#Yarn & Fiber

2025-01-16

Kelheim Fibres GmbH: Insolvency proceedings opened in self-administration – focus on sustainable restructuring and securing the future

By order of the Local Court of Regensburg dated January 1, 2025, insolvency proceedings were opened against the assets of Kelheim Fibres GmbH and self-administration was ordered. The management remains fully capable of acting within the framework of the proceedings ordered by the court and is supported by the law firms Advant Beiten and Brinkmann & Partner. Attorney Michael Verken was appointed as trustee.

The company took prompt action to stabilize its business operations and make them fit for the future. Following successful negotiations with customers and banks, business operations can continue as planned in the opened proceedings.

“The decision to initiate the protective shield procedure was necessary in order to react to the considerable challenges, in particular the sharp rise in energy prices and the increasing competitive pressure from low-priced products from Asia. We have set the course for a sustainable recovery and are confident that we can secure the future of the company with the measures we have introduced,” explains the management of Kelheim Fibres.

To secure the restructuring, Roland Berger is conducting an M&A process aimed at finding suitable investors to ensure the long-term future of the company. At the same time, the company is focusing on its most profitable core products to strengthen its competitiveness and is implementing the operational restructuring measures necessary to achieve this. The process also requires adjustments that will result in job cuts. The company is working closely with the works council to implement these changes in the most socially responsible way possible. To this end, a transfer company is to be set up.

“We are confident that with these steps and the support of all parties involved, we will find a viable solution for Kelheim Fibres,” the management concluded.

Kelheim Fibres on track for the future

Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a global leader in specialty viscose fibre solutions, has successfully completed an internal restructuring and sharpened its focus on core product segments following its October 2024 insolvency filing. This has enabled the company to return to a sustainable business model, with a firm commitment to continue on this path.

Kelheim Fibres completes restructuring agreement

Kelheim Fibres GmbH has established a solid financing plan for future profitability with the completion of a restructuring agreement. CEO Craig Barker expressed optimism: “The past few years have been very challenging for us and many other companies. Our financiers have shown exceptional commitment and rightly expect us to advance the operational restructuring measures that have been initiated.”

Period underwear made from biobased materials at Techtextil

Kelheim Fibres and Gebr. Otto will showcase their joint concept aimed at making period underwear more sustainable and high-performing. Exhibiting at the BW-i joint stand and the IVGT joint stand, both located in Hall 12.1, the innovation partners will present their solution for period underwear made from biobased materials, distinguished by outstanding performance metrics. The various specialty viscose fibres used in this solution are sourced from Kelheim, while Gebr. Otto expertly spins them into the appropriate compositions.

Better, faster, bio-based: Functional new Plastic alternatives

How can new bio-based and biohybrid materials with improved features be developed faster? Six Fraunhofer institutes are jointly exploring this question in the SUBI²MA flagship project, using an innovative bio-based polyamide developed by Fraunhofer researchers as a model. Its specific properties make it a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

PERFORMANCE DAYS sets benchmarks with record attendance & strong industry presence

With around 4,500 professional visitors and 515 exhibitors, PERFORMANCE DAYS closed its doors on October 30, 2025, after two highly successful days in Munich. Expanded show areas, an international audience, a top-class Expert Talks program, and an inspiring DAY 0 Conference with an innovative concept underlined one thing clearly: PERFORMANCE DAYS has become the leading business platform for the functional textile industry.