#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.

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.

SHIMA SEIKI to show complete knitting and cutting workflow at ITM 2026

Leading computerized flat knitting technology provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Turkish representative TETAS IC VE DIS TICARET A.S., will participate in the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye this month with a full product lineup. In addition to flat knitting machines and design software, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the full range of SHIMA SEIKI textile machinery with its automatic cutting machine exhibit, all geared toward the fashion apparel market as well as non-apparel related businesses.

European Flax-Linen & Hemp step into advanced manufacturing: Enabling filament winding, 3D printing and high-performance composite processes

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp announces a new wave of technological advancements demonstrating how flax-linen and hemp fibres are now being successfully integrated into advanced composite manufacturing processes. These developments mark a transition beyond traditional hand lay-up techniques, positioning natural fibres as credible, scalable solutions for high-performance industrial applications.