JANUARY

NOVACRON NC dyes for textile industry

Achieving critical earth tone shades has long been a challenge for the textile industry and Huntsman Textile Effects has recently come up with a breakthrough solution. NOVACRON NC, Huntsman’s innovative Non Contrasting Concept, is a new generation of top performing reactive dyes. The four NOVACRON NC dyes set new quality standards, enabling critical earth tone shades to be achieved with unique colorfastness, in many cases even approaching the performance of vat dyes. This highly homogeneous range is particularly designed for dyeing pale to medium earth tone shades (sand, beige, khaki, olive, grey), which represent up to 50% of the colors dyed in continuous mills. NOVACRON NC dyes are ideal for apparel such as trousers, career apparel, outerwear and shirting, as well as for home textiles and furnishings.

New textile sizing products to cut cost - Kunal Organics

Three new chemical products providing eco-friendly sizing solutions for the textile industry are being launched by Ahmedabad-based Kunal Organics Pvt Ltd (KOPL). The products, under ‘Size Care’ series for different applications include polyamylomide copolymers compounds, which improve weaving efficiency and warp flexibility. These materials reduce operational cost of textile-making by about 25 percent through eradication of various processes involving sizing, strengthening, smoothening and colouring the yarn.
The sources reveal that the company plans to invest nearly Rs300 crore for capacity expansion in the next three years, looking at the huge potential of these products. It is also planning to sell its entire annual capacity of 3,600 tons worth $2.2 million, including 20 percent as exports.

SDC opens Perkin Suite at Bradford HQ

Created to celebrate the achievements of Sir William Henry Perkin, the man who discovered the first synthetic dye at the age of 18, the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has officially opened the Perkin Suite at its Bradford headquarters. The opening ceremony was carried out in front of a capacity audience by Bob Trotter, president of the Cotton Industry War Memorial Trust, a major benefactor of the project and a long-time sponsor of the Society’s Colour Experience (formerly the Colour Museum).

Calgon Carbon China - distribution center for textile chemicals

Calgon Carbon Corporation announced that it has been awarded a contract by Huntsman Textile Effects (Qingdao) Co Ltd, to supply activated carbon adsorption equipment for wastewater treatment, and to provide reactivation services. The value of the contract exceeds $1.5 million. Under the agreement, Calgon Carbon has supplied three carbon adsorption vessels containing 60,000 pounds of activated carbon for wastewater treatment at Huntsman’s manufacturing facility in Qingdao, China.

Tanatex Chemicals launches new finish for sportswear

TANATEX Chemicals proudly presents their new and innovative finish for apparel and fashion: Easy Stretch. Easy Stretch is a concept finish and is basically applicable on both knits and fabric and is more or less fibre-independent. As the name already implies it adds more elongation and dynamicity to the knit. Elasticity increase of 20% is possible. The effect is especially suitable for sportswear. The elasticity offers the consumer extra comfort even under extreme circumstances.

Huntsman boosts TIOXIDE pigments price by € 80/mt

The Pigments business of Huntsman Corporation announced that it will increase prices of all TIOXIDE titanium dioxide pigments in Europe by €80 per metric ton, effective from 18th January 2008.

Huntsman raises TiO2 price in Asia Pacific, Africa, ME & SA

The Pigments business of Huntsman Corporation announced that it will increase prices of all TIOXIDE titanium dioxide pigments in Asia Pacific, Africa, The Middle East (ME), and South America by $200 per metric ton (USD), effective from 18th January 2008.

NanoHorizons Inc and Piedmont Chemical Industries Inc (Piedmont): SmartSilver finishes & additives for textile market

NanoHorizons Inc and Piedmont Chemical Industries Inc (Piedmont), a major supplier to the textile processing industry, have entered into an agreement to provide distinctive SmartSilver antimicrobial / moisture management additives for polyester, cotton, and nylon. The new products, which will be developed jointly, will be marketed by Piedmont and are expected to be available in February 2008.

NanoHorizons will provide its SmartSilver antimicrobial products to Piedmont who will incorporate them into a unique water-based compound that can be applied to polyester, cotton, and nylon fabrics using standard finishing equipment. The new compounds will also impart moisture-management properties to the finished fabrics. Additionally, an additive for synthetic fiber extrusion will also be jointly developed.

Purista's eco-benefits for textiles

Research by Arch Chemicals reveals that treating textiles with Purista enables consumers to reduce their eco-footprint and benefit from significant cost savings with less frequent laundering. Arch Chemicals, which manufactures Purista freshness treatments, commissioned Dr Richard Blackburn at the University of Leeds to investigate the energy, water and detergent savings over the lifecycle of a towel that arise from being able to wash it less often. Purista treatment added during the textile’s manufacture inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria, keeping textiles fresher for longer, giving consumers the option to wash the textile less often.

Hexion Specialty continues to work closely with Huntsman

Hexion Specialty Chemicals announced that both it and Huntsman Corporation have agreed to allow additional time for the Federal Trade Commission to review the proposed merger of the two companies.

As a result, the merger is not expected to close before May 3. To accommodate the extension, Hexion has also given notice to Huntsman that on April 5, it will exercise its option to extend the Termination Date under the Merger Agreement for 90 days, and thus, if the conditions to Hexion's extension right are met on April 5, the termination date under the Merger Agreement will be extended until July 4, 2008.

G3i Finish uses ten times less fluorochemical

Care-free products, those that resist staining, are easily cleaned, stand up to the hustle and bustle of life and look great right out of the wash, have become part of our lives. Consumers want to spend less time maintaining the products they buy and more time enjoying them. Fluorochemicals are the invisible magic coating that makes all this possible, from non-stick pans to stain resistant carpets, upholstered furniture and stain resistant clothing.

Chemspec Europe gets REACH Ready

Chemspec Europe and REACHReady have (28 January) announced a new collaboration to offer a special area of the 2008 show dedicated to helping people get ready for REACH.  This year's Chemspec Europe, being held in Munich on 18 and 19 June, comes at a critical stage in the REACH implementation timetable.

With the all-important pre-registration process due to start on 1 June, the new regulation is sure to be uppermost in the minds of all attendees û it is going to have a considerable affect upon the fine and specialty chemical industry. And that's where the Chemspec Europe REACH Corner comes in. With a mixture of keynote seminar presentations and approachable practical advice from the on-hand REACHReady experts, the REACH Corner is sure to have something to allay the concerns of the show's attendees. And all of this is offered free of charge.

FEBRUARY

Leadership changes at Milliken & Company

Roger Milliken, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Milliken & Company, has announced the pending retirement of Dr. Ashley Allen, current President & CEO of Milliken & Company, effective May 1, 2008, following Dr. Allen’s sixty-fifth birthday. Dr. Allen has led Milliken as President & CEO since 2005. Prior to his current position he served as Chief Operating Officer and in several leadership positions over his 38-year career, including President of Milliken’s Chemical Division. Concurrent with Dr. Allen’s retirement, the Board of Directors of Milliken & Company has appointed Dr. Joe Salley to replace Dr. Allen, effective May 1, 2008. Dr. Salley will assume the President and CEO positions of Milliken & Company from his current position of Chief Operating Officer.

Cognis Mumbai to establish a base for business partners

Global specialty chemicals supplier Cognis has opened a liaison office in Mumbai, India. The office will be responsible for strengthening relationships with existing customers, identifying and initiating new business opportunities, and promoting the Cognis brand in local markets.

The decision to open the new office reflects the significant growth Cognis has achieved in India in the last few years. It will bring the company even closer to its customers in the region, while improving its understanding of consumer markets there.

Five BASF Color Solutions companies in Europe

BASF is reorganizing its masterbatch business in Europe. In the future, BASF’s specialists for coloring a wide variety of products made from plastics will operate under the name “BASF Color Solutions”.

A unified, pan-European structure and a more intensive exchange of the wide-ranging technical expertise that exists at the five locations in Cologne (Germany), Apeldoorn (Netherlands), Clermont (France), Kuurne (Belgium) and Cervelló (Spain) will provide the basis for an even more effective cooperation with customers. The changes to the corporate status of the five European subsidiaries will be completed by March 2008.

Wacker finalizes acquisition of Polymer JV

Wacker Chemie AG has successfully concluded its acquisition of full ownership of Air Products Polymers (APP) and Wacker Polymer Systems (WPS), its two joint ventures with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
The transaction announced in December 2007 has now been cleared by the European and U.S. antitrust authorities. WACKER’s stake in APP had been 35 percent, with Air Products holding the remaining 65 percent. As for WPS, WACKER held 80 percent and Air Products, 20 percent. WACKER expects APP and WPS to be fully integrated into the Group structures by year-end.

WACKER plans to coordinate this business out of the Lehigh Valley (PA, USA). In return, Air Products is to receive the production facilities at Elkton (MD, USA) and Piedmont (SC, USA), as well as related business and a payment of $265 million. WACKER estimates that the acquisition will help boost the Group’s 2008 polymer business to about €1 billion.

Bluefinder for environmentally friendly textile products

Environmental protection in textile manufacturing becomes more and more important. Consumers and companies have begun looking at environmental issues at a deeper level. The product is no longer the only concern during production, but rather the overall outcome of the entire process including waste water and air emission must be considered. With the bluefinder, manufacturers now have the possibility to consciously select the best components, not only for their products, but also for the people and the environment.

Quintenas Textiles & Bluestar Silicones to develop advantex

Bluestar Silicones and Quintenas Textile Solutions have announced the signing of an agreement to develop advantex technology. This agreement grants Quintenas Textile Solutions sole rights for advantex technology developed by Bluestar Silicones.
On the strength of its textiles expertise in the Active Sports, fashion sportswear and professional clothing, Quintenas Textile Solutions will have responsibility for developing high performance fabric composites for these markets using advantex technology.

Common facilities for GDMA members on its way

The Gujarat Dyestuff Manufacturers’ Association (GDMA) is all there to ensure that its members can easily export their chemical products to the European Union in accordance with the Regulation, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) norms. For this very purpose, GDMA has proposed to set up a common facilities for its members at an estimated cost of Rs30 crore.

The development will include installation of ultramodern quality control laboratory, common spray drying facilities and upgradation of existing effluent treatment plant. Mr Manish Kiri, Honorary Secretary for GDMA, told Fibre2fashion about the reasons behind bringing up these developments, “We have around 960 members, all of them are from manufacturing industry, and looking at the trait we have found that this step would help our members from small and medium scale to cope with the current scenario. Depending on the success of this common facility in Ahmedabad, we will implement the same in rest of the region.”

Royce Passaic Color buys Greenville Colorants' Basic Brown Biz

Passaic Color and Chemical, a Division of Royce Associates, has purchased Greenville Colorants' Basic Brown and Brown-based Black Dye Business.

To better serve the ever-growing base of customers worldwide, Greenville Colorants and Passaic Color, a division of Royce Associates, have concluded a deal effective February 23, 2008. Greenville will continue to accept orders for its basic brown and black dye products for delivery up until February 24, 2008. Customers may place orders with Passaic Color at any time for deliveries scheduled for February 25, 2008 onward.

REACH regulations endangers trade with EU countries

The global chemical industry is soon to get greatly affected by the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals) regulations of EU which will officially come into force by June 1, 2008. Alongside, the textile, clothing, footwear, toys and all the other industry will also get adversely affected.

In particular, developing countries like China, will be impacted unfavorably and trade relations with EU is likely to get dampened. This is largely because, REACH regulation would accompany expensive inspection which will in turn increase the cost of production for a large number of Chinese Enterprises.

Huntsman to raise Textile Effects Product prices

Huntsman Corporation announced that in response to continued increases in the cost of labour, raw materials, utilities and transportation, its Textile Effects business will increase prices by up to 15% across a range of products. The price increases are effective March 1, 2008, or as applicable contracts allow.

Paul Hulme, President of Huntsman's Materials & Effects division, commented, "As with any successful partnership between supplier and customer, there needs to be a win-win proposition that allows our customers to be successful in their chosen markets and for ourselves to be successful by returning operating margins that continue to justify on-going re-investment." Since acquiring the Textile Effects business from Ciba Specialty Chemicals in June 2006, Huntsman has committed over $150 million in restructuring costs and investments to achieve improvements to cost competitiveness and service to its customers.

Thai exporters will have to face the heat of REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) regulations issued by the EU.

Exporters, who were until now unaware about the regulation, fear losing revenue of about 10 billion baht a year, which it exacted from the EU market. REACH is likely to affect more than 100 house-ware factories exporting to the European markets.

As a matter of fact, EU stands out as the third largest market for Thai house-wares after United States and Japan, doling out nearly 30 percent of the 40 billion baht earned by Thailand from exports.

REACH essentially aims at putting a check on hazards to human health and environment by using harmful chemicals. The regulation urges manufacturers to declare information about chemical substances used in the products exported for EU markets.

Inefficient dyeing & printing sector impedes textile growth

By now, it is a known fact, dyeing and printing sector plays a crucial role in sustaining the textile industry of any country. However, unfortunately, Hubei Province of China has a different story to narrate.

Although, the province produces around 3 billion of quality grey cloth, the dyeing and printing industry can manage only 200 million meters or even less. This has obviously impacted the development of the textile industry of Hubei. Inefficiency on part of the dyeing and printing industry clearly shows that upgradation in technology has become imperative for the textile sector which is still on the stage of processing supply materials.

Be 'REACH' ready or lose out

REACH is new European legislation about the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals. The complex wide-ranging regulations will have a big impact on all companies that manufacture, import or use chemicals.

The countdown has already started, with the first deadline for compliance under REACH due later this year. Do you know how REACH might affect you and your business? It is vital you are REACH ready or you could lose out.

WACKER develops shear-resistant softener for textile finishing

WACKER, the Munich-based chemicals group, has developed a new silicone softener emulsion to textile finishing. The concentrate, marketed as POWERSOFT PE 150, is self-dispersing and designed for use in exhaust processes. High shear-resistance makes it extremely versatile and usable in high-speed finishing processes.

POWERSOFT PE 150 is a microemulsion concentrate based on aminofunctional silicone fluids. It bestows a silky-soft feel on textiles made of natural, synthetic and blended fibers. This makes garments much more comfortable to wear. Unlike standard silicone softeners, POWERSOFT PE 150 does not affect color. Color hue and intensity are virtually unchanged after the finishing process.

Zhejiang dye industry achieve considerable growth

Last year, Zhejiang dye sector achieved an accumulated industrial output value of 17.88 billion yuan, an increase of 35 percent from 2006, and generating sales revenue of 17.72 billion yuan, with a rise of 43 percent.

In terms of profits also the year proved fruitful. The region acquired profits of 1.92 billion yuan, up 28 percent. The industry also completed a total export delivery worth 3.82 billion yuan, showing a boost of 6 percent. In this period, Zhejiang dye industry produced 4,90,000 tons of various kinds of dyes, rising by 8 percent; dye sales amounted to 4,83,000 tons, up 6 percent; total dye exports scored 94,000 tons, accounting for 19 percent of sales ratio.

