Solesis To Open First Manufacturing Site In Costa Rica Dedicated To Custom Polymer And Textile Healthcare Solutions

TELFORD, Pa. — February 1, 2024 — Solesis — a custom designer, developer, and manufacturer of textile- and polymer-based healthcare solutions for the medical device and biopharmaceutical industries — has announced plans to build a new manufacturing site in Costa Rica. This is the first site dedicated to producing implantable textile components, polymer-based devices and components, and single-use technologies. The Solesis family of companies is comprised of Secant Group, Polyzen, Charter Medical and SanaVita Medical, who together enable technologies and therapies for next-generation patient care.

“Expanding into Costa Rica will significantly increase our global capacity, enabling us to rapidly expand and optimize our resources to provide our customers with comprehensive business continuity avenues that mitigate supply chain risks,” said Jeff Robertson, COO of Solesis. “Costa Rica is a global medical device hub and a prime location for expanding the production of our critical healthcare solutions. In fact, many of our customers already have established manufacturing operations in this region and we look forward to continued collaboration with them.”

The world-class facility is scheduled to begin operations in the spring of 2025 in the Greenpark Free Trade Zone, the first industrial park and Free Trade Zone in Latin America that is environmentally sustainable. The new site will encompass cleanrooms to produce high-quality healthcare solutions that are critical to customers, and ultimately to the patients they serve.

“This expansion is a significant milestone for Solesis and we are looking forward to being part of the San Jose community,” said Lindsay Walker, vice president of Human Resources of Solesis. “We are excited to work with the strong talent pool that lives in Costa Rica and plan to announce which roles we will be recruiting for in the latter half of 2024.”

“We extend a warm welcome to Solesis as a significant contributor to the rapidly expanding medical devices industry in our country. Our leadership, talent pool, extensive experience, and sterling reputation in the precision and medical equipment sector (constituting 42 percent of the country’s exports in 2023) have inspired confidence, leading companies such as Solesis to choose Costa Rica as the location for establishing their facility,” said Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade in Costa Rica.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Solesis

UNIFI®, Makers Of REPREVE®, Announces Profitability Improvement Plan And Leadership Promotions

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 31, 2024 — UNIFI Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, UNIFI), makers of REPREVE and an innovator in recycled and synthetic yarns, today announced that it has begun the implementation of a new Profitability Improvement Plan, focused on further reducing the company’s costs, streamlining operations, and investing in innovation. The company also announced new executive officer appointments to critical roles.

Highlights:

  • Profitability Improvement Plan includes:
    • Cost reset and headcount reductions that are expected to lower expenses by $10 million to $15 million annually
    • Sales transformation initiatives focused on improving efficiencies and processes expected to bolster operating margins by $6 million annually
  • Savings are expected to be invested into margin accretive opportunities and product innovation for REPREVE and will be used to strengthen the Company’s financial profile beyond actions taken to date
  • A.J. Eaker promoted to executive vice president and CFO
  • Meredith S. Boyd promoted to executive vice president and chief product officer
  • Brian D. Moore promoted to executive vice president and president of Unifi Manufacturing Inc.
  • Gregory K. Sigmon promoted to executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, with expanded leadership responsibilities over Sustainability and Government Affairs functions.

“In recognition of the current operating environment, we recently implemented an extensive Profitability Improvement Plan to optimize our resources,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of Unifi Inc. “While this Plan came with difficult decisions, these measures will significantly improve profitability, helping to ensure UNIFI has a robust foundation to foster growth and innovation, core tenets of the company’s strategy. Additionally, the transformation of our sales processes will serve as a direct catalyst to improve gross margins and operational efficiencies. Savings from these initiatives will be reinvested in the business, first in areas that should help us accelerate growth as demand levels reach the expected rebound across our industry in calendar 2024, and then to bolster the our balance sheet and already strong financial profile.”

Ingle continued: “We have streamlined our organization and realigned our Leadership Team to support a more efficient and responsive go-to-market structure. Collectively these actions will better prepare the business to deliver stronger results as our industry pivots to growth in calendar 2024. Over the last decade we have focused on leadership development within our organization, and we are therefore very proud to announce promotions of talented leaders like A.J., Meredith, Brian, and Greg. Each has extensive experience and proven track records at UNIFI that have been invaluable to the organization and our customers. The Board and I are thrilled to complete the leadership appointments and promotions, as they will make strong impacts on their respective teams and help drive the future growth of our company.”

Profitability Improvement Plan

UNIFI began the implementation of an extensive Profitability Improvement Plan in December 2023. The first part of this strategy realigned resources, reduced headcount and further reset costs, which lowers the company’s variable operating expenses in both production and administrative activities in the United States. These actions have been completed and are expected to reduce expenses by $2.5 million per quarter at the start of fiscal 2025. The company recorded a severance charge of $2.4 million during the December 31, 2023 quarter as a result.

The second part of the Profitability Improvement Plan is focused on gross margin expansion initiatives through a transformation of the company’s sales process. This transformation includes actions designed to streamline processes, improve inventory management, and realign resources to maximize efficiencies in the current and future operating environment.

The total reduction in costs and anticipated profitability improvement as a result of the execution of this Plan is expected to reach $20 million on an annual run-rate basis at the start of fiscal 2025. The company plans to reinvest these savings into areas of the business that will create additional revenue and margin accretive opportunities beyond the traditional apparel market it serves today.

Leadership Appointments

A.J. Eaker has been appointed executive vice president and CFO. Eaker served as Interim CFO of UNIFI since August 2023, as treasurer since December 2022, and as vice president of UNIFI’s primary domestic operating subsidiary since June 2017. Eaker has held various positions with increasing leadership and functional responsibilities since joining the company in March 2014, including vice president of Finance, corporate finance manager, and assistant controller, following more than five years in public accounting.

Meredith S. Boyd has been appointed executive vice president and chief product officer. Boyd previously served as senior vice president of Sustainability, Technology & Innovation for the last three years and joined UNIFI in 2007. She has been instrumental in driving international growth and product differentiation, particularly in sustainable practices. Her expertise spans multiple roles, including Global Business Development and Brand Sales, and she has been a prominent figure at industry conferences and in publications.

