Results Of The 19th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey: Business Situation Is Still Gloomy While Expectations Are Booming

ZURICH — April 19, 2023 — The global business situation in the textile industry has been negative since June 2022 and is still deteriorating (see Graph 1). Companies around the world and across all segments face a “perfect storm”-scenario with high production costs and relatively low demand. At the same time, companies’ expectation for the business climate in 6 months-time have been improving since November 2022. It is unclear if this growing optimism about the mid-term future is due to a believe that the situation cannot get much worse or anticipation for a well-founded economic normalization.

Order intake has also steadily decreased since November 2021, mostly in line with the trend in the business situation. The rate of decline has nevertheless slowed down in March 2023, likely due to weak demand. “Weakening demand” has indeed been rated the major concern in the global textile value chain since July 2022 and its importance has even grown in the last survey. Inflation remains the second major concern worldwide.

The expected improvements for the second half of 2023 are supported by a relatively low level of order cancellations and stabilizing inventory levels. 53 percent of respondents to the 19th GTIS recorded no order cancellations during the last 4 months (down from 58 percent last January). The phenomenon is stronger in South America and touches spinners and weavers relatively more. 58 percent of respondents also rated inventory levels as average. The number of companies reporting high inventory levels is greater in Asia and Europe. Among segments, it is the highest for home textile producers.

Posted: April 19, 2023

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation  (ITMF)

INDIGO TEXTILE: Sustainable Factors And Innovative Solutions Are The Building Blocks Of A Quality Product

LEONBERG, Germany — April 19, 2023 — Indigo Textile (Pvt.) Ltd. was formed 2005 as a collaboration between two leading textile groups, Haji Khudabux Amir and Umer, one of the most respected cotton trading groups in Pakistan in the textile sector, and Akhtar Textiles, the largest Pakistani suppliers of denim jeans to Levi’s. The joint venture started small, with 42 looms in 2005. At present, Indigo Textile has 202 looms with plans for expansion to 222 looms in the near future. In 2006, denim production started at Indigo Textile with the primary goal to work with the leading global brands. At present, 55 per cent of the denim produced is for Levi’s, and the rest for other leading brands such as H&M, Marks & Spencer, and Inditex among others. Indigo is represented in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe through agencies.

To enlarge their capacities further, Indigo Textile bought some years ago a POWER-FRAME stenter from the German world market leader for dry finishing BRÜCKNER. According to Aamir Maqbool, managing director of Indigo Textile, the choice of a 12 chamber POWER-FRAME stenter by BRÜCKNER was made due to several factors including quality, reliability and the lower cost of production provided by the BRÜCKNER machine. The decision, made also in view of future requirements, caters to the increased production requirements and keeps in mind utmost flexibility in finishing.

Today it is clear: the efficiency increased significantly with the new BRÜCKNER machine which is made with German technology and has an excellent reputation of operational reliability and customer service. The high level of automation on the BRÜCKNER stenter, allows excellent control on the machine parameters, providing for the best quality finishing results. “A cheaper option might seem attractive on paper but would cost much more in terms of repeated investments, higher running costs and inconsistent quality. Opting for BRÜCKNER ensured a reliable long-term investment” Aamir Maqbool elaborates.

The BRÜCKNER POWER-FRAME tenter with horizontal clip chain and direct gas heating impresses by maximum drying capacity and low energy consumption. The proven split-flow principle provides an optimal air distribution and Venturi nozzles ensure the uniform mixing of ambient and circulating air for a maximum temperature uniformity. At Indigo, a J-Box in the inlet and outlet of the line ensures continuous operation even during batch changes.

Indigo Textile prides itself on being one of the premium denim producers in Pakistan and having a circular manufacturing system that ensures the finest quality of denim fabric. At Indigo they control the entire process of denim manufacturing starting from the yarn to the finished fabric. They are backed by all relevant international quality and sustainability standards. The company believes that it is their prime responsibility to take care of the people and the societies across the globe. For this purpose, they process sustainable denim that is safe for the environment and humanity.

Aamir Maqbool is positive about the future of Pakistan’s textile sector, particularly denim and denim garments. According to him, Pakistan is ahead of its regional competitors in terms of R&D and product development in the denim sector. Over the last few years, while garment capacities have increased, the verticality of Pakistan has also improved. Supply chain issues are now more relevant than ever. Indigo Textile has plans to invest in a state-of-the-art spinning mill that will allow them to have complete control over the supply chain with 80 percent of the demand for yarn being met in-house. As vertical integration in the denim sector grows, so will the ability of Pakistan to innovate, increase product quality to an even higher level, as well as enhance the ability to provide high quality service and on-time delivery. All these factors combine to make Pakistan a global force in the denim supply chain.