Holland America installs SMART Wet Cleaning on 3 more ships

Holland America & Winning Brands' Solvent Free Solutions Team are installing the SMART Wet Cleaning System on 3 additional cruse ships between March and May, 2008. The system is an environmental alternative to traditional dry cleaning using Perc, and processes 'Dry Clean Only' garments for passengers and crew. Holland America Line has taken a leadership role in the cruise industry for on-board environmental garment cleaning.

Winning Brands Corporation reports that orders have been placed with Winning Brands' Solvent Free Solutions Team for the installation of its SMART Wet Cleaning System on Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam, ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam. All 3 ships are Holland America Line "Vista-class" ships and as such embrace the latest industry and environmental technologies.

Dyeing & printing technology awaits a rosy future

In recent years, there has been a new development in dyeing and printing technology and its products. Camouflage clothes and especially, anti infrared camouflage products which are manufactured in China have a huge scope in international market. The technology is constantly improving, due to quick development in this field, leading to mature industrialization.

The cost of the digital jet printing has gone down and introduction of new dye, auxiliary materials, energy-saving, emission reduction and thickener has considerably improved industry’s performance, resulting in good production. At present, there are very few manufacturers in China who can fabricate these products, however demand for such special products is quite high in the market.

MARCH

Dow develops screen printing inks for elastic fabrics

For athletes in football, soccer, and other high-impact sports, equipment is everything. For maximum performance, professional equipment buyers know that products that incorporate silicone technology offer the highest level of quality, aesthetics and safety.

“Modern athletes demand equipment, like athletic apparel, that combines protection with the latest looks,” explained Charlie Zimmer, Dow Corning senior product marketing specialist. “New developments in silicone technology allow athletic apparel manufacturers to deliver maximum performance, offering advanced protection while enhancing the aesthetic appeal and comfort of their products.”

CPSC bill to be modified to regulate toxic formaldehyde

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) introduced an amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reform bill that would help protect Americans from dangerous levels of formaldehyde in textiles including clothes, draperies, fabric and carpeting. The amendment would require the CPSC to regulate and test formaldehyde in textiles.

“The CPSC has identified formaldehyde as a potential hazard but has failed to regulate it in textiles,” said Casey. “American consumers can’t test these products on their own and American manufacturers should not have to compete with corner cutting competitors. It is time the Consumer Product Safety Commission does its job and keeps Americans safe by testing for formaldehyde to protect consumers from this poison.”


Wal-Mart Canada to carry Winning Colours Stain Remover

Winning Brands Corporation reports the approval for listing of Winning Colours Stain Remover by Wal-Mart in Canada. Established in 1994, Wal-Mart Canada operates a growing network of 305 outlets nationwide. The company serves more than one million Canadians each day. The listing is considered a milestone for Winning Brands Corporation as it builds a foundation for its eco-responsible cleaning solutions to become favourites in their categories across North America.

Winning Brands National Sales Manager Patricia Miles notes that Winning Brands has been quietly preparing its infrastructure for the realities of dealing with the world's largest retailing partners.

Eastman to expand Tritan capacity at Kingsport facility

Eastman Chemical Company announced it is investing in commercial scale operations that will expand production capacity for Eastman Tritan copolyester products at its facility in Kingsport, Tenn.

The expansion project, expected to be completed by late 2009, includes both the construction of new manufacturing facilities as well as conversion of some existing operations.

Kiri Dyes on capacity expansion spree thru IPO

Kiri Dyes and Chemicals Limited (KDCL), incorporated in 1998 by Mr. Pravin Kiri is a manufacturer of Reactive Dyes also known as Synthetic Organic (S.O. Dyes) and Dye Intermediates. The products are used in textiles, leather, paint and printing-ink industries. KDCL supplies reactive, acid and direct dyes as well as dye-intermediates in various forms like standardized spray dried/tray dried - powder/granular, crude and reverse osmosis.

KDCL has manufacturing and processing plant of Synthetic Organic Dyes, Acid Dyes and Direct Dyes at Vatva in Ahmedabad with a combined capacity of 10,800 MTPA and dye intermediates (H-Acid and Vinyl Sulphone) processing plant at Padra in Vadodara having a capacity of 3600 MTPA each in the State of Gujarat.

Danisco India to produce enzyme blends for textiles & other sectors

With an investment of USD 6 million, Danisco is opening up two new separate manufacturing units for functional systems and for enzymes to serve South-Asian customers. The investment consists of manufacturing plants, laboratories and offices and will employ additional 20 people in India. The laboratories will provide dedicated and tailor-made support to our local customers and deliver products specific to the needs of the Indian industries.

‘The SAARC region has been showing sustainable double-digit growth in Danisco, and the new functional systems plant will give us an edge to become one of the first international functional systems plants in the region.

Scientists to introduce water-saving dyeing technology

Shanghai Tex Group and Donghua University have successfully managed to develop a dyeing technology that does not make use of water in its processes. Dai Jingjing, a professor of Donghua University independently developed a 1.6 litre pilot prototype machine after four years of research and tests. The equipment has already reached the advanced international level.

This dyeing technology is first of its kind in China and it is expected to save about two billion cubic meters of water every year. It will be commercially introduced in the first half of this year. A good number of scientists have engaged themselves for designing this technology. Researchers from Shanghai Tex Group and Donghua University are expected to come up with a 30 liter pilot prototype machine, which will possibly be put it into service by May this year.

Fibro Chem acquires assets of Four Colors & Resource Solutions

Fibro Chem LLC is pleased to announce that it has acquired the assets of Four Colors Inc and Resource Solutions LLC. Four Colors is a leading provider of dyestuffs used in dyeing processes primarily within the carpet manufacturing industry but including other industries using similar dyes, such as paper and textiles.

Resource Solutions sells chemical auxiliaries used in the dyeing process. The combined companies have enjoyed significant growth based on the quality of their products and unparalleled customer service and responsiveness.

Mike Hayes, CEO of Fibro Chem, said: “The combination of our companies enables us to better serve our core carpet manufacturing customers by broadening the range of areas in which we can strategically partner with them to produce high quality products at the lowest possible cost. Furthermore, the quality of our people and our proprietary chemistries positions us for significant growth opportunities.”

G3i bags SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certification

G3 Technology Innovations (G3i) and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) together announced that G3i’s textile finish product, GreenShield, has received its Indoor Advantage Gold Certification.

This standard sets the toughest limits for indoor air emissions and guarantees that products contribute to a healthy and safe indoor environment. GreenShield has now received two certifications from SCS. In addition to the Indoor Advantage Gold certification, GreenShield has also received certification as a Low Fluorocarbon Treatment.

OMNOVA to raise specialty chemicals prices

OMNOVA Solutions' Specialty Chemicals business announced a price increase of $0.04 per dry pound for styrene butadiene emulsion polymers and up to $0.03 per wet pound for all other styrene-containing emulsion polymers.

Nalco & German Evonik expand strategic relationship for tissue makers

Nalco Company & and Evonik's Goldschmidt Industrial Specialties have expanded their agreement for Nalco to be the exclusive distributor of Evonik's tissue additives in Central and South America. Tissue is a low-weight, thin paper often used to make facial and bathroom tissue. Softness and absorbency are critical factors for end-user satisfaction. Tissue makers need to achieve that consumer expectation with an efficient manufacturing process that effectively combines the fiber, water and energy needed to make the tissue. Evonik additives include softeners and debonders that help achieve the appropriate softness levels for the end use.

APRIL

DuPont Titanium Technologies to raise prices of all TiO2 grades

DuPont Titanium Technologies announced a price increase for all DuPont Ti-Pure titanium dioxide grades sold in the Euro markets of Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, Greece and North Africa.

Effective April 15, 2008, prices for all titanium dioxide grades will increase 80 Euros per tonne in the Euro markets of Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, Greece and North Africa. This increase is in addition to prior announcements for these markets and is made necessary because of the very rapid increase in the costs of raw materials, energy and transportation.These costs continue to negatively impact DuPont's titanium dioxide business and hence the need for announcing this new price increase.

Dianix disperse dyes for top performance on polyester sportswear

As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation DyStar is launching four new disperse dyes meeting performance and ecology specifications of the leading sportswear Brands and Retailers. These products broaden DyStar’s leading position in effects for this demanding industry segment, particularly addressing color fastness, ecology and productivity in the dyehouse.

Dianix Navy XF-AR and Dianix Black XF-AR are two new molecular developments that have good wet fastness and excellent stability in the dyebath leading to high levels of Right-First-Time. Additionally, for ternary combinations Dianix Golden Yellow SF and Dianix Blue SF are being introduced. The introduction of these two new products complements DyStar’s established market leading Dianix SF red dyes to enable the highest level of fastness to be achieved also in deep ternary shades.

BASF to demonstrate ‘material’ solutions for textiles industry

From manufacturers to retailers to brands to consumers, the textile industry is driven by converging needs for style, functionality and environmental friendliness. BASF will demonstrate textile finishing products that can bring special effects and functionality to apparel and home textiles while meeting these key needs at Material World 2008, April 8-10, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Florida.

BASF will present its latest developments, including: The Textile Chemicals business unit of BASF offers textile auxiliaries for weaving, pretreatment and dyeing, as well as comprehensive solutions for pigment printing, finishing and textile coatings. BASF products are manufactured and marketed worldwide. BASF is one of the leading suppliers in these fields.

Rohm & Haas offers two new dispersing resins for ink formulations

Specialty materials company Rohm and Haas a leading graphics arts supplier known for emulsion products, recently introduced two high-efficiency, dispersing resin products for organic pigments in aqueous media.
These new styrene, acrylic-based polymers, Morcryl 410 and Morcryl 460 Plus dispersing resins, allow increased pigment loadings at higher pigment to binder ratios without compromising color density and viscosity stability.

According to Kay Sanborn, technical service scientist for Graphic Arts at Rohm and Haas, “Previous resin options required minimum thresholds such as two or four parts pigment to one part binder, but these new Morcryl products allow six to one ratios, which are game-changing advances in ink manufacturing.”
Laboratory testing has shown that these offerings make possible dispersions with pigment loadings of more than 40 percent.

Rohm and Haas completes FINNDISP unit acquisition

Rohm and Haas Company said it has completed the acquisition of FINNDISP, the polymer dispersions division of OY Forcit AB for €60 million (approximately US$85 million). FINNDISP, based in Hanko, Finland, makes water-based emulsions used in the manufacture of paints and coatings, lacquers and adhesives.

Their portfolio includes low-temperature, high performance products specifically designed for use in Northern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The acquisition also includes two plants – one in Hanko, and another under construction in Ramenskoye, Russia, near Moscow.  These will become a part of a network of more than 30 plants worldwide that provide consistently high quality products tailored to meet local and regional needs.

Huntsman’s German venture to expand capacity

Sasol-Huntsman GmbH & Co KG, a 50/50 joint venture between affiliates of Huntsman Corporation and Sasol Limited located in Moers, Germany, announced plans to pursue the expansion of its maleic anhydride manufacturing capacity by 45,000 mt.

The new capacity, which is expected to be on-line in first quarter 2011, will increase Sasol-Huntsman´s production capacity by 75%, to 105,000 mt. The expansion will be funded by the joint venture’s internal cash flow and its non-recourse financing. The expansion will be achieved via construction of a second world scale 45 kt reactor and purification section on the same site as the existing plant.

BASF to host ‘Together ready for REACH’ program

Just a few weeks before the pre-registration phase of the European chemicals policy REACH begins in June 2008, the demand for extensive information and advice is greater than ever. In response, BASF SE is hosting another expert seminar on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) on May 28, 2008 in Berlin.

The program titled "Together ready for REACH" is addressed at manufacturers, users and importers of chemicals from all branches of industry. At the seminar, BASF REACH experts will provide information on all elements of the new regulatory system, including product analysis, registration, and strategic issues relating to product safety and responsibility for the environment.

"We received a lot of positive feedback on our REACH services over the past number of months," says Dr. Andreas Kicherer, head of BASF's Success team. "The queries reaching our team advisors were mainly about preregistration support. We're offering this seminar to respond to the huge interest and still-rising demand of our customers for detailed information on REACH," Kicherer adds.

Kiri ventures into new projects to expand its horizons

Kiri Dyes and Chemicals Ltd (KDCL), Ahmedabad based manufacturer and supplier of high quality dyes and intermediates in the dyestuff industry, has recently joined hands with Zhejiang Lonsen Group Co Ltd, dyestuff manufacturer of China, to set up a new production unit.

The project would come up in Baroda, with initial investment of US $10 million. The firm will manufacture dyes as finished products, initially having output capacity of 20,000 metric ton per annum (MTPA) and extend it up to 50,000 MTPA later. Further informing about another project Mr Manish divulged, “The construction work of new sulphuric acid and oleum project is going on in Baroda since November 2007, with a capital investment of nearly Rs42 crore in 50,000 square meter area. We plan to complete the project by end of this year.

Dyeing & printing industry records a robust growth

Dye industry of China has seen an unprecedented and sustained growth in the past few years, thanks to the massive inflow of diversified investments in the industry. Infact, employment of advanced equipments and new technologies for manufacturing new products has also had its share in increasing the contribution of China in global dye production.

Presently, China has earned the reputation for having the largest production scale in the world.
Statistics show that since 2007, the average price of dyes in Zhejiang area has increased by more than 10 percent while those of disperse and reactive dyes have gone up by nearly 30 percent.

Notorious for polluting the environment, the dye industry will continue to face pressure for reducing emission and therefore prices are likely to rise even further. Since 2003, a growth of 15 percent has been recorded in the output of printing and dyeing cloth as well as for apparel production. This is largely due to the growing consumption and demand for the products during the period. Moreover, the annual domestic consumption and production of dyes has also increased by 15-20 percent since 2001.

Dyeing & printing sector needs restructuring & tech-upgradation

The printing and dyeing industry of China has made a huge progress in the recent years as a result of good investment made in the sector. Shaoxing County of Zhejiang Province is recognized for having the best printing and dyeing industry in China incorporating some 179 enterprises and producing some 13.2 billion printed and dyed fabric.

The province alone accounts for 30 percent of the total output of the Chinese printing and dyeing industry. However, because of high domestic competition and lack of orders, enterprises have started shifting their factories in other countries like Vietnam and Cambodia.

Shaoxing textile cos strains under rising cost pressure

A statement made by an official of Shaoxing County, Zhejiang Province unfolds that nearly all the local textile enterprises in the region are running a huge loss because of a sharp decline in orders placed last month. However, experts believe that other factors like rising costs of production have also played their role in turning the situation from bad to worse. Prices of coal, electricity, oil, transportation and other essential raw materials have gone up by nearly 8 percent while the final price of product goes up by only 2 percent.

