In the dynamic and global textile fiber industry with its various manufacturing processes and end-uses, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Fiber Journal is tracking stories relevant to our industry from manmade to natural to bio-based fibers, innovations in nonwoven, woven, braided and technical textiles, technologies for additives, bonding, coatings and polymers, and applications from apparel to hygiene to transportation, and more. Here we will post news stories relevant to textile fibers and their downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg at ken@ifj.com.
Most recent update: April 25, 2022
Responsible Flushing Alliance Publishes New Infographic
The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) published a new infographic highlighting some of the strangest objects that have been pulled out of municipal wastewater treatment catch basins in three California areas. Approximately $47 million of additional operating costs impact California wastewater agencies due to wet wipes, including baby wipes and household cleaning wipes, being inappropriately flushed.
RFA partnered with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Orange County Sanitation District, and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to identify the foreign objects that are damaging our sewer systems. Using Earth Day as a launching pad, RFA and the wastewater industry are hoping the infographic brings greater awareness to the challenges caused by improper waste disposal.
Consumers are urged to look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on the packaging of wipes that are not intended by the manufacturer to be flushable. This includes baby wipes, household cleaning wipes, makeup removal wipes, and other wipes made with plastic materials that do not disperse in water. A 2019 report from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) estimates that inappropriately flushed wipes cost nearly $47 million a year in additional operating costs for California wastewater agencies.
Source: RFA
Indorama Ventures completes acquisition of PET packaging business in Vietnam
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical company, completed the acquisition of Ngoc Nghia Industry – Service – Trading Joint Stock Company (NN), one of Vietnam’s leading PET packaging companies. The acquisition will boost IVL’s market position as it continues to expand its integrated offering of PET products to major multinational customers throughout the region.
Ngoc Nghia is a trusted market leader in PET, preforms and closures, with long-term partnerships with major global and Vietnamese brands in the beverage and non-beverage industries. It has four manufacturing facilities in Vietnam’s north and south with a total production capacity of 5.5 billion units of PET preforms, bottles, and closures, totaling 76,000 tons of PET conversion each year.
Source: Indorama Ventures
Milliken & Company Tracks Progress on Sustainability Initiatives in Fourth Annual Sustainability Report
Diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company published its fourth annual Sustainability Report, a key reporting component in the company’s progress toward its 2025 Sustainability Goals. In 2019, Milliken laid out 12 sustainability goals, focused on its people, its products and the planet, as a roadmap to achieving a healthier tomorrow. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, these 12 goals signal the company’s commitment to sustainability in all forms.
In 2021, Milliken eliminated coal as a primary fuel after investing $25 million into cogeneration, which combines steam and power generation. Notably, Milliken also increased the diversity of its U.S. management team by 8% and announced that its entire flooring portfolio is now carbon neutral.
Completed in line with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core, Milliken’s fourth report details the holistic sustainability progress made in 2021. These efforts include:
- Recording zero lost time safety incidents from COVID-19;
- Logging 27,000 volunteer hours—the greatest number in company history;
- Partnering with groups including Accelerating Circularity, Polypropylene Coalition, PureCycle Technologies and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste to lend our expertise in solving product end-of-life challenges;
- Upgrading lighting to LED lights at 13 manufacturing facilities, reducing GHG emissions by 3,000 metric tons and marking the halfway point in the goal to convert all manufacturing facility lighting to LED by the end of 2023; and
- Increasing renewable energy use to 97,608 MWh/year, over 97% of the 2025 goal of 100,000 MWh/year.
Source: Milliken
SENSIL® ByNature Jump Starts Nylon 6.6 Sustainability
NILIT, a global leader in premium Nylon 6.6, is introduced SENSIL® ByNature, a new product that significantly improves apparel’s sustainability profile, life cycle analysis, and environmental impact. By using a certified Biomass Balance (BMB) material, NILIT replaces fossil raw material with renewable feedstock. Utilizing this ISCCplus certified material, SENSIL® ByNature reduces GHG emissions and lessens dependence on non-renewable resources. Apparel made with SENSIL® ByNature fabrics offers consumers a meaningful way to help reduce carbon footprint while keeping exactly the same comfort, performance, and longevity that they expect and get today from SENSIL®.
