Trevira press kit for Heimtextil 2010
December 2009
Trevira – an enterprise in changing times
Anniversary of a multi-talent: Trevira CS is 30
Silvado Trevira Bioactive: New co-op brand for antimicrobial functional textiles
Nisseki Plasto: Trevira CS innovation from Japan
New developments for Trevira CS home textiles
Trends in Living 2010/2011
Trevira – an enterprise in changing times
For Trevira a difficult year is coming to its close. Financial crisis, insolvency and restructuring have kept the company, its workforce, customers and partners on edge. Trevira being a supplier at the start of the supply chain, the results of the crisis for the company did not make themselves felt until relatively late – but then all the more sharply. Now the reverse is happening, as the effects of the upward turn are only emerging tentatively.
Not only was the automotive sector affected, in apparel and home textiles, too, orders have slumped sharply since the end of 2008. Only hygiene and nonwoven business has remained relatively stable.
In recent months the order volume in all areas has started to rise steadily. Due to the weak first half year, however, turnover in 2009 is likely to be some 30 % down on 2008 levels.
Trevira CS business in 2009
In the wake of the financial crisis the market environment for flame retardant fibres has deteriorated sharply since the end of 2008. In the first half of 2009 demand for home textiles made in Germany dropped off by a total of 17.4%, for instance. The situation was even more problematic for exporting companies, where the downturn measured 25.3% in the first six months. While take-up by end consumers had a relatively stabilising effect in some sectors, this was not the case with the German home textiles industry, as consumers’ inclination to buy was directed at other areas.
The international field of contract textiles has suffered more than most from the crisis. It was characterised by stops in construction and investment, together with adjustments to modernisation budgets (mainly in the hotel sector – with a stop of around 70% in building projects in Dubai, for instance).
The drastic cutback in stockholdings in the crisis deepened the drop in sales at the start of the supply chain even more sharply. The process continued into the summer, the result being that sales this year have fallen well below expectations.
Since the end of August a clear improvement has been noted and it is mainly our yarn finishing partners (particularly in Italy) who have full order books at the moment. Construction and modernisation projects that were set aside are slowly getting under way again.
In terms of sales opportunities, more positive tendencies are developing outside the European core markets.
There are once more signs of positive developments for the long term in the hotel market. The number of first class and luxury hotels is set to grow globally by 3,000 in the next four years, meaning a 2.2 % increase for Europe, while the American market indicates the strongest rise, with the number of top hotels rising 30% by 2012. The United Arab Emirates too will once again move forwards, and there is here a great need for investment in middle class and economy hotels for business travellers. (Source: tophotelprojects)
Submissions for Trevira CS trademark approvals will not quite reach the 2008 level, which had nonetheless once more risen 4 % over values of 2007, the successful year. The Turkish, Japanese and Chinese markets stand out amongst new trademark approvals. IMO certifications of Trevira CS fabrics are still well below the level of 2008, from which one may well conclude that the cruise ship market, too, has this year steamed along at half speed only.
Marketing and co-op projects continue
2009 witnessed continuation of all the important Trevira CS projects. Trevira was present at the MoOD trade fair and will be participating at Heimtextil 2010, where it will once more be sponsoring the Young Contract Creations Award Upholstery. Our partner in Japan, Japan New Fibres Ltd., appeared in November at Japantex with a Trevira CS stand, presenting six Japanese customers with their Trevira CS products. Two catalogues with new collections of fabric manufacturers were sent out to some 400 suppliers and dealers. Another catalogue containing 46 collections by suppliers and dealers was distributed to 12,000 architects throughout the world. There has been a positive reaction to both catalogues from the participating companies and target groups.
This year Trevira CS Marketing placed special emphasis on the air travel sector, with the company taking a stand at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, Hamburg, the Airtec in Frankfurt and the Dubai Airshow. Joining Trevira on board were fabrics from Backhausen, Brüder Baumann, Bogesunds, Botany Weaving, drapilux, Gabriel, Lantal, Munzert, Nya Nordiska, Rohi, Sander International, Svensson and Tisca Tiara.
In the hotel segment there will in future be a “Hospitality Newsletter“, informing customers about projects, the latest developments and Trevira services.
Outlook
Trevira faces the year to come with quiet optimism. Even should the economy not fully recover in 2010, increases in volumes are nevertheless anticipated.
For Trevira CS the focus in 2010 will be on further expanding the new markets outside Europe and seeking further fields of application. After 30 years the strength and innovative power of Trevira CS continues to lie in the variety of yarns available, supported by a network of manufacturers of high quality fancy yarns in Europe.
