Compared to the general trend in textiles, our hometextiles business is showing positive development and stands at the good level of 2004. With new developments in its yarns and fabrics, Trevira continues to invest in securing for its customers a decisive lead over their competitors. This is supported by further extending operations outside the European field.

With their booming construction industries, Eastern Europe and the Middle East are at present new target markets for the company and Trevira is adopting a twin approach to heighten awareness of the brand. On the one side they are building up contacts with local weavers and dealers, taking necessary steps with test institutes and laying down lines of communication. At the same time the company is developing projects to be carried through in conjunction with Western European customers.

India also is an important market for our speciality products for home textiles. An important stage in fire protection legislation in India has been completed in that country. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has adopted European test norms, both for upholstery materials (BIS 1021) and drapes (BIS 13772/13773). The development means that we have substantially extended the basis for using Trevira CS materials, as the market becomes increasingly attractive for European manufacturers of Trevira CS textiles that are strong in terms of design.

We have to be where our customers are. Together with Reliance, Trevira has set up a global network to enhance the strong Trevira brand, including in new markets like India, China, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, the Middle East and North America.

We work together with our partners along the value chain, from yarn manufacturers until the converters and large retailers, to ensure fast response.

Textiles will become more and more sophisticated, multi-functional, multi-purpose and hi-tech. These demands will have to be satisfied by the man-made fiber producers, in close cooperation with the textile industry. Our challenges and issues of the future are to develop textiles with new inherent functions, new technologies - and new ideas. Together with our owner Reliance, with our combined global presence, know-how and R & D facilities, we are ready for these challenges of the future.