Spandex market in Japan is now matured, and there is little room for expansion
Toshio Takanashi, president of Asahi Kasei Fibers gives a brief account of the nonwovens industry in Japan in an exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion correspondent Ridaa Saiyed.
Synopsis:
Asahi Kasei Fibers is a part of the Asahi Kasei Corporation based in Japan. It is one of the leading producers of nonwovens in the world. Its main products include Roica elastic polyurethane, Eltas spunbond, Lamous artificial suede, Bemliese cupro nonwoven, Bemberg cupro fiber, and Leona nylon 66 filament. It has a history of 90 years to boast about in manufacturing of original yarn, spun fiber, and fabric.
Mr. Takanashi is one of the most dynamic employees of Asahi Kasei Corporation. His role in bringing the company forward has remained major. He has made the expansion of nonwovens market for Asahi Kasei Fibers to USA, Europe, and Asia. His strategy forming skills have always been appreciated.
Excerpts:
What is the present market status of the nonwovens industry in the South East Asia?
The South East Asian nonwovens market itself is growing. The economic situation and forecast of increasing population are pushing its growth.
In case of Asahi Kasei, our main target is South East Asian market. As the diaper market is growing there, we are planning to increase our capacity.
In future, many European and American manufacturers are likely to set up their industrial bases in Asian countries in the nonwovens sector. Would it be of any benefit to the Asian nonwovens market? Please give reasons.
Some of European and American manufacturers have already started in Asia. Competition among manufacturers have become serious, but I believe Asian consumers appreciate high quality products at a reasonable price. Since this is a cost-performance issue, we will try to develop high quality and high functionality.
How is the market of Spandex in Japan? How do you foresee the Japanese market of Spandex in the next decade?
Spandex market in Japan is now matured, and there is little room for expansion. Japanese producers are pursuing high quality and developing value added products world wide, in order to prevent an aggression from imports from gaining market share in the next decade.
How big is the nonwovens global market?
It is said the demand was 3,300 thousand tons per year in 2012 and expected to be 4,950 thousand tons in 2017.
What makes Asahi Kasei Fibers Corporation different form other nonwovens manufacturers?
Firstly, raw material diversification: Asahi Kasei produces polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and cellulose spunbond, and also produces meltblown. In special applications, we have artificial leather suede used for furniture and automobiles.
Secondly, high quality and differentiation: Asahi Kasei's products focus on light weight, softness, and high functionality.
Do you think Spandex could soon be replaced by any non synthetic fiber in the future?
No, there is an established market for spandex that cannot be replaced by other materials.
How different are the cellulosic fibers used in apparel and home textiles?
Because of its environmental affinity and friendliness and its specialized properties, it has established its own suitable applications.
Asia is said to be booming in the nonwovens industry compared to North America and Europe. What benefits do you think the Asian countries have?
As Asian market grows due to steady increase of population, we can expect increasing demand, as well as higher demand for upgraded quality. Our customers in Japan are quite active to build new factories in Asia.
Your company has been producing nonwoven fibers that are used for various applications over the years. How are these nonwoven fibers contributing in the quality of the applications and products?
Our various choices of materials bring customers an accurate optimum solution in their applications, with high qualities and with reasonable cost, and also enable the creation of new applications. Our target is to develop new applications by nonwovens which cannot be achieved by papers or films.
Is the nonwoven market in Japan environment friendly? Are there any sustainable operations going around in the Japanese nonwovens market?
Like other synthetic products in Japan, "saving energy" and "low CO2 emission" are always our major concerns.
Also, we are moving towards greater sustainablility by introducing recyclable artificial leather suede "Lamous" and cotton-linter based cellulose spunbond "Bemliese".
Published on: 06/03/2014
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.