“SENSIL® ByNature is a ground-breaking innovation in premium Nylon 6.6,” says Ilan Melamed, NILIT General Manager. “SENSIL® ByNature will significantly reduce carbon footprint while providing the highest quality man-made fiber for apparel. This is the kind of radical product development that the textile industry requires to effectively and quickly reduce its environmental impact and move to a more responsible position in the global marketplace.”
While SENSIL® ByNature is clearly the smarter environmental choice, NILIT engineers have ensured that SENSIL® ByNature fabrics also deliver the comfort and functionality that designers expect from premium Nylon 6.6. Consumers will enjoy an enhanced sense of well-being that comes from selecting high-quality, long-lasting apparel that aligns with their personal values.
Source: NILIT
Coloreel announces a break-through order with Snuggle on the UK DTG print fulfillment market
Coloreel, with its unique technology for digital dyeing of textile thread on-demand for more sustainable and creative embroideries, announced a new order to Snuggle, one of UK’s leading & largest DTG print fulfillment companies based in Peterborough.
The deal is announced a few days before the Printwear & Promotion trade show in Birmingham where Coloreel is exhibiting together with distribution partner AJS Embroidery Services Ltd. You can see and experience the Coloreel technology live in booth nr K40, between April 24-26th.
“We are very excited that Snuggle UK has decided to expand their print fulfillment offering by investing in the Coloreel technology and our products for more sustainable and creative embroideries. It’s another proof that our offering is a perfect match for the most successful print fulfillment and print on-demand companies,” said Sven Öquist, VP Sales at Coloreel Group AB
Source: Coloreel
China Aiming to Recycle 25 Percent of Textile Waste by 2025
In its efforts to enhance sustainability measures, China said that by 2025 it plans to recycle 25% of all its textile waste – in addition to increasing its recycled fiber output (2 million tonnes). The move is seen as a part of country’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2060.
According to a document jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce, the country plans increase its recycling capability and have a waste textile recycling system initially established by 2025. By 2030, China plans to have a complete system that will attain a recycling rate of 30 per cent for waste textiles and produce 3 million tonnes of recycled fiber.
Back in 2020, China had produced around 22 million tonnes of textile waste and had a recycling rate of around 20 per cent.
The document also emphasized on promoting green and low-carbon production in the textile industry, improving China’s recycling network and enhancing the comprehensive use of textile waste.
India allows duty-free imports of cotton until September to cool prices
India, on April 13, 2022, allowed duty-free imports of cotton until Sept. 30 as prices in the local market jumped to a record high because of a drop in the production, the government said in a notification.
The world’s biggest producer of the fiber also removed the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) on the imports, the government said.
The total import taxes on cotton was earlier 11%, said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India (CAI).
Duty-free imports will help textile mills, which could import around 2.5 million bales of cotton in the 2021/22 marketing year ending on Sept. 30, Ganatra said.
“Indian mills could import cotton from Australia, Brazil, African countries and Unite States, which are supplying cotton at lower prices,” he said.
India’s cotton output is likely to fall to 33.51 million bales in the current year from last year’s 35.3 million bales, estimates CAI. (1 Indian bale = 170 kg).
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Receives $1.5 Million in Capital Funding
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (Kraig Labs), the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, announced that it has received another $1.5 million from YAII PN, Ltd. a fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP. The $1.5 million received this week is the second half of a $3 million fund agreement signed with YAII in January 2022. This $3 million and those from the previously announced transactions account for an $8 million total YAII investment into Kraig Labs over the past 16 months.
The Company is well underway, putting this impact capital to work, strengthening its production operations. Over the last nine months, the Company has deployed capital to build additional production capacity and bring key onsite quality control systems online. These renovations included building out custom-designed rearing rooms, purchasing and installing custom automated production equipment, and planting onsite mulberry to support year-round operations. This work also included the construction of a fully operational molecular biology laboratory that provides onsite and in-process quality control, mirroring the capabilities of the Company’s U.S.-based R&D labs.
Source: www.KraigLabs.com
VDMA reports increase in incoming orders for German manufacturers
German manufacturers of Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies ended the year 2021 with positive figures.
Incoming orders increased by 35 percent in 2021compared to the previous year. Exports also increased again in 2021: In the sewing and garment technology sector, German machine manufacturers were able to increase exports by 8 percent to 439 million euros.
