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The Manufacturing Outlook: Specials Magazine
As the world’s largest producer of cellulose based technical multifilament viscose yarn known as rayon, CORDENKA has built a legacy over decades, not just through its scale but by consistently driving sustainability across industries. The company plays a crucial role in tire manufacturing, agriculture and geotextiles, helping them adopt innovative, ecofriendly solutions that align with the growing demand for greener practices. At the core of CORDENKA’s strategy lies its flagship product: CORDENKA® Rayon, a fiber derived from renewable wood sources. This well-known material continues to inspire new uses and underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability by offering a naturally biodegradable alternative to petroleumbased technical textiles. Unlike synthetic fibers that can persist for centuries and contribute to microplastic pollution, CORDENKA® Rayon decomposes quickly, reducing long-term environmental impact while supporting the broader shift toward a circular economy. “Our bio-based rayon is a game changer for biocircular applications, and CORDENKA has a clear decarbonization roadmap to support its customers’ ambitions in their transition to green,” says Dr. Udo Kuhlmann, CEO of CORDENKA. Tires of Tomorrow Is sustainability the new driving force behind next-generation tire technology? CORDENKA appears to think so. The company has made a resounding statement in multiple industries—notably the tire sector—through its unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible innovation. By introducing high-performance rayon materials like the groundbreaking CORDENKA Super 5, CORDENKA enables achieving higher tire performance by using the same state-of-the-art tire manufacturing techniques and setting an impressive benchmark for others.
Industrial Supplier & Distributor
Businesses need the visibility and agility to make data-driven decisions during a supply chain disruption to deliver products and profits while leveraging the cloud to expedite data sharing and access. Enter the intelligent ERP. The performance of global supply chains relies on the combination of interdependence and interconnectedness to deliver goods and services to consumers. This is aided by predictable buying habits, access to goods, and consistent shipping patterns. However, recent global events like COVID-19 and 2021’s Suez Canal blockage have exposed the vulnerability of supply chains, forcing businesses to re-evaluate how they can de-risk their business networks to ensure customers get their products on time while maintaining quality and profits. Some companies have chosen to reroute their entire networks. Globalised supply chains have enabled companies to source the cheapest quality components, materials, and products. However, lengthy networks that span multiple countrie
Contract Manufacturing
Contracts Engineering, an award-winning contract manufacturer, stands out in the UK as a fully integrated service provider specializing in manufacturing, fabrication, supply chain, and quality assurance services for regional and global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier I suppliers with a factory presence in the UK. As an onshore supply chain partner, the company excels in manufacturing clients’ products and sub-assemblies from ferrous and non-ferrous metals. “We focus on being a service provider that offers manufacturing services as opposed to solely selling products to our clients,” says Troy Barratt, CEO. The company’s supply chain integration considers every client requirement, from delivery schedules to quality assurance and finally packaging and assembly requirements. For clients needing to scale production or facilitate reshoring initiatives, Contracts Engineering positions itself as a strategic partner committed to solving their pinch points. The value e
Plastic Tech
Reinventing Plastics Manufacturing
Inari Seppa, Director – Sustainability & Industrial Policies EMEA, Eastman
Industrial Supplier & Distributor
Challenges in Manufacturing Environment-Supply Chain Management. How to generate the right Master Data for Input in relevant Planning Programs.
Jorin Preuß / Vice President Global Supply Chain / WOCO Group
Contract Manufacturing
Lean Thinking and Industry 4.0
Margrotto Marco, General Manager, SATA Group
Contract Manufacturing
Creating a Culture Around Sustainability
Tom Salisbury, Director of Sustainability, GKN Automotive
Wire and Cable
Impact of Sodium-based Food Preservatives
Sarah Engstrom, Senior Scientist, Grande Custom Ingredients Group
IN MY OPINION
ware and cable
Create a Solid Practice on How to Communicate
Rui Verissimo, Head of Business Operations - Strategic Planning & Business Transformation Projects, Honda Motor
LAST WORD
ware and cable
Controlling the Uncontrollable in a Volatile Transportation World
Nick Lian, Senior Manager, Omnichannel Transportation, URBN
IN FOCUS
Bio-Based Fibers Bridging the Gap Between Eco-Friendly Practices and Industrial Needs
The European textile industry embraces sustainability by transitioning to bio-based fibres, driven by innovation, government support, and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
Bio-Based Fibres Paving the Way towards Sustainability
The textile and manufacturing industries are leading the global effort to balance sustainability with cutting-edge technological innovation.
EDITORIAL
Sustainable Fibres Drive Europe’s Green Transition
The European bio-based synthetic fibre market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials across various industries. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of textile production and are demanding sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic fibres derived from petrochemicals. Increased environmental awareness, strict regulations, and technological advancements drive this growth, cementing Europe’s position as a key player in the global bio-based fibre industry.
Consumers and industries are turning to biodegradable and renewable materials to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental harm. Policies like the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan also accelerate the transition to bio-based alternatives, fostering a robust regulatory framework for sustainability.
Innovations in bioengineering and green chemistry are unlocking new market opportunities. High-quality fibres such as polylactic acid (PLA), bio-based nylon, and regenerated cellulose are now being produced at scale, driving their adoption in diverse sectors like fashion, automotive, and industrial applications. These advancements underscore the market’s ability to balance sustainability with performance.
Europe’s competitive advantage stems from its strong research and development ecosystem and commitment to ESG principles. Manufacturers prioritise R&D investments to create cost-effective production processes and novel fibre solutions, ensuring scalability without compromising quality or sustainability.
Despite its success, the market faces high production costs and complex supply chains. Companies are forming strategic partnerships and exploring alternative feedstock like agricultural waste and algae to enhance cost efficiency and resource availability.
This edition highlights companies shaping the market, including CORDENKA, a global leader in premium industrial rayon used in high-performance tyres, rubber goods, and composites. In addition, Industry leaders such as Nick Lian, Senior Manager at URBN, and Rui Veríssimo, Head of Business Operations at Honda Motor, share valuable insights into market trends and strategies, offering readers guidance for informed decision-making. Let us know your thoughts.