Anniversary of a multi-talent: Trevira CS is 30
Trevira CS is one of the most successful brands for safety textiles and has, since its market launch 30 years ago, grown to be a synonym for flame retardant contract textiles. In the process the pure function has, over time, come to be taken for granted – and nowadays it is quality and design that are in the forefront, together with the great versatility of the materials in terms of application.
Trevira CS: for 30 years the brand for flame retardant contract textiles
(Logos from the years 1980, 1985 and 2000)
It is in 1972 at Trevira (at this time part of the fibre division of Hoechst AG) that work commences on the development of a flame retardant fibre. At first researchers experiment with various modifications of modacrylic and polyester, however the decision comes down finally in favour of polyester, as the latter’s product qualities are better suited to the contract market.
In 1975 they settle on the present modification. A phosphor-organic component, anchored firmly in the molecular structure of the fibre, makes the fibre and all textiles manufactured from it permanently flame retardant. Neither washing, abrasion nor ageing can interfere with this effect, which gives the new fibre a clear advantage over textiles treated with a supplementary finish.
Following initial product trials Trevira develops the first fabric samples in 1977 and introduces these to customers. Further optimising of the fibre and tests at customers follow, until in 1980 Trevira CS begins its success story with its launch on the market in Europe. The acronym CS – Comfort and Safety – heralds a new era for contract textiles. Two years later the new fibre receives the German Industry Innovation Award.
Over the following years increasing safety requirements and stringency in legislation lead to greater use of Trevira CS fabrics and by 1995 high-quality safety textiles are fully in fashion. With substantial expansion of the fibre and yarn programme (comprising over 200 different types today) it is possible to satisfy even the more unusual design wishes. Collections are becoming more and more fashionable and demanding, and in terms of appearance it is frequently not possible to distinguish them from textiles in natural fibres. Fibre types from 1.3 - 13 dtex and filament types from 20 – 4000 dtex are capable of almost any fabric construction, from very coarse to superfine. There is, in addition, a flow of new textured and fancy yarns from Trevira partners, with whose help the fabric developers create innovative material combinations in 100% Trevira CS.
In 2002 a further function is added to the flame retardant modification with an antimicrobial variant. This is Trevira CS Bioactive, providing users in the health sector, the food industry and hotel sector with a material that also protects against the growth of bacteria.
Initially the principal areas of application for Trevira CS were in the public sector, such as hotels and public houses, meeting places, public buildings, hospitals and care homes, and in the transport sector (rail and coach, marine and air). This is because higher safety standards are in force, backed by the law. In many other countries outside Europe as well recent years have increasingly seen introduction of fire safety standards for these areas. Today high quality Trevira CS qualities are found all over the world – in cruise liners, in German hospitals or hotels in Dubai. The great variety of attractive and high quality collections and the outstanding care properties have also meant that Trevira CS is moving more and more into the private sector.
For a long time now the classic range of furnishing textiles (drapes, curtains, upholstery fabrics and bedding) no longer constitutes the limit of possible applications. In recent years a whole series of technical applications has been added. They include air hoses for air conditioning systems, headrest covers, filter fabrics, insulation materials, elastic textiles for exhibition construction, for example in contact projects and many more.
Trevira CS can look back on a long series of awards and certificates. Since 1995 it has held the Oekotex Standard 100 Certificate; total production is certified to DIN EN 9001 and 14001, thus meeting the highest requirements in terms of quality and conservation of the environment. In 1997 came AME (International Award for Marketing Effectiveness) and the Gran Design Innovation Prize (Milan). Two years later the product again won the Gran Design Innovation Prize, along with the Baden-Württemberg Design Prize. In 2000 Trevira CS received the Award of the Industry Forum Design, Hannover, for excellent product design.
The awards bear witness to the fact that Trevira CS has for a long time been more than a furnishing material for hospitals and public establishments. Nowadays Trevira CS fabrics can match high quality textiles in all materials. The wide range of fibre and filament types makes possible fabric constructions, which on the one hand recall natural materials in terms of appearance and handle. On the other hand, they are capable of producing monofilament constructions, which with their technical looks arouse avant-garde associations.
Today there are in excess of 1000 collections and over 5000 designs in Trevira CS. To facilitate a rapid search for producers, dealers and clothes manufacturers, the collections available can be accessed on the internet via a manufacturer database at www.treviracs-net.com.
