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Oerlikon MMF segment to explore nonwoven technologies

30 Nov '15

2 min read

The top management at Oerlikon sees new opportunities in new applications like nonwoven technologies used in the area of water and air filtration at its Manmade Fibres business division.

According to an Oerlikon press release, they also see opportunities in more energy-efficient and resource-effective production solutions such as recycling technologies.

The Manmade Fibres Segment at Oerlikon is a global market leader in polymer processing and plant engineering for the production of chemical fibres.

“The segment holds a market share of approximately 50 per cent and 22 of the 25 largest manmade fibre producers in the world, who account for more than 60 per cent of filament and fibre production, are customers,” it said.

“Despite current market normalisation, the market fundamentals for chemical fibres are attractive, supported by strong sustainable structural growth and demand,” the press release added.

The segment addresses a market of CHF 2.2 billion and benefits from growth in filament, technical textiles, geotextiles and carpet yarn (BCF) applications.

The Manmade Fibres segment at Oerlikon recently inked a joint venture with the Chinese company Huitong, to become the only company in the world to offer solutions, from polymerisation to finished end products in chemical fibre spinning.

“While the segment is well-positioned to benefit from an increasing market demand in the future, the sharp downturn, especially in China, and weakness in crude oil market, has led to adapting the segment's structure,” the company observed.

The segment will manage this cycle by lowering its cost base measurably by the end of 2016 and these measures will generate savings and allow for an important margin contribution in a very demanding environment.

“The market is not expected to recover until 2018, when China's five-year plan is predicted to support new investments in polymer technologies; however, the segment aims to gain an increase in market share during that period,” it noted. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India