Brian D. Moore has been appointed executive vice president and president of Unifi Manufacturing Inc., the company’s primary operating subsidiary in the United States. Moore previously served as senior vice president of Direct Sales & Operations, leading various aspects of the United States sales team for the past year, after serving as vice president of Global Brand Sales from 2020 to 2023. Moore first joined UNIFI in 1993, eventually leading UNIFI’s Asian market and gaining extensive experience in various sectors of the textile industry through transforming sales and operations for global fashion and apparel companies before returning to UNIFI in 2020. His leadership and experience underscores his capability to steer the manufacturing division effectively.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Unifi, Inc.

Sun Chemical Implements Freight Surcharges In Light Of Red Sea Crisis

SOUTH NORMANTON, England — February 2, 2024 — Sun Chemical will implement selected freight surcharges impacted by the Red Sea crisis globally.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical instabilities, maritime transportation through the Suez Canal and Red Sea has been especially severely impacted since November. With around 30 percent of the world’s container trade shipped via this route, many shipments are facing delays and some are being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing the distance travelled and adding further costs and time. Cargo air freight is also seeing a spike in demand to avoid such longer diversions.

Vessels departing from China, India, and the rest of the Far East are being affected by safety measures, shipments delays, rotation of containers, as well as ports’ congestion, causing journey extensions of at least 20 days on the outward and 20 days on their return. Several forces majeures have been invoked already, while the situation is also causing significant cost increases and could soon start to impact the availability of raw materials.

As a proactive response to these challenges, Sun Chemical is actively monitoring the evolving situation through its extensive global network of partners. The primary objective remains ensuring the continued supply of high-quality products and services to customers. In light of the dynamic nature of the crisis, Sun Chemical is taking necessary steps to secure raw materials and minimize transportation delays.

Sun Chemical is committed to mitigating rising costs whenever possible, however, the rapid escalation in freight cost pressures has made the introduction of some freight surcharges unavoidable. Sun Chemical will communicate specific adjustments directly with its customers, underscoring its dedication to transparency and collaboration in navigating the challenges posed by the Red Sea crisis. This strategic approach ensures that Sun Chemical continues to provide reliable and innovative solutions to its valued customers in the face of unprecedented global disruptions.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group

Indorama Ventures Awarded Platinum Medal From EcoVadis For Sustainability Performance In Supply Chain Management

BANGKOK, Thailand — February 2, 2024 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., a global sustainable chemical company, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Platinum Medal’ by EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Indorama Ventures actively participates in the annual EcoVadis assessment to measure its sustainable practices, ensuring alignment with the diverse requirements of key customers across various business segments and operations. In the latest evaluation for 2024, the company achieved a Platinum Medal, the highest award for sustainability performance, with an outstanding score of 80, surpassing last year’s score of 77. Indorama Ventures is ranked in the top 1 percent of all companies assessed within the primary industries of basic chemicals, outperforming companies worldwide. The company demonstrated above industry-average performance in all four assessment areas: environment, labor human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

Yash Lohia

Yash Lohia, chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, said, “Recognition by EcoVadis is a key achievement in Indorama Ventures’ sustainability journey and best-in-class performance. Our commitment to sustainability extends across our business and the entire supply chain. We are proud to be recognized for our collaboration with suppliers to enhance sustainable practices and efforts to help our customers reach their sustainability goals. This award demonstrates our operational excellence and ability to bring to life our vision of being a world-class sustainable chemical company making great products for society.”

EcoVadis, a renowned provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies across more than 200 purchasing categories in 175 countries worldwide.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

Manufacturing PMI® At 49.1%; January 2024 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products And Textile Mills Report Growth

TEMPE, Ariz. — February 1, 2024 — Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in January for the 15th consecutive month following one month of “unchanged” status (a PMI® reading of 50 percent) and 28 months of growth prior to that, 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 Manufacturing PMI registered 49.1 percent in January, up 2 percentage points from the seasonally adjusted 47.1 percent recorded in December. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 45th month after one month of contraction in April 2020. (A Manufacturing PMI above 42.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.) The New Orders Index moved into expansion territory at 52.5 percent, 5.5 percentage points higher than the seasonally adjusted figure of 47 percent recorded in December. The January reading of the Production Index (50.4 percent) is 0.5 percentage point higher than December’s seasonally adjusted figure of 49.9 percent. The Prices Index registered 52.9 percent, up 7.7 percentage points compared to the reading of 45.2 percent in December. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 44.7 percent, 0.6 percentage point lower than the 45.3 percent recorded in December. The Employment Index registered 47.1 percent, down 0.4 percentage point from December’s seasonally adjusted figure of 47.5 percent.

“The Supplier Deliveries Index figure of 49.1 percent is 2.1 percentage points higher than the 47 percent recorded in December. (Supplier Deliveries is the only ISM Report On Business® index that is inversed; a reading of above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries, which is typical as the economy improves and customer demand increases.)

“The Inventories Index increased 2.3 percentage points to 46.2 percent from December’s seasonally adjusted reading of 43.9 percent. The New Export Orders Index reading of 45.2 percent is 4.7 percentage points lower than December’s figure of 49.9 percent. The Imports Index moved into expansion territory, registering 50.1 percent, 3.7 percentage points higher than the 46.4 percent reported in December.”

Fiore continues, “The U.S. manufacturing sector continued to contract, though at a marginal rate compared to December. Demand improved, output remained stable and inputs are accommodative. Demand moderated, with the (1) New Orders Index expanding at a respectable rate, (2) New Export Orders Index in a headwind and (3) Backlog of Orders Index remaining above 40 percent but still in fairly strong contraction territory at 44.7 percent. Also, the Customers’ Inventories Index contracted further, becoming more accommodative for future production. On balance, Output (measured by the Production and Employment indexes) expanded slightly, with a combined 0.1-percentage point upward impact on the Manufacturing PMI® calculation. Panelists’ companies maintained production levels month over month and continued head count reductions in January, with significant layoff activity. Inputs — defined as supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and imports — continued to accommodate future demand growth but are showing signs of stiffening. The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated faster deliveries for the 16th straight month, and the Inventories Index moved upward while remaining in moderate contraction territory. The Prices Index climbed into expansion (or ‘increasing’) territory as new pricing levels for 2024 went into effect.

“Two of the six biggest manufacturing industries (Transportation Equipment; and Chemical Products) registered growth in January.

