Birds of a Feather theme of AATCC’s Competition

The eighth annual student design competition, sponsored by AATCC's Concept 2 Consumer (C2C) interest group and by Pantone, gives students a chance to win cash, prizes, and recognition in the textile industry.

Students may work individually or in teams of up to four. American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) student members are eligible. (Students who aren't members yet can easily join!) In addition to cash prizes (up to US$1,000), first and second place winners receive a Pantone Cotton Planner (US$595 value).

Titled Birds of a Feather Walk Together, this year's competition theme includes several components of a real-world design scenario:

The target consumer is a 50-65 year old female, size 12-16 End use is active wear for this consumer's daily walking routine The collection must incorporate a "bird" theme design element
Specific colors (named in the entry brochure) must be used.

AATCC has made entering easier than ever this year. The competition fits into the 2012 spring semester (January to May) to better serve those who wish to use it as a class project. All entries can be submitted electronically.

Entries must be received by April 6, 2012. Winners will be announced by May 22, 2012.

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is the world’s leading not-for-profit textile professional and technical association, serving textile professionals since 1921. AATCC, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, provides test method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for members throughout the world.

Read entire post Birds of a Feather theme of AATCC’s Competition @ Fibre2fashion

Huntsman Textile Effects Drives Higher Sustainability Partnerships for Sri Lankan Textile Industry with MAS Holdings

Huntsman Textile Effects (TE) held a joint seminar with MAS Holdings recently that aims to address the tough challenges the textile industry is facing in meeting with stricter regulations that govern both the sustainable and environmental business practice.

Besides advocating and encouraging for greater economic and environmental sustainability, the “Partnership Towards Sustainability” seminar held on Nov.18, 2011 at Taj Samudra, Colombo, also focused on partnership approaches on how the industry can work together with leading global textile solutions providers like Huntsman and MAS to create a better environmental future.

This seminar proved opportune for the Sri Lankan textile industry as it gears itself increasingly towards creating a vibrant and conducive environment for sustainable, commercially competitive manufacturing entities, capable of producing high value-added products to enhance living standards.

Remarked Mr Kent Kvaal, Vice President, Sales and Technical Resources of Huntsman Textile Effects, “Huntsman Textile Effects believes that innovative technology is the key to offering better service and in driving environmental sustainability to make a real global difference.

It is our objective to work in true partnership with the Sri Lankan textile industry and partners like MAS Holdings to further our efforts in providing total textile solutions that will deliver higher economic and environmental sustainability for the local textile mills. We certainly look forward to more of such joint opportunities and a successful partnership that contributes to a greener environment.”

Read entire post Huntsman Textile Effects Drives Higher Sustainability Partnerships for Sri Lankan Textile Industry with MAS Holdings @ Fibre2fashion

Kronos to hike price for all TiO2 products sold in NA

Kronos Worldwide Inc announced a price increase for all titanium dioxide products sold in North America (NA).

Effective January 1, 2012, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Kronos titanium dioxide products sold in North America will be increased by 15 cents per pound.

This increase is in addition to the increases previously announced.

KRONOS Worldwide Inc and its predecessors have been producing titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2) since 1916. During this same time period, the Titanium Pigment Corporation of Niagara Falls, New York, and the Titan Co. AS, of Norway simultaneously began commercial production of this new white pigment that was principally used in paints. Today, TiO2 is the world's primary pigment for providing whiteness, brightness and opacity.

Read entire post Kronos to hike price for all TiO2 products sold in NA @ Fibre2fashion

Coloration specialist DyStar moves ahead

DyStar continues to move ahead of expectations in a tough market, gaining market share and substantially improving on last year’s earnings. All this has taken place in the face of falling market demand and rising cotton costs, as well as wider issues such as the tsunami in Japan in March, political unrest in the Middle East, floods in Thailand in November and ongoing economic instability across the US and Europe.

As its competitors start to embark upon organisational change, DyStar’s own major restructuring will be finalised shortly and is already paying off. The group has successfully transferred production from Germany to China, India, Indonesia and Japan, and its realigned sales and distribution channel in China has achieved higher-than-expected returns in its first months of operation.

The group has enjoyed a busy 2011. It has launched and completed its first global sustainability reporting project, reinforcing a philosophy that has always existed in the company. It has opened a liaison office in Bangladesh and a global auxiliary competence center in Thailand. And it has held a series of ecology & sustainability / best practice seminars in Bangladesh and India.

There has been plenty of activity to extend products and services too. This year brought the launch of the Levafix Dark Blue CA and the Lava Dye Colored Denim Concept. DyStar has shared high-level ecology and sustainability knowledge through a range of platforms, including its Sustainability in Textile Processing booklet, econfidence hangtag programmes, conferences and trade shows such as ITMA.

Read entire post Coloration specialist DyStar moves ahead @ Fibre2fashion

Ceraspace by Schoeller Textil offers terrific protection

The new ceraspace technology from Schoeller Textil AG opens up a new dimension in abrasion proofing and heat resistance. The ceraspace technology displays three times higher abrasion resistance than those of leather and is in addition extremely resistant to contact heat.
The new ceraspace technology from Schoeller owes its outstanding protective properties to a unique composition of special ceramic particles anchored in a polymer matrix. The special ceramic particles are nearly as hard as diamonds and are firmly attached as a 3-dimensional coating to the textile.

A textile with ceraspace proves to perform significantly higher than high quality leather in terms of abrasion (it wears out significantly slower in the the Schopper Abrasion tester –tested with abrasive paper P280 grid).

A second test, the Fall Simulator Test simulates a fall from a motorcycle and damages to the textile after the fall are evaluated. With ceraspace technology, the tested sample supported several crashes at 120 km/h.

Read entire post Ceraspace by Schoeller Textil offers terrific protection @ Fibre2fashion

Bayer CropScience and Performance Plants sign license agreement on cotton yield improvement

Bayer CropScience AG and Performance Plants Inc. (PPI) have entered into a research and commercial license agreement, giving Bayer exclusive rights for PPI's Heat & Drought Tolerance Technology (HDT) in cotton.

Bayer will leverage this breakthrough technology, which preserves yield by enhancing plants’ tolerance to heat, drought or combined stress. HDT plants achieved significantly higher yields when faced with periods of hot and dry growing conditions in the critical stages of development.

This is the second research and commercial agreement both companies have entered into with each other within the last two years. In 2009, Bayer licensed PPI’s leading Yield Protection Technology (YPT) for their product development and commercialization of drought tolerant cotton. YPT offers protection against yield losses sustained under suboptimal rainfall or irrigation without yield drag under well-watered growing conditions.

All PPI technologies target different mechanisms such as heat and drought tolerance, water use efficiency, yield enhancement, and biomass accumulation. Due to this diverse range, PPI’s biotech traits can be combined or stacked into a single plant variety for genetic and agronomic improvements of all staple crops.