Additionally, while the prices of dyes soared from its initial 15 to 30 percent, those for printing and dyeing processing surged from 1.7 to about 2.5 yuan per meter. The situation has turned out to be so grave for mediocre entrepreneurs that two of the clothing and fabric manufacturers had to opt for a shut down. Nonetheless, big business firms are still managing to remain unswayed from the effects of such adversities.

Clariant BoDs appoints Jürg Witmer as Chairman

At its meeting, Clariant’s Board of Directors elected Jürg Witmer as Chairman and Rudolf Wehrli as Vice-Chairman. Jürg Witmer replaces Roland Lösser, who decided not to stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at today’s Annual General Meeting.

Rudolf Wehrli replaces Tony Reis, who is stepping down from the Board of Directors. Jürg Witmer (59, Swiss) has been a member of the Board of Directors since April 2007. From 1999 to 2005 he was CEO of Givaudan, and he is currently Chairman of its Board of Directors. He previously occupied various global management positions at Roche. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Syngenta.

Rudolf Wehrli (58, Swiss) was CEO of the Gurit-Heberlein Group from 2000 to 2006. He has held various managerial positions with the Silent Gliss Group, Credit Suisse and Mckinsey.

TANATEX Chemicals graces cover International Dyer

The front cover of the March issue of the International Dyer presented the EDOLAN range of TANATEX Chemicals. EDOLAN is the TANATEX portfolio of waterborne polyurethanes, polyacrylics and additives designed for innovative solutions. Coating takes off to new dimensions!

The field of aqueous coating is relatively new for our company. Based, however, on extensive knowledge of e.g. polyurethane chemistry, TANATEX Chemicals succeeded in building-up a complete and well-accepted range of products and applications.

Dyeing & printing industry adopts solar technique

Shenzhen Qier Solar Technique Co Ltd in China has successfully developed the Qier solar-powered hot-water system for printing and dyeing industry. This unique hot water system has helped the industry escape labor management as the equipment has automatic operations. It functions primarily on the principle of heating water by making use of solar energy.

The system has been designed especially to suit the dyeing and printing industry for serving the purpose of supplying hot water with constant temperatures. The conventional mechanism failed to give hot water in the morning hours.

EU requires textile firms to make eco-friendly exports

Experts have observed that in recent years, EU has carried out a number of severe protection measures with regard to textile products. Since it is one of the major export markets for Zhejiang Province, local industry enterprises have been urged to pay attention to all of these related EU laws.

Sue Williams becomes SDC President

Sue Williams is the new president of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC), the world’s only chartered society, professional body and educational charity dedicated to the science, technology and application of colour.  She takes over from Adrian Abel and makes history for being the second woman president appointed by the Society in its 124-year history. Her term in office comes exactly 10 years after that of the first woman SDC president, Dr Veronica Bell.

Coming from a colour measurement and assessment background, Sue has worked in the industry for over 40 years. Beginning work in a pigments company, her future in colour was assured and in October 1969 she set up her own company, Instrumental Colour Systems (ICS), with three other colleagues.

BASF receives SDC Colour Innovation Award for MOOO fibre

The three finalists for the most highly sought-after international award for colour technology were honoured at an SDC awards dinner on Friday 18 April in Bradford, UK.  With much-awaited anticipation, the overall winner was announced and the SDC Colour Innovation Award 2008 went to BASF for the development of MOOO> dyeable polypropylene fibre technology, an invention which demonstrates a novel and distinct new coloration process for polypropylene in the textile and apparel industry.

The level of interest for this award – the fifth biennial competition of its type run by SDC – was unprecedented and resulted in the three finalists from Germany, Switzerland and the UK being selected out of those entries submitted from 17 countries around the world. The MOOO> fibre incorporates innovative ImPPulse technology which allows fabrics from colourless MOOO> fibre to be dyed, which is unique for polypropylene.

Launch of BASF Advanced Research Initiative at Harvard University

BASF announced the official launch of the BASF Advanced Research Initiative at Harvard University. The Research Initiative at Harvard University represents an innovative model for university-industry collaboration designed specifically to drive new frontiers of scientific discovery. The opening of the initiative was celebrated with an inaugural two-day Symposium on Biofilms held in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The decisive difference of this collaboration between academia and industry from most research initiatives is its more integrative nature: BASF researchers from Germany are working closely with Harvard academic research teams, easing scientific exchange on the projects, as well as fostering broader interaction between the two institutions.

MAY

WACKER DYMATIC opens a new silicone emulsion plant in China

WACKER DYMATIC, a joint venture of Wacker Chemie AG (Munich, Germany) and DYMATIC Chemicals Inc (Shunde, China), opened a new silicone emulsion plant in China. The facility, located in the Jiangsu Yangtze River Chemical Industrial Park, Zhangjiagang city (Jiangsu Province), produces silicone emulsions and process auxiliaries for the Chinese textile, leather and fibre industries and has a capacity of approximately 30,000 metric tons per year. With the new plant, WACKER DYMATIC will reinforce its leading position in these rapidly growing markets.

At the official opening ceremony in Zhangjiagang, Dr. Christoph von Plotho, President of WACKER SILICONES, emphasized the signifi-cance of the investment: “The opening of the new emulsion plant is an important milestone for the joint venture. The new facility here in Zhangjiagang will allow us to even better serve the local markets with customized solutions. It will also strengthen our position as a leading supplier of silicone emulsions in the regional market.”

Nanosphere combines high performance & ecological safety

Following the announcement of the strategic distribution partnership between Schoeller Technologies AG (NanoSphere patent owner) and Clariant International Ltd. last September, the finishing components have now also aligned within the new cooperation. The new NanoSphere finish achieves top results in terms of the self-cleaning effect, oil and water repellency, abrasion resistance and washing permanence. Due to the use of the most modern C6 fluorocarbon technology, NanoSphere is also free of PFOA and PFOS. This combination of highest performance and highest ecological safety reinforces a worldwide unique position for the product developed in Switzerland.

A generation for the future - For the new NanoSphere, the research team from Clariant and Schoeller have combined the latest technologies and developed a product that meets the highest requirements in everyday use and is geared to meet the environmental requirements of the future. Through the use of future considered C6 fluorochemicals, the NanoSphere finish is free of PFOA and PFOS.


Textile units to get greener by embracing EcoSafe solutions

A product launching ceremony on EcoSafe Solutions of Advanced Enzyme Technologies Limited (AETL) was hosted in Dhaka for the textile processing industry. A number of new eco-friendly enzymes based solutions were introduced at the event which can replace the harmful chemical like Caustic Soda, Chlorine bleaching agents and surfactants, in a cost-effective and easy way.

The central theme of this event was on ‘green’ processes that helps reduce effluent load and saves energy. Textile industry is expected to reap benefits from cost savings of about 25 percent depending on the plant, process and finish after using enzyme based solutions. Bangladesh houses over 1,000 textile processing units including garment and knitting processing units. Experts have anticipated the industry to grow by 22 percent which will make the country’s economy grow by leaps and bounds.

REACH extends its realm to local exporters

Vietnamese exporters to the EU will have to register the chemical components used in their products with European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) if they want to continue exploiting the markets.
Failure to comply with this new regulation would only result in loss of the massive export markets that EU has to offer. This policy was issued by David Horlock of Bureau Veritas at its seminar organized together with the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

During the seminar, exporters were also briefed about the EU chemical regulation which was brought in force last June. According to this, Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) law, valid from June 1 to December 1 for Vietnamese exporters, all chemicals used in products must be registered with the EU.

Colour & measurement technology made easy

X-Rite Incorporated the world leader in color management and measurement technologies, along with recently acquired Pantone Inc, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, introduced ColorMunki, a breakthrough in both price and performance.

Based on X-Rite and Pantone’s deep understanding of the photo and design communities, ColorMunki solutions are the industry’s first easy-to-use, convergent technologies developed specifically to feed the artistic imagination of creative professionals – at an affordable price. Designed to meet the requirements of creatives working in a digital environment across industries, the revolutionary ColorMunki family ensures accurate color from inspiration to final output in ways never before possible.

TANATEX Chemicals honoured with award

From 6th until 9th of May 2008, the 21st edition of the International Congress of the IFATCC (International Federation of Associations of Textile Chemists and Colorists) was held in Barcelona, Spain.

The congress was organized by the AEQCT (Asociación Española de Químicos y Coloristas Textiles), which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Numerous high quality speeches were held during the week. Johan Cleyman, Global Product Manager Finishing from TANATEX Chemicals, lectured vibrantly about 'Polyethylene’s and Sewability’, which was received with great enthusiasm.

On the 8th of May a reception was held in Pedralbes Castle by the chancellor in aid of the renewed bonds between Education and Industry. During this gathering TANATEX Chemicals received an award for its continuous support of the AEQCT and the textile industry in general. Mr. Alex Vila, Sales Manager of TANATEX Chemicals Ibérica, accepted the award which was presented by the chancellor and the president of AEQCT.

Kiri Dyes to sign JV pact with HK-based Well Prospering

Kiri Dyes and Chemicals Ltd has informed that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 24, 2008, inter alia, has decided and approved the following:

1. Recommendation of dividend @ 15%, Rs 1.50 per equity share of Rs 10/- each subject to the approval of the members of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
2. Appointment of Mr. Shanker Patel as additional & Independent Director of the Company. He is also appointed as member of the audit committee of the Company.
3. Sign Joint Venture Agreement with Hong Kong based Company M/s. Well Prospering Ltd for setting up of Dyestuff Plant at village Dudhwada, Taluka Padara district: Vadodara (Gujarat)

JUNE

Printing & dyeing base at Shanghai Intl Ind Park

Delegates from Shanghai International Home Textile Industrial Park and the Pengxin International Home Textile Center along with Director of Yangpu district, Shanghai city, recently, held a press meet, to introduce the printing and dyeing trade platform set up at Pengxin Center.


This meet was held at Shaoxing county, Zhejiang Province, which is one of the key dyeing and printing production bases of China. The event was attended by 30 leading enterprises in the industry.
Experts here noted that since Pengxin Center was part of Shanghai International Home Textile Industrial Park it had many advantages. They explained that the Park would prove to be a strong supply and support service base as well as offer easy transport facilities for this Center.


ECHA formally opens its doors in Helsinki

12 months after its creation, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has evolved from a few staff to a fully functioning organisation of 200 employees. On the 1st of June 2008, the Agency launched the REACH-IT portal and started to accept pre-registrations and other data submissions from industry. To commemorate the move from the build-up to the operational phase, a formal inauguration ceremony for the Agency was held at the Helsinki City Hall.

Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, European Parliament Vice-President Gérard Onesta, Mayor of Helsinki Jussi Pajunen, and ECHA’s Executive Director Geert Dancet addressed an audience of Agency staff and guests.


SMEs struggle to cope with EU REACH laws

EU REACH was put into effect from June 1, 2008. Under this law it has become mandatory for exporters to provide specific details of the chemical components in the products. They are required to prove their safety, or else the products are not allowed to enter EU market.

Experts believe that REACH are undoubtedly the most rigid and complicated non-tariff rules at present, and affect the textile and clothing as well as toy industry in a major way. For these three sectors the Chinese exporters are required to register their products at specified organizations and the cost is also reasonable.
However, for chemical and footwear products, the rules become much more strict and traders need to follow complex procedures.

Reportedly, several leading Chinese enterprises have set up a special department in charge of REACH rules. However, many SMEs are having serious problems, especially due to lack of knowledge and finance.
These domestic enterprises are unable to follow REACH rules and most are seriously considering giving up EU as a market. Only ray of hope is that US is negotiating with EU regarding the REACH rules. Insiders say that, if talks bring out no result, then, US plans to approach WTO and object to these laws.

 

Realan EHF: New ecofriendly high-fast reactive dyes for wool

With a view to continuing trends towards increased fastness demands, more ecologically friendly processing and improved economy - DyStar has introduced two new wool reactive dyes.

à Realan Brilliant Red EHF - for bright red shades
à Realan Brilliant Blue EHF - a greenish blue dye for trichromatic combinations

With the inclusion of these two dyes, the Realan EHF range covers a wider shade area as well as improved color constancy under all light sources. The good compatibility and fiber coverage of the dyes ensures excellent reproducibility and high fastness levels. Realan EHF dyes are tinctorially strong, metal free and with low AOX levels so they reduce the effluent loading from dyehouses and comply with the requirements set by major eco standards such as Oeko-Tex 100 including baby articles” commented Brian Connolly from DyStar’s global business development management for wool dyes.

REACH becomes mandatory for textile & footwear sector

The textile and footwear exporters of Pakistan will not be able to ship their products to any of the nation that comes under European Union (EU), unless they are certified by Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

SGS Pakistan had recently organized a seminar on ‘Reach Certification’ in collaboration with Site Association of Industry (SAI) for making the entrepreneurs aware about the new regulation that will soon come into implementation. Authorities believe that, all the enterprises that export their manufactured goods to EU should register themselves with REACH and get their products tested and approved. This in turn will help them have hindrance free trade with various countries.

NOVECO, the innovative multi-purpose auxiliary for textile processing

From all the sources nature offers us, TANATEX Chemicals has chosen minerals as the basis for its new product:TANNEX NOVECO. The complexity of today's textile processing requires innovative and multi-purpose products that comply with e.g. environmental legislation, automatic dosing systems and machine developments. TANNEX NOVECO meets all these requirements. TANNEX NOVECO can be used for all discontinuous applications, meets environmetal guidelines and international standards.  It is suitable for all cellulosic fibers and blends of cellulosic and synthetic fibers.

DyStar to endorse systematic of bluesign standards

Bluesign technologies ag and DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co KG announce their prospective cooperation. In the future DyStar will endorse the systematic of the bluesign standard as a supporter and will publish their bluesign compliant products in the bluefinder - a products database with ecologically and economically “Best Available Products” for the textile industry.

The product range in the bluefinder sees a significant extension thanks to this cooperation, and bluesign technologies Ag is after this important enlargement able to meet the great demand, specifically from Far East, for bluesign certified dyestuffs and auxiliaries. With DyStar on board bluesign technologies Ag is now able to offer the ranges of the three worldwide largest manufacturers of textile chemicals and dyestuffs with the highest EHSlevel and with great knowledge in processes and application technology.

Preparation for Olympics hits dyeing & printing industry

Preparing the country for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Government of China has started focusing on the aspects of environmental protection. As a part of this plan, the Government has set about halting production and closing down factories. This has had a deadening effect on Chinese domestic market which cannot supply enough dyeing and printing raw materials causing the prices to go high. In fact, even the Taiwan dyeing and printing enterprises have been severely impacted while making purchases on these raw materials.