“Demand remains soft but shows signs of improvement, and production execution is stable compared to December, as panelists’ companies continue to manage outputs, material inputs and labor costs. Suppliers continue to have capacity. Sixty-two percent of manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP) contracted in January, down from 84 percent in December. More importantly, the share of sector GDP registering a composite PMI® calculation at or below 45 percent — a good barometer of overall manufacturing weakness — was 27 percent in January, compared to 48 percent in December, and 54 percent in November. Among the top six industries by contribution to manufacturing GDP in January, two (Machinery; and Computer & Electronic Products) had a PMI at or below 45 percent, one fewer than in the previous month,” Fiore said.

The four manufacturing industries reporting growth in January are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Transportation Equipment; and Chemical Products. The 13 industries reporting contraction in January — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Paper Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Primary Metals.

What Respondents Are Saying

“The start of 2024 looks good. Sales are above expectations, and costs are mostly stable. A few commodities are up in cost due to supply shortages. Many previously short commodities market positions have corrected themselves. There is a real short-term increase in the cost of international freight.” [Chemical Products]

“The commercial vehicle market appears to be retracting a bit in 2024 compared to last year. Forecast sales have decreased slightly in most product segments, with only limited growth related to customers’ competitive sourcing and moves to new technology. Most supply chains, including for semiconductors, have stabilized, with the only major escalation now being transit through the Red Sea.” [Transportation Equipment]

“Business continues to stabilize. Cash flow will be tight in 2024.” [Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products]

“U.S. economic outlook is affecting customer orders, and the current backlog is quite low compared to past quarters. Waiting on potential improvements from the CHIPS and Science Act.” [Computer & Electronic Products]

“December sales were very strong but slower for the first part of January, as was expected. We expect to see steady sales going forward, if the (U.S. Federal Reserve) continues to hold rates and suggests a rate cut in the future.” [Machinery]

“Good start to the year. We had budgeted a 3.5-percent increase over 2023. We expect it to be a challenging year. Currently, orders are positive in our automotive OEM and automotive aftermarket business. Our industrial business sector is looking weak at the moment. Still expect to achieve budget forecasts through the first quarter. (We) feel January is running high for automotive because at the end of December, many OEMs cancelled the last few weeks of orders to reduce inventory levels.” [Fabricated Metal Products]

“Order backlog, which was at historically high levels, is diminishing due to supply chain improvements and slight slowdown of orders.” [Miscellaneous Manufacturing]

“Demand continues to be slow. Reduction from the second half of 2023 has continued into this year. We are adjusting production to match demand.” [Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components]

“Current industry conditions are positive; however, a note of caution as we see potential headwinds with downward price movements in the coming months.” [Primary Metals]

“Remarkable slowdown in business in December. January has picked up, but not to previous-year levels.” [Textile Mills]

MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE
January 2024
Index Series
IndexJan		 Series
IndexDec		 Percentage

Point

Change

 Direction Rate of
Change		 Trend*
(Months)
Manufacturing PMI® 49.1 47.1 +2.0 Contracting Slower 15
New Orders 52.5 47.0 +5.5 Growing From
Contracting		 1
Production 50.4 49.9 +0.5 Growing From
Contracting		 1
Employment 47.1 47.5 -0.4 Contracting Faster 4
Supplier Deliveries 49.1 47.0 +2.1 Faster Slower 16
Inventories 46.2 43.9 +2.3 Contracting Slower 12
Customers’ Inventories 43.7 48.1 -4.4 Too Low Faster 2
Prices 52.9 45.2 +7.7 Increasing From
Decreasing		 1
Backlog of Orders 44.7 45.3 -0.6 Contracting Faster 16
New Export Orders 45.2 49.9 -4.7 Contracting Faster 8
Imports 50.1 46.4 +3.7 Growing From
Contracting		 1
OVERALL ECONOMY Growing Faster 45
Manufacturing Sector Contracting Slower 15

Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories indexes.
*Number of months moving in current direction.
Indexes reflect newly released seasonal adjustment factors.

Commodities Reported Up/Down In Price And In Short Supply

Commodities Up in Price
Aluminum* (2); Labor — Temporary (5); Ocean Freight; Plastic Resins; Polypropylene (4); Steel (7); Steel — Carbon; Steel — Hot Rolled (3); Steel Products (2); and Steel Wire.

Commodities Down in Price
Aluminum* (8); Corrugated Boxes (6); Diesel (3); Natural Gas (2); Packaging Materials (2); and Steel — Stainless.

Commodities in Short Supply
Electrical Components (40); Electronic Components (38); and Steel — Alloy.

Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.
*Indicates both up and down in price.

January 2024 Manufacturing Index Summaries

Manufacturing PMI®
The U.S. manufacturing sector contracted in January, as the Manufacturing PMI registered 49.1 percent in January, up 2 percentage points compared to December’s seasonally adjusted reading of 47.1 percent. This is the highest reading since October 2022, when the PMI registered a seasonally adjusted 50 percent. “This is the 15th month of contraction. Three out of five subindexes that directly factor into the Manufacturing PMI are in contraction territory, down from four in December. The New Orders Index broke its 16-month streak in contraction territory by indicating expansion in January. Of the six biggest manufacturing industries, two (Transportation Equipment; and Chemical Products) registered growth in January,” Fiore said. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing sector is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

A Manufacturing PMI above 42.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the January Manufacturing PMI indicates the overall economy grew for the 45th straight month after one month of contraction (April 2020). “The past relationship between the Manufacturing PMI and the overall economy indicates that the January reading (49.1 percent) corresponds to a change of plus-1.9 percent in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis,” Fiore said.

The Last 12 Months

Month Manufacturing
PMI®		 Month Manufacturing
PMI®
Jan 2024 49.1 Jul 2023 46.5
Dec 2023 47.1 Jun 2023 46.4
Nov 2023 46.6 May 2023 46.6
Oct 2023 46.9 Apr 2023 47.0
Sep 2023 48.6 Mar 2023 46.5
Aug 2023 47.6 Feb 2023 47.7
Average for 12 months – 47.2

High – 49.1

Low – 46.4

 

New Orders
ISM’s New Orders Index expanded for just the second time in 20 months in January, registering 52.5 percent, an increase of 5.5 percentage points compared to December’s seasonally adjusted reading of 47 percent. The New Orders Index contracted in July 2022, registered a seasonally adjusted 50.1 percent in August 2022 and had been in contraction since September 2022. “Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, three (Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Fabricated Metal Products) reported increased new orders. The index in January recorded its best performance since May 2022 (55.3 percent),” Fiore said. A New Orders Index above 52.3 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

The five manufacturing industries that reported growth in new orders in January are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Fabricated Metal Products. The 10 industries reporting a decline in new orders in January, in order, are: Wood Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products.