Read entire post Bayer CropScience and Performance Plants sign license agreement on cotton yield improvement @ Fibre2fashion

Changes in the Board of Executive Directors of BASF

The Supervisory Board of BASF SE appointed Wayne T. Smith (51) to the Board of Executive Directors effective at the end of the Annual Meeting on April 27, 2012. Smith, an American, is currently head of BASF’s Polyurethanes division headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

After 15 successful years on the Board of Executive Directors, Dr. Stefan Marcinowski (58) will retire with the expiration of his contract following the Annual Meeting.

At the same time, the Supervisory Board has extended the appointment of Research Executive Director Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer (56) until the end of the Annual Meeting in May 2015. He has been a member of the Board of Executive Directors since 2003.

Following these changes, the Board of Executive Directors has decided to reassign the responsibilities of Ressort VI and VII effective at the end of the Annual Meeting.

Wayne Smith will take over responsibility for Ressort VI, previously headed by Andreas Kreimeyer, and be responsible for Inorganics, Petrochemicals, Intermediates and Process Research & Chemical Engineering.
Andreas Kreimeyer remains Research Executive Director and will take over responsibility for Ressort VII, previously headed by Stefan Marcinowski. He will be responsible for Crop Protection, Coatings, South America, Biological & Effect Systems Research, Plant Science and BASF Future Business.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful.

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Rhodia + Fulgar to expand intelligent textile yarn Emana

Rhodia, a member of the Solvay group, and Fulgar, Europe's largest producer of polyamide 66 yarn for the textile industry, engage discussions aiming an agreement to produce and market Emana yarn in Europe.

Emana is the latest innovation in textiles from Rhodia. The result of four years of development in Rhodia’s research centers, Emana is a polyamide 66 yarn which incorporates bioactive mineral crystals in its polymer matrix, making it possible to produce clothes that promote a high level of interaction between the fabric and skin, improving blood microcirculation and cellular metabolism.

Proven in scientific studies, the benefits of clothing made from Emana include improved skin elasticity and smoothness, postponed muscle fatigue and reduced signs of cellulite. The product is recommended for all types of clothing, including underwear, shapewear, sportswear and fashion, seeking to promote consumer health and wellbeing.

With patents applied worldwide, the benefits of this innovative yarn has been successfully assessed by independent world-class laboratories, through recognized scientific protocols, clinical tests and rigorous statistical data treatment. It has also been certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100 - Class 1, being suitable for manufacturing of any type of clothing, including for children.

Read entire post Rhodia + Fulgar to expand intelligent textile yarn Emana @ Fibre2fashion

AVITERA SE – a revolutionary solution for Sustainability

Continuing from the success from its initial launch in October 2010, AVITERA SE from Huntsman Textile Effects, a leading global provider of high quality dyes and chemicals to the textile and related industries, continues to make strides in contributing to the sustainability of one of the earth’s most precious resources – water.

AVITERA SE is a revolutionary, ground breaking technology that help significantly reduce water and energy consumption and CO2 emissions since the dyeing and washing-off process never exceed 60°C. With only five percent or less unfixed dye needing to be removed instead of the usual 15 percent to 30 percent, the number of rinsing baths to obtain the required fastness properties is greatly reduced.

Huntsman Textile Effects continues to deliver relevant products, experienced knowledgeable people and innovative solutions that are tailor-made to help businesses make real savings. Launching the next wave of AVITERA SE range of polyreactive dyes for exhaust application on cellulosic fibers, the improved range now features a broad palette color spectrum that includes the palest to the deepest and the darkest shades.

Read entire post AVITERA SE – a revolutionary solution for Sustainability @ Fibre2fashion

HeiQ AGS-20 gets EPA’s conditional registration approval

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - EPA is conditionally registering a pesticide product containing nanosilver as a new active ingredient.

The antimicrobial pesticide product, HeiQ AGS-20, is a silver-based product for use as a preservative for textiles. As a condition of registration, EPA is requiring additional data on the product to confirm EPA’s assessment that the product will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment, the general standard for a registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

By way of background, on August 12, 2010, EPA posted a Proposed Conditional Registration to the docket for public comment. EPA received 45 public comments, and responses to these comments along with the decision document to conditionally register the product can be found at www.regulations.gov in Docket ID # EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-1012. A description of the additional studies and timeline when the data must be submitted is also available in the docket.

Read more about HeiQ AGS-20 gets EPA’s conditional registration approval @ Fibre2fashion

Verdezyne opens first "green" nylon pilot plant

Verdezyne Inc, a privately held industrial biotechnology company focused on producing renewable chemicals and fuels from non-petroleum sources has opened its first pilot plant to produce adipic acid, a key component of nylon 6,6. The new facility, located in Carlsbad, California will be used to accelerate the commercialization of Verdezyne’s bio-based adipic acid, which is one of two components used to manufacture ‘green’ nylon 6,6 and thermoplastic polyurethane resins from renewable sources, such as non-food based vegetable oils.

“We are excited to achieve this key milestone,” said Dr. E. William Radany, president and CEO of Verdezyne. “This is the first demonstration of the production of bio-based adipic acid at scale from a non-petroleum source. Our novel yeast platform enables production of adipic acid at a lower cost than current petrochemical manufacturing processes.”

In addition to lower production costs, Verdezyne’s method for producing adipic acid offers a number of advantages over petroleum-based methods. The company’s yeast fermentation process uses non-food, plant-based feedstocks to produce a variety of commercial diacids. Moreover, Verdezyne’s production methods are expected to generate less CO2 and other pollutants as compared with incumbent methods.
A variety of products are currently produced worldwide from petroleum-based nylon, including engineered plastics, carpets, clothing and other assorted textiles. Production of these types of products translates to an adipic acid market of more than $6 billion globally.

Read entire post Verdezyne opens first "green" nylon pilot plant @ Fibre2fashion

HTE & CNTAC form strong strategic partnership

Huntsman Textile Effects (HTE) and the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) has joined forces as strategic partners to further efforts in providing total textile solutions that will deliver and enhance economic and environmental sustainability for the China textile industry.

For a start, Huntsman Textile Effects will be working closely with CNTAC on 2 major initiatives that will set to improve mill productivity, efficiencies and to raise the performance of China’s textile markets to world class standards.

The first initiative, due for roll out in early 2012, sees Huntsman Textile Effects providing CNCS color solutions to match 900 cotton shades to meet the national performance standards. Using Huntsman Textile Effects’ best available technologies and range of Novacron dyes, these shades which can be used for brands and mills, will offer the China textile industry both operational excellence while meeting performance and ecological requirements.

Another key initiative is the launch of the Fabrics China Swing Tag program, a co-branding hangtag program that will be based on a robust brand assurance scheme, set against the highest International standard and around a number of value adding effects for fabrics and garments such as easy care, sun protection, water and oil repellence and lasting color.

Huntsman Textile Effects and CNTAC will also be embarking on a sequence of joint activities to boost and promote these programs through conferences, technical events and media to create a new buzz in the industry.