The most important export market from a German perspective was Poland, followed by the USA and France. German suppliers of shoe and leather technology increased their exports by 16 percent to 47.5 million euros. Here, the main customer countries were the USA, France and Mexico. Exports of German laundry and textile cleaning technology also increased by 6 percent to 364 million euros in 2021. The most important export markets here were Poland, Turkey and the USA. From a European perspective, exports also recovered in 2021. Exports of Italian sewing and garment technology, for example, rose by 11.5 per cent to 271 million euros and Italian shoe and leather technology also increased by over 19 per cent to 284 million euros. Spain was also able to increase exports of laundry and textile cleaning technology by 12 percent to 87 million euros.
“Companies’ order books are well filled after the pandemic-related decline in 2020,” said Elgar Straub, managing director VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies. “However, the ever-increasing prices for raw materials, the massive supply bottlenecks for preliminary products, the expensive and difficult transport conditions and the enormously increased energy costs are very challenging for many technology manufacturers. Added to this are now the unforeseeable consequences of the war in Ukraine.”
Source: VDMA
Teijin Frontier develops eco-friendly polyester staple nanofiber
Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, announced that it has developed an eco-friendly staple polyester nanofiber that offers excellent performance to reinforce rubber uses in products including automotive tires, hoses and belts. Teijin Frontier will start production in 2023.
Teijin Frontier, guided by its THINK ECO® environmental initiative, is striving to improve its environmental value, including by developing greener materials and products for applications ranging from clothing to industrial materials. The new staple nanofiber matches the company’s increasing emphasis on solutions that help to ease environmental burdens.
The new staple nanofiber incorporates both polyester nanofiber and polyethylene polymers, which are combined in Teijin Frontier’s proprietary sea-island composite cross section. Different polymers are used for the “sea” and “island” parts to improve rubber reinforcement. A polyester nanofiber with a diameter of either 400nm or 700nm is used as the island as reinforcing material and the surrounding sea part is made with polyethylene, which mixes easily with rubber. Compared to conventional products, mixing takes place at the molecular level, which enables thousands of times more nanofibers to be evenly dispersed in the rubber for equal or better reinforcing but requiring a relatively small amount.
When used in automotive tires, the new staple nanofiber increases elasticity and reduces resistance, so it should help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. It is also expected to improve the elastic modulus and durability of automotive hoses and belts, which has been difficult to achieve until now.
Source: Teijin
Flushability update
The Senate version of the WIPPES Act (S. 3956) was officially introduced on March 30 by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Two additional cosponsors have also signed on to the bill: Sens. Padilla (D-CA) and Shaheen (D-NH).
INDA sent out a joint news release with the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) supporting the Senate bill’s introduction. S. 3956 is the companion bill to HR 4602 introduced in July by Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA). The House bill now has eight cosponsors including Reps. McClain (R-MI), Huffman (D-CA), Levin (D-MI), Brownley (D-CA), Norton (D-DC-At Large), Swalwell (D-CA), Ruiz (D-CA) and Porter (D-CA).
There are four state laws now in place that mandate labeling of disposable wipes: Washington HB 2565, California AB 818, Oregon HB 2344 and Illinois SB 294. These state laws are substantively the same in that they all establish “Do Not Flush” labeling requirements for nonflushable, nonwoven disposable wipes. The bill also includes funding for grants to support education and outreach activities to extend awareness of the “Do Not Flush” label. For non-FIFRA products, the implementation date is on or about July 1, 2022.
Source: INDA
Americhem Announces New Business Division
Americhem, a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies, has announced their new business division: Americhem Healthcare. With over 30 years of healthcare application expertise and the tremendous segment growth in recent years, the business decision was made to create Americhem Healthcare.
Americhem is an innovative, technology-driven leader in the global polymer industry. Its foundation is built around delivering performance, solutions and trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products.
Source: Americhem
AstenJohnson Announces a State-of-the-Art Nonwovens Plant in Waco, Texas
AstenJohnson, a global textile manufacturer headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, with roots dating back to 1790, has selected Waco, Texas as the location for their eighth North American location. The company will invest over the next two years to build the 220,000 square foot facility.