New Orders %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Jan 2024 20.2 56.3 23.5 -3.3 52.5
Dec 2023 15.5 57.5 27.0 -11.5 47.0
Nov 2023 19.5 53.0 27.5 -8.0 47.8
Oct 2023 15.4 58.1 26.5 -11.1 46.2

 

Production
The Production Index moved back into expansion territory in January, registering 50.4 percent, 0.5 percentage point higher than the seasonally adjusted December reading of 49.9 percent. The Production Index has been in contraction in 10 of the last 14 months; in addition to this month, the index registered 50 percent or better in May, September and October 2023. “Panelists’ companies essentially maintained the levels of output from December and November and now have an opportunity to increase production, based on the ‘too low’ reading for the Customers’ Inventories Index,” says Fiore. An index above 52.2 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production figures.

The four industries reporting growth in production during the month of January are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Primary Metals; and Transportation Equipment. The 11 industries reporting a decrease in production in January — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.

Production %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Jan 2024 18.4 57.8 23.8 -5.4 50.4
Dec 2023 15.5 61.5 23.0 -7.5 49.9
Nov 2023 18.4 62.1 19.5 -1.1 48.8
Oct 2023 17.3 62.9 19.8 -2.5 50.0

 

Employment
ISM®’s Employment Index registered 47.1 percent in January, 0.4 percentage point lower than the seasonally adjusted December reading of 47.5 percent. “The index indicated employment contracted for the fourth month in a row (and at a faster rate in January) after one month of expansion and three months of contraction before that. Of the six big manufacturing sectors, only Transportation Equipment expanded. Labor management sentiment at Business Survey Committee respondents’ companies still indicates a slowdown in hiring and, in January, a continuation of staff-reduction activity. Attrition, freezes and layoffs were used to reduce head counts. Quits rates remained at 12-month lows. The majority of panelists’ comments indicated labor force reductions; in the previous two months, they were equally split between companies hiring and others reducing their labor forces,” says Fiore. An Employment Index above 50.3 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of 18 manufacturing industries, three reported employment growth in January: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Transportation Equipment. The nine industries reporting a decrease in employment in January, in the following order, are: Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. Six industries reported no change in employment in January compared to December.

Employment %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Jan 2024 11.0 70.6 18.4 -7.4 47.1
Dec 2023 11.7 70.3 18.0 -6.3 47.5
Nov 2023 9.3 71.3 19.4 -10.1 46.1
Oct 2023 11.7 70.9 17.4 -5.7 47.1

 

Supplier Deliveries†
Delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was faster for the 16th straight month in January, as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 49.1 percent, 2.1 percentage points higher than the 47 percent reported in December. After a reading of 52.4 percent in September 2022, the index went into contraction territory in October and has been there since, with an average reading of 46.2 percent over the last 12 months, up from a rolling 12-month average of 46 percent in December. “Panelists’ comments continue to indicate that suppliers’ performance is improving, but for most industries, delivery promises appear to be stable as inputs transition to a more demand-driven environment,” says Fiore. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

The five manufacturing industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in January are: Textile Mills; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The five industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in January are: Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products. Seven industries reported no change in delivery performance in January compared to December.

 

Supplier Deliveries

  

%Slower

  

%Same

  

%Faster

  

Net

  

Index
Jan 2024 9.7 78.7 11.6 -1.9 49.1
Dec 2023 5.2 83.5 11.3 -6.1 47.0
Nov 2023 6.3 79.7 14.0 -7.7 46.2
Oct 2023 9.8 75.7 14.5 -4.7 47.7

 

Inventories
The Inventories Index registered 46.2 percent in January, 2.3 percentage points higher than the seasonally adjusted 43.9 percent reported in December. “Manufacturing inventories contracted at a slower rate compared to the previous month. Of the six big industries, only Transportation Equipment increased manufacturing inventories in January. Overall, panelists’ companies continue to closely watch manufacturing inventory levels but showed signs, as the year began, of a willingness to invest in manufacturing inventory in order to improve on-time deliveries, gain precision in revenue projections and improve overall customer satisfaction,” says Fiore. An Inventories Index greater than 44.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

Of 18 manufacturing industries, three reported higher inventories in January: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; and Transportation Equipment. The nine industries reporting lower inventories in January — in the following order — are: Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Chemical Products. Six industries reported no change in raw materials inventories in January compared to December.

Inventories %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Jan 2024 14.0 63.8 22.2 -8.2 46.2
Dec 2023 11.1 62.8 26.1 -15.0 43.9
Nov 2023 13.8 59.7 26.5 -12.7 44.3
Oct 2023 12.6 63.8 23.6 -11.0 43.6

 

Customers’ Inventories†
ISM®’s Customers’ Inventories Index registered 43.7 percent in January, down 4.4 percentage points compared to the 48.1 percent reported in December. “Customers’ inventory levels sagged, moving into the ‘too low’ region, as panelists report their companies’ customers have a significant shortage of their products in inventory, which is considered positive for future new orders and production. The index registered its lowest level since October 2022, when it recorded 41.6 percent,” says Fiore.

The two industries reporting customers’ inventories as too high in January are: Fabricated Metal Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products. The 11 industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low in January, in order, are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.

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

Net

  

Index
Jan 2024 75 10.2 66.9 22.9 -12.7 43.7
Dec 2023 79 13.5 69.2 17.3 -3.8 48.1
Nov 2023 76 16.3 69.0 14.7 +1.6 50.8
Oct 2023 75 13.1 71.0 15.9 -2.8 48.6

 

Prices†
The ISM® Prices Index registered 52.9 percent, 7.7 percentage points higher compared to the December reading of 45.2 percent, indicating raw materials prices increased in January after eight consecutive months of decreases. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, three — Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery — reported price increases in January. “The Prices Index indicated expansion in the first month of 2024 as new pricing agreements get implemented at panelists’ companies. The index reached its highest level since April 2023 (53.2 percent). Twenty percent of companies reported higher prices, compared to 14 percent in December,” says Fiore. A Prices Index above 52.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.

