Lenzing group strengthens foothold in Japanese market

The leading manufacturers in the Japanese market until now, Kohjin, will discontinue all of their viscose fibre activities at the end of September. At the recommendation and with the technical support of Kohjin, Lenzing AG will handle the distribution of this special segment with the Japanese trading company Nichimen.

Lenzing will raise their volumes of this high-yielding specialities by about 10% and simultaniously becomes the leading supplier of spun-dyed viscose fibres to the Japanese market. The former export market of the Japanese manufacturer will mainly be supplied by Lenzing AG, too.

The Japanese textile market is thought to be extremely difficult in terms of quality awareness and customer loyalty vis-à-vis suppliers. The recommendation from a local supplier was a basic pre-requisite to gain a foothold in this highly sensitive market. To this end, Lenzing AG had to ensure in numerous trials that they were able to manufacture the very specific shades demanded in Japan in the intensity defined and in different batch sizes.

Market Leader in Europe - and now in Japane too

In Europe, Lenzing AG is market leader in spun-dyed fibres. The latter are high quality special fibres used in applications in the field of medicine, as well as for decorative fabrics, table linen and outer wear. Spin dyeing - the incorporation of dye pigments directly into the fibre - offers a number of important advantages over flock and yarn dyeing:

Quality:

Economy:

1. Clear advantage in terms of cost compared to flock or yarn dyeing
2. No additional winding process is required as with yarn dyeing

Ecology:

1. No dye and chemical effluent
2. No water and energy consumption
3. Exclusive use of TCF pulp