AstenJohnson’s decision to locate in Greater Waco represents a regional economic development collaboration between Waco, McLennan County, and the Waco Industrial Foundation. Waco and McLennan County strategically partnered to provide incentives supporting the project. In addition, the Waco Industrial Foundation partnered with the project regarding the land necessary to sustain the AstenJohnson operation.
The plant will focus on nonwoven fabrics for growth markets including auto light-weighting and composite manufacturing. In addition to the latest needlepunch nonwoven technology in the world, the Waco plant will be clean, air-conditioned, and will have a strong focus on sustainable business practices.
AstenJohnson is planning to begin operations in early 2023.
Source: AstenJohnson
Rieter completes acquisition of the three Saurer businesses
With the takeover of the automatic winding machine business at the UebachPalenberg/Germany site with effect from April 1, Rieter has completed the acquisition of the three businesses from Saurer.
The acquisition of the automatic winding technology in the premium category completes Rieter’s ring and compact-spinning system and thus lays the foundation to further improve the company’s strong position in the largest staple fiber market segment.
The components businesses Accotex (elastomer technology for spinning machines) at the Muenster/Germany site and Temco (technology components for filament machines) at the Hammelburg/Germany site had already been acquired by Rieter as of December 1, 2021.
Rieter had announced the acquisition of the three businesses August, 2021.
In total, the three businesses generated sales of EUR 142 million in 2020, the year of the COVID crisis. In 2019 and 2018, total sales amounted to EUR 235 million and EUR 260 million, respectively.
The winding machine business with new machines will be assigned to the Business Group Machines & Systems, and the after-sales business will be assigned to the Business Group After Sales. The Accotex and Temco component businesses are managed by the Business Group Components.
Source: Rieter
Hemp processor BastCore partners with Texas Tech University
BastCore has partnered with the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute at Texas Tech University (TTU) to create a new platform that will deliver novel fiber solutions utilizing their Mcore product in addition to an environmentally friendly process for degumming, or delignification. The initial scope of work is to assess BastCore’s chipped core wood (hurd) composition.
BastCore buys hemp stalks and sells fiber products, bridging the gap between farmers growing hemp and industries demanding cost-competitive, sustainably produced raw materials. BastCore innovates using hemp, a low input, high-yielding crop, by transforming it into numerous sustainable biobased products.
Source: BastCore
Archroma partners with university of North Carolina Greensboro on color expert education
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has announced the launch of a collaboration with the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) and its Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) department, aiming to further the education of its students in the area of color management expertise.
As per the agreement, Archroma will donate its leading-edge industry color management tools for their design projects, gaining hands-on expertise that equips them for successful careers in the fashion and textiles industries.
The students will have access to a complete set of the ready-to-use color library developed by Archroma for cotton and polyester. The library, well known among fashion designers and stylists as the Color Atlas by Archroma®, which was launched in 2016 to provide off-the-shelf color inspiration that can be implemented in production with just a few clicks.
Today, the Color Atlas contains 4’320 colors applicable on cotton poplin, almost the double compared to similar tools available to textile and fashion specialists, and 1,440 colors on polyester.
Source: Archroma
Global Biosurfactants Market is expected to grow
The Global Biosurfactants market is expected to grow from USD 1,903.0 Million in 2020 to USD 3,408.7 Million by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2021-2028, according to a new report by GreyViews.
Biosurfactants market is anticipated to grow at a steady rate over the forecast period, owing to rising consumer demand and awareness about bio-based products coupled with the eco-friendly quality of biosurfactant. Biosurfactants are surface active substances that can be produced extracellularly or are synthesized by microorganisms. They are the molecules derived from microorganisms and possesses both hydrophobic and hydrophilic ends. The offer benefits such as low toxicity, biodegradability, better surface, environmentally friendly, and interfacial activity. Such advantages over synthetic surfactants attracts several surfactant manufacturers to enter in biosurfactant market.
Source: GreyViews
Lenzing presents Online Sustainability Report 2021 “Linear to Circular” for the first time
The Lenzing Group, the world’s leading supplier of wood-based specialty fibers, released its Sustainability Report 2021 on the occasion of “Earth Month.” Bearing the title “Linear to Circular,” the report emphasizes the company’s focus on carefully balancing its needs with those of nature in the spirit of the circular economy.