Read entire post HTE & CNTAC form strong strategic partnership @ Fibre2fashion

Tronox hikes prices of all TiO2 grades

Tronox Incorporated, on behalf of its subsidiary companies, announced the following price increases for all TRONOX titanium dioxide (TiO2) grades:

Effective January 1, 2012 or as contracts allow:
• Latin America $350 per tonne
• Europe/Middle East/Africa 300 Euros per tonne or $350 per tonne in U.S. Dollar markets.
• Asia Pacific $300 per tonne

These increases are in addition to those previously announced. Other increases may be announced locally within each region.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Tronox is one of the five largest producers and marketers of titanium dioxide pigment. Titanium dioxide pigment is an inorganic white pigment used in paint, coatings, plastics, paper and many other everyday products.

Read entire post Tronox hikes prices of all TiO2 grades @ Fibre2fashion

BASF strategies to become leading chemical company

BASF plans to strengthen its position as the world’s leading chemical company. In its further developed strategy “We create chemistry,” the company outlines how it wants to achieve this. The Chairman of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors Dr. Kurt Bock, Vice Chairman Dr. Martin Brudermüller and CFO Dr. Hans-Ulrich Engel presented the details at a press conference in Ludwigshafen.

Bock pointed out that the company had achieved its leading position thanks to its successful strategy in the past years: “We will build on this and make a significant contribution to meeting the needs of a growing world population.” BASF sees population growth as a crucial trend that brings on the one hand enormous global challenges, but on the other hand offers many additional opportunities, in particular for the chemical industry.

In accordance with sustainable development, BASF will play a role with regard to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and improving people’s quality of life. “We have summarized what we do as a company in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future,” said Bock.

Read entire post BASF strategies to become leading chemical company @ Fibre2fashion

Huntsman Textile Effects opens 13th FDC in Karachi

Huntsman Textile Effects (TE) officially opened its 13th new Formulation and Distribution Center (FDC) in Karachi, Pakistan. The 4,000 square meter boasts state-of-the-art equipment and new technology to bolster TE’s competitiveness and presence in the Pakistan market.

The new facility, located at the Landhi Industrial Area, provides a production platform in one of the pioneer industrial states in Pakistan and gives Huntsman further competitive advantage through convenient access and modern infrastructure.

Pakistan represents a fast-growing, dynamic market of increasing importance for Textile Effects, and the launch of this FDC strengthens TE’s committed to this textile market to provide best-in-class service and innovative solutions to customers and partners.

“With the opening of our new low cost production facility for formulated chemicals in Karachi to meet increasing local demand, we will considerably increase our competitiveness and flexibility in textile chemicals in this key Asian textile market,” said Mr Paul Hulme, President of Huntsman Textile Effects.

“Our well established partner SWISSTEX will continue to provide enhanced sales activities enabling us to concentrate on all formulation and production aspects using our cutting edge technology to develop innovative products and technologies, market solutions with intelligent effects to this growing market.”

Read entire post Huntsman Textile Effects opens 13th FDC in Karachi @ Fibre2fashion

Tirupur ‘Knits Capital of India’ gets SGS testing facility

SGS India, a leader in the Inspection, Verification, Testing and Certification services, announced that the company recently inaugurated a new lab in Tirupur to serve the knit city’s textile and home textile manufacturers, exporters, buyers and domestic retailers.

The new world class testing facility located at College Road was inaugurated by Padma Shri Mr. A. Sakthivel, President of the Tirupur Exporters Association. The lab will serve clients with its enhanced restricted substance testing capabilities to meet requirements of International and Indian standards.

Product safety, quality and compliance requirements of REACH, CPSIA and Organic Cotton have increased the chemical test parameters in the textile supply chain. The new state-of-the-art facility is equipped to address these sustainability requirements of the garment industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. G.Sudesh Kumar, Business Director, Consumer Testing Services, SGS India said, “It has been our endeavor to be in close proximity to our customer’s businesses. A lab in Tirupur was the next logical step towards enhancing SGS India’s ever increasing footprint in India.

Read entire post Tirupur ‘Knits Capital of India’ gets SGS testing facility @ Fibre2fashion

Textile Expo Uzbekistan draws participation from 11 countries

About 40 major companies from 11 countries participated in the Textile Expo Uzbekistan 2011 which concluded recently in Tashkent. Besides Uzbekistan, the firms belonged to Republic of Belarus, China, France, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Poland, Russia and Turkey.

The Indian Council for Development of Cotton Textile Exports (TEXPROCIL) participated for the first time in the Exhibition, which saw about 20 percent of foreign participation, with the domestic companies accounting for the rest.

The motto of this year’s exhibition was “The Best Uzbek Textile – Successful Competition to Textile from China and Turkey”. While some foreign companies showed willingness to buy Uzbek textiles, other companies looked for establishing partnerships with local firms for supplying quality chemicals and dyes, yarns and accessories to them.

Domestic firms showcased wide range of high-quality textile products. Ready-made garment and knitted items were also presented at the event by local companies. The exhibition also presented foreign embroidered fabrics and textile art appliqué, sewing accessories, knitting machinery and synthetic fibres.

Read entire post Textile Expo Uzbekistan draws participation from 11 countries @ Fibre2fashion

Huntsman Textile Effects at Asia Interdye Touring

China Interdye, the world’s largest specialized exhibition of the dyeing and chemical industry is now also a touring exhibition called Asia Interdye. The first stop will be in Ahmedabad, India.

Huntsman Textile Effects will be there showcasing futuristic products and processes that highlight the efforts we are making to serve both our customers and the environment. With the high demand for digital, we will also present innovative textile inks for all types of digital printing machines and piezo print heads including the new industrial concepts.

As the integrated solutions provider, Textile Effects will be displaying concepts that will help customers be as creative as they wish to make an even bigger impact on their markets. No matter the fiber, no matter the process, we have a solution. We will also present our new program that assists mills in enhancing their productivity and quality – planned and executed together with them on-site.

Sustainability is still high on our priority list and where we continue to commit significant resources to developing technologies and products with lower environmental impact. This is best exemplified with AVITERA SE - the revolutionary new tri-reactive dye range that makes a quantum leap in water and energy reduction of up to 50%.

Read entire post Huntsman Textile Effects at Asia Interdye Touring @ Fibre2fashion

SRF Registers 28% Growth In H1 Revenue

SRF Limited, a multi-business entity engaged in the manufacture of chemical based industrial intermediates, posted a net profit after tax (PAT) of Rs. 107 crore for the quarter ended September 2011. Impacted by rupee depreciation, the company’s PAT de

clined by Rs. 14 crore during the quarter over the corresponding period last year (CPLY), registering 12% reduction.

The Exchange Currency Fluctuation alone had a negative impact of Rs. 34 crore to the company during the quarter. During the same period, SRF’s Profit before Interest, Exchange Currency Fluctuations and Tax improved by 22%, from Rs. 177 crore to Rs. 217 crore.

SRF’s revenue increased from Rs. 748 crore to Rs. 914 crore, recording a growth of 22% during the quarter. The unaudited financial results of SRF were taken on record by SRF’s Board in a meeting. The Board also approved an interim dividend at the rate of 70% amounting to Rs. 7 per share.

Read entire post SRF Registers 28% Growth In H1 Revenue @ Fibre2fashion

Arkema confirms its project to reorganize its Jarrie site

Arkema presented to the Central Works Council a project for the new organization of the chlorochemicals and hydrogen peroxide activities at its Jarrie site.

