#Yarn & Fiber

2017-08-31

INVISTA and CTCI sign strategic cooperation framework agreement

INVISTA and CTCI are pleased to announce that they have entered into an agreement for strategic cooperation. As part of the agreement CTCI will be nominated as INVISTA’s preferred contractor to provide engineering design services to licensees of INVISTA’s PTA technology.

The Parties have agreed to collaborate closely on the pursuit of PTA licensing opportunities and making further improvements to the PTA technology offering. This formal agreement builds upon the extensive collaboration between INVISTA and CTCI spanning over 20 years.

INVISTA is a leading licensor of process technologies, including the licensing of its proprietary purified terephthalic acid (PTA) technology, holding a majority share of the PTA technology licensing market. INVISTA’s latest PTA technology offering, ‘P8’, delivers industry leading variable cost performance through milder reactor conditions, improved energy integration and recovery. The process is a net exporter of electricity with a reduced environmental footprint as a result of low energy and water usage combined with reduced waste generation.

CTCI, Taiwan’s leading Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) company has a global presence focused on Engineering design, Procurement, Fabrication, Construction, Project management, Pre-commissioning and commissioning. CTCI has vast experience in the engineering of PTA Plants, having completed multiple PTA projects (equivalent to ~35 million annual tonnes of TA capacity) worldwide, including world class PTA projects using INVISTA’s PTA technology up to 2.2 million tonne plant scale. CTCI is currently the designated engineering contractor on the first P8 PTA project in China.

During a recent visit to INVISTA’s Wilton offices, Mr. M.H. Wang, deputy CEO and Group Engineering Business EVP of CTCI Corporation, commented, “The successful implementation of INVISTA’s P7 PTA platform is attributed to the joint efforts of both the INVISTA & the CTCI teams. I look forward to a successful start-up of the first P8 PTA project and greater collaboration between both parties.”

Mr. Mike Pickens, president, INVISTA Performance Technologies, commented, “Over the past several years, we have been working closely with CTCI to execute major capital investments in PTA. The signature of this strategic cooperation framework agreement is another milestone in our evolving relationship. I look forward to a strong collaboration of both parties in creating long term value in the PTA industry worldwide.”

INVISTA’s latest PTA, polyester, BDO & THF/PTMEG technologies are available as a license package from INVISTA Performance Technologies. For more information, please visit www.ipt.INVISTA.com.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

Sorona® and WGSN announce top bio-based material trends of 2027

Sorona®, the partially bio-based polymer from Covation Biomaterials (CovationBio™), and global trend forecasting authority WGSN today release the material trends shaping the textile industry through 2027 and beyond following a comprehensive examination of bio-based functional fiber applications and global data.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

Kimberly-Clark develops alternative natural fiber platform for hygiene products

Kimberly-Clark has introduced a proprietary innovation program aimed at developing alternative natural fibers for future hygiene products. The company has created a patented materials platform based on fibers derived from hesperaloe, a drought-tolerant succulent native to the southwestern United States.

Messe Frankfurt and Supima introduce Prefab – a new curated fabric sourcing event in New York City

Messe Frankfurt is expanding its international textile network with the launch of Prefab, a new boutique-style sourcing event dedicated exclusively to high-quality fabrics. Taking place 19-20 January 2027 at the Altman Building in New York City, the event will bring selected Supima member fabric mills together with senior designers, fabric directors, product developers and sourcing decision-makers from premium and luxury brands. With a carefully curated exhibitor line-up and a targeted visitor approach, Prefab is designed to create a focused business setting in which material quality, expertise and meaningful exchange take priority over scale.