France headquartered Solvay Group said it is investing in fibre and smart polyamide textile yarn production technology to meet the growing market demand for innovative textile products.
“An investment of around R$ 50 million is being made in the latest equipment in texturing area and the modernisation of textile weaving machines in Santo André, Brazil,” a Solvay press release informed.
The investment is aligned with the growth strategy for the Solvay Fibras Global Business Unit, under a plan that includes increased productivity and competitiveness of its activities.
“This will be achieved through a series of actions related to industrial and commercial operations, while reinforcing the development of sustainable innovations in yarns and fibres,” the press release added.
"Innovation is a key axis for our growth and the development of the textile sector," said Renato Boaventura, who as of July 1 will take over as CEO of the Solvay Fibras Global Business Unit.
"While consumers previously wanted quality and comfort, they now want textiles that combine these characteristics with features that can boost well-being and performance,” he too added.
“They also want textiles which are aligned with sustainability and these benefits can only be offered by smart textile fibres," Boaventura observed.
The Fibras Global Business Unit has a number of projects in its pipeline of textile innovations with a sustainable footprint.
Research and innovation at the unit is driven by large global trends, related to increased demand for health and well-being, climate change combined with the scarcity of resources.
“It is also driven by challenges of increasing urbanisation and to the advancement of technologies that increase connectivity among people,” the fibre producer informed.
Solvay has a goal to double its sales volume of the Fibras Unit and today, the products launched less than five years ago, account for 20 per cent of its revenues, which it wants to reach 40 per cent by 2018.
The company was a pioneer in launch of various synthetic fibres and yarns in Brazil and was also the first to develop polyamide micro-fibres and smart yarns that incorporate functions aimed at improving the wearers' well-being.
The latest textile innovations created in Brazil are Emana, a textile yarn which reduces the signs of cellulite and slows muscle fatigue.
Amn Soul Eco, another innovation is the first polyamide textile yarn in the world that is biodegradable and clothing made from it decomposes quickly when disposed of in a landfill.
At the Brazilian Fashion Show, the company will launch Amni Sustainable White, a white yarn that increases productivity and saves water, energy and products used in its manufacturing processes.
In addition to primarily supplying the Brazilian market, the Fibras Unit also works on exports, mainly of Emana, which has been a success in several countries in Europe and Asia and has now been introduced in North America.
