Americas Composites Show & Conferences with Messe Frankfurt’s biennial Techtextil North America
2014 and Texprocess Americas trade shows and symposiums, to be held May 13-15, 2014, at the Georgia
World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The first two JEC Americas shows and conferences were fall events held in Boston — first in
a colocation with IFAI Expo Americas 2012 in November 2012, and this year as a stand-alone event
that took place last week. The 2013 event featured 341 exhibitors and was expected to attract
between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees. Final numbers were not available as of this writing.

Going forward, JEC plans to hold two Americas events annually, with a full show and
conference schedule in the spring to focus on composites manufacturing, and a shorter
conference-only schedule in the fall to focus on composite design. The spring 2014 event will
include the Innovative Composites Summit Conferences, JEC Americas Innovation Awards and JEC
Americas Innovation Showcase. JEC points out that locating the show in Atlanta offers a number of
advantages, as the city is at the center of a scientific network comprising more than 30
universities and is also located in one of the Americas’ key manufacturing areas.

The 2014 edition of the fall JEC Americas Composites Conferences will take place October
28-29, 2014, again in Boston.


At a press conference held on opening day of this year’s show, Mutel noted that the Americas
are an important area of composites and end product development and manufacturing. Within JEC, 80
percent of members of the Board of Directors are American or represent American companies. The
organization maintains an office in Union, N.J., to serve the composites industry in the Americas.

“The Americas are a major global center of composites innovation, and are a beacon for
industry players who wish to compete and thrive in the largest worldwide market,” said Fréderique
Mutel, president and CEO, JEC Group. “Teaming up with Messe Frankfurt Inc. allows a strong
presentation of technical textiles and composites solutions that will drive both industries
forward.”

“Composites are a growing, innovative product segment also for technical textiles,” said
John Gallagher, president and CEO, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “The agreement allows a blending within the
technical textiles and composites value chain — material producers, technology and equipment
manufacturers, end product fabricators and composite users.”

The partnership is a first for the Techtextil brand, whose flagship exhibition is held every
two years in Frankfurt, and which also encompasses four other events in addition to the Frankfurt
and Atlanta shows. “We are very happy with this colocation as it is the first time we are working
together with another exhibition brand,” said Michael Jaenecke, director brand management
Techtextil, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. “I am convinced that the industry will appreciate this
cooperation, especially in the USA.”

October 8, 2013

New Global Sustainability Consulting Platform Takes Shape

LONDON — October 7, 2013 — Sustainability specialist Anthesis has created a new global
sustainability consulting platform with the acquisition of UK blue-chip advisors Best Foot Forward,
announced today.

 

The agreement combines Best Foot Forward’s Europe-based team with the existing US and Asian
operations of Anthesis to form a worldwide expert group. Anthesis says it has identified unmet
client demand for expert sustainability consulting which combines corporate strategy, analytics,
behavioural change expertise and full programme delivery.

 

“We have created a holistic strategic and delivery solution for companies and organisations
needing focussed advice, expert implementation and global reach,” said Stuart McLachlan, Chief
Executive Officer of Anthesis, whose previous achievements include growing one of the world’s
leading environmental consulting firms at WSP Group.

 

“The current market is polarised between large non-specialist consultancies and small
boutique sustainability firms typically operating single jurisdictions.

 

“With the acquisition of Best Foot Forward, Anthesis can now advise clients at board level
with a focus on securing valuable business outcomes both locally and globally.

 

“These outcomes will range from helping clients to drive the top line and enhance brand
value, to reduce costs and become more resilient through supply chain management, and to
demonstrate responsibility in their business practices. The value of adopting sustainable business
practices is a unique and compelling proposition for our clients”. 

 

Best Foot Forward is one of Europe’s most highly regarded sustainability firms with offices
in London and Oxford.  It recently helped London 2012 become one of the greenest games ever
and is a recognised leader in sustainability metrics, environmental footprinting and related
software solutions. 

 

Clients include the UN Environment Programme, The World Business Council for Sustainable
Development and the Global Footprint Network.

 

The company’s forty-strong team also helps “future-proof” market leading corporate clients
such as Tesco, M&S and Coca Cola on a broad range of sustainability challenges including brand,
consumer behaviour and global supply chain management.

 

It is also renowned for its pioneering environmental work on large-scale sporting events and
is advising on the forthcoming Brazil World Cup and the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

 

Award winning ZEDbook author, Craig Simmons, co-founder of Best Foot Forward commented: “We
have an outstanding business with first-rate clients and a team of experts that is second-to-none.
Anthesis is unique in its ability to extend Best Foot Forward’s global reach with an enhanced core
business offering.

 

“Anthesis’ team comprises leading research authorities in the field of sustainability; social
and consumer behaviour experts; water, carbon and waste analysts, supply chain management advisers;
and organic and inorganic chemists.”

