Biggest issue in global PSF market are large Asian overcapacities
Advansa is a Germany-based leading manufacturer of polyester fibres. The company offers value-added products to its customers worldwide through advanced and sustainable polyester fibre technology and brands. Heinz Meierkord, CEO, Advansa engages in a discussion with Fibre2Fashion to discuss the company's newest innovations and growing applications of PSF.
Please tell us about your 'iX21 SmartPillow" launch.
The smart pillow is out in stores in France (late November) and Germany and roll out to other markets in Europe is on its way. We are also preparing launches at selected retailers in the US and Asia for 2018.
What are the latest innovations in high-tech fibres at the company?
The following are the latest innovations in high-tech fibres:
PET, BICO and other generic fibres cut down to 1.5mm for technical applications
Very fine fibres below 0.5dtex for technical applications
Amorphous fibres as binder for nonwovens used in reverse osmosis systems
Fibrillated fibres for special end uses
Full food contact (FDA and BfR) approval for a special fibre range including recycled fibre.
What are Advansa's sustainability initiatives?
Advansa has a complete product range in comfort and technical end-uses with an improved ECO-balance proven via LCA, giving customers the opportunity to improve the ECO balance of their products without compromise in comfort, quality and functionality. Advansa is promoting this with strong brands. Efficiency improvements in terms of energy and resource usage is a strong commitment of Advansa audited via Energy management-, customer-, GRS (Global Recycle Standard)-audits and other share holder evaluations.
Who are your major customers worldwide for home textiles, technical textiles, and nonwovens?
All major producers and retailers worldwide are our customers.
Are there early signs of revival in overall European markets? What are the trends?
The European market is getting stronger and the innovation continues.
How significant is Advansa's polyester fibre from recycled polymer approved by FDA?
Advansa is prepared for the future with the combination of product safety and purity requirements defined by the FDA and sustainability aspects like recycling with a significant share in the portfolio. Especially for the expanding activities in the US, this combination will be very important in the upcoming future. It is almost seen as a unique position towards competition.
What are the future plans at Advansa?
Advansa will continue to focus on R&D, innovation and brands. We will support our customers in Europe while pushing our growth initiatives in US and Asia. In addition, we are looking out for inorganic growth via acquisitions wherever it has a fit with our business models. (HO)
How is the global market for polyester staple fibre at present, and where is it heading?
The biggest market issue as well as the most negative environmental impact are the structural large overcapacities in Asia, due to non-market economy behaviours.
Where are the applications of the PSF growing?
Growth is in nonwovens, as well as fibrefills as far as application of PSF is concerned.
Published on: 08/11/2017
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
