#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

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.

RUDOLF gets the exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies

With effect from today, RUDOLF officially assumes exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies from SANITIZED AG. This is the next milestone in the strategic collaboration announced in 2025, with the partnership between the two companies now fully implemented and expanded worldwide.

organIQ seek: smart alternative to potassium permanganate

CHT Group announces new technical findings within its organIQ seek platform that significantly advance the transition toward permanganate-free denim bleaching. Through extensive industrial testing and application research, CHT confirms that organIQ seek can now be used with remarkable effectiveness as a substitute for potassium permanganate in spray bleach, while remaining aligned with sustainability expectations and cost realities in the European market. At the COLOMBIATEX in Medellín as well as at the Exintex in Puebla and the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam the CHT Group will present organIQ seek as an alternative to potassium permanganate.

Archroma brings high-impact textile innovations to Colombiatex 2026

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, is proud to announce its participation in Colombiatex 2026, one of the most influential textile and apparel industry events in the Americas. The event will take place in Medellín, Colombia, from January 27 to 29, where Archroma will welcome visitors at Booth PC006.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.