In January, the 10 industries that reported paying increased prices for raw materials, in order, are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Machinery. The three industries reporting paying decreased prices for raw materials in January are: Primary Metals; Chemical Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.

 

Prices

 %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index
Jan 2024 19.5 66.7 13.8 +5.7 52.9
Dec 2023 14.2 61.9 23.9 -9.7 45.2
Nov 2023 16.0 67.7 16.3 -0.3 49.9
Oct 2023 11.0 68.1 20.9 -9.9 45.1

 

Backlog of Orders†
ISM®’s Backlog of Orders Index registered 44.7 percent, a 0.6-percentage point decrease compared to December’s reading of 45.3 percent, indicating order backlogs contracted for the 16th consecutive month after a 27-month period of expansion. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, only Transportation Equipment expanded order backlogs in January. “The index remains in contraction, as production rates and new order levels continue to have a negative effect on backlogs,” says Fiore.

Of 18 manufacturing industries, the two that are reporting growth in order backlogs in January are: Primary Metals; and Transportation Equipment. The nine industries reporting lower backlogs in January — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. Six industries reported no change in backlog of orders in January compared to December.

Backlog of
Orders		 %
Reporting		  

%Higher

  

%Same

  

%Lower

  

Net

  

Index
Jan 2024 91 17.5 54.4 28.1 -10.6 44.7
Dec 2023 89 16.7 57.1 26.2 -9.5 45.3
Nov 2023 91 9.3 60.0 30.7 -21.4 39.3
Oct 2023 92 15.2 54.0 30.8 -15.6 42.2

 

New Export Orders†
ISM®’s New Export Orders Index registered 45.2 percent in January, 4.7 percentage points lower than the December reading of 49.9 percent. “The New Export Orders Index indicated that export orders contracted for the eighth consecutive month, at a much faster rate in January. The index has shown weak performance for the last 18 months. Panelists returned to a more bearish perception for both China and Europe. The index registered its lowest level since May 2020 (39.5 percent),” says Fiore.

The three industries reporting growth in new export orders in January are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Transportation Equipment. The nine industries reporting a decrease in new export orders in January — in the following order — are: Paper Products; Furniture & Related Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products.

New Export
Orders		 %
Reporting		  

%Higher

  

%Same

  

%Lower

  

Net

  

Index
Jan 2024 73 8.4 73.5 18.1 -9.7 45.2
Dec 2023 73 10.2 79.4 10.4 -0.2 49.9
Nov 2023 71 7.7 76.6 15.7 -8.0 46.0
Oct 2023 72 12.3 74.1 13.6 -1.3 49.4

 

Imports†
ISM®’s Imports Index registered 50.1 percent in January, an increase of 3.7 percentage points compared to December’s figure of 46.4 percent. “Imports grew in January after contracting for 14 consecutive months. With the Lunar New Year starting in early February, there should be a continued expansion in the Imports Index, assuming no other external factors. Panelists noted rising ocean freight costs and extended trans-Suez lead times to account for risk in the area,” says Fiore.

The six industries reporting an increase in import volumes in January — listed in the following order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Fabricated Metal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Transportation Equipment. The five industries that reported lower volumes of imports in January are: Wood Products; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products. Seven industries reported no change in imports in January.

Imports %
Reporting		  

%Higher

  

%Same

  

%Lower

  

Net

  

Index
Jan 2024 83 11.9 76.3 11.8 +0.1 50.1
Dec 2023 82 7.3 78.1 14.6 -7.3 46.4
Nov 2023 83 8.2 76.0 15.8 -7.6 46.2
Oct 2023 81 7.1 81.5 11.4 -4.3 47.9

†The Supplier Deliveries, Customers’ Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, and Imports indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.

Buying Policy
The average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures in January was 172 days, a decrease of two days compared to December. Average lead time in January for Production Materials was 83 days, an increase of one day. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies was 43 days, a decrease of three days compared to December.

Percent Reporting
Capital
Expenditures		 Hand-to-
Mouth		 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average
Days
Jan 2024 16 5 9 13 29 28 172
Dec 2023 15 4 8 16 29 28 174
Nov 2023 14 3 9 14 32 28 178
Oct 2023 16 3 10 13 32 26 171
Percent Reporting
Production
Materials		 Hand-to-
Mouth		 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average
Days
Jan 2024 8 23 30 24 10 5 83
Dec 2023 6 27 28 25 9 5 82
Nov 2023 8 24 29 26 9 4 79
Oct 2023 7 24 27 26 12 4 83

 

Percent Reporting
MRO
Supplies		 Hand-to-
Mouth		 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average
Days
Jan 2024 29 37 16 13 5 0 43
Dec 2023 29 36 18 11 5 1 46
Nov 2023 29 35 21 10 5 0 43
Oct 2023 29 33 21 11 5 1 46

Posted: February 1, 2024

Source: Institute for Supply Management

Innovative Collaborations And Global Trends Take Center Stage At Texworld NYC And Apparel Sourcing NYC

WANCHAI, Hong Kong — January 31, 2024 — The East Coast’s premier textile sourcing event recently concluded its highly anticipated Winter 2024 edition with overwhelming success marked by global participation, diverse special features, and valuable partnerships. The co-located event, featuring Texworld New York City, Apparel Sourcing New York City, and Printsource New York, took place January 22-24 at the Javits Center, welcoming 350+ exhibitors and thousands of attendees.

A Global Affair

A one-stop-shop for global sourcing, the event offered fabrics, trims, accessories, garments, print design, and more across 50+ product categories with participation from countries including Korea, Turkey, Taiwan, Peru, China, Japan, USA, India, Pakistan, and more.

Texworld NYC proudly showcased the Turkey Pavilion, emphasizing the rich heritage and cutting-edge manufacturing practices of Turkey in the international textile market.

Addressing the growing need for domestic suppliers, Texworld NYC announced a new partnership with SEAMS, the foremost Association and Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry. Attendees were able to source, connect, and learn from USA-based exhibitors inside the SEAMS Supply Chain USA Pavilion. The collaboration with SEAMS brought an additional layer of expertise and industry wisdom to the event.

Diverse Special Features

In addition to sourcing, the show highlighted an array of special features that captivated attendees, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and fostering global connections. Texworld NYC and Apparel Sourcing NYC continued its commitment to education by offering tailored sessions on global textile trends, sourcing landscape, business development, and more. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, fostered valuable connections, and gained insights from industry experts through a series of informative sessions during Textile Talks and the Lenzing Seminar Series.