Trevira offers customers a comprehensive service, which includes networking across the stages of the textile supply chain. “The recipe for success of Trevira CS lies in the integrated service we offer customers“, explains Anke Vollenbröker, Head of Marketing Trevira CS. “Alongside the proven safety of Trevira CS textiles our trademark service comprises many other elements that stretch along the total supply chain. To enhance the market momentum of Trevira CS products, we have in place a network of partners from yarn manufacturer to interior designer.“
Silvado Trevira Bioactive:
New co-op brand for antimicrobial functional textile
The range of functional textiles in Trevira Bioactive is being extended by products marketed under a new co-op brand. This is Silvado, a brand of xpertex Cetin & Yildizoglu GbR, which is now offering Trevira Bioactive articles made from antimicrobial fibres by Trevira. These are aimed at the hospital, wellness and sports sectors and, alongside workwear, include house textiles such as hand towels.
Silvado Trevira Bioactive: The new co-op brand for antimicrobial textiles
Silvado is giving precedence in product marketing to corporate wear, offering in the process the complete service from yarn to finished textile. This enables the company to adapt flexibly to individual customer requirements, combining short delivery times with continuous quality control.
“The supplementary brand Trevira Bioactive demonstrates clearly to the customer that we select only the best antimicrobial product on the market“, says Bukan Cetin, CEO of Silvado. “Trevira fibres and yarns are also extremely versatile, enabling us to cover the full range of articles. What we have in common is the commitment to product quality, a responsibility towards the environment and a fair relationship with our partners, suppliers and customers.“
Unlike textiles that receive additional treatment with antimicrobial substances, the silver-based agent in Trevira Bioactive is firmly integrated into the fibre material and is consequently permanent. Its action is not affected by either washing or usage.
In laundering textiles given a surface finish with silver, it is possible that large amounts of the substance may end up via the washing water in the effluent. With Trevira Bioactive, however, washing trials have revealed no silver ions in the washing water, i.e. the quantities released fall below verifiable limits (3 ppb). In this way it has been possible to achieve an optimal compromise between a wide range of effect, adequate antimicrobial effectiveness on the fibre surface, high resistance to wash and the minimum possible impact on the environment.
The Hohenstein Institute confirms, in addition, that textiles in Trevira Bioactive have no effect on the skin flora, even after lengthy wear. The ecological benefits of all Trevira fibres apply to Trevira Bioactive when it comes to easy care properties – in washing, dry cleaning and drying there is less consumption of water, detergent and energy than is the case with textiles from natural fibres.
Already the materials are in use in workwear (shirts, polo and T-shirts) by Silvado customers in the food industry, fire service and the logistic sector, and a sock collection in Trevira Bioactive is at the test stage.
Nisseki Plasto: Trevira CS innovation from Japan
Trevira CS business in Japan is bearing the first fruits and in 2009 Trevira is able to record just 60 new Trevira CS brand approvals (2008: 26). Alongside the established qualities such as decorative and drape fabrics, upholstery fabrics and string curtains, the materials submitted include three innovative articles from Nisseki Plasto Ltd., a manufacturer of hi-tech nonwovens. These are decorative nonwovens made up of filaments. They are aligned and stretched in warp and weft directions, with the result that no bulky, voluminous fleece emerges – such as we are familiar with from staple fibres – rather gossamer-thin, textile fabrics. As the original material consists of filaments, there are no fibre ends in the nonwoven product, resulting in a very smooth surface that gives the quality its character, both in terms of appearance and handle. The smoothness of the surface also brings the advantage that it is easier to print on. Nisseki is already selling it under the “milife“ brand, with normal polyester as a base, for use in drapes, curtains and wall coverings, as packing material and in technical applications. The new products now also provide a flame retardant Trevira CS quality for these applications.
Nisseki Plasto: Innovative Trevira CS fabrics made in Japan
However, there is a further possible use, in that the nonwovens are suitable for the manufacture of slit yarn, i.e. it is “slit” and then woven into narrow strips, either twisted or untwisted. Despite having the effect of some bulk, the yarn is very lightweight. It has a natural, paper-like attractiveness, yet remains lint-free, consisting, as it does, of filament yarns. The outcome is a particularly fine fancy yarn, the first of its kind in Trevira CS quality and therefore a rich addition to the product range of high quality Trevira CS yarns on the international market.
New developments for Trevira CS home textiles
A variety of trends have influenced progress this year in new developments in contract textiles.
Clearly in the foreground was the influence of the sustainability theme on fabric design, and consequently on the appearance of flame retardant yarns. The theme is implemented mainly through the use of yarns with a very natural look and new qualities have emerged, principally in the fibre yarn sector, where irregular or slubby effects are achieved in coarse titres. There are also new and in part flock-dyed melanges here that interpret the theme in design terms. In addition, the combination of fibre with filament yarns with metallic shine is producing new and extravagant melanges, with interesting structural and surface effects.
Not to be forgotten are the new flame retardant “paper yarns”, already mentioned, from Nisseki Plasto in Japan.
