#Yarn & Fiber

2021-01-07

SABIC’s Nusaned™ projected contribution to GDP rises to SAR 8.8 billion

The Nusaned™ Council celebrated at the SABIC Plastic Applications Development Center (SPADC) in Riyadh the graduation of 43 new investors, bringing the total number of graduates since the launch of the initiative to 106 investors qualified to start projects that will create 6610 jobs and contribute more than SAR 8.8 billion.

Several strategic partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding were also signed to qualify and empower SMEs and create advanced commercial products. The MoUs and partnerships will also help strengthen cooperation with the Saudi business community and universities in the areas of sustainability and innovation and develop training and manufacturing programs to contribute to localizing technologies and industries in the Kingdom.

Through these agreements, Nusaned™, in collaboration with "Monshaat", aims to bring SMEs closer to purchasing opportunities in the public and private sectors.

BASF, a German multinational chemical company, will showcase its advanced technologies, products and training programs to the business and education sectors in the Home of Innovation™ platform. Emerson, an American multinational corporation, will present its solutions to localize many manufacturing technologies, control systems, valve assembly, pressure and temperature transducers.

Nusaned™ initiative was launched by SABIC in early 2018 as part of its commitment to stimulate local industry and enable Vision 2030 through several pillars: increasing the private sector’s participation in GDP, reducing unemployment, and increasing the contribution of non-oil exports.

The agreements and projects are expected to serve several sectors, including construction, equipment and tools, medical supplies, metals, plastics, renewable energy, and specialty chemicals. Yousef Al-Benyan, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, stressed that the progress of the NusanedTM initiative is a qualitative leap that confirms its success in attracting and creating more opportunities by reaching a large number of partners locally and globally.

“The outcome of these agreements and partnerships will contribute to creating jobs and raising the level of knowledge and professional qualification for local competencies and entrepreneurs. It will also promote the localization of advanced technologies to enable the private sector and SMEs to play an active role in the national economy,” Al-Benyan added.

In addition to SABIC, members of the Nusaned™ Council include the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, Monshaat and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.

The Council is the executive platform of SABIC’s localization initiative Nusaned™. It convenes three times annually to follow up on the progress made in efforts to stimulate local content for promising future sectors, in addition to launching partnerships and initiatives and graduating eligible projects for local investment.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

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.

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.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).