The Texworld Trend Showcase, curated by DONEGER | TOBE, provided insights into Spring/Summer 2025 themes. Attendees explored the curated segments through the Explore the Floor Tour led by Creative Director, Kai Chow. Expanding the trend resources and educational aspect, Texworld NYC collaborated with Arsutoria, the prestigious Milan-based institution renowned for its contributions to footwear and leather goods education. The trend area featured over 200 material samples, showcasing the intersection of tradition and innovation in the fashion industry.

Another notable highlight of this winter’s event was the collaborative initiative with the Material Innovation Initiative (MII). The Next-Gen Innovation Hub specialty area provided buyers with insights into innovative, high-performing, and sustainable fiber and material alternatives, setting the stage for a more sustainable future in the textile industry.

Building on the success of the Next-Gen Innovation Hub and collaborations with sustainability-focused organizations such as Lenzing, Texworld NYC is committed to advancing sustainable practices in the industry. Look out for initiatives that promote eco-friendly materials, circular fashion, and responsible manufacturing at future events including the implementation of Econogy. (Learn more here: https://texpertisenetwork.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/sdg.html#econogy )

A vibrant addition to the show floor, the SAKURA COLLECTION Fashion Design Award Fashion Show showcased inspiring designs from 10 finalist designers from all over the world using the theme materials of “Natsu-Shiozawa” and “Upcycled Denim”. The SAKURA COLLECTION Fashion Design Award aims to connect Japan’s traditional industry with young creators from around the world to generate new ideas for the future. Attendees were immersed in a world of creativity and traditional Japanese culture.

Printsource New York Partnership

Printsource, a well-known beacon of creativity in the textile design realm, once again illuminated the show floor with its unparalleled showcase of innovative textile designs. Designers, buyers, and industry professionals were treated to a dynamic display, experiencing firsthand the cutting-edge prints, patterns, and surface design inspirations that have become synonymous with Printsource’s expertise. Printsource’s contribution to the event has not only enriched the overall experience for attendees but has also inspired the industry to explore new avenues of creativity.

As Texworld NYC and Apparel Sourcing NYC look ahead to future editions, we are excited about a continued partnership with Printsource. “I am truly grateful for the invaluable contribution of Printsource New York to our shows. As we collectively navigate the evolving landscape of the industry, we look forward to more events together, where we can continue to foster creativity, innovation, and lasting connections,” states Jennifer Bacon, VP Fashion and Apparel, Messe Frankfurt Inc

Looking Ahead: Future Events

Texworld NYC and Apparel Sourcing NYC are pioneers in the pursuit of progress. Beyond celebrating our recent success, we are enthusiastic about steering the industry toward continuous growth, fostering innovation, and expanding our global influence.

Save the dates for our other 2024 events:

  • Texworld NYC, Apparel Sourcing NYC, Home Textiles Sourcing: Summer 2024 Edition – July 16-18, Javits Center, New York City
  • Texworld Los Angeles, Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles: August 13-14, California Market Center

For more information on our events, visit us online at:
www.texworldnyc.com

Posted: February 1, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

 

Lenzing Teams Up With Recyc Leather And GANNI To Unveil New Footwear Materials

LENZING, Austria — February 1, 2024 — Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, has partnered with leather alternative expert Recyc Leather to introduce Pélinova®, an innovative material that fuses TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and recycled leather fibers for high-end fashion applications. Joining forces with Danish advanced contemporary brand GANNI, this dynamic trio is set to bring this next-generation material to the market as an alternative to genuine leather materials, starting with GANNI’s Slouchy Boots launching early this year.

Pélinova: a hybrid alternative combining TENCEL Lyocell fibers and recycled leather fibers 
Recyc Leather’s next-generation material, Pélinova, is created through a unique, transparent process which involves collecting pre-consumer recycled leather and then hydro-jetting the leather fibers into the TENCEL Lyocell fibers, a standout material within the TENCEL brand portfolio that is produced from a resource-saving, closed-loop production process1. TENCEL Lyocell fibers are also unfavorable to odor-causing bacteria. The combined efforts between Lenzing and Recyc Leather result in a material which is supple, flexible, and durable, with a low environmental impact utilizing 70-percent less water than traditional methods and reducing CO2 emissions.

“Since our establishment in 2017, we have recycled 100 tons of leather from landfill, earning recognition from European authorities and positive responses from brands”, said Olivier Grammont, Co-founder of Recyc Leather.

Olivier Grammont, Co-founder of Recyc Leather

“Our partnership with Lenzing and GANNI demonstrates Pélinova’s potential as a truly sustainable alternative to traditional leather, inspiring us to continue to broaden the application of Pélinova in shaping the future of the leather industry.”

“The pioneering partnership between TENCEL and like-minded companies like Recyc Leather and GANNI is a catalyst to unlocking the power of planet-conscious fabric innovation,” said Florian Heubrandner, executive vice president Global Textiles Business, Lenzing AG.

Florian Heubrandner

“With the use of responsibly produced2 TENCEL Lyocell fibers in Pélinova, we are not only creating a unique alternative for leather applications in footwear that brings long-lasting comfort, but also demonstrating the versatility of fiber applications. We are confident that the new collection will stand out within the industry and catch the eye of consumers.”

Riding on this exciting breakthrough in footwear, Recyc Leather is also exploring the possibility of expanding the fabric application to other leather goods spanning home textiles, furniture, automobile interiors and the luxury segment.

Elevating the GANNI partnership

GANNI is a B Corp certified company, on a journey to become the most responsible version of itself. They believe it’s a moral obligation to do better every day. GANNI is committed to minimizing social and environmental impact within its business operation with a goal to reach 50 percent absolute carbon reduction by 2027, with materials and innovation among its key pillars in reaching this target.

Lauren Bartley, Chief Sustainability Officer at GANNI

“By the end of 2023, we achieved the ambitious goal of phasing out all virgin leather from upcoming collections – making this year our first without producing any virgin leather across both ready-to-wear and accessories collections,” said Lauren Bartley, chief sustainability officer at GANNI. “However, the work doesn’t stop here. Collaborating and experimenting with partners like TENCEL and Recyc Leather on new fabric innovations to develop alternatives to materials as we know them today, is crucial to reaching ambitious carbon reduction goals like GANNI’s. GANNI has partnered with Lenzing for years gone by, using various of their materials in GANNI fabrications. Lenzing continues to be among the perfect partner when it comes to finding preferred materials which have a proven lower environmental impact.”

