KELHEIM, Germany — December 20, 2021 — Over the past 14 days, the wholesale cost of natural gas in Germany has risen by more than 50 percent. This increase presents an extraordinary challenge for industry, and there is no sign of support or intervention from the government. Indeed, recent statements are destined to provoke a worsening of the situation.

Kelheim Fibres is entirely dependent on natural gas for the generation of electrical energy and steam and has no viable short-term alternatives. In addition, the raw materials used by the company often consume high levels of energy in their production and are also increasing significantly in cost. These increases in cost jeopardize the future of the business if they cannot be passed on though the supply chain.

Kelheim Fibres is calling on the government of Germany to take immediate steps to mitigate the impact of the cost increases for natural gas and is committed to work to implement alternative sources of energy in the medium term.

In parallel, the disruption to global logistic networks that has been seen throughout 2021 is now expected to continue throughout 2022. Massive increases in shipping rates — in some cases in excess of 80 percent — are being imposed without notice and with no opportunity for negotiation. These costs must also be passed on though the supply chain if businesses are to remain viable.

To address these issues, Kelheim Fibres is implementing the following measures with immediate effect:

• The increased cost of energy and freight will be passed on in prices to customers at the soonest opportunity;
• If necessary, changes or adjustments to existing agreements will be negotiated to reflect the increased cost levels;
• If the necessary increase in fiber prices cannot be secured, cuts to production will be implemented with the objective of minimizing losses until the cost increases can be mitigated.

As the drivers for the increases in natural gas prices appear to be temporary in nature, we will maintain any price adjustments under review and pass on any relief to customers.

Craig Barker, CEO of Kelheim Fibres, describes the current situation as critical. “The cost increases we are facing are unprecedented and call for swift and decisive action,” Barker said. “We are determined to take the necessary steps to preserve the future of our business and provide security of supply for our customers. At the same time, we are relying on the support of our customers to help us conquer the challenges our business is facing.”

Posted December 21, 2021

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH

NEW YORK CITY — December 14, 2021 — Asahi Kasei, a diversified Japanese multinational company, is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its Bemberg™ cupro fiber business in 2021 and launching a rebranding to mark the occasion.

Bemberg is the brand name of the world’s only cupro fiber and is manufactured by Asahi Kasei in Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. This ultra-smooth fabric has functional properties of moisture absorption/release, so it keeps the wearer dry and cool. It is used around the world in linings, ethnic garments, outerwear, and innerwear. Being made from cotton linter, a byproduct of cottonseed oil production, as well as being biodegradable and compostable for circularity, Bemberg is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material.

90-year history of Bemberg™

The Bemberg business has been advanced flexibly in accordance with social conditions and changing fashions. The history of Bemberg has been one of continually finding new applications and product developments in cooperation with partner companies sharing the same values throughout the process of procuring raw material, manufacturing raw yarn, processing yarn, weaving, knitting, and dyeing.

Ahead to the next century

In celebrating the 90th anniversary of its Bemberg business, Asahi Kasei is looking ahead to the next century by advancing efforts to improve the environment and provide solutions for society by implementing measures toward carbon neutrality by 2050, strengthening the traceability of raw materials, and developing technology to reduce the environmental burden across the entire supply chain. Although Bemberg is an uncommon material which accounts for only 0.02 percent of the world’s total fiber production, Asahi Kasei is pursuing value creation and sustainability together with its stakeholders as the only cupro fiber manufacturer.

Rebranding of Bemberg™

Background

The current business environment is changing rapidly with the need to solve environmental issues on a global scale, efforts such as the SDGs to solve social challenges, and the heightening importance of value creation. In reconsideration of the brand value of Bemberg in this dramatically changing environment, the rebranding is performed so that Bemberg will continue to be loved by customers and provide value that suits the times.

New tagline

To clearly convey the ideal and meaning of the Bemberg brand to customers, the brand is renewed with a new tagline of “Crafted Elegance.”

Moving forward with Bemberg embodying “Crafted Elegance,” Asahi Kasei will pursue heightened value creation through technological innovation to improve the environment and provide solutions to social issues, leveraging the status of Bemberg as a one-of-a-kind material loved by customers.

New Bemberg™ website

The Bemberg website is renewed to gain recognition among customers of the new tagline “Crafted Elegance” and its value. The new website will provide information that meets the needs of the times while refreshing the image of Bemberg through a renewed design and enriched content.

* Bemberg™ and Bemliese™ are registered trademarks of Asahi Kasei Corp.

Posted December 14, 2021

Source: Asahi Kasei Group