The project, which aims to minimize significantly the local community’s exposure to risk as part of the Technological Risk Prevention Plan (PPRT), entails the conversion of mercury electrolysis in particular. It will also help consolidate the site’s hydrogen peroxide manufacturing activity while improving the competitiveness of the chlorochemicals operations.

Arkema presented to the Central Works Council a detailed project for the new organization of its Jarrie site in France.

The implementation of the PPRT, regulations on the use of mercury electrolysis for chlorine production, and the outlook for certain end-markets require an in-depth reorganization of the Jarrie site.

Read entire post Arkema confirms its project to reorganize its Jarrie site @ Fibre2fashion

Mr Lütfü Okman to head BASF Textile Chemicals Unit

BASF has appointed Mr. Lütfü Okman as Vice-President of Global Business Management, Textile Chemicals Unit, and member of the Global Management Team of the Performance Chemicals division. He succeeds Mr Janardhanan Ramanujalu, who had been leading the business unit since 2007.

Lütfü Okman (43) started his career with BASF in 2004 as Regional Sales Manager of BC Turkey, Middle East & North Africa for Leather and Textile in BASF Türk Ltd. after extensive work experience with multi-national companies. He has since assumed several key management positions within BASF, including in 2007 as Managing Director of a public company (75% owned by BASF) under BASF Coatings in Turkey.

Lütfü Okman holds a M.B.A. from the Canterbury Business School at the University of Kent (UK) and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Istanbul Technical University.

BASF Textile Chemicals operates within BASF's global business unit - Leather and Textile Chemicals. BASF's Textile Chemicals business is a leading global supplier of chemical solutions to the textile industry.

Read entire post Mr Lütfü Okman to head BASF Textile Chemicals Unit @ Fibre2fashion

Huntsman wins top prize at IChemE Awards

Huntsman Pigments won the top prize at last night’s IChemE 2011 Awards ceremony in recognition of its revamped site in Calais, France. More than 400 guests from all over the world were in Birmingham, UK for the event celebrating a mix of industry and academic innovation.

Huntsman was awarded the Outstanding achievement in chemical and process engineering award (sponsored by BP) after turning a site threatened with closure into a thriving new revenue stream.

In 2008, the future of Huntsman’s Calais site looked gloomy, being difficult and expensive to run. But, by turning waste filter salts into sustainable fertilizers and securing new markets, Huntsman now has plans to build a new £25m fertilizer plant on the site.

Elsewhere, Sellafield Limited and Costain Energy and Process both celebrated double success. Sellafield Limited won the Core chemical engineering award and the Health and safety award, the former a joint entry with the University of Leeds and BHR Group. Costain’s Robert Smyth and Steve Jackson lifted the Young chemical engineer award and Innovator of the year award respectively.

The event, hosted by BBC television personality Hugh Dennis, also saw three UK universities clinch prizes.

Read more Huntsman wins top prize at IChemE Awards @ Fibre2fashion

Kiri Industries Buys Taiwanese Chemical Distribution Firm

Kiri Industries Limited (KIL), one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of wide range of Dyes, Intermediates and Chemicals from India, has bought a Taiwan-based chemical distribution firm, SMS Chemical Co., for an undisclosed amount.

The acquisition is part of KIL’s forward integration, which would not only enhance the Indian firm’s global market share but would also help it to expand its customer reach.

Next to acquisition of Germany-based DyStar for a price of over Rs. 12 billion in February 2010, this happens to be the Ahmedabad-based firm’s second international acquisition.

KIL expects that the Taiwanese firm would contribute US$ 60 million to its revenue in 2012.

The chemical products distribution network of the profitable Taiwanese firm is spread across South East Asia.

Read entire post Kiri Industries Buys Taiwanese Chemical Distribution Firm @ Fibre2fashion

FMC Wyoming Raises Soda Ash Prices

FMC Wyoming Corporation announced that effective immediately, or as contract terms permit, it will increase the price of its Grade 260 “dense” soda ash sold to customers in South Africa by $20 per metric ton.

This increase is in addition the $30 per metric ton announced in April 2011. The increase is necessary for FMC to recover increasing costs and continue to invest in its operations as the global demand for soda ash increases.

FMC Wyoming Corporation is a subsidiary of FMC Corporation. FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products.

Read more about FMC Wyoming Raises Soda Ash Prices @ Fibre2fashion

Sioen Industries Enjoys Q3 Trading

Sioen Industries n.v., producer of technical textiles, fine chemicals and high-tech protective clothing, announces its YTD results at the end of the third quarter 2011.

Consolidated Results (continuing operations) :
At the end of Q3, the Sioen Industries Group realized sales from continuing operations of EUR 243.5 million compared to EUR 215.5 million last year or a growth of 13 %.

Coating Division: extrusion of yarns, fabrics and coated technical textiles
This division achieved sales of EUR 149.6 million YTD Q3 2011, against EUR 132.2 million over the same period last year, or a growth of 13.2 %. This growth is driven by the direct coating (transport, textile architecture, camping, agriculture) on the one hand and by the online coating (construction and agriculture) on the other hand.

Read entire post Sioen Industries Enjoys Q3 Trading @ Fibre2fashion

Huntsman Textile Effects Realigns Global Business Model

With effect from 1st November 2011, Mr Rohit Aggarwal will be appointed Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Planning and Mr Kent Kvaal, as Vice President, Sales and Technical Resources. These new appointments will replace the current Strategic Business Units (SBUs) organizational structure for Apparels and Home Textiles (AHT) and Specialty Textiles (ST).

The change of leadership roles and re-alignment of the Textile Effects (TE) global business model builds on the success of the TE business strategy to become more market and customer focused. The new simplified structure will provide a stronger platform that will ensure greater flexibility and faster response times to customer and market demands in support of TE’s continued drive to achieve its business goals.

In their new roles, Mr Aggarwal will be responsible for the global strategic marketing and planning platform which include strategic marketing, marketing communications, product management, business development and the Formulation Distribution Center* organization with a clear focus to bring end user segment strategies to enhance value for our direct customers and brands and retailers globally.

Read entire post Huntsman Textile Effects Realigns Global Business Model @ Fibre2fashion

Chinese Chemical Industry Leader Visits SABIC Headquarters

The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) hosted a Chinese delegation, led by Li Yongwu, Chairman of China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, at its headquarters in Riyadh on October 29. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenayan Al-Saud, Chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and Chairman of SABIC, and Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, received the delegation.

Li Yongwu also visited the SABIC Technology Center at the Riyadh Industrial City after a lunch reception held in his honor at the headquarters.

Commenting on the visit, Al-Mady said, “We are indeed happy to receive such dignitaries from China’s ever-expanding chemical industry. They reflect our rapidly growing presence in China and our ambition to be the preferred petrochemical supplier in this important country. We have embarked on a series of projects as part of our growth plans in China, including manufacturing and technology & innovation operations. Our focus remains on helping our customers create products that improve the quality of life around the world.”