In addition to footwear, GANNI sees the application of Recyc Leather’s Pélinova with TENCEL Lyocell fibers in the accessories category. GANNI, Recyc Leather, and Lenzing have future developments in the pipeline to get even closer to being able to scale the use of the material.

During Première Vision Paris (PV Paris, February 6–8), Lenzing will be joined by Recyc Leather and GANNI at a panel discussion to share their collaborative experiences as a prime example of how companies can unite to create high-end fashion using responsibly produced recycled materials. For more interactive participation, visit the TENCEL brand at Booth 6D67 and Recyc Leather at Booth 6HUB11.

1 Savings consider solvent recovery.

2 The responsible production of TENCELTM Lyocell and Modal fibers uses at least 50% less water and emits at least 50% less CO2 compared to generic lyocell and modal fibers, according to Higg MSI, thereby saving precious resources for future generations. ^Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and available via Higg MSI (Version 3.7).

Posted: February 1, 2024

Source: The Lenzing Group

DOMOTEX 2024 Served As A Popular Meeting Place For Exhibitors And Attendees

HANNOVER, Germany — February 1, 2024 — For the second time, the keynote theme FLOORED BY NATURE focused on the megatrend of sustainability, including various aspects such as recycling, resource conservation and environmental protection.

DOMOTEX 2024, Eröffnung, Night Time in a Palace

Natural and sustainable Floor Coverings

In the Flooring segment, the range of products offered by exhibitors was characterised in particular by sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. With ‘LICO DENIM FLOOR’, the Swiss company Li & Co presented a unique solution using waste from the fashion industry. In addition to jeans, the product is made from other recyclable materials, including a wood-based core board and an underlay of the rapidly renewable material cork. Amorim, GRANORTE and ZIRO have specialized in flooring made from this environmentally friendly material. Natural cork floors have a number of positive characteristics: they are soft and resilient, yet extremely durable. In addition, they have an insulating effect, reduce sound transmission and temperature fluctuations, and improve the indoor climate at the same time. This makes cork flooring the ideal basis for a comfortable home.

Vinyl and design floor coverings are very popular. However, the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) often used to make them has been criticized for containing harmful plasticizers that have a negative impact on our environment and health. In line with its ‘we care / we act’ motto, Gerflor showcased sustainable vinyl and linoleum products at DOMOTEX and highlighted its “Second Life” recycling program. CFL Flooring introduced two new attractive alternatives to less sustainable oil-based products: ‘NovoCore’ and ‘Tenacity Eco-Composite Flooring’. ‘NovoCore’ is an engineered vinyl flooring that is waterproof, extremely durable, resistant to heat and sunlight and recyclable. It is also completely free of phthalates and other harmful plasticizers. ‘Tenacity Eco-Composite Flooring’ is a PVC-free engineered stone floor with a high proportion of recycled and natural materials. Classen presented another convincing solution, called ‘CERAMIN’: Instead of PVC, the manufacturer uses a unique combination of a natural mineral and polypropylene (PP), which is completely harmless and is mainly used in the food packaging industry.

Inspired by Nature

It is not only in terms of properties that naturalness plays an important role. With wood and stone finishes, many exhibitors also favored a natural look in their collections this year. SWISS KRONO, for example, has expanded its ‘COREPEL EVOLUTION’ line with the new ‘COREPEL EVOLUTION PURE’ collection, which combines a real wood surface with a waterproof core and impresses with its natural look. In terms of appearance, the manufacturer’s focuses on stone and wood decors that are almost indistinguishable from the real materials in terms of look and feel. Kronospan also uses real wood veneer as the top layer for its ‘Organic Veneer Parquet’. The high-quality brushed oak surface creates a particularly cozy atmosphere. Another highlight presented by the manufacturer was the ‘MO.RE!’ laminate flooring with moisture resistance technology.

KAINDL presented a real eye-catcher with the ‘Natural Touch’ decors from the ‘Select’ product line. New to the range is the elegant ‘Milano Oak’ decor with a perfectly coordinated surface and a dynamic look. The slightly rustic ‘Alta’ collection from Lamett features a rich wood texture and a subtle color scheme. Belgian brand Floorify focuses on the look and feel of natural wood planks and polished concrete tiles for its ‘Rigid Vinyl Planks & Tiles’. Meanwhile, Green-Flor’s new ‘PRIME INSPIRATION’ collection is inspired by slate, and mFLOR too favors natural designs for its PVC flooring.

Innovations for Walls

Wall coverings are experiencing a revival and are finding their way into more and more living and working spaces. They are not only a modern design element, but also actively contribute to a feel-good atmosphere by improving room acoustics. With ‘Acoustic Sense WOOD’, the German company MeisterWerke has added three new real wood surfaces to its range of acoustic panels. The combination of natural wood and high-quality felt is said to absorb up to 100% of sound. Neuhofer’s ‘FN Acustico HEXAGO’ – hexagonal acoustic elements – are also made of (polyester) felt. They can be used to decorate a wall or to create individual accents. LICO Hydro HeatWall’ wall panels from Li & Co. offer not only acoustic effectiveness and modern aesthetics, but also warming properties. Equipped with a special conductive heating layer on the back, the panels provide warmth and comfort almost at the touch of a button.

In addition to wall coverings, the new RETAILERS’ PARK in Hall 19/20 was the right place to discover products for interior finishing. These included paints and varnishes from Südwest, Meffert and PPG Coating, and wallpapers from AS Creation and Erfurt & Sohn. Subfloors and related products such as skirting and adhesives were also well represented by exhibitors such as THOMSIT, Südbrock, Bostik and Döllken. Carpet manufacturers such as Lano, Edel Carpets, Infloor Girloon and Vorwerk completed the product range in the RETAILERS’ PARK. ‘Together with DECOR UNION and MEGA, we have created an area full of value for our visitors’, said Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of DOMOTEX. The new area was particularly well received by representatives from the retail, trade and architectural sectors. ‘The successful premiere shows that our target groups welcome the opportunity to see all the solutions for a room, from floor to ceiling, at a single trade fair. That’s why we will continue to expand the exhibition area for wall and ceiling products in the future.’