Posted: April 19, 2023

Source: Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

Culp Launches New Wellness-Focused Upholstery Fabric Collection — Culp Powered By Nanobionic

HIGH POINT, N.C. — April 19, 2023 — Just in time for spring furniture market, Culp Inc., one of the largest global marketers of upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture, is launching “CULP powered by Nanobionic®,” a new wellness-focused upholstery fabric collection. Through the use of infrared technology, this innovative fabric line transforms furniture into a charging station for the human body, allowing users to restore their bodies while relaxing. Through an exclusive partnership with Nanobionic, Culp’s new line of fabrics offers an exciting solution for furniture manufacturers looking to provide retailers and consumers with inspiring innovation focused on enhancing relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nanobionic is a mineral-based coating that blends science with wellness and recovery. It is applied as a soft coating on any type of textile, leather, or artificial leather, where it uses Far Infrared Rays to transform a user’s natural body heat into invisible waves of energy that flow back into the body. This energy recycling promotes a temporary increase of blood flow at the site of application in healthy individuals, generating increased circulation and enhancing recovery.

“The demand for innovation continues to grow as consumers look for new solutions to improve and enhance their everyday lives,” said Tammy Buckner, senior vice president of design and marketing for Culp’s upholstery fabrics division. “The CULP powered by Nanobionic fabric collection, which is offered in a beautiful array of fabrics featuring soft textures and stylish colors, allows people to use their furniture to relax, recharge, and recover within the comfort of their own homes. This is truly next generation textile innovation.”

Commenting on the company’s new fabric line, Iv Culp, President and CEO of Culp Inc., said “Culp is known for its product innovation, including our popular LiveSmart® performance fabrics and LiveSmart Evolve® sustainability fabrics, and we are extremely excited to partner with Nanobionic to bring this new technology to the home furnishings industry. We believe incorporating the Nanobionic technology into upholstered furniture that consumers use each day can be a game changing solution for offering a performance product that now works to enhance the body.”

Nanobionic products are registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as general wellness products. Nanobionic is also a recipient of NASA’s coveted iTech award for best product innovation.

Posted: April 19, 2023

Source: Culp Inc.

DuPont Announces Kevlar® EXO™, A Next-Generation Aramid Fiber

WILMINGTON, Del. — April 14, 2023 — DuPont today unveiled Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, the most significant aramid fiber innovation in more than 50 years and an entirely new technology platform developed to serve endless applications where performance and protection is required in the midst of intense and demanding conditions. Life protection will be the first of many Kevlar EXO use cases that will offer an unprecedented combination of lightness, flexibility and protection from an aramid fiber.

DuPont™ Kevlar has long been the advanced material behind high-performing body armor that protects those who serve. Now, with body armor crafted using Kevlar EXO, military and law enforcement officers can experience previously unavailable levels of ballistic protection without compromising on mobility and comfort. With unmatched pliability, Kevlar® EXO™ contours to curves and body lines, providing a more body-inclusive solution while still offering maximum protection.

“We’ve spent over a decade developing, refining and perfecting Kevlar EXO, and the result is an industry-altering platform that has catapulted our life protection capabilities to a whole new level,” said Steven LaGanke, global business leader, DuPont Life Protection. “Developed and tested by leading materials experts at DuPont, Kevlar EXO offers never-before-seen ballistic and thermal performance while also providing a flexible and lightweight solution that empowers users to operate at peak performance. Whether for military members, law enforcement officers, private security or emergency responders, pound for pound, Kevlar EXO users can better manage energy output even during the most demanding physical tasks.”

First-of-its-kind Kevlar EXO aramid fiber is incomparably better and more durable than even the highest-performing soft body armor materials available. Kevlar EXO offers the following benefits:

  • The highest ballistics performance among all aramid fibers without compromising on weight, enabling the best-in-class, lightest weight ballistics soft armor solutions available on the market today;
  • Peak flexibility, offering increased comfort and mobility, contouring to curves and body lines with less restriction for maximum defense, when paired with exceptional carrier design;
  • Inherently flame- and temperature-resistant; melt- and ignite-proof up to 500°C (932°F);
  • Delivers the same level of protection after five years as it provides on day one;
  • Made in the USA at DuPont’s new manufacturing facility in Spruance, Va.; and
  • Endlessly customizable wearability for use case and body type.

