[pageLogInLogOut]

#Textile chemistry

HUNTSMAN with new equipment investments

Global chemical company Huntsman revealed that it has completed a series of equipment investments to boost the research and development (R&D) services it offers to footwear producers and their manufacturing partners, worldwide.

New strategic machinery purchases announced ahead of SIMAC 2019

Visit Huntsman at SIMAC – Hall 14, Booth A44 – 20 to 22 February 2019

Huntsman is a leading developer of innovative polyurethane and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials for the footwear industry. Throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe, the business has a number of technical centers that can provide specialist support to the footwear industry. Part of a much larger global network of Huntsman innovation and customer care centers, these footwear hubs offer design, prototyping, testing and technical support services to some of the world’s most well-known footwear brands.

To enrich its work across the entire footwear value chain and create fully equipped testing and prototyping environments in all three regions, Huntsman has recently purchased machines that give it extra technical support capabilities in the field of polyurethane casting; direct-on production; multi-section injection molding; and TPU injection molding. In the last year the business has also set up a Technical Service and Development Center in Vietnam to complement its existing facility in Thailand, which supports customers in South-East Asia.

Jim McCloud, Americas Footwear Sales Manager at Huntsman, said: “Many of the footwear companies we work with are big global brands. These companies want their material suppliers to have a similar geographic footprint - not just in terms of people, production and supply, but also for the delivery of innovation services and technical support. Our recent investments have been made with the needs of these customers in mind. Standardizing the equipment we have in place, across all three regions, gives our customers - large and small - peace of mind that we can replicate their manufacturing set up anywhere in the world and get new collaborative projects up and running, quickly and efficiently.”

Details of Huntsman’s equipment investments were announced ahead of the company attending SIMAC - the international exhibition for footwear machinery and materials. If you’d like to meet the Huntsman team at SIMAC, head to Booth A44 in Hall 14 at Fiera Milano, Milan, Italy, from Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 February. Alternatively, if you have an innovation project that you’d like to discuss with Huntsman’s footwear experts, email: polyurethanes_eu@huntsman.com


More News from Huntsman

#Textile chemistry

Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear

Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve the circularity of safety footwear. Together, the two companies have created a DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system that can incorporate recycled content without compromising performance – setting a new benchmark in protective footwear production.

#Textile chemistry

Huntsman secures bluesign® APPROVED status for IROGRAN® TPU products

Global chemical company Huntsman has secured bluesign® approval for ten of its IROGRAN® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products, which are used extensively across the textile and apparel industry. The materials in question are part of Huntsman’s IROGRAN® film and sheet portfolio, and can be used to enhance the production, performance, and comfort of stitchless, seamless garments including underwear, sportswear, and outdoor and waterproof clothing.

More News on Textile chemistry

#Textile chemistry

PFAS restrictions drive innovation in waterproof breathable fabrics

Innovation in waterproof breathable fabrics and apparel is being driven by legislation restricting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as manufacturers develop alternative membranes and finishes for use in outdoor apparel, according to “Waterproof breathable fabrics: changing legislation is driving innovation”, a 50-page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

#Techtextil & Texprocess 2028

Techtextil and Texprocess 2028 strengthen networking and business opportunities along the textile value chain

Techtextil and Texprocess are preparing for their next editions from 4 to 7 April 2028 in Frankfurt with an optimised hall layout designed to strengthen connections across the textile value chain. The new structure brings materials, production technologies and processing solutions closer together, while several leading international companies have already confirmed their participation. Exhibitors can benefit from early-booking rates until 30 November 2026.

#Textile chemistry

Archroma and Prosperity Textile to collaborate on denim innovation

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Prosperity Textile, an international fabric manufacturer with production bases in China and Vietnam, have announced a partnership to drive denim innovation. They will collaborate to develop, evaluate and implement new approaches to improve denim aesthetics, durability and performance, with a shared commitment to sustainability.

#Textile chemistry

SANITIZED and RUDOLF join forces to extend textile performance and wearability

Long-lasting performance textiles require solutions that address a wide range of consumer expectations, from lasting freshness and comfort to reliable protection against the elements. SANITIZED and RUDOLF are highlighting their latest innovations, demonstrating how specialized textile technologies can support the functional durability and wearability of modern apparel.

Latest News

#Textile processing

YKK Bangladesh celebrates 25 years of fastening production and business development

YKK Bangladesh Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Japanese fastening manufacturer YKK Corporation, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony in Dhaka on November 8, 2026. Since its establishment in November 2000, the company has expanded its manufacturing capacity and business operations alongside the growth of Bangladesh's apparel industry.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

Murata Machinery to showcase AIcone winding and high-speed VORTEX spinning at ITMA ASIA 2026

Japanese textile machinery manufacturer Murata Machinery will present its PROCESS CONER AIcone automatic winder and VORTEX 870 EX spinning machine at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026. Under the theme “Right Choice, Bright Future”, the company will highlight technologies for efficient yarn manufacturing, combining energy-saving winding solutions with high-speed air-jet spinning. Visitors can meet Murata Machinery in Hall 5, Booths E01 and E02.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

DORNIER highlights airbag, filtration and composite weaving technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026

Lindauer DORNIER will present its latest developments in air-jet and rapier weaving technology for technical textiles at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026. The German machinery manufacturer will focus on the reliable and efficient production of airbag fabrics, high-density filters and reinforcement textiles for fibre-reinforced composites. Alongside its A2 air-jet and P2 rapier weaving machines, DORNIER will highlight its TRITOS FLEX technology for complex 3D composite preforms, retrofit solutions and expanded service capabilities in Asia. The company will exhibit in Hall 3, Stand E02.

#Retail & Brands

Marks & Spencer expands across Asia Pacific through partnership with Global Fashion Group

Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Global Fashion Group (GFG) have announced a strategic partnership to expand the British retailer's fashion business across Asia Pacific. M&S has launched on Southeast Asian fashion platform ZALORA and plans to enter THE ICONIC in Australia and New Zealand in early 2027. The agreement also introduces regional fulfilment for Australian M&S.com orders, enabling faster deliveries and returns while supporting a capital-light international growth strategy.

TOP