#Textile chemistry

2019-06-06

Kemin names Kimberly Nelson president of Garmon Chemicals

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer focused on improving the quality of life for more than half the world’s population, has appointed Kimberly Nelson, who helped lead the acquisition of Garmon Chemicals by Kemin, as President of the Kemin Textile Auxiliaries business unit, effective July 1, 2019.

Nelson named second president of Garmon Chemicals, Kemin’s Textile Auxiliaries Business, in more than 35-year history

Nelson will be taking over as President of Garmon Chemicals when the company’s founder, Maurizio Cappellini, retires. For more than 35 years, Cappellini led Garmon Chemicals to the top of the denim finishing industry with his innovative and avant-garde vision.

“We are deeply thankful to Maurizio for his strong leadership, professionalism and the amazing success he has achieved in his career. We wish him many happy years in his retirement and are grateful for his dedication to Garmon Chemicals,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin.

Garmon Chemicals was acquired in January 2018 after Kimberly, a third-generation Nelson family member which owns Kemin, presented the business opportunity of textile auxiliaries three years prior. Since the acquisition, Nelson has served as General Manager of Kemin Textile Auxiliaries in India. Her appointment as President is a key element in Kemin’s strategic growth plan that will drive Garmon Chemicals to advance its leadership position in the industry by further developing the brand’s R&D scope, commercial footprint and services.

“This is a big step for Kemin’s vision to continue as a family-owned-and-operated company,” said Dr. Nelson. “For Garmon Chemicals, the pace of change in today’s global markets is exceptional. As President of Garmon Chemicals, Kimberly will ensure that Kemin stays at the forefront of this evolving industry. She will continue Garmon Chemicals’ innovation and leadership in textile auxiliaries.”

This transition marks a new chapter in Garmon Chemicals’ more than 35-year history. Kemin has solidified its commitment to playing a significant role in the textile markets and will continue to provide high-quality products and services.

Reflecting on her appointment, Kimberly Nelson said, “I am honoured and excited to lead this wonderful company. The legacy of Maurizio Cappellini will only be strengthened as we continue to develop, innovate and create. I’m determined to continue Garmon’s momentum by elevating its global presence, leveraging the first-class operations and extraordinary R&D capabilities to further our creative and sustainable initiatives.”

Nelson received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in 2012, and a master’s degree in Luxury and Fashion Management from Savannah College of Fashion and Design in 2016. Before joining Kemin, she worked in marketing in Hong Kong for five years. Nelson will be based in San Marino.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

DyStar releases FY2025 sustainability report, marking a new milestone towards its 2030 targets

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of expertise in product development and innovation, today announced the release of its FY2025 Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to long-term value creation.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.