Interview with Dr Geoff Collins

Nonwovens indsutry will continue to grow on worldwide basis in 2011, with biggest growth in developing markets like Asia. Lenzing is investing heavily in new fibre production capacity in all regions, EU, US and Asia to support the increasing demand. Total fibres in the Lenzing group will increase from ~660000tons in 2010 to 750000tons in 2011, well on the way to achieving the target of 1 million tons by 2015.

Major bottlenecks in developing countries can be related to infrastructure and industry partners as well as awareness and use of nonwoven products

In coming years we see many of todays applications continuing but evolving. For example sustainability is a key topic in many markets with brands, retailers and consumers concerned about the sourcing, production and disposal of products they buy. Lenzing is a leader in this area with state-of -the-art production of TENCEL and Lenzing Viscose receiving many many awards and certifications, such as EU ECO-label, Nordic Swan Eco-label and now both PEFC and FSC Chain of Custody certifications

We already have activity in the Indian market, though so far the domestic market remains relatively small. This relates to cultural aspects of disposable products as well as overall awareness of the benefits. Also the retail environment and routes to market in India are somewhat different and developing. There is much more potential for India as both producer and consumer of a range of nonwoven products.

As yet, India is at the very early stages of market development and so not really possible to compare directly with China. Perhaps could be said that India is where China was 10-15 years ago and will go through the phase of producing for export and then increase domestic consumption.