 

His co-founder Nicky Chambers, an expert in sustainability leadership, corporate strategy and
business innovation will join the Anthesis global management team.

 

She commented: “Together with Anthesis, we can provide best-in-class business sustainability
strategies and solutions, delivering practical, commercially and sustainable outcomes for our
clients.”

Completing the new Anthesis board, Malcolm Paul has agreed to serve as Chairman, one of the
two founders of global built and natural environment adviser, WSP Group.

Posted October 7, 2013

Source: Anthesis

Attune Introduces Retail ERP Solution For Fashion And Lifestyle Companies

BURLINGTON, Mass. — October 7, 2013 — attune Consulting, a premier global solutions provider to the
fashion and lifestyle industries, today announced attune for Retail (a4R), a retail enterprise
resource planning (ERP) solution designed specifically to solve the needs of fashion and lifestyle
brands that operate their own retail stores.  With attune for Retail, fashion retailers can
implement a tailored ERP system that supports their unique business requirements within weeks, not
months — enabling them to quickly and cost-effectively gain the benefits of having a retail
storefront to engage with target customers.

 

“attune has more than a decade of experience working exclusively with fashion and lifestyle
companies to address their business and technology challenges,” said Vajira De Silva, CEO of
attune. “We understand their pain points and have packaged this expertise into attune for Retail —
delivering an enterprise solution that is preconfigured to their needs and can be implemented
quickly, at a much lower cost to the business.”

 

Increasingly, fashion and lifestyle brands are establishing retail stores to sell direct to
consumers, instead of working through multi-brand boutiques, department stores, or other
third-party wholesalers. The business benefits are compelling, including increased profit margins,
greater control over how products are marketed and sold, and fostering a closer relationship with
customers — a requirement for today’s omnichannel shopper. However, the enormous costs and
resources involved in running successful retail stores remain a barrier to success.

 

“Fashion retailers have unique requirements that impact everything from inventory management
to the integration of next season’s clothing line,” said De Silva. “To date, addressing these needs
has meant retooling core systems, which takes an enormous amount of time, money, and resources.
attune for Retail has done the majority of work upfront to accelerate the process and eliminate
these obstacles so customers can focus on what they do best – building their brands and running
successful retail stores.”

 

ERP Designed For Fashion And Lifestyle

attune for Retail offers solutions in the following areas, including:

  • Empowering sales with attune Mobile Store — attune for Retail puts the power of mobility into
    the hands of the sales associate with attune Mobile Store, a mobile point of sale (POS) that
    integrates with any ERP system. Associates have instant access to all the customer data they need
    at their fingertips – including buying patterns, preferences, and recent online or store purchases.
    They can check inventory, place an order for home delivery, or message other store associates as
    needed. By extending the ERP to the mobile POS, fashion retailers can create a seamless customer
    experience that is critical to serving the needs of today’s anytime, anywhere shopper.
  • Delivering greater insight into retail operations — attune for Retail provides an expansive
    collection of industry-specific business intelligence (BI) reports not found in the standard SAP
    Retail solution that address the needs of fashion and lifestyle retailers. The reports, which can
    be accessed through the mobile POS, offer real-time insights into a full range of activities,
    including the status of merchandise during promotions, inventory aging, markdowns, product
    performance, consumer returns, and costs associated with moving product to outlets stores, among
    others.
  • Extending the power of SAP Retail to fashion and lifestyle — attune for Retail comes
    preconfigured with best-in-class solutions that address the most important and common processes for
    fashion retailers, including assortment management and planning, merchandising, SAP AFS
    integration, and Open-to-Buy for planning seasonal merchandise. attune for Retail also provides
    more than 15 user-friendly, pre-built interfaces that connect SAP Retail to critical data from
    external systems, including customer, financial, sales, and article listing data — to name just a
    few.

Posted October 7, 2013

Source: attune

JEC Group Projects Strong Growth For Americas Composites Industry Over Next Five Years

BOSTON — October 2, 2013 — JEC, the world-renowned resource for composites industry services,
support and expertise, is forecasting strong growth for the Americas composites industry through
2018 as the result of macro trends that are generating demand for advanced composites across
multiple sectors. Projected growth of the overall market for composites, which totaled USD $37
billion for America in 2012, will continue to exceed expectations going forward. This expansion is
being driven by investments in new and refreshed infrastructure, sustainability initiatives
including wind energy generation, energy conservation in the automotive and aerospace industries
and rapid urbanization.

“The growth of the Americas composites industry over the next five years will be quite robust
based on current and projected demand from several key industry sectors,” said Mrs. Frédérique
Mutel, JEC Group President and CEO. “Our research indicates that the industry has rebounded from
the economic downturn and is showing strong growth potential in many application areas – from wind
turbine blades, aerospace components and building and construction materials to carbon fiber for
automotive parts. Continued technological innovation and development of new applications will help
to ensure the continuation of this healthy growth.”  