As many as 1000 dyeing and printing factories have been shut down in Zhejiang Province while many others in Hebei, Henan and Shandong Province have been asked to stop production till the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Currently, prices of disperse dyestuffs have increased by over 3 times and if the situation does not come under control, the Taiwan dyeing and printing industry is also likely to get affected in a big way. On the other hand, the output of disperse dyestuff in China has reached 250,000 tons accounting for over 95
ercent of the total global demand.

AirProtekt RTO system removes fluorine from textile processing


A major UK major manufacturing has selected Air Protekt, the Cambridge based air pollution specialist, to remove Fluorine contaminants from its textile processing facility. AirProtekt was able to offer the textile company a complete solution by supplying a Regenerative Thermal Oxidation system (RTO) and a special scrubber system to remove Fluorine contaminants from the process exhaust stream.

Air Protekt’s total package concept embraces process assessment, project design, supply of the air pollution equipment, installation and commissioning. The air pollution specialist also provides a complete after sales service. The project required AirProtekt to provide an engineering solution to not only address local emission requirements but also match the specifications of the processor’s other air pollution control equipment in use at sister manufacturing sites in Europe.

DyStar announces price increases

DyStar, a leading supplier of products and services for the textile and leather industries, is currently making substantial increases in prices of textile and leather dyes and auxiliaries in response to soaring energy costs and unprecedented volatility in the raw material market.

SC-based Milliken named to 2008 world's most Ethical Companies list

The Ethisphere Institute named Milliken & Company to Ethisphere’s second-annual World’s Most Ethical Companies list. Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of profitable best practices in global governance, business ethics, compliance and corporate responsibility, revealed the award at the Ethisphere and Forbes joint-conference, “Driving Profit through Ethical Leadership,” held on June 3rd . The list of the World’s Most Ethical companies will also be featured in the Q2 issue of Ethisphere Magazine.

Swiss ‘bluefinder’ for textile dyes supplier Dystar

DyStar, a leading supplier of dyes, auxiliaries and services for the textile industry, recently signed a cooperation agreement with bluesign technologies ag, St. Gallen, Switzerland. DyStar will support the bluesign system and products that conform to the bluesign standard will be offered via bluefinder, a database of the best available products for the textile industry classified on the basis of ecological and economic criteria. This cooperation opens up opportunities for further process optimization in our drive to achieve a sustained reduction in resource utilization in the textile supply chain.”

Clariant Chemicals receives Two DMAI awards

Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited has been honoured by the Dyestuff’s Manufacturers’ Association of India (DMAI) for

• Excellent Performance in Pollution Control by a Large Scale Unit for 2007-2008, &
• Excellent Performance in Safety and Hazards Control by a Large Scale Unit for 2007-2008.

The awards were received by the senior-most ESHA employees from the company – Mr. Vasant Ghorpade and Mr. Subhash Joshi at the hands of the Chief Guest Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Hon’ble Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers & Steel, Government of India at an award function on June 20, 2008 at Hotel Sea Princess, Mumbai.

Cytec elects COO & appoints Specialty Chemicals President

David Lilley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of Cytec Industries Inc announced the election of Shane Fleming as President and Chief Operating Officer. In addition, the Board appointed Frank Aranzana to succeed Mr. Fleming as President of Cytec Specialty Chemicals.

Mr. Fleming joined the Cytec predecessor company in 1983 in the Mining Chemicals group, and over the years has taken positions of increasing responsibility in the USA, Australia, and in the Asia Pacific region. In 2003 Shane took global responsibility for Cytec’s specialty chemicals business and then in 2005, following the acquisition of the UCB chemicals business, he relocated to Brussels to assume full responsibility for the combined specialty chemical operations.

Mr. Aranzana joined Cytec Industries as part of the acquisition of the UCB chemicals business, and most recently has been Vice President of Cytec Surface Specialties. Frank has significant global business experience both in the past UCB organization and also with his previous employers, the Dow Chemical Company and the DuPont Dow Elastomers joint venture.

Huntsman raises prices of TIOXIDE pigments in Asia Pacific by $150/te

The Pigments division of Huntsman Corporation announced that it will increase prices of all TIOXIDE titanium dioxide pigments sold in Asia Pacific by $150/te (USD) effective from 1st of August 2008 or as applicable contracts allow.

This increase is in addition to the energy surcharge announcement of the 27th of June 2008 and all previously announced price increases. Despite a relentless drive to improve efficiencies and implement cost reduction programmes, Huntsman said that the price increases are necessary to address the significant increases in costs of primary input chemicals, energy and freight affecting our industry.

Texlynx & BASF to jointly develop new performance-based products

BASF Pakistan Private Limited and Texlynx Home signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in developing innovative textile articles and in this way buying house in Pakistan that sources for global retailers and brands in USA and Europe.  This is the first time for Texlynx to collaborate with a textile chemicals supplier.

This collaboration aims at presenting innovative textile finishes and concepts, such as functional finishes and textile processes that conserve resources to the global market and showcase high value articles that textile industry of Pakistan has to offer.  The partnership offers the retailers not only support in sourcing, but also technical know-how. Texlynx will have access to BASF’s application laboratory in Pakistan to jointly develop new effects.

Inkjet Technologies to improve functionalities for smart textiles

In January 2008 TenCate acquired 75% of the shares of Xennia Technology Ltd near Cambridge (UK).
The main reason for this acquisition is primarily to accelerate the opportunity to use inkjet technology to produce technical textiles. Inkjet technology has the potential to replace existing finishing and coating technologies and create new materials for the technical textiles sector.

Within the Digitex R&D project, which is subsidized by the EU Commission, TenCate, Xennia, Xaar and other companies and institutes have worked together in order to use inkjet technology to create breakthrough innovations in technical textiles for the European sector

JULY

John Van to lead PolyOne’s Specialty Color, Additives and Inks

PolyOne Corporation, a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, announced on June 30, 2008 the streamlining of its management and segment organization as well as the presentation of its financial results.

Producer Services, which offers compounding expertise and multiple manufacturing platforms to resin producers and processors, will be combined with Geon Performance Polymers to form the Performance Products and Solutions operating segment. This segment will be led by Rob Rosenau, senior vice president and general manager. In addition, North American Color and Additives and Specialty Inks and Polymer Systems will be combined into a new operating segment named Specialty Color, Additives and Inks. The newly created segment will be led by John Van Hulle, vice president and general manager.

Entrepreneurs urged to register with REACH

Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, who export their products to the European Union (EU), will have to comply by Regulations set by Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which came into effect on June 1, 2008. This information was given to the entrepreneurs in a recently held seminar which was organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

According to the new EU law, products fall within the parameter of REACH, will have to get registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).  The substances that come within the criteria include chemicals used in production process as well as chemicals released from finished products. The REACH regulation applies to companies which are exporting over one ton of product, per annum, to the EU countries.

Industry insiders suggest that, this REACH regulation is likely to affect Sri Lankan textile and garments sector which releases chemicals like dyes during the first wash. Although, the enterprises that are not directly linked with EU, are not allowed to pre-register and register themselves with the ECHA, they can appoint an ‘Only representative’ for doing the procedure.

Zhejiang dyes industry marks positive trend

In May 2008, dyes industry in Zhejiang Province achieved a total industrial output value of 20.5 billion yuan and sales income of 2.12 billion yuan. Profits before tax reached 220 million yuan; and export delivery value reached 400 million yuan. Dyes production stood at 53,000 tons, production intermediate at 6,618 tons and production auxiliaries touched 3,161 tons. From January to May, Zhejiang dyes industry completed a total industrial output value of 81.2 billion yuan, up 21 percent from the same time last year. Accumulated sales stood at 8.48 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 29 percent.

While total profits before tax reached 790 million yuan, rise of 43 percent, profits were 520 million yuan, an increase of 42 percent. Export delivery value of the industry during the period earned 1.88 billion yuan, a surge of 36 percent. During the first five months, various kinds of dyes produced by Zhejiang industry reached 206,000 tons, a year-on-year climb of over 8 percent.

Dyes sale accumulated 205,000 tons, up 9 percent, of which, exports totaled to 37,000 tons, a rise of 8 percent as compared to same time last year. Proportion of exports accounted for 18 percent of total sale, and dyes production and marketing rate was 99 percent.From January to May, cumulative output of production auxiliary in Zhejiang registered 13,000 tons, a growth of 476 percent. Total sale scored 12,000 tons, an increase of 474 percent, production and sales rate was 95 percent.

A.T.E. Enterprises and Fong's National join hands

In a strategic tie-up, Fong's National Engineering Company Limited, Hong Kong, the market leader in piece and package dyeing machinery has joined hands with A.T.E. Enterprises Private Limited. As per the arrangement, has been appointed as an exclusive agent for Fong’s in India and is responsible for the sales and marketing of their piece dyeing machines like soft flow dyeing machines, jet dyeing machines, beam dyeing machines, etc., and package dyeing machines.  Through this tie-up with Fong’s, A.T.E. has further strengthened its product portfolio in knit processing segment and will cater to the needs of Indian textile processing industry.

Titan Chemical appoints Mr Warren as Managing Director

Titan Chemical Corp. Bhd. (Titan Chemicals) announced the appointment of Mr. Warren Wilder as the new Managing Director. Wilder, 51, was formally Senior Vice President Olefins at Westlake Chemical Corporation where he was responsible for the leadership and strategy of the US$2 billion revenue business. He was directly responsible for leading its manufacturing, global procurement, marketing and sales operations.

Before joining Westlake, Wilder had positions with Exxon and Koch Industries. He has led business in North and South America and in Europe, and has conducted business extensively in Asia. He is a Director of ICO Polymers (Nasdaq-listed company) and a member of the Chemical Sub-Committee of the National Petrochemical and Refining Association (NPRA). Wilder graduated with honors in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle and completed his MBA in Finance at the University of Chicago, Chicago.

Dow Chemical acquires Rohm and Haas

Dow & Rohm and Haas announced a definitive agreement, under which Dow will acquire all outstanding shares of Rohm and Haas common stock for $78 per share in cash. The acquisition of Rohm and Haas will make Dow the world’s leading specialty chemicals and advanced materials company, combining the two organizations’ best-in-class technologies, broad geographic reach and strong industry channels to create an outstanding business portfolio with significant growth opportunities.

The transaction marks a decisive move in Dow’s transformation into an earnings growth company with reduced cyclicality. Last December, Dow announced a joint venture with Petrochemical Industries Company of the State of Kuwait (PIC). With the collective impact of these two deals, performance products and advanced materials will represent 69 percent of Dow’s total sales, on a 2007 pro forma basis, compared with 51 percent prior to these transactions. Financing for the acquisition includes an equity investment by Berkshire Hathaway and the Kuwait Investment Authority in the form of convertible preferred securities for $3 billion and $1 billion respectively. Debt financing has been committed by Citi, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley who acted as financial advisors on the transaction.

DyStar to showcase compact range of dyes for leather & fur at ACLE


DyStar is showcasing its full range of dyes and auxiliaries for wet-end leather and fur processing at its "World of Leather" exhibit in Shanghai.  DyStar's staff are specialists in solving problems at all production stages from the beamhouse and wet-end processing to top fashion colors.

The exhibit centers on high-fashion, heavy vegetable retanned leathers for classic men's shoes, bags and belt leather, produced with recipes incorporating Eskatan GLSW, Cutapol LAP and Cutapol TIS-VT. Cutapol LAP significantly improves the elasticity of the grain, so even leather produced with strong retans can be processed without grain cracks. A combination of Cutapol TIS-VT and Eskatan GLSW gives especially soft, full leather with an excellent tight grain. Tannit REP can be added to retanning floats to enhance grain tightness. A melamine resin from DyStar's new range of powder syntans with a strong filling effect on the bellies and shoulder areas greatly improves cutting yield.

DyStar is also exhibiting articles containing little or no vegetable tanning agent with good fastness to light and heat. Tannit STP, a liquid syntan for a broad spectrum of applications, is a real problem-solver giving a strong filling effect and outstanding fastness properties. DyStar has continued to extend its compact range of dyes for leather and fur. Alongside a wide variety of shades that can be dyed readily with combinations of our homogeneous dyes, the exhibit includes new dyes such as Solvaderm Brown MF-GO.

Cognis to sell its Pulcra Chemicals to Fashion Chemicals GmbH

Specialty chemicals supplier Cognis has signed an agreement to sell its Pulcra Chemicals subsidiary to Germany based Fashion Chemicals GmbH & Co. KG for 26.3 million euros. The sale is in line with Cognis’ strategy of focusing on its core businesses driven by the wellness and sustainability trends. Agreements respecting the transfer of the business and related transactions were signed in Düsseldorf, Germany. Cognis will sell its Pulcra Chemicals subsidiary to Fashion Chemicals GmbH & Co. KG (“Fashion Chemicals”), an investor backed mainly by DSD Deri Sanayicileri Dis Ticaret A.S (“DSD”), based in Istanbul, Turkey, an organization with excellent connections within the leather goods industry. The stakeholders of DSD include leading tanneries and leather manufacturers.

The cash proceeds from the transaction will amount to 26.3 million euros. Approximately 9 percent of the cash proceeds will be financed by members of Pulcra Chemical’s senior management team. Fashion Chemicals additionally took over 15 million euros of financial liabilities (including debts and pensions). The final transaction is subject to usual closing conditions including regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2008.

SGS acquires a 50 % stake in Bluesign

Bluesign technologies is pleased to announce that SGS has acquired a 50% stakeholding in bluesign technologies ag. The partnership will on one side facilitate the implementation of the bluesign standard throughout the textile supply chain by using the extensive SGS network of trained professionals around the world. On the other side it furthers the growth and recognition of the independent bluesign standard which puts bluesign technologies in a very strong position to deliver its valuable know-how to the industry.

In response to consumers, who are more aware of sustainable production and harmful substances in textiles than ever, bluesign technologies has developed the bluesign standard. The bluesign standard addresses not only consumer safety aspects, but covers the complete range of “Environment, Health and Safety” (EHS) issues within the entire textile manufacturing chain, namely aire mission, water emission, occupational health and safety and resource management. With a particular focus on “Best Available Technology” the resource usage can significantly be reduced within the entire textile supply chain. The improved resource efficiency leads to a positive contribution to the conservation of the environment, and the related decline in CO2 emissions contributes to the reduction of global warming.

Avocet to launch new CETAFLAM flame retardant at ITMA

Avocet will launch new CETAFLAM flame retardants at ITMA Asia exhibition in Shanghai. Please visit the stand to discuss the flame retardant needs with company’s technical sales team. We have a full range of products for exhaustion, padding and coating to meet all your requirements.

