AUSTRIA: Lenzing Plans Three-Fold Increase In Profibre Production
Only six months after their introduction to the Profibres range, Lenzing AG has reported a total sell-out of its ProViscose and ProModal qualities. "Indeed, so great is the demand that we are planning a three-fold increase in production capacity," said Lenzing director Franz Raninger. Both are fibers with a Lyocell content. "The appeal of ProModal is the way it balances the intrinsic strength of Lyocell against the softness of Modal, counteracting the problem of pilling to which all supersoft fibers are prone," explained Raninger who suggests that Promodal will find its biggest outlet in the sphere of high quality woven fabrics. ProViscose meanwhile is expected to find its keenest customers among creators of printed fabrics for the ladies' outwear trade where the ability of garments to survive frequent machine laundering without losing their shape could be a particular asset. "As world leaders in the field of cellulose fibers we see the future of our products increasingly in terms of specialty fibers and blends for particular end uses ― and especially, as in the case of ProViscose, setting new performance standards," Franz Raninger added.Strong demand will also see the company raise the price of its viscose fibers by at least 6 per cent from the third quarter of 2000. In a statement it said: "Prices are still at a low level following the dramatic market decline of the year past and the clear recovery which has since made itself felt. Adjustments are now possible due to the present favorable market situation. Competitive products such as cotton and synthetic fibers have become increasingly more expensive. As for costs, pulp prices are continuing to rise sharply. Moreover, the high US dollar is supporting the economy in Europe." Looking ahead, Lenzing also expects the market to continue to develop in a positive way in the second half of the yearBy Sonia Roberts.
June 20, 2000