DuPont will debut Kevlar EXO at the Best Ranger Competition, April 14-16, 2023, which brings together some of the United States military’s most talented soldiers to go head-to-head in a grueling competition that simulates the physical and mental challenges of combat. At this year’s competition, United States Army Rangers will be the first soldiers in the world to wear body armor vests made with Kevlar EXO, enabling them to experience peak flexibility and comfort as they conquer each challenge.

April 18, 2023

Zara Partners With Circ To Launch Collection Made Using Recycled Polycotton Blended Textiles

A CORUNA, Spain — April 17, 2023 — Today, Zara, in partnership with Circ, the fashion technology company that recycles textile waste back into new fibers, takes a pivotal step towards circularity in the fashion industry by revealing a new first-of-its-kind women’s capsule collection made with recycled textiles derived from polycotton textile waste. The collection will be available across 11 markets, beginning April 17.

Zara and Circ have tackled one of the biggest challenges for the fashion industry: breaking down blends of polyester and cotton — referred to as “polycotton” — into new recycled raw materials to create new garments. Circ´s innovative recycling technology is the only platform to successfully separate polycotton blended textile waste and recover both cellulosic and synthetic fibers. Utilizing this technology, Zara and Circ have created a collection featuring lyocell garments made with 50-percent recycled polycotton textile waste and polyester garments with 43-percent recycled polycotton textile waste. With creative direction from the design team at Zara Woman, the collection showcases on-trend and light garments in burgundy tones that are designed to keep in circulation .

“We believe our partnership with Zara signals a seismic shift in how the fashion industry and consumers view what is possible in sustainability,” said Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ. “This is the first-time recycled polyester and lyocell clothing manufactured from polycotton textile waste is in the hands of consumers, and we are taking important steps towards making circularity the new standard. Circ and Zara want to create a new future in which the garments hanging in our closets are made from recycled materials that can then be recycled over and over again.”

“This first-of-its-kind collection demonstrates that innovation in new fibers and collaboration with specialized experts are two key pillars in advancing the circularity of the textile industry. Circ’s technology opens the door to effectively separate and recycle any blend of polyester and cotton — which is one of the most common textile blends in clothing. At Zara and Inditex, we want to lead the transformation of our industry by creating fashion collections rooted in circularity” remarked Javier Losada, Inditex Chief Sustainability Officer.

This partnership follows investment from Inditex, Zara’s parent company, in Circ last year aimed at accelerating industrial-scale solutions towards circularity in the fashion industry. This is the first time Inditex has made an investment of this kind within its Sustainability Innovation Hub (SIH) which aims to boost technological innovation and improve product circularity.

Posted April 17, 2023

New KT Tape Pro Oxygen™ Kinesiology Tape Super-Charged With CELLIANT® Infrared Technology Increases Oxygen In Cells To Unleash Your Muscle Potential

AMERICAN FORK, Utah — April 18, 2023 — KT®, the number one kinesiology tape brand, today launched KT Tape PRO Oxygen — the first kinesiology tape to feature CELLIANT® Infrared Technology from Hologenix. KT Tape PRO Oxygen is designed to increase cellular oxygenation and promote muscle support during physical activity.

The Celliant fine mineral powder is a natural blend of IR-generating bioceramic minerals. Printed on the tape’s surface, it converts body heat into full-spectrum infrared energy. This delivers improved cellular oxygenation where tape is applied, bringing more oxygen to the cells and increasing local circulation. Thus, KT Tape PRO Oxygen premium kinesiology tape is super-charged to support muscles and joints through physical activity.

“PRO Oxygen is the new flagship product from KT, representing the next generation of Kinesiology tape performance, support and recovery,” said Jessica Klodnicki, KT Tape CEO. “This is the first of several new technologies KT will be bringing to market as part of commitment to enhancing athletic performance and recovery.”

KT Tape PRO Oxygen was designed to allow athletes pushing their physical limits to optimize athletic performance while staying healthy. KT Tape PRO Oxygen’s elasticity allows for a full range of motion that rigid tapes do not and helps to lift the skin for a temporary increase in local blood flow. PRO Oxygen incorporates high strength water-resistant adhesive and ultra-breathable PRO synthetic fibers making it one of the most durable kinesiology tape products on the market.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be working with KT, who dominate market share when it comes to kinesiology tape and consider it an honor to boost their best-in-class products with the infrared advantage,” echoed Seth Casden, Hologenix co-founder and CEO.

Posted: April 18, 2023

Source: KT®

INDEX™ 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Indorama Ventures

BANGKOK, Thailand — April 17, 2023 — Indorama Ventures will be showing its range of Hygiene Fiber and Nonwoven products with innovative functionality, across multiple Hygiene applications at INDEX™23 exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, from April 18-21, 2023.