We have dye and auxiliary systems which we can tailor to your requirements and specialise in products for the carpet sector, both for wool and polyamide including:-

- AVOCET M (modified 2:1 metal complex/reactive type)
- CETALAN AV (weakly acid dyeing type)
- Levecet DW - de-aerator/wetting/antifoam agent
- Avosol ALM - superior levelling agent
- Cetacid VS - acid donor
- Levecet WNA - reserving agent for polyamide

Industries of Zhejiang province incur heavy losses in H1

The Zhejiang Economic and Trade Commission recently announced the provincial economic performance for the first half of this year. It was revealed that tightening pressure from macro policy, international economic fluctuation and obvious inflation has held the industrial zone of the region in a tight state. In the period between January and June, growth rate of total profits and industrial added value of good performing companies fell 5.5 and 17.8 percentage points respectively compared to the corresponding period last year.

Besides, in the first five months of 2008, the number of loss making enterprises stood at 10,700, accounting for 19.6 percent of the total enterprises. Most of these companies belong to textile industry, especially leather, chemical fiber, garments, and printing sectors among others. Tables turned even for the oil industry which experienced a net loss of 1.55 billion yuan in the first five months of this year as against a profit of 2.89 billion yuan recorded during the same period last year. However, profits of chemical industry soared by 5 percent which was rarely seen in recent years. In fact, output value, profits and investments of waste material recycling industry also increased by 40, 110 and 80 percent respectively

AUGUST

Four new Directors complete ECHA Management team

ECHA management recruitments are progressing. The selection procedures for the Director for Cooperation, for Assessment, for Procedures and Processes, and for Resources have been completed. The new Directors are foreseen to take up their duties in the Agency during the autumn.

Executive Director Geert Dancet said: ‘I am pleased to announce that the selection procedures for the four ECHA Directors have been successfully completed. I am very happy with the outcome. We’ll get four highly qualified Directors completing the ECHA top management team. These successful selections pave way for the Head of Unit and other important selections in the coming months’.

The new directors are:

• Mr Andreas Herdina, Director of Cooperation (Directorate A)
• Mr Jukka Malm, Director of Assessment (Directorate B)
• Ms Christel Musset, Director of Procedures and Processes (Directorate C)
• Mr Jef Maes, Director of Resources (Directorate R)

Denge Kimya enters 2008 with innovations

One of the leader textile chemical producers of Turkey, Denge Kimya speeded up its investments in the second half of 2007. Started the foundation of its new production plant at the beginning of July, the company continues expanding with new agents abroad.  Halil AKSOY, Owner of Denge Kimya informed that the building of their new plant continued and they would start serving the sector by 2008.

The new plant will be furnished with the latest technology R&D, dye-application and quality control laboratories; full automation production system that will carry the production quality beyond standards .With their two new agents, DENGE CHEMICALS EGYPT and DENGE CHEMICALS PAKISTAN, the company continues expanding also in the international market.

AATCC establishes Member Support Services thru E&T

The American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC) has established local membership support services for its members in south and southeast Asia by entering into an agreement with E and T Textile Resources (E&T), based in Chennai (Madras), India.

E&T will communicate with AATCC members, customers and prospects on AATCC’s behalf as AATCC Membership Services Associates, concentrating on membership support and development in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

AATCC Membership Services Associates’ principal is Jayakumar Gopalakrishnan. He has been an AATCC member since 1997 and is currently serving a second term as the AATCC International Region board member. His background has been in technical resources and customer services management. An active participant in AATCC research and administrative committees, Gopalakrishnan has conducted many AATCC technical training programs. He was instrumental in establishing the first two AATCC sections outside the US, in Mumbai, India and Tirupur, India.

DyStar Textile Solutions for Microban antimicrobial application

DyStar announced a new partnership agreement with Huntersville, USA, based Microban International Ltd. The agreement names DyStar as the exclusive, global distributor of Microban antimicrobial technologies for the textile industry, beginning September 1, 2008.

Microban is the global leader in antimicrobial product protection and our partnership brings together the antimicrobial and brand expertise of Microban with the leading position of DyStar as solutions provider for the textile sector,” states Alan Cunningham, Vice President Textile Solutions at DyStar.

Wal-Mart invites Novozymes to advise on sustainability

The world’s largest retailer has invited Novozymes to give keynote presentations on sustainable solutions in practice at its supplier conference, “Doing Business in Bentonville”. Novozymes will be explaining how the time has come for enzyme technology in the current climate of soaring raw material costs, high energy prices, and the threat of climate change.

Novozymes is playing a large part in this process by providing enzymes and microorganisms which help produce consumer products using less energy, water, and raw materials and which will consequently be cheaper and more environmentally friendly. For example, Novozymes’ enzymes help the brewing industry produce greater quantities of beer from a smaller supply of malt (malt prices increased 80% in 2007).
These advances can all help Wal-Mart continue to offer customers cheaper products without sacrificing its commitment to sustainability.

A.T.E. joins hand with Goller for wet finishing products

A.T.E. Enterprises Private Limited (ATEEPL) – part of A.T.E. Group - has joined hands with the market leader, Goller Textilmaschinen GmbH, Germany. As per the arrangement, ATEEPL is the exclusive agent for Goller in India and is responsible for marketing and sales of its complete wet finishing product range, which includes continuous bleaching range, dyeing range , washing range and cold pad batch for woven and knit sectors.

With this tie up, seeks to address the pressing needs of the textile industry, by offering wide range of perfectly designed and highly efficient machinery for woven fabrics and knits that covers everything from desizing to the final wash.

Society of Dyers and Colorists sets up branch at university

After two years of hard work, a branch of British Society of Dyers and Colorists (SDC) finally got established in Southern Yangtze University on July 18, 2008. More than hundreds of relevant representatives were present at the opening ceremony.

It was during the event that Mr Kenneth McGhee, Chief Executive of the British Society of Dyers and Colorists introduced the global developments of the society and its research results in field of textile applications. Besides, Chairman of the Society, Ms Susan Williams issued the latest results of color matching technology. Southern Yangtze University is currently one of the two domestic universities that have passed the assessment of the Education Board of British SDC. Graduates and post graduates from the two schools can apply for special dyeing license awarded by SDC.

Export of dyes dwindle in H1, China

In the first half of 2008, exports of high pollution and energy-consuming products, which are related to petroleum and chemical industries dropped significantly. The export volume of high-pollution products like dyes and ink fell and showcased a year-on-year drop of almost 7.2 percent in the first six months of this year.

Among the exports of high energy-consuming products, crude oil exports declined to nearly 14 percent, exports of ethylene fell almost 70 percent. On the other hand, shipment of products like chemical fertilizers and PVC increased, however their growth rates lowered during this period. From January to June this year, export growth rate of fertilizer declined to approximately 71.5 percentage points and PVC dropped by 51.8 percentage points.

BRUCKNER brings new concepts for functionalisation of textiles

BRÜCKNER Plant Technologies is in the market very well known as supplier of systems for the finishing of technical textiles. Despite the strong international competition, the company is proud to have gained in the last years further well known reference customers in different fields of the coating sector. BRÜCKNER could also clearly enlarge its range of competence in the field of nonwovens technology. BRÜCKNER Plant Technology pioneers new technological ways in both fields: coating and nonwovens.

Innovative concepts for the functionalisation of textiles: In the sector of functionalisation of textiles BRÜCKNER Plant Technologies (Leonberg / Germany) cooperates narrowly with the leading producers of coating polymeres. As an example we want to mention the cooperation with HUNTSMAN Textile Effects (Langweid am Lech/Germany) for the functionalisation of both sides of planifom textiles in one single drying step. This saves energy and costs.

Olympics brings down spirit of textile units in India

Textile units in India are finding difficulty in their regular operations, thanks to Beijing Olympics that has put work on halt in China. There is shortage of dyes and chemicals in textile industries in India as they mainly source raw material from China.

Within short span of three months the cost of dyes and chemicals has increased more than 200 to 300 percent. This unavailability of raw material has increased the price of dyes and chemicals adding to the rising cost of production. The prices of coal have been increasing by Rs100 to Rs200 a ton every month since the beginning of the year. In July, coal prices were risen almost Rs200 a ton. The textiles processing units consumes a minimum of 700 to 800 ton of coal per month to produce steam, which is one of the major inputs of the industry.

Expert Solutions aims to optimize textile production processes

DyStar, a leading supplier of products and services for the textile industry, has established a new, independent global unit – Expert Solutions – to extend its service offering. Expert Solutions offers quick and professional advice, technical service and training programs for companies in the textile industry. Its aims are to optimize textile production processes, improve quality and production efficiency, reduce lead times and costs and ensure efficient and sustainable textile production. Expert Solutions comprises an international team of experts with many years practical experience in all areas of textile finishing, headed by Regina Laws.

Establishing Expert Solutions as an independent consultancy unit is an important step towards achieving DyStar’s objective of becoming the world’s leading service provider for the textile industry. Expert Solutions’ consultancy services, training and technical know-how are geared to finding solutions that conform to top quality and ecological standards, ensure efficient, eco-friendly production in textile mills and create added value for the textile production chain.

Its services range from the accreditation of textile mills, advice on finishing problems, various software systems to optimize dyeing, custom-tailored training through seminars and e-learning modules, auditing of finishing mills and expert advice on sustainable textile production that makes efficient use of resources. The extended service offering is an excellent fit with DyStar’s Color Solutions, Testing Solutions and Ecology Solutions service packages.

Mr Andy Piers joins Clariant International

Andy Piers, a British and Zambian citizen holds a PhD in Chemistry and Engineering from the University of Dundee, Scotland. He worked at inorganic chemical producer Brunner Mond & Co Ltd, a division of ICI, and Union Camp Corporation that became part of Arizona Chemical, a subsidiary of International Paper, in 1999.
He held several important management positions in R&D as well as commercial operations functions. Andy Piers joins Clariant from Englefield Capital, a private equity firm, where he was working as an independent advisor.

Clariant CEO Jan Secher commented: “Innovation is a critical success factor for Clariant. Andy brings with him both a solid base in science as well as experience in running chemical businesses on a global scale with an excellent track record. He will support Clariant to further implement its strategy to focus on market driven innovation, including the reduction of time to market. He will also exploit the potential for constantly increasing the productivity.”

Anti-dumping probe on dyes from China & India

Argentina Government announced that an anti-dumping investigation against dye imported from China and India has been initiated from this month itself. Reportedly, this step is in response to the application by Vilmax S.A. Company, which is one of the leading synthetic organic dyestuffs and pigments enterprises in Argentina. The made-in-China dyes under trade investigation include organic dye, yellow, orange, red, purple, green, mixed colors and other colors.

The direct dyes, red, black, mixed colors and other colors as well as the acid color, green, brown, black coloys among others will also be scrutinized carefully. Meanwhile, the made-in-India dyes under investigation include only direct and acid colors. The involved manufacturers are required to submit the related documents and data. Besides, all dye to be exported to Argentina during August and September, of the ongoing year, must have the origin certificate that will be inspected minutely by the Customs.

SEPETEMBER

CIBA XYMARA at 100% Design to enhance carbon fiber performance

Ciba will be showcasing an array of striking new concepts that offer scope for new effects and styling at 100% Design, at stand no. R70 and at the Ciba XYMARA Theatre in the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London, from September 18 to 21.  The Company will also be announcing the winner of its new XYMARA Design Award. The latest innovations from Ciba, to be presented at the show, include a unique “color-travel” pigment and a range of sparkling stylings for printing. In addition, Ciba will be introducing a new technology for enhancing the performance of carbon fibers.

100% Design is the ideal occasion for Ciba to demonstrate the contribution it can make by helping designers to exploit technological innovations to create remarkable new designs, said Carla Sorato, Head of e-Business and Communication in Ciba’s Coating Effects Segment. “We will be showcasing our wide range of options for exciting and innovative effects.

Huntsman opens Asia Pacific Technology Centre in Shanghai

Huntsman Corporation, a leading global manufacturer & marketer of differentiated chemicals, announced the official opening of its Asia Pacific Technology Centre (ATC) in Shanghai’s Minhang Development Zone, giving regional customers direct access to a world-class technology innovation resource.

The new Centre will initially accommodate research & technical experts from Huntsman’s Polyurethanes and Performance Products divisions, with the number of specialists expected to expand rapidly over the next few years.  The ATC team will draw on the expertise of its counterparts at Huntsman’s Technical Development Centres in Europe and the USA, to speed the introduction of new technology platforms into the Asia Pacific market. The company’s team of regional specialists will provide extensive developmental and testing support to customers, providing custom-made solutions for Asia Pacific markets on a quick and efficient basis.

Bluestar to showcase new Silcolease Optima system at Labelexpo

Bluestar Silicones will showcase its new Silcolease Optima system in Booth 3604 at Labelexpo Americas 2008, September 9-11 in Chicago. The new Silcolease Optima series enables silicone coaters the flexibility to customize for fast cure, low temperature or platinum reduction. Now, with the Silcolease Optima line, converters can optimize formulations and coating processes to achieve improved productivity and efficiency gains.

In addition, Bluestar Silicones will introduce its new Silcolease Poly 366 solventless system, which provides a true flat release profile for all converting speeds and label dispensing systems. As part of the Optima series, Silcolease Poly 366 enables reduction of scrap in converting operations and eliminates dispensing issues in labeling systems.

Clariant unveils Advanced Denim with two new sulphur dyes

Clariant has unveiled Advanced Denim, a new concept based on two new sulphur dyes and focusing on products, technologies and applications that are compliant with environmental aspects, health and safety standards and which fulfill the demands of style and quality performance for tomorrow’s fashion.
Advanced Denim captures the essence of the unique, global end-customer love affair with denim – color shades, coat & touch, magic softeners, wash-down effects and smart finishes, all of which give garments that 'added extra'.

Launched at the bluezone fair in Munich, Germany, on September 3-5, Advanced Denim features enriched sulphur dyes through the introduction of two new Diresul RDT dyes from Clariant – Diresul Indinavy RDT-B liq, which enables deeper and faster blue shades and offers the market new and interesting effects, and Diresul Indiblack RDT-2R liq for black, grey and blue effects.

The two new products follow the successful introduction of Diresul Indiblue RDT-R and Diresul Indiblue RDT-G liquid, suitable for both Indigo and Indigo-free denim applications. The new Diresul RDT dyes enable dyeing biodegradable reducing agents as well as innovative application procedures that help to save substantial quantities of water, time and energy (Pad-Ox).


Clariant appoints Dr. Hariolf Kottmann new CEO

The Board of Directors of Clariant International Ltd has appointed Dr. Hariolf Kottmann new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2008, replacing Jan Secher who plans to pursue new activities outside of Clariant. Dr. Hariolf Kottmann has broad leadership experience in the specialty chemicals industry and an outstanding track record in successfully improving the performance of existing businesses as well as building up new business opportunities.