Read entire post Chinese Chemical Industry Leader Visits SABIC Headquarters @ Fibre2fashion

Clariant suffers from unfavorable currency developments

Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, announced sales of CHF 1.865 billion in the third quarter 2011, compared to CHF 1.709 billion in the previous year. This includes Süd-Chemie (SC) sales of CHF 356 million. In local currencies, sales growth amounted to 25%.

In Swiss francs, year-on-year sales were only 9% higher as the Swiss franc continued to strengthen against most major currencies especially in the first half of the third quarter.

Sales growth was driven by higher prices and the acquisition of Süd-Chemie. The less cyclical Business Units Additives, Catalysis & Energy, Functional Materials, Industrial & Consumer Specialties and Oil & Mining Services – accounting for roughly 50% of group sales – showed the most dynamic growth. By contrast, the slowdown in demand in the more cyclical businesses already observed in June has spread along the plastics value chain and into the coatings business.

Regionally, the traditional markets of Europe and North America outpaced Asia/Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. In the emerging markets a slow-down in the dynamic growth of the last few quarters has been observed.

Excluding Süd-Chemie, sales increased by 5%, driven by a 9% increase in sales prices, while volumes decreased 4% compared to the previous-year period as a result of a combination of softening demand in some businesses and the deliberate loss of unprofitable contracts.

Read entire post Clariant suffers from unfavorable currency developments @ Fibre2fashion

Grasim Reports Improved Performance For Q2

Grasim Industries Limited, an Aditya Birla Group Company, has reported good results for the 2nd quarter ended 30th September 2011 supported by improved performance of both Cement and VSF businesses. Net Revenue increased by 28 per cent at Rs.5,774 crore (Rs.4,503 crore). PBIDT grew by 28 per cent from Rs.884 crore to Rs.1,135 crore. Net profit rose by 29 per cent at Rs.418 crore (Rs.323 crore).

Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF)
Global fibre markets are stabilising after the sharp volatility witnessed in Q1. The demand for VSF picked up due to improved consumption and restoration of the depleted inventory in the value chain. Globally, VSF prices staged a marginal recovery with improvement in sentiments.

The business recorded improved performance despite higher input costs. Production grew by 20 per cent with full capacity utilisation at Nagda plant during the quarter which was shut for 25 days in the corresponding quarter. Sales volumes were up by 17 per cent supported by the market demand.

The performance of the Pulp units was impacted by higher energy cost, scheduled annual maintenance and nominal forex losses.

Chemical Business
The Chemical business has reported an excellent performance. Production grew by 21 per cent on the back of full capacity utilisation. Sales volume increased by 30 per cent. Caustic prices continued to move upward with higher international prices and lower imports. As a result ECU realization increased by 24 per cent.

Read entire post Grasim Reports Improved Performance For Q2 @ Fibre2fashion

Amvac Chemical buys Bayer’s cotton defoliant tribufos

American Vanguard Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Amvac Chemical Corporation has acquired the international assets of the cotton defoliant product tribufos (sold under the trade name Def from Bayer CropScience.

The acquisition of this international segment completes Amvac’s July 2010 purchase of Bayer’s domestic tribufos product line and complements the Company’s existing tribufos product Folex, which it has marketed since 2002. The acquired product is registered for use in Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica and Colombia.

Folex is a fast and effective cotton defoliant that facilitates the removal of leaves surrounding the cotton boll and in combination with other products functions as a harvest aid. It enables cotton growers to utilize highly productive mechanical harvesting methods and to optimize their yield regardless of variable weather conditions present at harvest time.

Alfredo Pelaez, Amvac’s Director of International Sales commented: “This acquisition strengthens Amvac’s access to the international cotton market particularly in the Central and South American regions. We will be increasing our direct selling efforts in Mexico, expanding our distribution in Argentina, and beginning to develop our participation in the substantial cotton growing market of Brazil.”

Read more Amvac Chemical buys Bayer’s cotton defoliant tribufos @ Fibre2fashion

Interdye Asia To Land In Ahmedabad, Gujarat

"InterDye", known around the world as the largest and one of the best professional exhibitions in the dye-chemical industry, will land in Ahmedabad, India from 8 to 10, December 2011, occupying an exhibition area of about 5,000 square meters. This will be the first stop on its Asia tour.

Up until now, almost 100 famous companies have had their booths in this exhibition including Huntsman, JAY Chemical, Bodal Chemicals, Colourtex Industries, Hindprakash, Alps Chemicals, Lonsen, Yabang, Runtu, Jihua, Jingjin, Qingshan, BOAO, ShenXin, Guangming, Dankong, JECO, Shanyu, Shunlong, ANOKY, and Kedah. Exhibits covered all kinds of dyestuff, intermediate, pigments and textile chemicals, all kinds of textile printing and dyeing additives, corollary equipment, waste treatment equipment and other new technology.

Read entire post Interdye Asia To Land In Ahmedabad, Gujarat @ Fibre2fashion

Momentive Performance Materials Presents New Solvent-Free Solutions for Textile Coatings

Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a leading global provider of silicones and advanced materials, announced an innovative platform of addition curable Room Temperature Vulcanizate (RTV) and liquid silicone rubber (LSR) products that can be considered for use in a variety of consumer, industrial and healthcare textile coating applications, including apparel and home furnishings.

The typical benefits of these solvent-free products, showcased at the FAKUMA trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, include water repellency, high chemical resistance, good adhesion and high elongation, weatherability and low ageing, potential suitability for food and skin contact applications, and ease of processing.

Because the new textile coating products do not contain any added organotins, phthalates, formaldehyde and solvents, Momentive can provide a range of specialized materials that may be eligible to comply with standards such as the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, a globally uniform testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of production.

“At Momentive, our goal is to develop products that address our customer’s needs and end-user demands,” said Dr. Burkhard Ledig, Marketing Manager for Consumer Goods and Healthcare in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, at Momentive Performance Materials. “We work closely with customers to help them identify products that meet their needs, such as improved processing time, production of enhanced textiles with highly sought-after functional properties, and increased performance and durability.”

Read more about Momentive Performance Materials Presents New Solvent-Free Solutions for Textile Coatings @ Fibre2fashion

Cristal Global announces TiO2 price increases

Cristal Global (Cristal) announced that it will increase prices on all of its anatase and rutile Tiona titanium dioxide (TiO2) products sold in North America on November 1, 2011, or as contracts allow.

In North America prices for all anatase and Tiona titanium dioxide (TiO2) products will increase by US fifteen cents per pound.

The increases are in addition to earlier announcements.

Cristal Global is the world's second-largest producer of titanium dioxide and a leading producer of titanium chemicals. Cristal Global operates eight manufacturing plants in six countries on five continents and employs nearly 3,700 people worldwide.

Read more about Cristal Global announces TiO2 price increases @ Fibre2fashion

Schoeller energear earns Silver Award at Focus Open 2011

The latest Schoeller technology energear, which ensures that energy radiated by the body is returned to it makes a convincing impact at the Focus Open 2011 of the Design Center Stuttgart and wins a Silver Award. The International Design Prize Baden-Württemberg and Mia Seeger Prize 2011 exhibition will take place from 14 October to 27 November, 2011 in Stuttgart.

