#Textile chemistry

2015-04-23

Novozymes Q1 in line with expectations; 2015 outlook adjusted for currencies

Novozymes, the world’s largest producer of industrial enzymes, today announced its first quarter results for 2015. Sales in the first quarter of 2015 grew by 8% organically and by 18% in DKK compared with Q1 2014. EBIT grew by 6%, and the EBIT margin was 27.4%.

Adjusting for the one-time impact from The BioAg Alliance in Q1 2014, EBIT grew by ~20%, and the EBIT margin expanded by ~1 percentage point compared with Q1 2014. The EBIT margin expansion was mainly due to currencies. Net profit grew by 2%, and free cash flow before acquisitions came in at DKK 610 million.

The 2015 outlook is adjusted for currencies only. Organic sales growth is expected at 7-9%. Currencies are expected to provide further tailwind, and sales in DKK are now expected to increase by 16-18% compared with 13-15% at previous guidance. The expectation for EBIT growth is increased by 3 percentage points to 15-17%, and the EBIT margin is adjusted to ~27%. The expectation for net profit growth is increased to 11-13%, up from 10-12%. Expectations for net investments, cash flow and ROIC are unchanged.

“First-quarter sales and earnings were good and, overall, in line with our expectations at 8% organic sales growth and an EBIT margin above 27%”, says CEO Peder Holk Nielsen. “We see good developments within the agriculture and food markets but also detect a growing uncertainty in Household Care and Bioenergy, as customers navigate volatile currency, grain and energy markets. We're positive about the year as a whole and, due to the appreciation of the US dollar, we increase our outlook.”

Pic: The results as a graphic

A flagship for chemical production: BASF inaugurates world-scale Verbund site in China

BASF today (March 26, 2026) celebrated the official inauguration of its newly built, world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province in southern China. Covering an area of around four square kilometers, it is more than a major BASF project in the chemical growth market of China. “Zhanjiang shows what the future of chemistry looks like: efficient, digital and sustainable by design. The site showcases a smart integrated Verbund structure on an industrial scale,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF, at the ceremony attended by representatives from government, customers, business partners and employees.

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.

New Gravimax MMX-R X-ray sensor platform opens up new application fields

The demands placed on quality control in web-based production processes are increasing: materials are becoming more complex, basis weights are varying more widely, and at the same time, pressure is growing to make processes more efficient and transparent. Precise measurement data across the entire web width has therefore become a key factor in ensuring stable production processes. With its new Gravimax MMX-R sensor platform, Mahlo introduces a radiometric measurement solution designed to set new standards in determining basis weight and material composition. The platform combines advanced X-ray technology with newly developed signal processing, enabling measurement tasks that previously often required multiple sensor technologies.

Carbios confirms Longlaville plant in France following financing progress

Carbios has reaffirmed its plans to build its Longlaville plant in France within a project financing framework, targeting the start of production in the first half of 2028. The company also reports a solid cash position of around €60 million at the end of 2025 and has appointed Benoît Grenot as Deputy Chief Executive Officer to support the execution of its strategic projects.

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.