#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2014-02-26

SGL Carbon SE will not propose a dividend payment for fiscal year 2013

SGL Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products and materials (c) 2014 SGL Group

SGL Carbon SE has completed an extremely difficult fiscal year 2013. In June 2013 the full year EBITDA guidance was reduced to 50 - 60% below the prior-year level of €240 million. According to preliminary results, the Company has achieved this full year guidance at the lower end of the range due to a further weak development in the fourth quarter 2013.

In addition to the weak operational result, the earnings situation was significantly burdened by impairment charges in the Business Area Carbon Fibers & Composites (CFC) and in the deferred tax assets, which were already recorded in the second quarter 2013. As anticipated, the measures defined in the cost savings program SGL2015, which have already been partially implemented, have led to restructuring expenses in the second half year of 2013.

As announced, these expenses amount to a high double-digit million euro figure. Altogether, SGL Group expects a Group net loss of almost €400 million.

The negative trends observed in the final quarter 2013 have continued into the first weeks of the new fiscal year 2014, particularly in the main business with graphite electrodes. If this development does not improve significantly in the course of the year, it will be difficult to achieve the operating earnings level of 2013, as the expected improvements in most other Business Units will not suffice to compensate for the decline in the graphite electrode business.

In light of the high net loss in the fiscal year 2013 as well as the weak start into the new year, the Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE will not propose a dividend payment for the fiscal year 2013. The Company feels committed to its shareholders to resume payment of a continuous, earnings related dividend with the sustainable recovery of profitability.

SGL Carbon decides to restructure its Carbon Fibers business unit

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE today decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites.

SGL Carbon evaluates strategic options for the carbon fibers and appoints Dr. Denis Hinz as new head of the business unit

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached promptly with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.