#Yarn & Fiber

2020-06-18

DOMO to stop and close BOPA production at Leuna plant

DOMO Chemicals, a leading producer of high-quality engineering materials for a diverse range of markets, has announced plans to stop and close its third line of Biaxally Oriented PA films (BOPA) from DOMO in Leuna (Germany), effective from August 2020. Affected employees have been informed and other operations at the Leuna plant will not be impacted by the move. The difficult decision was reached as a result of global overcapacity for nylon films.

Biaxally Oriented PA films (BOPA) production at DOMO’s Leuna (Germany) plant to be stopped and closed during summer 2020

DOMO’s Nylon Film business has proven to be a key asset, serving essential market segments during COVID-19 period: Italian branch, DOMO Film Solutions Spa (DFS), will keep on operating its Cesano Maderno BOPA and CPA plants and continue serving the market, without impacts for customers and suppliers

DOMO Chemicals maintains its Nylon 6 core operations hub in Leuna, continuously developing sustainable and innovative solutions for EP and other key industries worldwide

Attilio Annoni, Managing Director at DFS states: “In these extraordinary circumstances of high business volatility, we have opted to continue to focus on quality and flexibility through cautious and smart asset management, rather than reacting with short-term volume strategies.”

With the acquisition of Solvay’s European PA66 business at the beginning of this year, DOMO Chemicals has become a leading integrated Nylon 6 and 66 player worldwide. Despite the current market slowdown, which is affecting the automotive and other industrial segments served by DOMO’s “Polymers & Intermediates” and “Engineering Materials” units, the company remains on course to achieve its global growth objectives. These include, among others, the continued development of sustainable solutions for customers, in accordance with the highest corporate, social and environmental responsibility standards.

DOMO to stop and close BOPA production at Leuna plant. (c) 2020 Domo

DOMO’s Nylon Film business remains a key asset. It forms an integral part of the supply chains related to segments such as pharmaceuticals, medical, and food packaging, which have all proven to be so essential during the COVID-19 period.

“We continue to focus on flexibility and competitiveness, and have not been impacted in how we support our customers in successfully meeting current and future market challenges with specialized and sustainable solutions. As ever we will continue to partner with our customers in developing and supplying nylon films for high performing and sustainable flexible packaging structures,” Mr Annoni concludes.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

Fifteen years of Autoneum – From spin off to global technology leader

What started as a strategic carve‑out has since become the success story of a global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management solutions for vehicles. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, Autoneum supplies leading automobile manufacturers worldwide with innovative, lightweight and increasingly sustainable solutions.

Kruger, Canada, orders first nonwovens line for sustainable wipes from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from newly established Kruger Nonwovens to deliver a complete WetlaceTM hybrid line for the Wayagamack mill in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. With this investment, pulp and paper producer Kruger is preparing to enter the nonwovens market with a new generation of plastic-free, chemical-free materials for sustainable wipes. The line is the first of its kind in Canada and is scheduled to start production in 2028.

Picanol to present its leading weaving technology at ITM 2026

Picanol is pleased to announce it will be participating in ITM 2026 in Istanbul. This is a key event for industry professionals to engage with the Turkish textile industry as well as the extensive international audience attending the fair. During the event, Picanol will present its latest innovations to the visitors in Hall 8, booth 802.