Working across diapers, adult incontinence and feminine Hygiene applications, Indorama Ventures innovations meet customer demand for lower base material weights, optimum fluid distribution, comfort and protection. Customers can expect to see the product portfolio featured to demonstrate functional attributes including strength and durability, micro and macro protection, lightweighting, sensation and experience as well as sustainability.

Continuing to support customers’ sustainability objectives and provide sustainable source materials for hygiene applications, Indorama Ventures’ portfolio includes Deja™ CO2 neutral fibers, a carbon neutral solution for PP staple fibers. The range highlights Indorama Ventures’ ambition and ability to produce PP, PET and rPET mono and bicomponent fibers with a lower carbon footprint.

Indorama Ventures’ development of Biotransformation Technology for nonwovens and fibers has been shortlisted under the ‘raw materials or components’ category of EDANA’s INDEX™ Innovation Awards, which will be presented during this year’s INDEX23 exhibition. Through its 10-year partnership agreement with technology innovator Polymateria, Indorama Ventures is applying Polymateria’s unique biotransformation technology to fibers and nonwovens.

Biotransformation is the world’s first technology that is capable of delivering full biodegradation of Polyolefin products in the open terrestrial environment. Polyolefin-based materials produced by this technology are especially useful for applications where materials may be leaked into the environment as unmanaged waste.

Shachar Rachim, CEO at Indorama Ventures’ Hygiene Group, said: “Underpinning all of Indorama Ventures’ products, across our comprehensive range of innovative, recycled, biodegradable and sustainable polymer solutions, is sustainable development. We are pleased to see our Biotransformation Technology collaboration being recognized and shortlisted for Excellence in the nonwovens and related industries at INDEX23. The development of fully biodegradable and recyclable hygiene components means we can offer scalable, innovative and commercial solutions to the industry that are environmentally friendly. It reinforces how sustainability is a strategic focus for Indorama Ventures, and we look forward to sharing this and other innovations with industry visitors to INDEX23”.

Avgol, an Indorama Ventures company, will use INDEX23 to showcase its commitment to developing solutions that deliver meaningful change. “We will present a holistic approach to sustainability with everything from our biodegradation technology and the use of more natural components, to introducing new materials with improved carbon footprint and recyclability,” said Avgol’s Acting CEO Sivan Yedidsion. “It is vitally important that we can engage with customers and partners and gain additional insight into their own desired approaches to meeting sustainability objectives — and present the industry with how we can work in synergy by bringing our own technologies, logistics and production achievements. Our overall message is one of collaboration, validated results and being future focused to make meaningful and, more importantly, relevant changes.” Come meet the Indorama Ventures’ Hygiene Team at Stand 2119 at INDEX23.

Posted: April 18, 2023

Source: Indorama Ventures Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Lenzing Also Offers Locally Produced
 TENCEL™ Fibers To Chinese Customers For The First Time

NANJING, China — April 18, 2023 — The Lenzing Group, a world-leading provider of specialty fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, has successfully completed the conversion of a production line from generic viscose to TENCEL™ branded modal fibers for textiles and clothing. Lenzing is therefore in a position to offer its Chinese customers locally produced TENCEL fibers for the first time and meet the structural growth in demand more quickly. Thanks to the conversion of the production line with a nameplate capacity of 35,000 tonnes per year, the fiber portfolio of the Chinese production site now solely consists of eco-friendly specialty fibers. In addition, Lenzing also offers LENZING ECOVERO™ branded fibers for textile applications and viscose eco fibers for nonwoven applications in China.

Celebrations for the launch of the new production line took place on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, as part of a customer event. Lenzing is investing 100 million euros in its Chinese site to further reduce carbon emissions and upgrade the product portfolio. The company is currently implementing a gradual shift to green energy at its Chinese production site, where electricity will be solely derived from renewable sources from 2023 onwards. In 2019, Lenzing set itself the target of halving its specific carbon emissions by 2030 and becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. Its carbon reduction target has been confirmed by the Science Based Targets Initiative. This makes Lenzing the world’s first producer of cellulosic fibers to have a scientifically recognized climate target.

“Demand for our eco-friendly specialty fibers is constantly rising. We see enormous growth potential, especially in Asia. Thanks to our investments in China and other Asian locations, we are even better positioned to meet this growing demand. At the same time, we are continuing to make considerable progress towards achieving a carbon-neutral future and becoming a champion of circularity”, comments Stephan Sielaff, CEO at Lenzing.

Boosting growth in specialty fibers

Man-made climate change is one of the most pressing problems of our time. The fashion industry continues to have an extremely negative impact on the environment due to its fast fashion business model and the growing consumption of fossil resources in textile production. Sustainably produced TENCEL specialty fibers are helping Lenzing’s customers — especially brands and retailers — to meet their climate and sustainability targets.