Hariolf Kottmann, 53, German national, earned his PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Stuttgart in 1984. In 1985 he started his career at the Corporate R&D Center of former Hoechst AG in Frankfurt. In the course of the following years he assumed increasing responsibilities in various chemical divisions of the company, functions such as research and development, production and technologies, controlling as well as in the Central Staff Department of the Hoechst board of management.

 
Xtep to use Dow Corning Silicone Textile Printing Inks for X-Nature

Xtep, a top-brand Chinese athletic apparel company, and Dow Corning Corporation have collaborated to launch a new screen printed sportswear line this summer. Xtep selected Dow Corning Silicone Textile Printing Inks based on their environmental and performance benefits. The inks include no solvents, can be washed and ironed, and offer superior color fastness.

To counter previous performance problems with PVC, PU, and PA inks, Dow Corning developed a breakthrough technology for screen printing inks that allows manufacturers to print on a wide range of garments. These new silicone-based inks offer durability, a non-tacky finish, superior color fastness, and high elongation on elastic fabrics. Suitable for most natural and synthetic fabrics, including polyester and spandex, Dow Corning’s screen printing ink was a perfect match for Xtep.

Production & export of Zhenjiang dyes industry on the upbeat

The monthly report on Economic Information and Analysis of the Dye Industry of Zhejiang Province revealed that in July 2008, the industry achieved industrial output value of 1.80588 billion yuan. While income from sales touched 1.69048 billion yuan, profits and taxes settled at 213.39 million yuan of which profits alone accounted for 154.56 million yuan. Besides export delivery value was recorded at 516.88 million yuan, dye production stood at 36,964 tons and intermediates production reached 5,159 tons.

Moreover, from January to July, total industrial output value was registered at 12.2258 billion yuan, a year on year increase of 48 percent while total sales income fetched 12.15244 billion yuan, marking an increase of 25 percent. Accumulated profits and taxes amounted to 1.37582 billion yuan, reflecting an increase of 46 percent. On the other hand, accumulated profits scored 964.24 million yuan, an increase of 47 percent and export delivery value totaled 2.9262 billion yuan, an increase of 40 percent.

Additionally, the overall accumulated production of various kinds of dyes amounted to 297,161 tons, a surge of 7 percent while dye exports of about 54,969 tons was made which also marked an increase of 7 percent. On the whole exports accounted for about 19 percent of dye sales and production and marketing rate stood at 97 percent. Again, production of dye intermediate in the period under review totaled 35,180 tons, a rise of 17 percent and sales also indicated a growth of 21 percent with 34,604 tons. Of the total production, about 2,020 tons were exported, representing an increase of 15 percent and accounting for 6 percent of the total sales while production and marketing rate stood at 98 percent.

Similarly, additive output aggregated 41,905 tons in January to July 2008, an increase of 1,475 percent while total sales touched 41,817 tons. Both production and sales rate stood at 100 percent. July production of pigments was 3,200 tons. From January to July, cumulative output reached 13,827 tons, an increase of 13 percent; cumulative sales marked 13,950 tons, an increase of 14 percent; of which exports totaled 7,342 tons, an increase of 1 percent and production and marketing rate was 100 percent.

It was also observed that in the first seven months of 2008, dye production, sales and export volume in Zhenjiang province increased slightly over last year. Even acidic, reactive and disperse dyes showed slightly larger growth rates over the same period last year while cationic, reactive and sulfur had better demand from export channel. On the whole, the dyes industry witnessed an upward trend in the first seven months of this year with both production and exports reflecting a positive growth.

Kiri Dyes celebrates Foundation stone ceremony for JV plant

Considering the robust demand of dyestuff in the international market both joint venture partners -Kiri Dyes and Chemicals Ltd (KDCL) and Well Prospering Ltd (WPL), group company of world largest dyes manufacturing Company-Zhejiang Longsheng Group Company Ltd has put a Foundation stone for setting up of worlds second largest dyes manufacturing facility at village Dudhwada near Vadodara with initial annual production capacity of 50000 metric tones and will be increased up to 60000 metric tones aruma! in due course.

Both JV partners have floated joint venture company-Lonsen Kiri Chemical Industries Ltd (LKCIL). This Greenfield unit is slated to be operational by April, 2009. We expecting topline of Rs. 400 Crores and boltomline of Rs. 35 to 40 crores of JV plant in first year of operation. KDCL will provide key raw materials to Joint Venture Company from its existing intermediates facility based at Village Dudhwada, Nr. Vadodara.

Dysin celebrates success of Dychufix reactive dyes

Dysin-Chem, the single largest Dyestuff and Chemicals dealer and service provider in Bangladesh, has recently arranged for a technical seminar in Dhaka, in order to celebrate 5th year of successive leadership in Dychufix in Bangladesh.

Mizanur Rahman, Managing Director of Dysin-Chem Ltd, Fazlul Hoque, President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy located in Bangladesh, along with other dignitaries were present at the seminar.

BASF makes offer to acquire Ciba Holding AG

BASF plans to acquire Ciba Holding AG, Basel, Switzerland, a leading specialty chemical company, and will make a public takeover offer to Ciba’s shareholders. BASF will pay CHF 50.00 in cash for each nominal share in Ciba. BASF and Ciba have reached a transaction agreement in which the Board of Directors of Ciba supports BASF’s attractive offer and recommends its acceptance to Ciba’s shareholders.

The offer corresponds to a premium of 32 percent above the closing price for Ciba’s shares on September 12, 2008 and a premium of 60 percent above the volume-weighted average share price for Ciba shares in the 30 days prior to announcement of the public takeover offer. Based on all outstanding Ciba shares and including all net financial liabilities and pension obligations, the enterprise value would be CHF 6.1 billion (approximately €3.8 billion).


SCI and The Textile Institute announce plans for merger

The Board of Trustees of the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) and the Board of The Textile Institute (TI), both charitable organisations in the field of science, technology and knowledge transfer, have announced a proposal to form a merged organisation. Trustees from the two UK-based membership charities have agreed the principles of joining forces in a ‘Term Sheet’ document which now paves the way for further internal consultations and the preparation of a formal merger agreement.

The proposed union will combine the strengths of both charities, leading to increased membership, greater visibility and complementary science, technology and industrial processes, both in the UK and internationally, whilst preserving their respective identities and purposes. Furthermore, the potential merger recognises the global shift in the textile industry. Joining forces with SCI, an international organisation which has a global structure, would enable the valuable TI brand and its status as a ‘qualifying body’ to be preserved – principles that are vital to its membership and to the textile industry.

Dow Corning presents GP 8000 Eco Softener to Chinese denim manufacturers

Dow Corning Corporation, a leader in innovative silicone technology for the textile industry, and the China Textile Industry Association offered a joint seminar on new greener ways to wash denim that consume less water, energy, chemicals, and resources.

The seminar was held on August 20, 2008, in Guangzhou, China, and was attended by 120 industry professionals. The presentations generated lively discussion about energy and water saving technologies and particular interest in Dow Corning GP 8000 Eco Solution, the company’s latest eco-innovation for the textile industry. Dow Corning Asia Technical Leader Peter Wu offered one specific solution to attendees with his introduction of Dow Corning GP 8000 Eco Solution. GP 8000 Eco Solution is a finishing product that combines denim processing steps to reduce water consumption 30-50 percent, save energy, improve productivity, and bring more economic value and sustainability to denim processing companies.

Huntsman Textile Effects & Genencor to bring innovation in sustainability

Huntsman Textile Effects and Genencor collaborate to bring innovation in Sustainability to the textile industry. In a move to underline both companies’ commitment to more sustainability in the textile industry, Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S and Huntsman Textile Effects have signed an agreement to jointly develop sustainable textile processing solutions.

Both Genencor and Huntsman have a longstanding history in the textile industry. Huntsman Textile Effects is a global player and market leading supplier of dyes, chemicals and innovative solutions for textile processing, and Genencor focuses on discovering, developing, and delivering highly innovative, eco-friendly, efficient enzyme technologies. This collaboration is certain to be a fruitful one not just for the textile industry but for the environment as a whole. First results from this joint effort can be expected shortly, as Huntsman and Genencor are scheduled to announce the launch of a new, innovative product later this year.
 
Ellen Kullman to become Dupont President, Director, CEO

The DuPont board of directors has elected Ellen Kullman president and a director of the company effective Oct. 1 and chief executive officer effective Jan. 1, 2009. DuPont Chairman and CEO Chad Holliday will serve as chairman of DuPont and as a member of the board until Ellen’s expected succession as chairman.

Ellen is the 19th executive to lead the company in DuPont’s 206-year history. Since June 2006, she has served as an executive vice president and a member of the company’s office of the chief executive, with responsibility for four of DuPont’s five business segments and its Marketing & Sales and Environmental Sustainability functions.

Titan Chemical expands business development activities to gulf region

Titan Chemicals Corp. Bhd. has established a news subsidiary in Dubai to facilitate its business development activities in the Middle East. With the investments poured into the petrochemicals sector in the Gulf States during the last few years, the new wave of Middle Eastern capacity is now moving into start-up and operational phases in near term. Titan Chemicals will explore supply chain and business opportunities in the new hub of the petrochemicals industry.

Two new SDC regions in China and Bangladesh

Two new regions of the Society of Dyers and Colourists have joined its global community for colour, the SDC Jiangnan Region in China and the SDC Bangladesh Region. They are the latest recruits to an increasingly global professional body and educational charity that now boasts regions in seven countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong.

Comments Clare Moore, SDC membership and qualifications officer, ‘We are delighted to welcome these fledgling regions to the SDC at a time when the contribution of the Society to colour education, skills enhancement and best practice is attracting attention and gaining support worldwide.’

OCTOBER

Ciba’s Board of Directors supports BASF offer

Following examination by the Swiss Takeover Board, BASF published the offer prospectus for the public takeover offer to the shareholders of Ciba Holding AG, Basel, Switzerland. The offer period begins on October 1, 2008, and ends on October 28, 2008 (4:00 p.m. Central European Time, CET). All information on the BASF offer including the offer prospectus can be downloaded basf-info. The shareholders of Ciba Holding AG will be notified about the offer and the required steps they must take in order to accept it either through their custodian banks or, in case they keep their share certificates themselves, directly by the Ciba share registrar.

BASF is offering Ciba shareholders CHF 50.00 in cash for each nominal share. This price corresponds to a premium of 32 percent above the closing price for Ciba shares on September 12, 2008, and a premium of 60 percent above the volume-weighted average share price for Ciba shares in the 30 days prior to announcement of the public takeover offer on September 15, 2008. The Board of Directors of Ciba recommends in its report that Ciba shareholders accept the offer. The independent expert appointed by the Ciba Board of Directors considers the price offered by BASF to be fair.

Hollander Home Fashions uses Purista freshness treatment

Hollander Home Fashions, the largest pillow manufacturer in the United States and a 50-year leader in the bedding industry, announced the introduction of Purista, the freshness treatment for textiles. The Purista treatment is designed to keep products cleaner and fresher for longer, giving consumers the option to reduce wash frequency. As the exclusive dealer of Purista Basic Bedding (Non Foam) products, the treatment is now available on Hollander’s pillows, mattress pads and comforters.

Ms Susie Hargreaves joins SDC Council

The Society has appointed Susie Hargreaves as its new chief executive. She takes over following the retirement of Ken McGhee at the end this month. Susie joins the Society from CultureWorks UK, a company she founded in 2002 specialising in business development, marketing and events management. Prior to setting up CultureWorks UK, Susie was the first chief executive of Audiences Yorkshire.

For the past 11 years, SDC Council has empowered Ken McGhee in the role of chief executive to create a modern, forward looking Society capable of surviving and prospering in the 21st century. In his time in office, many challenges have been addressed during a period characterised by unprecedented change, increasing globalisation, advances in technology and, perhaps most significantly, unparalleled demands and time pressures on Society members in the workplace.

SMART’ tool to save energy, cut water & improve textile hygiene

The European Union is steadfast in its quest to investigate and promote measures to secure a greener future. Helping in this effort is the EU-supported project SMILES (Sustainable Measures for Industrial Laundry Expansion Strategies: Smart Laundry-2015), which targets the development and launch of 16 new sustainable technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and secure water and energy savings, particularly in the industrial laundry sector.

EU funding for the three-year project stands at EUR 2.38 million.  The SMILES project partners say small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent 90% of the industrial laundry sector in the EU-27. While it provides work for nearly 170,000 people, the sector consumes 42 million cubic metres (m3) of wash water and 60 petajoules (PJ) of energy each year. But the buck doesn't stop here. The treatment of waste water (which also totals some 40 million m3) and the release of 3.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) also play havoc with the environment.

Anil Biochem to launch 40 new enzymes for textile industry

Anil Biochem Limited (ABL) is a manufacturer of enzymes used in the textile industry. Alfa Amylase, Protease enzymes complete the range of products that ABL manufactures. Alfa Amylase enzymes are used in textile for de-sizing and Protease enzymes are used in de-hairing and softening of leather. According to a report, domestic enzyme demand is poised to grow at an overall rate of 6.9 percent each year through 2010. Based on the research there are predictions on existing and anticipated gains in several key markets, including starch processing.

ABL has changed it’s focus from powder enzymes to liquid enzymes as demand for liquid enzymes is rising. Anil Biochem has chalked-out an expansion-plan with estimated investment of Rs 200 million. ABL will launch 40 new enzymes for the textile industry with a target of acquiring 20 percent domestic market share from its current 3 percent in the next 2 years. Enzymes are used as de-sizing agents in the textile industry which strengthens the yarn. ABL has a new production facility for liquid enzymes having production capacity of 800 MT per month which will be increased to 2000 MT per month. ABL is also looking forward towards expansion in Far-East and Middle-East countries by end of the current fiscal.

Devan Chemicals acquires Micropolis S.A.

The Devan Chemicals Group has acquired the Portuguese company Micropolis S.A. Micropolis, based in Porto, is a spin-off of the Minho University and is specialised in micro-encapsulation and hydrogel technology. Micropolis, with the support INOVCAPITAL, a Venture Capital company that focuses its investments in High-Tech start up companies, has worked for more than 5 years in the development of reactive microcapsules.

ROH to introduce binders & additives for textiles, non-wovens at Cinte Techtextil

Specialty materials company Rohm and Haas will showcase its range of high performance binders and additive solutions at the New China International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Non-wovens to be held in Shanghai on Oct.20-22, 2008.

Dow to exhibit silicone textile printing inks at Sports Source Asia

Dow Corning Corporation, a leading supplier of innovative silicone solutions for the textiles industry, will exhibit and offer a presentation at Sports Source Asia. At Booth 3G20, Dow Corning will feature its silicone textile printing inks, which are durable, color-fast, and suitable even for tough-to-print, high-performance sports apparel.