Heat has a beneficial effect and is experienced as a pleasant, cozy feeling. It permits deep relaxation and provides the body with renewed energy. For this reason, Far Infrared Rays have long been used for therapeutic purposes in medicine. An effect like that of a hot stone massage or an infrared sauna is achieved by the prize-winning energear, the new fabric generation from Schoeller Textil AG, which once again has taken nature as its role model. Here use was made of the natural capacity of certain minerals to reflect heat energy rays.

Promotes blood circulation
With energear, a special titanium/mineral mix incorporated into the fabric ensures that the energy radiated by the body is reflected back in the form of Far Infrared Rays. This reflection promotes blood circulation and increases oxygen levels in the blood. This additional energy has various positive effects on the body, for example performance enhancement and prevention of premature fatigue as well as improved regeneration.

Read entire post Schoeller energear earns Silver Award at Focus Open 2011 @ Fibre2fashion

Advanced Aftertreatment Process for discontinuous dye houses

A new rinsing process for discontinuous dye houses from Thies Textilmaschinen, dramatically reduces the number of rinses from 8 – 10 processes to just 2 – 4 with, for example, navy blue cotton, and also allows the treated water to be reused.

Constantly striving to introduce new technologies aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and energy demands for discontinuous dye houses, Thies GmbH & Co KG has reached a new milestone with the introduction of its Advanced Aftertreatment Process (AAP).

The new process reduces the number of rinses and the reuse of the treated water to provide reduced consumption levels of 30 – 50%.

The AAP system has been designed to treat rinsing liquor in a separate Ozone reactor vessel using active oxygen to destroy the molecular structure of the dye stuff, removing the colour.

It is intended for use with all shades of yarns and fabric.

The system is operated during the rinsing and post treatment stages of the dyeing process.

The complete newly developed cycle for the dyeing machine to the ozone reactor ensures a faster and energy reduced online colour removal of the dye liquor without influence on the colour fastness.

By carrying out the AAP procedure in the dyeing machine ensures a dramatic reduction in the cycle time and the amount of effluent.

Read entire post Advanced Aftertreatment Process for discontinuous dye houses @ Fibre2fashion

Intertek’s iSupplier Intelligence Program Gives Global Buyers a Clear View into their Supply Chains

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of industries around the world, announces the launch of iSupplier Intelligence (iSI), a supplier community platform that provides global buyers of consumer goods, industrial and commodities with access to suppliers’ profiles including Company Profile, Capabilities, Quality Compliance and Reputational Risk issues associated with Social, Environmental and Security issues regardless of which organization has conducted the relevant verification.

This level of supply chain transparency is imperative when doing business on a global level in order to provide trust, confidence and transparency.

The complexity of international sourcing and supply chains poses a challenge to buyers in tracing products to original manufacturers when selecting reliable suppliers to deliver quality and safe products on time.

Many buyers and organizations are unable to trace their products directly to manufacturers. Using iSupplier Intelligence, buyers can get a single, clear view of their manufacturing partners, resulting in a complete and up-to-date understanding of their business investments, capabilities and credentials.

Mr. Rajesh Saigal, Managing Director, Intertek India, said, “iSupplier Intelligence provides enhanced insight into the identities, policies and processes of supplier partners, enabling buyers to improve business performance and preserve their brand reputations by increasing the success potential of supplier relationship.”

Read more about Intertek’s iSupplier Intelligence Program Gives Global Buyers a Clear View into their Supply Chains @ Fibre2fashion

BASF to build new SAP plants in Brazil & China

BASF is strengthening its position in the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) market with investments in local production sites in fast growing emerging markets. In South America, BASF will build a SAP plant in Camaçari, Brazil with an annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons.

Production is expected to start in late 2014. In China, BASF-YPC Company Limited, a 50-50 joint venture between BASF and Sinopec, plans to start construction of a 60,000-metric-ton SAP plant at its Verbund site in Nanjing in mid 2012. Commercial production is planned for the beginning of 2014.

“With these two new projects, we will accompany the rapid growth of the emerging markets in South America and China,” said Gabriel Tanbourgi, President of BASF’s Care Chemicals division. “Local production allows us to serve our customers more flexibly and reliably.”

The investments in Brazil and China underline BASF’s long-term commitment to its customers and the emerging markets. “Both plants will be built with our latest state-of-the-art technology and have the advantage that they are planned to be backwards integrated into acrylic acid,” said Teressa Szelest, Senior Vice President of the Global Business Unit Hygiene.
Read more about BASF to build new SAP plants in Brazil & China @ Fibre2fashion

New Method cleans up textile industry's most dangerous chemicals

Textile dying is one of the most environmentally hazardous aspects of the textile industry. During dying, harmful chemicals that are difficult to break down are released, all too often into rivers and agricultural land. However, Maria Jonstrup, a doctoral student in Biotechnology at Lund University, has developed a new, environmentally friendly purification process which leaves only clean water. The findings are presented in Maria Jonstrup’s thesis.

The research is so far only research, and has therefore only been tested in the laboratory, but Maria Jonstrup is optimistic about its future potential.

“In the long term it should be possible for textile factories in India, China and Bangladesh to use the technique. If it works on a laboratory scale it is quite likely that it will also work in a real-life situation”, she says.

While working on her thesis, she has conducted experiments with both fungal enzymes and bacteria from the drains at textile industry and municipal wastewater treatment plants. However, it was only when she combined two different types of purification process, one biological and one chemical, that the breakthrough came.

Read more about New Method cleans up textile industry's most dangerous chemicals @ Fibre2fashion

China disadvantages Wyoming soda ash manufacturers through unfair trade practices

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the U.S. needs to go farther in addressing unfair trade practices that disadvantage Wyoming soda ash producers.

During a speech on the Senate floor, Enzi highlighted the recent efforts by Congress and U.S. officials to pressure China on its Value-Added Tax (VAT) rebate for soda ash.

“There are additional policies that our government needs to continue to press that disadvantage U.S. exporters including China’s VAT rebate on soda ash. Wyoming soda ash producers can compete with the best but not when other nations stack the deck.”

China currently provides a 9% rebate for soda ash exports on its 17% Value-Added Tax. The rebate is provided to its domestic manufacturers as an artificial incentive to export more soda ash. Without this incentive, China soda ash producers would be forced to compete more fairly in the global market.

Enzi’s remarks were part of the debate on a bill designed to persuade China to stop undervaluing its currency.

Read more on China disadvantages Wyoming soda ash manufacturers through unfair trade practices @ Fibre2fashion

Huntsman Textile Effects opens 12th FDC in Sao Paolo

Huntsman Textile Effects has officially opened its 12th Formulation and Distribution Center (FDC) in Sao Paolo, Brazil that further enhances the company’s ability to shorten the supply chain in its Americas markets. The FDC will focus on the production of dyeing auxiliaries, pre-treatment and finishing products for local customers.

Huntsman TE is the global leader in developing total textile solutions across all aspects of the textile chain. We are committed as the global leader in developing sustainable, high performing processing and effects chemicals that have low environmental impact and at the same time allow our customers to make significant reductions both in terms of energy and time. Our team of dedicated, experienced personnel mean we offer on the ground support and full product stewardship from formulation to delivery and beyond.