Posted: April 18, 2023

Source: The Lenzing Group

New Set-Up Of Mayer & Cie. Representations In Nepal & Bangladesh: Batliboi Forms Part Of Team In Both Countries

ALBSTADT, Germany — April 18, 2023 — Since April 1, 2023, sales and service of Mayer & Cie. circular knitting machines in Bangladesh have been under new management. A new dynamic team “Mayer Bangladesh” has been formed.  Mayer & Cie.’s longstanding Indian representative Batliboi has joined business activities in Bangladesh since the beginning of the month, supported by the team of Brady Services and by Almani Biz. The synergies created by the partnership with Batliboi, Brady Services, and Almani Biz. will allow Mayer & Cie. representations to combine their strengths and expertise to better serve customers.

New, well-known faces in Bangladesh

In Batliboi, Mayer & Cie. has set up a business partner of many decades standing as its representative in Bangladesh. For around 40 years, Mumbai-based Batliboi has overseen sales and service of Mayer & Cie. circular knitting machines in India. Abhay Sidham heads Batliboi’s Textile and Machinery Group. He and his team have many years of experience in strategic marketing, and a focus on sustainability and processing recycled raw materials is part of Batliboi’s expertise.

These competences are of relevance in the Bangladesh market because “we face strong competition from Asian manufacturers here,” as Wolfgang Müller, Mayer & Cie.’s sales director, explains. The premium market was growing smaller, and the trend was toward specialities – value-added fabrics, spacer fabrics and athleisure with a high proportion of elastic. Mayer & Cie. sees in these requirements significant potential for its machines – and in Batliboi a partner able in view of its experience to put them to optimal use.

Best possible combination of tried and trusted and new

One building block in the set-up of Mayer & Cie. representatives is unchanged. Brady Services will continue with Batliboi to contribute its close ties with the local market. A significant number of existing companies will continue to be looked after by Brady Services.

The new member in Mayer Bangladesh team is Dhaka-based Almani Biz. A lubricants specialist  for circular knitting machines Almani Biz has wide networking with Bangladesh knitting industry.

Mayer & Cie. feels well positioned by this new set-up. “We,” Wolfgang Müller said: “are of the opinion that the market for textile machinery in Bangladesh will continue to grow and we are confident that by strengthening our sales, service and marketing team we will be able to make good use of this opportunity.”

A market with great potential

Customers in Bangladesh have placed large orders in the past. The latest, placed in January, was for several dozen machines to be delivered this autumn. Further orders from Apex and BEXIMCO (Bangladesh Export Import Co.) are also scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2023.

Nepal represented by Batliboi

While reorganizing the set-up of its representatives in Bangladesh Batliboi has also taken over as Mayer & Cie.’s representative in Nepal, where the company had previously had no local representative. There is demand for machines for interlock, 8-lock and single jersey, but sales are still in single figures. “Nepal has long been served from India, specifically by Batliboi,” Wolfgang Müller said. “So, we have now formalized the existing practice.”

Posted: April 18, 2023

Source: Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG

ANDRITZ To Supply A Complete Spunlace Line To Colombian Wipes Producer Quimicolor

GRAZ, Austria — April 18, 2023 — International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from the Colombian wipes converting company Quimicolor to deliver a complete neXline spunlace line for nonwovens production to its Medellín plant. The start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023.

This will be the first spunlace line in South America outside of Brazil, and it will include the 130th TT card sold by ANDRITZ. The line will process viscose and polyester fibers to produce over 10,000 tons of nonwoven roll-goods per year for conversion to wipes.

With this investment, Quimicolor is adding its own roll-goods production line to its existing converting plant for the production of wipes. It will thus be able to control the quality of the products over the whole supply chain and make production more efficient as well as flexible. On-site production of roll-goods will have the added benefit of avoiding the intercontinental shipments needed before and thus substantially reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Thanks to ANDRITZ’s support in accessing financing solutions, Quimicolor has obtained attractive financing for this investment through a buyer’s credit under the French export promotion scheme.

Antonio Mandìvil, CEO of Quimicolor, said: “This investment will allow us to take our business to the next level. It will enable us to better serve the growing Latin American market and open new business opportunities. ANDRITZ has supported us in every single step of this challenging project that will make us pioneers in spunlace production in our region while continuing to offer hygiene and household products with an excellent quality-price ratio for all market segments.”

Based in Medellín, Quimicolor has been producing skincare and household products for the Latin American market for more than 18 years now.

Posted: April 18, 2023

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

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