Sliding panels once again constituted an area of development focus this year. For some years now Trevira has offered yarns both in the filament and fibre yarn sectors in this application. At the finishing stage a low melt component causes these to stiffen, thus giving the panels greater stability than traditional fabrics. Now a range of coloured yarns has been developed for this application by combining our spun-dyed filaments with this stiffening property, making coloured woven articles possible. Particularly as a base material in combination with fancy yarns, this produces very natural looking surfaces without the desired stiffness being apparent in the fabrics.
The third development focus this year was once more on the subject of leno fabric. This was not a question of dominant patterns, rather of purist looks, producing quite restrained and subtle structures through the extensive use of fancy yarns. For use in drape fabrics in the fine titre range, there are in addition new flame retardant fancy yarns that satisfy this demand. One finds here, for instance, interesting twist effects with monofilament yarns or combinations of dull and shiny yarns.
It is indeed the twist effects that often lend the materials a crepe-like, dry and grainy handle, making them particularly suitable for fine surface structures.
Trends in Living 2010/2011
The facade turns a page. Where once gloss and glitter projected a false image of a world that was well, today there is a touch of gloom about. The hype of years gone by has receded. What is the point of displays of wealth in economically weak times? Now values like security and sustainability determine our actions. We reflect on the recent past so that we can move on with greater responsibility into the future. The simple, the familiar and the moral are our guides. What is certain is that behind the facade, as it stands, the world is changing and new opportunities are emerging.
With a down-to-earth performance, interiors provide scope for our search for direction. Although all is possible in technical terms, fabrics appear puristic, with little that is frivolous about them as they radiate calm throughout. Clear and graphic, materials make an architectural impact. Structures play a large part, and while they can be three-dimensional, they remain restrained. They possess consistency and, with a touch of elegance, frequently arouse associations with nature. Nothing is ruled out, from wool to bast-like fibre, to melanges and the paper look. Clear colours with attractively accentuated highlights make a fresh and optimistic impact. In designs the material often takes precedence, recalling technical features or extremely abstract ornamentation.
Calm down!
In calm there is strength – it’s high time we found it. Discarding everything superfluous, we listen to our inner selves. A slow speed will still bring us to our goal and we derive fresh stimulus from slowing down.
Colours: A range of beige tones mingled with pastel pink recall the colours of mussels. Set against pale and medium greys, they lend depth and structure, while white and eggshell tones complete the picture.
Designs / fabrics: Basket weave, folded paper, bast fibre mats: impressions of nature receive a modern and elegant interpretation. Fabrics possess structure and fibre, gaining added charm from the many layers and the gleam of differing materials. Patterns emphasize discreetly the associations with nature throughout.
Think essential!
No one can take our lofty aims away from us and today we strive, as best we can, in pursuit of them. We blank out anything that disturbs, confuses or hinders. Relaxed and calm, we concentrate on the essential.
Colours: Achromatic colours, like black, white and a variety of greys, form the basis of this theme. There are warm reds to contrast with these, while a pale beige is used to harmonise the whole.
Designs / fabrics: The hi-tech look of the fabrics has an attractive rigour, as natural looks and technical materials combine tensely together. Calm designs draw on the repertoire of shapes in contemporary architecture.
Just relax!
Embitterment does not make things better. Let’s be content with what we have, what we have had and what we allow ourselves to hope. Enjoy friends, warmth and the power of positive thinking. A few steps and we dance on into a better tomorrow.
Colours: Fresh and warm tones combine here with optimism, as a variety of reds lend the theme sensuality. They range from burgundy, reddish brown to pastel pinks and include a dusky shade, while violet and lilac appear as offshoots.
Designs / fabrics: The fabrics convey warmth and comfort. They can be heavy like velour or gleam like satin. The approach to designing is restrained and free, while references to ornaments are possible.
Chance it!
The sky is radiant and glows tentatively. Is this the new reality or only the first signs of it? Let’s take a chance! We are responsible for our actions, not least for what we fail to do.
Colours: A wide range of blues makes for a clear and optimistic picture overall. Dark and light blue and turquoise dominate, supplemented by pastel blue-green, petrol blue and a translucent blue-violet.
Designs / fabrics: The visual impact of the surfaces is well to the fore, as technical sheen and grid-like weaves with open structures form an exciting spectrum of fabric qualities. Plain colours support the unusual material effects, at times recalling technical textiles.
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Please direct any queries to:
Trevira GmbH, Marketing & Sales/Corporate Communication, Steffi Bobrowski,
D-65926 Frankfurt a.M.
Tel. +49 (69) / 305 181 08 - Fax +49 (69) / 305 16342
e-mail: Steffi.Bobrowski@trevira.com
internet: www.trevira.de