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The Textile Magazine
APRIL 2012
Fashion trends, technical textiles
are key industry growth drivers
future trends
exceptional thermal insulation, breathability, durability and
strength. These qualitative trends require new, innovative
textile machines with high efficiency and flexibility.
Although up to 85 per cent of today’s textile products
originate from China, this powerhouse no longer produces
solely for export: the domestic market is strong and
is growing, and quickly. In 2000, the country
produced only 6.7 million tons of synthetic fib-
ers. In 2011, this figure rose to 30 million tons,
or 40 per cent of worldwide production.
How Oerlikon participates
The major textile producers in China and
other key producing countries such as India,
Turkey, Pakistan and Bangladesh share a com-
mon challenge: rising labor, raw materials and
energy costs mean cost-effective ways to boost
operational efficiency must be found. Oerlikon
Textile addresses this critical customer need by supplying
innovative equipment and solutions. The product line in-
cludes the most efficient machines of their kind and ranges
from ring and rotor spinning machines, winding machines
and equipment for manufacturing and finishing continuous
fibers and for producing nonwovens to systems for embroi-
dery and twisting.
Oerlikon is exceptionally well-positioned in China, the
largest textile market in the world, and benefits from the
continued growth in that country. The segment is managed
In 2010, according to the “Fiber Year
2011 Report”, the textile industry
experienced its strongest growth in
25 years: 80.8 million tons of natural
and synthetic fibers were produced, 6.4
million tons or 8.6 per cent more than in
2009, and the growth will continue.
Demand growth, particularly for clothing and
home textiles, is in direct proportion to increases
in the standard of living in emerging markets such
as India and China. The fashion industry cycles are
setting new trends in increasingly shorter cycles.
Another key driver is the range of innovations be-
ing made in the area of synthetic fibers. These fib-
ers have highly distinctive characteristics and meet
a wide variety of demands. These include resist-
ance to soiling, outstanding cleaning performance,
Mr. Clement Woon,
CEO, Oerlikon Textile