#Yarn & Fiber

2024-08-01

Kelheim Fibres completes restructuring agreement

Kelheim Fibres GmbH has established a solid financing plan for future profitability with the completion of a restructuring agreement. CEO Craig Barker expressed optimism: “The past few years have been very challenging for us and many other companies. Our financiers have shown exceptional commitment and rightly expect us to advance the operational restructuring measures that have been initiated.”

The restructuring measures include, among other things, streamlining the product portfolio towards more specialties—a shift that was initiated several years ago. Despite the economic difficulties of recent years, Kelheim Fibres has maintained the trust of suppliers and customers through transparent communication. The sale of a non-essential property has now made a significant financial contribution to the restructuring plan. Cooperation with local authorities has been crucial in this process.

With this new financial foundation, the team at Kelheim Fibres can fully focus its innovation efforts on expanding sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in the areas of hygiene, filtration, and packaging. The biobased viscose fibres from Kelheim are a promising material for these applications. As a plastic alternative in numerous everyday products, they address pressing environmental issues facing our society.

However, the market for fibre production remains challenging. Relatively high energy costs and rising costs for CO2 emission certificates must be offset by increased innovation and quality. Kelheim Fibres is committed to meeting these challenges.

Kelheim Fibres on track for the future

Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a global leader in specialty viscose fibre solutions, has successfully completed an internal restructuring and sharpened its focus on core product segments following its October 2024 insolvency filing. This has enabled the company to return to a sustainable business model, with a firm commitment to continue on this path.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH: Insolvency proceedings opened in self-administration – focus on sustainable restructuring and securing the future

By order of the Local Court of Regensburg dated January 1, 2025, insolvency proceedings were opened against the assets of Kelheim Fibres GmbH and self-administration was ordered. The management remains fully capable of acting within the framework of the proceedings ordered by the court and is supported by the law firms Advant Beiten and Brinkmann & Partner. Attorney Michael Verken was appointed as trustee.

Period underwear made from biobased materials at Techtextil

Kelheim Fibres and Gebr. Otto will showcase their joint concept aimed at making period underwear more sustainable and high-performing. Exhibiting at the BW-i joint stand and the IVGT joint stand, both located in Hall 12.1, the innovation partners will present their solution for period underwear made from biobased materials, distinguished by outstanding performance metrics. The various specialty viscose fibres used in this solution are sourced from Kelheim, while Gebr. Otto expertly spins them into the appropriate compositions.

Better, faster, bio-based: Functional new Plastic alternatives

How can new bio-based and biohybrid materials with improved features be developed faster? Six Fraunhofer institutes are jointly exploring this question in the SUBI²MA flagship project, using an innovative bio-based polyamide developed by Fraunhofer researchers as a model. Its specific properties make it a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics.

KARL MAYER is launching two machines that set new standards in performance and cost-effectiveness

At this year's ITMA ASIA + CITME, KARL MAYER is exhibiting two advanced developments in the field of tricot machines. Both newcomers expand the portfolio with highly practical solutions for increased efficiency and cost-effective production – making the exhibition booth once again a focal point for more than just the warp knitting industry.

Uster presents novelties at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025

There’s news from Uster Technologies to be announced for the industry’s upcoming event in Singapore. The Uster 360Q universe is growing with new products, solutions and services. Innovation developments can also be recorded in the fields of man-made fiber testing and fabric inspection. Uster innovations address the industry’s trending topics as mill management and process control, optimization of delivered fabric quality and yield.

Nike unites innovation, design and product teams to accelerate athlete-centered innovation

Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse are joining forces under a new, athlete-focused creation structure aimed at accelerating innovation and driving growth across NIKE, Inc. The new setup unites the Innovation, Design and Product teams from all three brands into a single “creation engine” that will enable greater sharing of insights, technology and manufacturing methods throughout the innovation process. This integration is part of Nike’s new Sport Offense strategy and is designed to enhance the creation of products that help athletes perform at their best.

DORNIER celebrates its anniversary at ITMA Asia + CITME

To mark its 75th anniversary, machine and plant manufacturer Lindauer DORNIER will be presenting the latest developments in its rapier and air-jet weaving machines at ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore (Hall 2, Stand B401) from 28 to 31 October 2025. The focus will be on energy-efficient weaving technologies, new IoT solutions for networked textile production and systems for the series production of modern fibre composite components.