For Textile Effects, the Brazil market represents one of the fast-growing, dynamic markets of increasing importance. The new FDC further strengthens Huntsman’s operations, allowing it to explore local production of chemical and textile products that match premium global standards and use latest innovative technology.

Read more about Huntsman Textile Effects opens 12th FDC in Sao Paolo @ Fibre2fashion

Sewfree & seam sealing tapes get bluesign certificate

Bemis Associates Inc, the leading manufacturer of heat seal films for the Apparel and Footwear industries, recently announced it has achieved bluesign certification for its portfolio of Sewfree adhesive films and seam sealing tapes. Bemis recently completed important steps towards fulfilling its corporate and social responsibility, requiring permanent screening of both its supply chain and its manufactured products.

All process stages in the company, including raw materials and supplies, are evaluated using strict compliance criteria, and Bemis is proud to announce that these criteria are continuously achieved by the company. This places the company on an elite list of certified raw material and component suppliers committed to following the most stringent, environmentally-friendly standards without compromising functionality or quality.

Steve Howard, President and CEO of Bemis, commented "Bemis designs, develops, and delivers the widest range and largest volumes of waterproofing seam tapes and apparel and construction adhesive films in the industry today. Our customers are global brands who are committed to the environment and to every element of the global supply chain.

We are aligned with our customers in our commitment to the environment and are pleased to conclude this formal certification by bluesign technologies ag as a very visible confirmation of our continuous commitment to the environment and to our customers."

Read more about Sewfree & seam sealing tapes get bluesign certificate @ Fibre2fashion

Kronos Worldwide, Inc announced to increase price for all TiO2 products sold in NA

Kronos Worldwide, Inc announced a price increase for all titanium dioxide products sold in North America.

Effective October 1, 2011, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Kronos titanium dioxide products sold in North America will be increased by 25 cents per pound.

This increase is in addition to the increases previously announced.

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a major international producer of titanium dioxide products.

KRONOS Worldwide, Inc. and its predecessors have been producing titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2) since 1916. The company has continued to grow and invest in its worldwide TiO2 business and currently operates six production plants and one mine at locations in five countries on two continents.

Kronos Worldwide Inc

Read more about Kronos Worldwide, Inc announced to increase price for all TiO2 products sold in NA @ Fibre2fashion

Fibre2fashion launches value-added global forecast reports on cotton, PSF & VSF

Fibre2fashion the globally renowned information provider to the global textile, apparel and fashion industry value-chain has always strained to provide up-to-date and valuable information to its stakeholders by way of news, articles and also the much sought after market-watch report.

In order to now add value to the market-watch report, fibre2fashion will now provide a free add-on comprehensive report on cotton fibre, polyester staple fibre (PSF), viscose staple fibre (VSF) and dissolving wood pulp (DWP). This report will carry a fibre2fashion exclusive forecast on current and future trends in these most vital raw materials.

For instance the cotton report contains month wise data of the Cotlook Index beginning from 2007, past and future global supply and consumption trends, top cotton exporting and importing countries and global production and consumption of extra long staple (ELS) cotton.

The cotton forecast report which has been prepared by carefully analyzing data of previous years contains cotton updates on China, US, India, and Pakistan, including other vital parameters like analysis of cotton production, consumption, imports and exports of these respective countries.

The forecast report on PSF contains, an overview of the global PSF industry including major players, country-wise production and consumption of PSF in the last five 5 years, pricing and margin forecast for PTA and MEG (5 years), historic pricing and margins for PSF, PTA and MEG for the last five years, global export-imports of PSF and finally PSF import-export data of Pakistan.

Learn more about  Fibre2fashion launches value-added global forecast reports on cotton, PSF & VSF @ Fibre2fashion

Juilee, Pallavi & Vaishali make triple fashion statements at LFW ramp

With her very iconic label Zuilee, Juilee Bendkhale gave her collection that global touch so necessary to appeal to the world wide buyers. Drawing from different cultures, textiles and colours of India, Juilee’s range had beautifully handcrafted touches with an organic look. Mixing together the charm of ikats with Kasuti work and splashing it with origami inspirations for textiles; Juilee added on a fusion of pure khadi muslins and fabulous silks from Maheshwar. Contrasting fabrics came together in harmony as Juilee wove a fashion fantasy. 

Making a striking impact on the ramp were the blue striped silk cape with rouched collar, the ikat jacket with diagonal pleated texturing on sleeves, the lovely red silk cape top with

ikat fabric collar and sleeve and the red khadi and silk ikat halter dress with origami border. Detailing like twisted neckline and textured yokes made the garments outstanding. The chiffon stoles with beaded textures, the ikat bags with origami pleating and the balloon dress with origami neckline in indigo proved that not only was Juilee skilled in construction but also clever in texturing placements for garments and accessories. 

A trendy comfortable collection that women will find quite timeless when it comes to selecting a garment for any occasion. 

Pallavi Goenka’s Collection told a Rustic fashionable tale 

Dwelling deep into the rich traditional heritage of the globe, Pallavi dreamt up modern cuts and drapes along with innovative surface textures for her label Ktha. Dedicating her latest line called “Meler” to the woman who longs for India’s crafts and textiles and the oneness of humanity; Pallavi used a vibrant colour story with red, sunny orange and indigo and mixed them cleverly with touches of ochre, beige and clay red. 

Read More about  Juilee, Pallavi & Vaishali make triple fashion statements at LFW ramp @ Fibre2fashion

Vodafone sponsors Richard Nicoll’s S/S Show

Vodafone UK is entering into an exclusive two-season partnership with world renowned British fashion designers, Richard Nicoll. Vodafone will work with Richard Nicoll across Spring/Summer ’12 and Autumn/Winter ’12 to give Vodafone customers access and the chance to meet Richard backstage after his London Fashion Week show.

Kicking off in September 2011, when London becomes the fashion capital of the world, this partnership underlines Vodafone’s commitment to its customers and support for British fashion.

Danielle Crook, Vodafone’s UK Director of Brand Marketing, said: “Richard Nicoll is one of the hottest designers operating at the forefront of British fashion today - he was a natural fit for this partnership. His sharp tailoring, grown-up minimalism and fresh designs have attracted a cult following both inside and outside the fashion world and we are thrilled to be working with him. Through this partnership we can give our Vodafone VIP customers a truly exclusive fashion experience at Richard’s catwalk show at London Fashion Week.”

Richard Nicoll said: “I feel excited to be a part of the new wave of British designers that are injecting energy into London Fashion Week. As a group, we are moving from strength to strength and I'm thrilled to partner with Vodafone in order to offer their customers an insight into our world. Fashion has a strong cultural influence in Britain so partnering with a brand as prevalent as Vodafone feels both natural and directional.”

On September 8 Richard and Vodafone will team up for the Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out kick-off event at Asprey, as part of Vodafone VIP, 10 lucky Vodafone customers will win the chance to attend this fashion event of the year. The whirlwind night will also include a special appearance by Richard at the flagship Vodafone store in the West End, where he will be personalising limited edition products for Vodafone customers.