FLOORED BY NATURE generates strong Feedback in the Carpet Segment

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are playing an increasingly important role for exhibitors in the Carpets & Rugs segment, which combines handmade and machine-made carpets. Handmade carpets, such as those on display at DOMOTEX, are not only unique works of art but environmentally friendly by their nature. The use of renewable and natural materials, combined with their durability, makes handmade carpets a sustainable component of home and contract furnishings. Made from high quality sheep’s wool or blended with fine silk, they provide thermal insulation and temperature equalization, absorb dust and pollen from the air, are pleasantly soft to the touch and create a special atmosphere in a room. In addition to these qualities, manufacturers such as Jaipur Rugs, Paulig and Theo Keller are socially committed to fair trade and the elimination of child labor.

With ‘RECYCLE’, Merinos presented a collection created from 100% recycled polyester, which was spun into high-quality yarn from 9,500 tons of waste material after it was recycled in the in-house processing facility. Oriental Weavers from Egypt presented ‘Elixir’, a new innovative cotton carpet collection characterized by the use of natural dyes. For the Elixir collection, the company uses only natural dyes extracted from plants and fruits. The colors are therefore not only environmentally friendly, biodegradable and renewable, but also completely non-toxic for both humans and the environment.

A Splash of Color

In addition to natural shades and textures, DOMOTEX 2024 featured many carpets and rugs in intense colors, including Tisca, Brink & Campman and Jaipur Rugs. Trend experts such as Holly Becker (decor8), Stefan Nilsson (Trendstefan) and Gabriela Kaiser (TRENDagentur Gabriela Kaiser) see this development as a counterpoint to the minimalist interior trends in natural colour palettes that have dominated the furnishing industry in recent years. Other factors contributing to this developing trend are the ‘mood-lifting’ properties and the ‘desire for change’ in economically challenging times. ‘This is the year of change – we are looking for things that are different, fun and light-hearted. Bold colours are coming back’, explained Stefan Nilsson.

An imaginative journey into the world of Persian knotting awaited visitors at the exhibition Night Time in a Palace by carpet artist Lila Valadan. The label reinterprets traditional designs and techniques while at the same time referring to their roots. The skilfully handmade carpets were presented in a series of interlocking rooms. Each of the room installations offered a fascinating interplay of art, design and the cultural richness of traditional carpet making.

New interpretations and innovative developments such as these are already arousing curiosity as to next year’s DOMOTEX – Carpets & Rugs, which will take place from 16 to 19 January 2025.

Posted: February 1, 2024

Source: Deutsche Messe AG

 

Freudenberg To Showcase Innovative Surface Veils, Flow Media And Spacers At JEC World 2024 In Paris

WEINHEIM, Germany— February 1, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will exhibit a wide range of technical textile solutions for the composites industry at JEC World, the leading international composites show, in Paris, France. This includes surfacing veils for fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) components and Enka® Solutions flow media and spacers for composites manufacturing. Visitors can meet Freudenberg experts at booth P82.4 of the Baden-Württemberg International booth in Hall 6 from March 5-7, 2024.

Freudenberg´s glass fiber surfacing veil Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Freudenberg addresses the evolving requirements of manufacturers of FRP parts with high-performance nonwovens. To achieve this, the leading supplier of innovative technical textiles uses a variety of technologies such as wetlaid, drylaid and spunbond processes, which enables a wide range of options for the choice of fibers, filaments and compositions. Freudenberg offers a comprehensive portfolio of nonwovens, including glass, PAN, and PET. These materials are specifically engineered for applications such as anti-corrosive coatings in piping and tank construction, UV-resistant facade panels, and various other end products. Surface veils are a crucial component of FRP components, ensuring abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, smooth surfaces, and enhanced mechanical strength. Freudenberg’s nonwoven solutions deliver exceptional performance across all these aspects, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of FRP applications.

High-efficiency flow media and spacers for composites manufacturing Enka® Solutions products are designed for efficient resin infusion and foam injection molding processes. Thanks to their distinctive 3D entangled polymeric filament structures they are exceptionally well-suited as flow media and spacers in composites manufacturing processes.

Enka® Solutions flow media for vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes promote extremely fast and reliable resin distribution ensuring full wet-out of the internal structure, whilst keeping the glass fiber reinforcement nettings and components surface in place. A superior bond, enhanced mechanical properties and even a reduced risk of wrinkling is then achieved.

The Enka® Solutions spacer applied in reaction injection molding processes using foam pushes the reinforcement matting and composite skin against the mold. This allows polymer foam to flow freely through the mold, filling the cavity completely and resulting in faster production processes that ensure reproducible high-quality finished products.

Posted: February 1, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG

Exhibit Space For IDEA®25 Is Selling Fast

CARY, NC — February 1, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that exhibit space reservations for IDEA®25 are rapidly approaching 70 percent capacity. INDA encourages all potential exhibitors to make their reservations as soon as possible to ensure they receive the best location for their booth. IDEA is being held April 29-May 1, 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

Global suppliers and manufacturers who exhibit at IDEA will connect their technologies and innovations to C-suite leaders, R&D developers, and specifiers. Exhibitors can demonstrate their products to participants from around the world, answer their technical questions, and collaborate on new products.

INDA is responding to customer feedback with reduced expo pass fees for attendees and exhibitors to drive additional networking and business development opportunities. FiltXPO™, the International Filtration Conference & Exhibition, will again be co-located with IDEA bringing additional value to all participants. Registrants can attend both shows whether they are attending the expo or the conference and expo.

Tony Fragnito, INDA President, said, “Our theme for IDEA25 is ‘Nonwovens for a Healthier Planet’ and will culminate our 2024 focus on Sustainability with pillars on Responsible Sourcing, End-of-life Solutions and Innovations in Sustainability.  We are excited to see the diversity of companies showcasing their commitment to sustainable concepts. This event is where the future of nonwovens will be on display.”

“Exhibit space for IDEA is being reserved at a brisk pace, with interest from both prior exhibitors as well as companies exhibiting for the first time. This show is where nonwoven companies can cement their status as a solution provider, acquire competitive market intelligence, and grow their business with new market applications,” said Joe Tessari, INDA Associate Director of Sales.

IDEA is the largest North American exhibition dedicated to the next generation of nonwovens and engineered materials. To learn more about exhibiting at IDEA, visit www.ideashow.org.

Posted: February 1, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry,

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