Visitors to Booth 3G20 will learn how Dow Corning’s solutions provide competitive advantages. Silicone textile printing inks are heat-resistant, fast-curing, and easily pigmented. They offer high elongation and a soft, non-sticky handle. In addition, Dow Corning’s cost-effective inks provide optimal coverage with only three layers, compared to the 12-15 layers required with typical inks.

MOOO dyeable PP fiber makes dyeing a reality

Garments made of MOOO (pronounced "move") dyeable polypropylene can now be dyed efficiently in the latest brilliant hues, thanks to BASF's fiber technology.The MOOO fiber incorporates innovative BASF technology that allows fabric from colorless MOOO fiber to be color-dyed, which previously was not possible for polypropylene. Polypropylene fabrics can now easily be dyed with disperse dyes in aqueous media in a standard industry process.

The invention also provides brilliant color shades to meet fast-moving market trends. The unique feature of MOOO fiber is its super light weight, as light as 0.9g/cm3. MOOO fiber is the lightest among all other fibers, including cotton, nylon and polyester. The MOOO dyeable polypropylene fiber technology won the prestigious Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) Colour Innovation Award 2008 earlier this year. Entries were invited from seven sectors: science and technology, manufacturing and retailing and – for the first time – design, education and media.

Arkema doubles up production capacity of H2O2 plant

As the world’s third leading hydrogen peroxide producer, Arkema has successfully expanded the capacity at its Wujing (Shanghai, China) plant, which increases the capacity to 80,000 ton/year.

This capacity increase will position us to meet the growing needs of the Asian markets which are driven by industrial and everyday consumer goods. This expansion marks a further step in the development of our activity in China through the Arkema Shanghai Hydrogen Peroxide (66.6% Arkema and 33.3% Shanghai Coking) which has been a twelve year joint venture” reports Xavier Durand-Delacre, Managing Director of Arkema’s Global Hydrogen Peroxide Business Unit.

One more dyeing & printing mill in Shaanxi files for bankruptcy

According to a court ruling from the Xi'an Intermediate People's Court on October 8, a third printing and dyeing mill in Shaanxi has been granted to undergo bankruptcy liquidation according to law.The mill has been running in to a loss since a long time. While the assets of the mill is estimated at Yuan 171.43 million, total liabilities on the other hand have touched Yuan 618.08 million. Liabilities have exceeded assets by more than 360 percent, which has met the statutory conditions for bankruptcy.

The plant has been running a negative balance sheet since 1989 with its cumulative loss in eighteen years amounting to Yuan 588.58 million.

Evonik Industries to invest in new Hydrogen peroxide plant

Evonik Industries AG is planning to build a new facility for the environment-friendly bleaching and oxidation agent hydrogen peroxide at the Triunfo petrochemical complex near Porto Alegre (southern Brazil).   Hydrogen peroxide is mainly used in the paper and pulp industry. The investment, which still has to be approved by Evonik’s Supervisory Board, will be in the region of €45 million.

  Construction is scheduled to start in mid-2009 and the plant should come on stream in early 2011. The new facility will have capacity of 40,000 metric tons p.a. and about 25 employees. The investment plans are a response to the dynamic growth of the pulp market, which has created additional demand for hydrogen peroxide. Growth rates of over 10 percent p.a. are forecast for South America for the period to 2012.

Experts forecast that the Brazilian pulp market will almost double from around 6 million metric tons to around 13 million metric tons by 2013. Most of the necessary forestry plantations are planned for southern Brazil.

NOVEMBER

AGC to endorse Swiss bluesign standard

bluesign technologies ag announces cooperation with AGC (Asahi Glass Co Ltd). In the future AGC will endorse the systematic of the bluesign standard as supporters and will publish their bluesign compliant products in the bluefinder - a product database with ecologically and economically “Best Available Products” for the textile industry.

DuPont ranks first in Chemical Industry Innovation

DuPont has the strongest patent portfolio in the chemical industry, according to the Global Patent Scorecard issued on Oct. 21. DuPont has rated first among chemical companies since the inception of the report's publication in the Wall Street Journal. The Patent Board rated DuPont more than twice as strong as second place 3M for the aggregate "Technology Strength" score.

DuPont averages more than five patent filings per day and holds an active portfolio of more than 6,000 U.S. patents. More than 1,000 new products were launched in 2007. That enabled a gain of more than USD 10 billion revenue last year from products launched since 2004.

Deadlines for Pre- registration stage of REACH:

Dyes & Chemicals companies have restricted amount of time to Pre- Register their products before the 30th November 2008 in REACH compliance to continue their trade with European countries. REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), is a major compliance concerning the way chemicals are manufactured, used and managed in European country.

If the company wants to sell their chemicals into Europe, they will need to pre-register their products before the 30th November 2008. REACH Partners as a European entity, which will complete and submit all the necessary compliance forms to the ECHA in Helsinki and provide with the company a REACH number once processed.

This will allow companies to continue to trade for between 2 and 10 years before the full registration process begins. If they fail to register their products before 30th November 2008, they will not be able to sell into the European Union without completing the whole process. These new REACH regulations are highly complex and can be demanding, time consuming and expensive for companies to effectively interpret and implement so it is imperative that company act soon.REACH Partners, with their unique combination of IT, legal and chemical industry skills, will manage this process for dyes and chemicals companies in the simplest of ways. A new simple pre-registration service is now available to give you a fast, easy and cost effective method of pre-registering at www.reachpartners.eu.
REACH Partners Ltd

Slowdown has cast shadow on dyestuff exports - Mr Mehta, DMAI

In order to give a comprehensive understanding as to what extent this meltdown will affect the textile chemical industry, fibre2fashion spoke to Mr Janak Mehta, President of Dyestuff Manufacturers Association of India, which is a national body representing the dyestuff industry in India.

Commenting on the economic crisis and recessionary trends, Mr Mehta said, “The economic turmoil gripping the developed nations all over the world has also undoubtedly affected our industry very adversely. A lion’s share of dyestuffs from our country is exported to US, EU and South Asian Countries. Slow down of economy and recessionary trends for the last few months mainly in US and Europe has cast a shadow on our exports to these regions both directly and indirectly. Consuming sectors including garments and textiles, leather, etc., have been hit most seriously.

As more than 60 percent of dyestuffs products are consumed by these industries and coupled with the downtrend in the consuming industry, the impact has been very severely felt by the dyestuffs industry and direct exports in particular as well, as a consequence. As per available data, export growth has slipped to almost 10 percent in September 2008 vis-à-vis a robust average of 27 percent witnessed during the earlier months of the current fiscal.”

Mr Mehta, though commended the steps taken by the government by saying “No doubt infusion of liquidity by the recent Govt. measures like reduction in CRR and SLR, REPO rates etc. has brought in an additional Rs.100,000 crores into the system and appreciation of the US dollar to almost Rs.49 in recent days has provided much sought relief to our export fraternity although imports have become astronomically prohibitive.”

But in a solemn voice he lamented that “Saddled with the high cost of inputs and accumulation of inventory on the one hand, exporters are facing the irony of cancellation of export orders in the changed scenario on the other hand. Drying up of orders mainly from countries like US, EU and Japan, we are afraid, is likely to hit our exporters harder in the next few months, if the present slow down in the global economy continues unabated.”

Dow expects closure of Rohm & Haas acquisition early next year

The Dow Chemical Company announced the anticipated post close organization for the previously announced Rohm and Haas Advanced Materials Division, which will take effect following the regulatory approval and close of Dow’s pending acquisition of Rohm and Haas. Closing is targeted for early 2009. Pierre Brondeau, currently president and chief operating officer of Rohm and Haas, will lead the Rohm and Haas Advanced Materials Division of Dow.

Oeko-Tex certificate continues to consolidate its position

With nearly 9,000 certificates issued in the last year alone, the Oeko-Tex certification system continues to consolidate its position as the global leader of reference for independent testing of textiles for harmful substances. The International Oeko-Tex Association has recognised this by holding the annual conference of the directors of the Oeko-Tex member institutes from 41 countries world-wide from October 27 to 28, 2008 in South Africa, where one of the authorised testing institutes is based.

Oeko-Tex executives' efforts to increase awareness of textile product safety even in less significant markets, such as Africa, were emphasised by an event held for customers hosted by South Africa's largest textile trader. Representatives from Oeko-Tex® certified firms, trade and industry, and members of the media attended. With respect to the further development of the Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue, the institute directors emphasised they would continue to offer manufacturers, traders and textile consumers a high degree of product safety. The basis for the new formulation of the test criteria is shaped by continual observation of the market, harmonisation with national and international standards and laws, and consideration for the latest scientific findings.

In the last year alone, some 20% of all the issued certificates were checked. Further quality assurance measures include the internal round-robin tests between the Oeko-Tex testing institutes and unannounced visits by independent Oeko-Tex® auditors to the production facilities of certified companies. With more than 70,000 certificates issued for millions of vaunted, traded products, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is the most successful label world-wide for textiles that have been tested for harmful substances.

The European countries, with 48.5% of the certificates issued, and Asia, with 48.6% share, are certification focal points. In Africa, some 130 certificates have been issued up to now. Among those, nine were for companies in South Africa. Viewed internationally, textile fabrics (29%) are certified most frequently, followed by garments (19%), yarns and threads (17%), accessories (15%) and home textile products (7%).
Currently, more than 8,000 companies from 85 countries world-wide are active in the Oeko-Tex certification system. Among them are textile and garment manufacturers representing all stages of production, accessory suppliers, retailers and producers of dyes and auxiliaries.

Branding program for "Pure by HeiQ", odour-free textile finish

HeiQ Materials AG, the leader and inventor of silver composite additives and high performance sustainable textile finishes, has launched a unique branding program for its odour-free textile finish called "Pure by HeiQ".

“The Pure ingredient branding program underlines HeiQ’s commitment to invest in textile innovation with our advanced technologies already established in the medical device industry” says Kristofer Skantze, Head of Sales and Marketing at HeiQ. “The challenge has been to communicate effectively the odor-free performance and the benefits of our high value effect applied to clothes to the end-consumer, without blinding them with science,” he adds by saying.

Global acceptance of NanoSphere finishing technology increases

Around one year from the announcement of the new strategic cooperation between Schoeller Technologies AG (patent holder, branding, marketing) and Clariant International Ltd. (production, world-wide sales, know-how transfer, quality assurance) the high quality NanoSphere finishing technology is proving to be on the right course: The number of partners almost quadrupled within this year, rising from 12 to 47.

The range of countries now includes China, Germany, France, India, Italy, Columbia, Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey as well as the USA. This aspired qualitative growth has had a positive effect on the areas of application: new plants for the clothing market, commercial textiles, home textiles, up-holstery and the automotive industry use the high-quality water and dirt repelling and repeatedly award-winning textile technology.

ECHA advises not to defer sign-up & pre-register for REACH

If the REACH-IT system cannot absorb the large number of pre-registrations before the deadline, ECHA will provide an additional pre-registration submission method in the final days of pre-registration. This method will be implemented only if absolutely necessary. The deadline for pre-registration cannot be extended by ECHA, and only a submission via REACH-IT guarantees the receipt of a pre-registration number and direct access to the pre-SIEF without delay. Therefore, companies are advised not to defer sign-up and preregistration.

On 16 November, ECHA doubled the capacity of REACH-IT, which substantially improved the performance of the system also during peak hours. Over the coming days, ECHA will implement further technical solutions to enhance system performance. The performance will be constantly monitored and there will be status updates on the website each working day. ECHA advises industry to avoid peak hours if possible and to use the bulk format for substances with EC numbers.ECHA reminds companies that the pre-registration deadline of December 1st, set out in the REACH Regulation, cannot be extended by ECHA. In order to guarantee that industry can pre-register by 1 December 2008, ECHA has now developed a back-up submission procedure.

Arkema develops Rilsan Techline for garment industry

Arkema developed the minicoat process in the 70’s and designed a special range of Rilsan Minicoat powders for this highly efficient powder coating process. Since the 80’s, Rilsan Minicoat White 1452 MAC nylon powder, also simply known as 1452, has been the industrial standard for nylon coating powders used in the minicoat process, especially for the coating of brassiere and undergarment adjusters..

BASF able to garner 94.59% of all Ciba shares

The definitive final result for BASF’s public tender offer to shareholders of Ciba Holding AG Basel, Switzerland, is available. Up to the end of the offer period, a total of 53,376,268 Ciba shares have been tendered to BASF.

Together with the 1,011,536 Ciba shares that BASF held before the publication of the pre-announcement, the 9,021,802 Ciba shares that BASF bought from the Spanish investor group Bestinver outside the public tender offer and the 1,918,547 own shares held by Ciba, this results in a participation of 65,328,153 Ciba shares. This corresponds to 94.59 percent of all issued Ciba shares.

The transfer of shares to BASF and the payment of the offer price to Ciba shareholders will take place on the settlement date, which is expected in the first quarter of 2009. A second trading line for the tendered Ciba shares is expected to be opened on the Swiss stock exchange on December 3, 2008. This will allow the shares to be traded up to the settlement date. The shares remain tendered. On the settlement date, they are automatically transferred to BASF against payment of the offer price of CHF 50.00 irrespective of the share owner on that date.

Alternative procedure to pre-register at REACH-IT

The REACH-IT system has handled an extremely large number of pre-registrations – greatly in excess of the original design capacity. ECHA carefully monitors the performance of REACH-IT alongside the number of pre-registrations received and other activities in the system. ECHA has concluded that, should activity in REACH-IT increase at the present rate, there is a risk that response times would become very slow and all users willing to enter the system might not be able to do so during the peak hours.

Companies can help avoid the overloading of the system by using REACH_IT outside peak hours, when the load on the system is lower. They should also only enter REACH-IT when they wish to pre-register or obtain submission reports. In addition they should not try to run automated scripts in REACHIT (ECHA will block the IP addresses of users who try such scripts and may also take additional measures against them

The alternative procedure:

To ensure that companies can continue to pre-register in the event of problems with REACHIT, ECHA developed an alternative procedure, based on a web form, which will allow companies to pre-register outside the REACH-IT system. ECHA wishes to emphasize that the form will not have the full range of functions of REACH-IT (for example. generation of pre-registration numbers and search facilities for SIEF members) and may take some time for ECHA to transfer the information submitted into the REACH-IT database.

Consequently, ECHA will only enable the procedure if the Agency is no longer confident that REACH-IT can process all submissions by the deadline, i.e. midnight of 1 December GMT. The news alert of 18 November 2008 explained the consequences of the alternative route and how those who submitted via that route will obtain pre-registration numbers after 1 December.

DECEMBER

Levafix CA dye meets all established eco standards

The latest addition to DyStar’s Levafix CA range of high-performance reactive dyes is Levafix Brilliant Red CA. This new dye creates a unique brilliant red and in combination with Levafix Orange CA and Levafix Scarlet CA clear and bright pastel shades. Like all the other dyes in the Levafix CA family, Levafix Brilliant Red CA can be applied by all established dyeing methods and its features include excellent reproducibility and reliable application.