Read More about Vodafone sponsors Richard Nicoll’s S/S Show  @ Fiber2fashion

‘A New Movement in Denim’ by Lucky Brand

Lucky Brand Jeans launched its new Fall 2011 advertising campaign, entitled "A New Movement in Denim." Created to coincide with the release of new Super Stretch denim for women and updated Super Soft denim for men, the campaign speaks to the brand's core business, highlighting the comfortable, versatile and dynamic nature of its new fabric offerings.

Shot by world-renowned fashion photographer Carter Smith, under the direction of Lucky Brand Executive Vice President and Creative Director Patrick Wade and Style Director Karin Cole, the campaign marks a more elevated aesthetic for the brand. The ads feature high-profile models Hanne G., Tasha Tilberg and Noah Mills walking, lounging and reclining in a warmly lit room, wearing dark indigo Lucky Brand jeans.

Summing up the unique appeal of the imagery, Wade noted that the direction of the campaign is "more real, more sexy, more how people dress." Chief Executive Officer Dave DeMattei reiterated the brand's return to a denim-centric strategy. "We focused [in the past] on the lifestyle aspects of the brand, starting with the bottom. Now we're really focusing on denim."

Read More about ‘A New Movement in Denim’ by Lucky Brand @ Fibre2fashion

Swahili Fashion Week promotes ‘Made in Africa’ concept

Swahili Fashion week Organizing committee together with Various invited stakeholder by The National Arts Council (BASATA) including representatives from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports met on Thursday 4 August at the Offices of the National Arts Council of Tanzania Headquarters in Ilala, Dar es Salaam to Discuss Swahili Fashion Week 2011 and Its preparations.

The Outcome of the Meeting was a very fruitful one as we have been closely working shoulder to shoulder with BASATA over the past four years, aiming at building and fostering the fashion industry of Tanzania and the region at large” stated Mustafa Hassanali, Organizer of the event.

Swahili Fashion Week is a fast growing platform for fashion and accessory designers from Swahili speaking countries and the African continent to showcase their talent, market their creativity and network with clientele and the international fashion industry. This is all aimed at emphasizing to the region that fashion is an income generating creative industry, meanwhile promoting a "Made in Africa" concept. 

Swahili Fashion Week is a platform founded in year 2008. Now in its Fourth year, it has become the biggest annual fashion event in the whole of East and Central Africa. 

Read More about Swahili Fashion Week promotes ‘Made in Africa’ concept @ Fibre2fashion

2XU Compression unveils new PWX Fabric Technology

2XU, Australia's leading high performance sports apparel brand and Official Compression Supplier to the prestigious Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) and Ironman, has taken another powerful step with its performance Compression collection, unveiling three new product categories engineered from proprietary PWX fabric technology.

Available for the early fall season, this next evolution represents another impressive chapter in the already successful 2XU Compression story. Worn exclusively by NFL player Steve Weatherford, 2012 NBA #2 Draft Pick Derrick Williams, 2011 Ironman Austria podium finisher Michael Weiss, CrossFit Guru Josh Courage, Stand Up Paddleboard Champion Jenny Kalmbach, global triathlon powerhouse Team TBB plus multiple NFL, NBA, MLS and NHL entities, 2XU is now the performance compression choice for athletes of all abilities and disciplines.

2XU Compression's new PWX technology uses upgraded compression fabrics engineered in collaboration with Australia's leading Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) to offer optimal power, weight and flexibility in perfect equilibrium depending on the wearer's needs.

To facilitate more informed garment choices for consumers, 2XU Compression now offers an intelligent way-finding system which systematically categorizes garments by way of use. To ease the decision making process, three clear product categories are offered: PERFORM, XFORM and REFRESH, which focus on 'active use' or 'recovery.'

Read More about 2XU Compression unveils new PWX Fabric Technology @ Fibre2fashion

Synergy1 Delhi Couture Week to promote couture fashion

Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announces Synergy1 as the title sponsor and Aircel as the associate sponsor of the second edition of the Delhi Couture Week. Synergy1 Delhi Couture Week in association with Aircel will commence from July 22, 2011 and will draw talent from Indian fashion designers who bring with them creativity and commercial viability. The event will have twelve leading couturiers of India showcasing their collections over a period of four days.

The event will also be backed by partners like Signature brand from United Spirits, Kingfisher Ultra by United Breweries and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Mr. Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, “It gives me immense pleasure to announce the second edition of the Delhi Couture Week. After the roaring success of the past edition, we at FDCI are glad to present a bigger, better and the most unique couture event of India. Couture has always been immensely popular in the Indian market, which is why a robust platform like this is significant in capturing the synergies that cater to creativity. I am most thankful to our sponsors for supporting us in our endeavor. This couture week will bring together the best designers from India to create never seen before moments.” 

Read More about Synergy1 Delhi Couture Week to promote couture fashion @ Fibre2fashion

Freshpair to celebrate ‘National Underwear Day’

On August 5, Freshpair will celebrate the 9th Annual National Underwear Day by urging Americans to throw away their underwear! According to a recent Freshpair poll, 73% of Americans wear stained, overstretched, hole-y underwear that is well past its expiration date.

Our solution: celebrate National Underwear Day 2011 by giving away 5,000 pairs of underwear to men and women all across the country, from August 1-31st to replace this unfit underwear with a fresh pair. Sound familiar? It should! Last year, startled by the fact that 80% of Americans wear the same style of underwear their entire adult lives, we gave away 5,000 pairs with the chance to try something new.

Since then, we’ve successfully lowered that to 79.9999%, and this year, we’re continuing our mission to show people just how great new underwear can be.

"People think just because you can’t see their underwear, it doesn’t matter how it looks. National Underwear Day changes that opinion, year after year. Last year's response was huge, so we know people are open to change,” says Freshpair President Matthew Butlein.

Regardless of how many pairs they own, the average American man or woman alternates between the same 10 pairs of underwear or panties, each one clocking approximately 900 hours of wear a year. That’s five weeks worth of sweating, stretching and being sat on. Factor in roughly 60 wash and dry cycles, and it’s a miracle they’re still in one piece. 

Read More about Freshpair to celebrate ‘National Underwear Day’ @ Fibre2fashion

Fidoo.com offers scholarship to fashion students

Fidoo.com, the world’s first online fashion search engine, is a revolutionary tool that will enable the world to “find their fashion” by way of a simple search. FIDOO will eliminate the need to call around to stores to make sure they have an item in stock.

Users will even be able to read current reviews from real people, online, in real time. FIDOO enables stores, brands, and fashion designers to reach a wider audience, and makes it possible for customers to find the right products quickly and accurately. With technology’s purpose in simplifying our everyday needs, why hasn’t a tool like this already been created?!

In conjunction with the site’s official launch on July 15, 2011, Fidoo.com is awarding one lucky fashion student with a $2500.00 scholarship that will help the winner find his/her own fashion, through education.

Read More about Fidoo.com offers scholarship to fashion students @ Fibre2fashion