Enhanced occupational safety drives protective textiles market
By Geoff Fisher, European Editor
The second half of the 20th century saw a dramatic increase in the need for personal protection. The rise of health and safety requirements in the workplace has required the use of protective apparel for workers in many industries, while the threat of chemical and biological terrorist attacks, as well as natural pandemics, have become key political issues.
Marine litter and microplastics – problem or opportunity?
Synthetic fibers have taken a bashing in recent months, with numerous press reports suggesting much of the world’s drinking water is contaminated with plastic particles and that washing synthetic clothing could damage marine health.
With such headlines as: “Plastic fibres found in tap water around the world, study reveals”, “If you’re drinking tap water, you’re consuming plastic pollutants”, “Just how much plastic is ending up in our shellfish?”, “Plastic being ingested by fish and humans” and “Is your fleece killing marine life?”
European fiber producers told to ‘raise the bar’
Faced with less-than-positive press reports and potentially damaging studies from non-governmental organizations, the European manmade fiber industry has been challenged to raise its game and take the lead in efforts to produce fibers responsibly and sustainably.
The take-home message from the 56th Dornbirn Man-Made Fibers Congress is that innovation is key for the industry and all producers have to work together in partnership along the whole supply chain in a world that is becoming increasingly digital and driven by the
Dornbirn event to rebrand as fibers congress
The Dornbirn Man-Made Fibers Congress is to be rebranded as the Global Fiber Congress Dornbirn. The decision opens the door for natural fibers and blends to be discussed alongside synthetic …
Calls for restructuring of the global fiber industry
By Geoff Fisher, European Editor
Over the past four decades the German/European manmade fiber industry has weathered many critical situations and has managed to survive. A key reason has been its ability to develop innovation and change management strategies.
Fiber producers are affected by global megatrends such as technological breakthroughs and demographic shifts on the one hand, and increasing protectionism affecting business worldwide on the other.