“Our innovations in relation to the circular economy and biodegradability stem from a deep sense of responsibility to our planet and a desire to act in ways that future generations can be proud of, said Robert van de Kerkhof, Member of the Managing Board of Lenzing Group.
With the implementation of the two key projects in Brazil and Thailand, as well as with the investments at the existing Asian sites in China and Indonesia, Lenzing continues to march purposefully towards Group-wide climate neutrality. In 2019, Lenzing became the first fiber manufacturer to set a target to reduce its carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and to be net-zero by 2050. The partnership with Swedish pulp producer Södra marks a further milestone in Lenzing’s efforts to realize its ambitious climate and sustainability goals.
Lenzing continued to expand its product offering for the textile and nonwovens sectors in 2021. The third quarter saw the presentation of the first TENCEL™ lyocell fibers made from wood- and orange-based fiber pulp. The upcycling of orange peels as part of the TENCEL™ Limited Edition initiative represents a further successful step by Lenzing to develop new closed loop solutions together with partners along the value chain. The introduction of the first carbon-neutral fibers on the global nonwovens market under the VEOCEL™ brand comprises a further product innovation from the reporting year that exemplifies Lenzing’s ambitious path in climate protection.
With its wood-based, biodegradable VEOCEL™ fibers, Lenzing’s nonwoven business also benefits from new regulations such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
Source: Lenzing
RadiciGroup establishes a network of Italian textile excellence to create a spacesuit for analogue Mars missions
A group of companies in the Italian textile industry, headed by RadiciGroup, has created the first spacesuit for analogue simulation fully designed and engineered in Italy for the Space Medicine Operations (SMOPS) Mars mission. This endeavor was promoted and organized by Mars Planet – the Italian chapter of the Mars Society headquartered in the province of Bergamo – under the patronage of the Italian Space Agency. The SMOPS analogue mission is mainly focused on space medicine: health monitoring of future astronauts and development of support technologies for the simulation of life in space and planet environments. 
RadiciGroup teamed up with major Italian textile companies, such as Eurojersey, Vagotex and DEFRA, to realize the spacesuit project. The Group supplied the materials to make the suits for the six analogue astronauts participating in the mission and coordinated the development of the technologies needed to realize technical wear for extreme environmental conditions. The spacesuits will be used in a series of experiments carried out at the Mars Desert Research Station in the state of Utah, USA, that will simulate the life and work conditions mission crews will face on the Martian surface. The team headed by RadiciGroup contributed to the SMOPS mission project by developing and producing three items of technicalwear, featuring high health, comfort and performance standards, to allow the analogue astronauts to move easily and safely outside the base station, with the support of advanced control, monitoring and communication systems. Source: RadiciGroup
Manufacturers Neenah Inc. and SWM agree to merger
Neenah, Inc. and Schweitzer-Mauduit International (SWM International) have entered into an agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals. Their combined revenues will be approximately $3 billion. The two global organizations have complementary technologies, geographies and product portfolios in specialty materials. The combined company will capitalize on strong positions in large, growing categories including filtration, healthcare & wellness, protective & adhesive solutions, industrial solutions, and packaging & specialty paper. 
Under the terms of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, shareholders of Neenah will receive 1.358 shares of SWM common stock for each share of Neenah common stock owned. Following the closing of the transaction, SWM shareholders will own approximately 58 percent of the combined company, while Neenah shareholders will own about 42 percent. The benefits of the merger include a significantly broadened customer base, product lines and technical expertise, as well as combining strong teams and company cultures, Kramer said. The combined company will remain headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. A new name for the combined company will be selected in connection with the merger. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2022. Source: SWM Intl.