Levafix Brilliant Red CA is synonymous with highest Color Confidence the dye offers especially in bright to medium shades outstanding light fastness even in the presence of alkaline or oxidative detergent residues, and it has very high fastness to repeated washing. What’s more the new dye produces shades with maximum color constancy under different light sources bringing new article opportunities to retailers. In common with all Levafix CA dyes, it meets the requirements of all established ecological standards and is metal and AOX-free.

Dyes & chemical companies in deep trouble

Chemicals and auxiliaries manufacturers of India are in trouble due to the sharp drop in prices of final products. These products have been manufactured from high priced raw materials, and now since prices have bottomed out, they are facing prospects of huge losses on the stocks. In Gujarat alone, around 2,500-3,000 chemical companies are on the verge of closure due to critical situation of the market.

The prices of major dyes and other key chemicals in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and other countries have gone down sharply and suddenly. The effects of this development has also been felt in India, due to which, textile auxiliaries’ manufacturers in India are bearing huge losses on carried forward inventory of final products. Prices of major key chemicals and intermediates have gone down by as much as 40–50 percent.

US is the largest consumer of Dyes and Textile chemicals; however they have started outsourcing processed fabrics itself, due to which demand for dyes and chemicals in the markets of the US has gone down drastically. Indian dyes and textile chemicals industry is no more insulated from the global meltdown. Industry sources say, that the exports of Indian dyestuff is expected to go down sharply in the second half as compared to the first half of this year due to tough competition from China and also because of slowdown in demand.

Indian dyestuff industry faced less competition during the pre-Olympics period, because some of the Chinese companies were shutdown temporarily due to the environmental laws introduced by Chinese Government. However the Chinese companies are back in business now, which is believed to have affected the Indian exports to a great extent. It is believed that, 2009 will be a far more worse year for the industry than what it cumulatively faced in 2008.

REACH-IT pre-registrations lower than expected on last day

Today, the usage of REACH-IT has been lower than expected. Our monitoring shows that system response times are fast and all companies that wish to pre-register should be able do so in REACH-IT. A pre-registration web form was however enabled this morning to ensure that even in the unlikely event of REACH-IT unavailability companies could continue their submissions.

This alternative procedure should thus only be used if a company is, after several attempts, unable to submit its preregistration bulk files or online pre-registrations in REACH-IT.

REACH-IT receives 2.2 million pre-registrations

The six-month REACH pre-registration period closed on 1 December at midnight. EU/EEA-based companies submitted well over two million pre-registrations covering more than 100 000 substances. ECHA is currently processing and verifying the validity of the remaining unprocessed files. The list of pre-registered substances will be published on the ECHA website by 1 January 2009. Companies that have failed to preregister cannot continue manufacturing or importing their substance until they have submitted a full registration dossier.

After Pre-registration: Companies that have pre-registered their substances will benefit from the staggered registration deadlines (2010, 2013 or 2018) for their substances. Their next REACH obligation is to start data sharing in Substance Information Exchange Forums (SIEFs) after ECHA will have published the List of Pre-registered Substances. Companies may organise their data-sharing as they consider most appropriate. Some industry associations have tools ready to assist the data-sharing. Companies starting to manufacture or import a substance at or above one tonne per year after 1 December for first time can benefit from late pre-registration provisions. This provision does not apply to those companies that have failed to meet the pre-registration deadline. Such companies cannot continue manufacturing or importing the substance until they have submitted a full registration dossier and paid the registration fee.

BASF comes closer to acquiring Ciba

BASF has come a step closer to acquiring Ciba. At the Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders of Ciba Holding AG held today in Basel, Switzerland, the voting rights and registration restrictions in the articles of association of Ciba Holding AG were removed with effect as of the settlement date.

At the same time, three representatives of BASF – Dr. Hans-Ulrich Engel, Hans-Walther Reiners and Dr. Jörg Buchmüller – were elected to Ciba’s Board of Directors. The election is also effective as of the settlement date. All current members of Ciba’s Board of Directors will resign as of the settlement date. The motions were approved by significantly more than 90 percent of the share capital represented. As a result, further conditions of BASF’s public tender offer have been fulfilled. The completion of the transaction is still subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities, which is expected in the first quarter of 2009.

Huntsman restructures Textile Effects business

Paul Hulme, President of the Materials & Effects division of Huntsman Corporation, announced that the company has completed a comprehensive review of the strategy for its global Textile Effects (TE) business.

As a result, the Textile Effects business will move to implement a new structure that will see its operations expand significantly in Asia and consolidate in the Americas and in Europe as it transitions from a regional to a global, market-focused organization. The company has targeted approximately $60 million in annual savings when all phases of the restructuring are fully completed. The streamlined Textile Effects business will be comprised of two global strategic business units: Apparel & Home Textiles and Specialty Textiles, which together will focus on nine growth market segments. All business and support functions will be aligned to this new structure.

Huntsman appoints New President for Pigments Division

Huntsman Corporation announced the appointment of Simon Turner as President of its Pigments Division. Mr. Turner most recently served as Senior Vice President of the Pigments Division and previously, as Vice President of Global Sales. He has been employed in the Pigments Division for 19 years.

Mr. Thomas J. Keenan, formerly President of the Pigments Division, will continue to serve the Company in a corporate capacity. Huntsman’s President and CEO Peter R. Huntsman stated, “Tom and Simon are two of our best and brightest. I expect Simon to apply his considerable energy and drive to continue Tom’s good work and to bring additional change where needed to address the new challenges faced by the global pigments industry.”

Eastman Board elects Jim Rogers CEO

Eastman Chemical Company announced that the board of directors has elected James P. Rogers, 57, president and chief executive officer, effective following the annual meeting of stockholders on May 7, 2009. The board also appointed Rogers as a director, effective immediately to serve in the class for which the term in office expires at the annual meeting of stockholders in May 2011. Rogers is currently president of the company and chemicals and fibers business group head.

J. Brian Ferguson, 54, will continue to serve as chairman and CEO through the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders, and then will serve as executive chairman of the board through 2010. These actions come as part of the board’s normal succession planning process.

Dow to eliminate 5000 full-time jobs, shut 20 plants

The Dow Chemical Company announced a series of aggressive actions to accelerate its transformational strategy in light of current economic realities. Dow’s transformation to a lean Corporate Center, a shared Business Services group and three business operating models, effective January of 2009, will accelerate the Company’s ability to shed high-cost assets and centralized functional structures.

As part of the actions announced, Dow will eliminate approximately 5,000 full-time jobs, close 20 facilities in high-cost locations and divest several non-strategic businesses.The job reductions represent a reduction of roughly 11 percent of Dow’s global workforce. Once fully implemented, these actions are expected to result in $700 million in annual operating cost savings by 2010 and are additional to the previously announced cost synergies of $800 million in the same timeframe for the anticipated Rohm and Haas acquisition. In addition, reflecting poor current market conditions, Dow will temporarily idle approximately 180 plants and significantly reduce its contractor workforce worldwide by approximately 6,000 as predicated by reduced operations.

Huntsman terminates merger agreement & settles with Hexion, Apollo

Huntsman Corporation announced it has terminated its Merger Agreement with Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. (“Hexion”). In addition, Huntsman announced that it reached an agreement with Hexion, Apollo Management, L.P. (“Apollo”) and certain of its affiliates to settle Huntsman’s claims against Hexion, Apollo and its affiliates arising in connection with Huntsman’s Merger Agreement with Hexion. Payments to be made to Huntsman under the Settlement Agreement total $1 billion.

In addition to the $325 million break-up fee to be paid as provided in the Merger Agreement and which Hexion expects will be funded by Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank (the “Banks”) under an existing commitment, certain affiliates of Apollo will make cash payments to Huntsman under the Settlement Agreement totalling $425 million. Certain affiliates of Apollo also will pay Huntsman an additional $250 million in exchange for 10 year convertible notes issued by Huntsman in that principal amount, which may be repaid at maturity in cash or common stock at Huntsman’s election.

At least $500 million of the payments are to be paid to Huntsman on or before December 31, 2008, and any remaining payments that have not been made by that date must be made on or before March 31, 2009. The Settlement Agreement also resolves Huntsman’s pending claims against Apollo and its affiliates relating to Huntsman’s prior merger agreement with Basell AF.

DyStar & BASF cooperate on efficient dyeing of polyamide fibers

Textilfarben GmbH & Co. Deutschland KG of Frankfurt and BASF SE of Ludwig-shafen, Germany, have recently signed a cooperation agreement on joint research and development aimed at improving the dyeing of textile polyamide fibers. BASF is responsible for new polymers for fiber production while DyStar will see to the development of the dyes.

Within its Ultramid product line, BASF is developing new fiber polymers with improved dye absorption. This allows the use of dyes that achieve high levels of wet fastness and light fastness and that also have good fixation properties. With its Telon® RN dyes, DyStar has succeeded in developing a complete range of reactive dyes for polyamide including a three color combination with good compatibility that meet very high fastness requirements.

The Telon RN dyes allow brilliant and deep shades of color. They lend themselves particularly well for high-end articles that require fastness at laundering temperatures of up to 95°C [203°F] and multiple wash cycles at high temperatures. Furthermore, DyStar is offering its Isolan® NHF-S and Telon M dyes which are already well-established on the market and which fulfill all of the standard fastness requirements made by leading retailers.

New REACH Regulation: DyStar completes pre-registration on schedule

DyStar completed pre-registration of all relevant chemicals under the new REACH Regulation by the deadline of December 1, 2008. Pre-registration was undertaken for all DyStar companies, both in the European Union and elsewhere. DyStar can therefore offer its customers a reliable basis for planning and supply.The REACH Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorization of chemicals came into effect on June 1, 2007.

The aim of the Regulation is to protect human health and the environment when using chemical substances. Pre-registration is the precondition for manufacturing chemicals in Europe or importing them into the European Union in the future. The next step required for compliance with the REACH Regulation is phased registration of the chemicals on the basis of their hazard potential and the amount produced or imported.

SmartSilver antimicrobial additives approved by Oeko-Tex

SmartSilver, a breakthrough anti-microbial additive from NanoHorizon has been approved by the International Oeko-Tex Association as not harmful to health.

NanoHorizons Inc. is a leader in the emerging, cutting-edge field of practical nanotechnology for a broad range of consumer, commercial, and industrial applications. The company’s nanoscale silver antimicrobial additives, marketed globally to the medical, textile, and apparel industries under the SmartSilver brand, offer permanent, safe, cost-effective bacterial control in a variety of products, including natural and synthetic fibers and fabrics.

Evonik Industries reconstitutes Executive Board

At today’s meeting the Supervisory Board of Evonik Industries AG, Essen (Germany), decided that the management structure of the Executive Board should be revised and the number of members reduced from seven to three. Effective January 1, 2009 the Executive Board will comprise Dr. Klaus Engel (52) as CEO, Ulrich Weber (58), who will be responsible for human resources, and Heinz-Joachim Wagner (61) as Chief Financial Officer.

The Supervisory Board also appointed Dr. Wolfgang Colberg (49), currently a Member of the Board of Management of BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, Munich (Germany), as Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2009. He succeeds Heinz-Joachim Wagner who will then leave the Group.

Dr. Alfred Oberholz (56) and Dr. Alfred Tacke (57), both Members of the Executive Board of Evonik, will be leaving the Group on December 31, 2008. Dr. Peter Schörner (49), currently a member of the Evonik Executive Board, will step down from this position at year-end 2008 but will remain Chairman of the Board of Management of Evonik Immobilien GmbH.

Coldblack receives Popular Science Award

For 21 years, Popular Science, the world’s largest science and technology magazine, has been honoring 100 outstanding innovations with its “Best of What’s New” award. These innovations must make a positive impact on life today and change our views of the future. “Our editors evaluate thousands of products each year to develop this thoughtful list of the 100 best technical innovations“, says Editor-in-Chief Mark Jannot.

The coldblack textile technology which was launched by Schoeller Technologies and Clariant International in summer 2008 is being admitted into the “Hall of Fame” under the title “Wear black, stay cool“. The 100 award-winners – the Best of What’s New – are being presented in the latest issue of Popular Science; coldblack in the “Recreation” category. Since 1987 the awards are presented in a total of eleven categories: Automotive, Aviation & Space, Computing, Engineering, Gadgets, Green Tech, Home Entertainment, Securities, Home Tech, Personal Health and Recreation.

DuPont announces Leadership Adjustments

DuPont President and CEO-designate Ellen J. Kullman announced leadership adjustments effective Jan. 1. As announced in September, Kullman will become CEO of DuPont on Jan. 1. In addition to her responsibilities as CEO, Kullman will be directly responsible for the Agriculture and Safety & Protection business segments. Her former executive vice president position will not be filled.

Richard R. Goodmanson, executive vice president and chief operating officer, will continue to be responsible for leading and accelerating the company’s cost and working capital productivity programs. He will assume responsibility for the Coatings & Color Technologies and Performance Materials business segments, in addition to retaining responsibilities for Operations & Engineering, Sourcing & Logistics and Information Technology functions.

Thomas M. Connelly, Jr., executive vice president, will be responsible for strengthening DuPont’s market-driven science capabilities to the global marketplace, focusing on emerging markets. Connelly, who held several leadership roles in Asia and Europe, will assume responsibility for Marketing & Sales, geographic regions outside of the United States, and the Electronic & Communication Technologies business segment. He will retain responsibilities for Central Research & Development and Applied BioSciences.

ECHA releases list of pre-registered substances

During the six month period from 1 June to 1 December 2008, ECHA received about 2.75 million pre-registrations for about 150,000 substances. As provided by the REACH regulation, ECHA published today the list of pre-registered substances, i.e. before 1 January 2009. The pre-registrations cover all the EU “existing substances” (EINECS) and the list of notified new substances (ELINCS), together about 105,000 substances.

Huntsman receives termination fee from Hexion Specialty

Huntsman Corporation announced it has received the $325 million termination fee provided for in the Merger Agreement between Huntsman and Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. ("Hexion"). Hexion committed to pay the termination fee in connection with the previously announced $1 billion settlement between Huntsman and Hexion, Apollo Management, L.P. ("Apollo") and certain of its affiliates.

Huntsman expects to receive another $250 million payment from Apollo affiliates and a further $250 million payment upon issuance of 10 year Huntsman convertible notes to Apollo on or before December 31, 2008. The remaining $175 million of payments must be made on or before March 31, 2009.

Huntsman's President and CEO Peter R. Huntsman stated, "Receipt of these proceeds will enhance the strength of Huntsman's balance sheet and better position our company to prosper during the current turbulence in the global economy