Sustainability Drives Use of Lightweight Composites

The increasing demand for products that minimize environmental impact is helping spur greater
use of composites. The following areas demonstrate particularly high growth potential in the
Americas:

•    Biocomposites:  Global manufacturers in many sectors
including automotive and building & construction are generating a growing market pull for
composite materials that can be used to create lighter, stronger products with reduced costs and
energy consumption. These materials are finding increased use in such applications as automotive
door panels and seating. For the building & construction market, these applications include
load bearing walls, roof systems, flooring, windows, doors and replacements for steel beams in
buildings and bridges.

•    Automotive:  High-performance composite materials have
been used in the automotive industry since the 1930s. In 2012, the market for automotive composite
products such as interior headliners, fenders, pickup boxes, and door modules exceeded USD $2
billion. This is easily explained by the unique solutions they provide:  fuel efficiency
through reduced overall vehicle weight, improved safety and crash-worthiness and stronger parts.
Increased use of carbon fiber by automotive OEMs and designers is expected to help drive continued
composite industry growth over the next decade.

•    Aeronautics:  In the aircraft industry, composite
materials have been widely adopted because they help overcome obstacles encountered by competitive
materials. For example, they provide structural strength comparable to metallic parts, but at a
lighter weight. As fuel costs remain high, the industry will continue to search for new
opportunities to reduce part weight. While composites have long been used in military aircraft and
helicopters, they are now penetrating the commercial airliner segment on a large scale as well,
stimulating the bulk of gains in high performance composite demand.

•    Wind Energy:  The increasing size of blades used for wind
turbines is driving demand for new materials that offer a better strength-to-weight ratio and
improved stiffness and tensile strength. Mixtures of fiberglass and carbon fiber show promise for
these applications. Composites can also play a role in lower lifecycle costs for wind farms,
another key driver for growth. The overall Americas market for advanced composites in the wind
energy sector is set to more than triple to USD $25.8 billion by 2020.

Urban Development and Infrastructure Investment Drive Composites Growth

Population growth, urbanization and a growing middle class are all driving new
growth for composites in infrastructure applications in the Americas. Indeed, infrastructure is one
of the top three growth industries for composites, which offer design flexibility, corrosion
resistance, durability, easy installation, weatherproofing and weight reduction. Key applications
include carbon fiber-reinforced plastic panels, rebars, door and window profiles, as well as
carbon-fiber-filled cement, which helps reduce overall weight for buildings, roads and bridges
while maintaining high strength. Infrastructure will drive strong continued growth opportunities
for composites due to innovations in materials technology that aim to reduce overall cost of end
products by 30 percent, and evolving legislation that promotes their adoption and use.



Posted October 2, 2013

Source: JEC Group

Fitesa Offers 100-percent Biobased Bicomponent Spunbond For Hygiene, Personal Care

Fitesa, Simpsonville, S.C. — a designer and manufactuer of nonwoven fabrics for hygiene
applications — has partnered with thermoplastic resins producer Braskem S.A., Brazil, and Ingeo®
lactides and biopolymers developer NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, Minn., to develop and commercialize
a completely biobased bicomponent spunbond nonwoven that can replace petroleum-based bicomponent
spunbonds in hygiene and personal care applications.

The bicomponent material features a sheath made with Braskem’s I’m green™ 100-percent
biobased polyethylene (bio-PE) derived from sugarcane-based ethanol and a core made using
NatureWorks’ 100-percent biobased Ingeo polylactide derived from annually renewable resources.
According to Fitesa, the nonwoven fabric features softness owing to the bio-PE sheath and strength
and robustness owing to the Ingeo core. The fabric will be available in a variety of basis weights.

“The fabric softness is exceptional and counters the misperception some have in the market
that there must be some compromise in performance to achieve a 100-percent renewably sourced
product,” said Ray Dunleavy, Fitesa’s director of marketing, strategy and business development.

According to Braskem, for every ton of I’m green plastic produced, more than 2 tons of carbon
dioxide (CO2) are sequestered, while oil-based plastic production releases CO2. The bio-PE is
produced in southern Brazil in the company’s Triunfo Petrochemical Complex, which has a production
capacity of 200 kilotons per year (kt/yr).

NatureWorks reports that for each ton of Ingeo produced, CO2 emissions are reduced by 60
percent compared to oil-based polyester production and by 30 to 40 percent compared to oil-based
polyolefin production. Ingeo is produced at the company’s recently expanded flagship facility in
Nebraska, which has a production capacity of 150 kt/yr. NatureWorks also has begun designing a
second production facility in Southeast Asia.

October 1, 2013

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