H&V selects Josh Ayer for its next CEO as Val Hollingsworth steps down after 24 years
After a multi-year succession process, H&V’s Board of Directors has chosen H&V Chief Operations Officer Josh Ayer as the company’s new CEO. Ayer will succeed Val Hollingsworth, who is stepping out of the role of CEO after 24 years – and after 42 years with the company. Hollingsworth will continue as Chair of H&V’s Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to be able to turn to Josh to lead H&V in our next chapter of growth and development,” Hollingsworth said. “He has been an outstanding leader in his years at H&V and will do a great job as CEO. H&V has had several non-Hollingsworth family CEOs in its long history, and we are proud that there are seventh-generation members of our family working for H&V. We know that Josh will continue to operate the company with the same values, long-term view and family-oriented culture that H&V is built on. The H&V Board and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”
Ayer joined H&V in 2009 as Vice President and Managing Director of the Asia Pacific Region, following 10 years at General Electric. He helped lead the development and growth of H&V’s business in Asia. In 2015, Ayer became President of the Engine and Industrial Filtration Division, and in 2020, he took the role of Vice President and Managing Director of H&V’s Americas Region. He will officially become CEO as of H&V’s annual Shareholders Meeting on April 5, 2022.
Source: Hollingsworth & Vose
Sage Automotive Interiors Promotes Chris Heard to Chief Executive Officer
Sage Automotive Interiors has promoted Chris Heard to President and Chief Executive Officer of Sage and the transition of former Sage President Dirk Pieper to Chairman of the Board for Sage and a Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei, Sage’s holding company.
With over 37 years of industry experience, Heard was one of the original Sage employees 13 years ago when Sage was formed from Milliken & Company’s automotive division in 2009. Since that time, he has lead sales efforts in Asia in addition to managing business operations in North and South America as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Most recently, he served as the Chief Operating Officer supporting the Asahi Kasei Corporation’s acquisition of Sage, which positioned the company for domestic and global growth. Heard holds a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Sage is the #1 preferred supplier in the automotive interior industry—achieved by being the best in design, innovation, technology and engineering. As a leader in world-class manufacturing, Sage is constantly creating new standards in terms of sustainability. Approaching sustainability through the product, process and mission, Sage remains committed to a company conviction to deliver renewable designs through sustainable business and manufacturing practices. Formerly a division of Milliken & Company, Sage Automotive Interiors was established in 2009. Asahi Kasei, a private investment firm based in Tokyo, completed its acquisition of Sage in 2018. In recent years, Sage has steadily expanded its global footprint to include offices and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., South America, EMEA and Asia. Source: Sage Automotive
Indorama Ventures completes acquisition of Brazil-based Oxiteno
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical company, has completed its acquisition of 100% of Brazil-based Oxiteno S.A. Indústria e Comércio, becoming a leading global supplier in high-value surfactant markets. The acquisition of Oxiteno, formerly a subsidiary of Ultrapar Participações S.A., was announced in August 2021 and is effective from 1 April 2022 after the transaction was approved by Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE). Through the acquisition, IVL extends its growth profile into highly attractive markets in Latin America and the U.S., becoming the leading surfactants producer in the Americas, with additional potential to expand in Europe and Asia. Source: Indorama Ventures
Monique Buch appointed as Lenzing’s Vice President of Global Nonwovens Business
Lenzing Group announced the appointment of Monique Buch as the new Vice President Global Nonwovens Business, effective March 1, 2022. This strategic appointment underscores Lenzing’s unwavering commitment to drive the future development of the nonwovens industry, strengthen its leadership role, and create a zero-carbon future for the industry.
In her new role, Monique will spearhead the strategic development and growth of Lenzing’s nonwovens business, while delivering value to its current customer base and growing into new segments through the development of sustainable, innovative and pioneering fiber solutions. Furthermore, Monique will be responsible for driving the implementation of a variety of strategic priorities to foster the development of the VEOCEL™ brand while delivering its brand promise for customers and partners across the value chain.
From March 01, 2022, onwards, Jürgen Eizinger will take on the role of Senior Commercial Director, EU/AM/MEA. Leveraging his core competence and experience in sales and marketing of nonwovens across Europe, Turkey and the Middle East, Jürgen will oversee the delivery of customer excellence and drive commercial success in the key markets of the nonwovens business. He will also focus on strengthening partnerships within the industry to progress the sustainability agenda, through his position as board member of EDANA and his recent appointment as board member of INDA.
In his 27 years with Lenzing, Heinrich Jakob has been pivotal in driving the transformation of the nonwovens business into a truly global portfolio that contributes greatly to Lenzing’s overall business growth. Heinrich will start his well-deserved retirement in October 2022. The Managing Board of Lenzing Group would like to sincerely thank him for his exceptional achievements at Lenzing.
Source: Lenzing Group
