The annual international conference of chemical fiber known as the global chemical fiber industry development "wind vane." Recently, the "22nd China International Conference on Chemical Fiber" held in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province attracted nearly 20 countries from the United States, European Union, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. And the region's textile and chemical industry gathered together to discuss the global fiber industry development plans.

At the meeting, from the European Chemical Fiber Union, Japan Chemical Fiber Industry Association, South Korea Chemical Fiber Industry Association, the relevant person in charge of the overseas textile and chemical fiber industry, the latest developments, product development trends and focus, the globalization of investment layout and other content were introduced, In this issue, we will share their wonderful views.

Innovation is the main thrust of the development of the European chemical fiber industry

Frédéric VAN HOUTE, President of the European Chemical Fiber Federation

In 2015, the world's total chemical fiber production is 68.9 million tons, China is the world's largest producer of chemical fiber, accounting for 67%, the European chemical fiber production accounted for 6%.

Europe is still the world's second largest chemical fiber production areas, in many areas are still in a leading position, more balanced distribution of chemical fiber industry. The total output of chemical fiber in Europe in 2004 to 3.4 million tons, of which polyester polyester production of 986,000 tons, accounting for 29%; polypropylene production of 81.6 million tons, accounting for 24%; cellulose fiber production was 54.4 million Ton, accounting for 16%; acrylic production of 510,000 tons, accounting for 15%; nylon production of 408,000 tons, accounting for 12%.

But the global chemical fiber industry is currently facing overcapacity problems, especially polyester industry overcapacity problems are more prominent, the European chemical fiber industry has also been affected. At present, a number of Asian countries are developing new capacity. 2016 global polyester production is expected to reach 70 million tons. Overcapacity led to a decline in product prices and profit margins, an increase of environmental pressure, but also to the international market on chemical fiber products, anti-dumping, countervailing measures frequently. In this case, means that the industry's investment should be based on a comprehensive market and economic analysis, to avoid homogenization of competition and continue to expand production capacity led to a further decline in product prices, profits.

In the long term, strengthening communication with consumers and suppliers is the best way for chemical fiber companies to expand their markets. Products with quality assurance, innovation and environment-friendly production are more profitable. On the European chemical fiber industry itself, the next from the "high-quality, professional, flexible", high efficiency, sustainable development, innovation and global cooperation in several areas to seek a breakthrough development.

European production of high-quality fiber technology leader, a number of product standards and testing methods are also further development and optimization of the European chemical fiber production enterprises will further committed to differentiated, refined product R & D and production to ensure the quality of various products for the market response Will be more efficient, so hope to further narrow the distance between business and consumers, to better meet the diverse needs of consumers. Efficient competition, the European chemical fiber enterprises will continue to pursue modern high-efficiency production, reduce the number of employees, while the pursuit of lower management costs and more efficient, flexible management, the pursuit of optimal production.

The current consumer demand for green chemical fiber and textiles increased, the search for sustainable development has become an important issue in Europe, chemical fiber enterprises for many environmental projects is essential. European chemical companies strictly control waste water, emissions, the pursuit of the least amount of water, the green production process, efficient use of resources, more committed to reducing the ecological footprint. European chemical fiber for the oil consumption of less than 0.1%, to achieve recycling of water resources, recycling or burning things are also used for power generation or heating.

In the past 5 years, the European chemical fiber enterprises for innovation investment of more than 1 billion euros, European authorities and related funds also support enterprise innovation, followed by the European chemical fiber enterprises from high and new technology, special fiber applications, advanced textile and textile industry chain innovation Several aspects. For example, the new functional polyester fiber will be more and more used in the field of industry, agricultural products to help protect the agricultural products in the expansion of the scope of application, smart textiles, medical textiles, health textiles are new areas of chemical fiber . In short, fiber innovation is still the European chemical fiber industry, the main driving force.

In addition, the global competition has driven the development of textile fiber industry, the European chemical fiber enterprises will further invest in the world, Asian companies in Europe also increased investment in the development of European chemical fiber business confidence.

Japan to strengthen high-performance, high-performance fiber advantage

Japan Chemical Fiber Industry Association Chairman Keiji Yamazaki

In order to cope with the overcapacity situation and changing needs of the global chemical fiber industry, in recent years, the Japanese chemical fiber industry to actively adjust the chemical fiber varieties, accelerate the development of high-performance, high-functional fiber, and actively develop "smart manufacturing." In 2015, Japan's chemical fiber production was 96 million tons, down 2%, of which polyester filament production was 128,000 tons, down 6%, polyester staple fiber production was 134,000 tons, down 8%, nylon filament Production was 90,000 tons, down 9%, cellulose fiber production was 173,000 tons, an increase of 1%.

Japan's chemical fiber industry's competitive advantage First, reflected in the high-functional fibers, with special features of the polyester fiber in the field of clothing has a strong international competitiveness. Japan's chemical fiber companies and textile companies and brands to maintain the advantages of cooperation, developed a sports taking, medical field with the leading functional fiber. Second, high-performance fiber in the global field, Japanese companies dominate the global carbon fiber market share of 68%, the global para-aramid fiber market share of 47%, 33% of the global market share of high molecular weight polyethylene are occupied by Japanese companies. From the application field, textile, industrial fiber applications accounted for in two areas accounted for 66% in 2000 to 81% in 2015.

Japan's chemical fiber industry in the future direction of development include the following aspects: First, focusing on high-performance fibers and high-performance fibers in new industries and application development is expected by 2020, the global high-performance fiber applications in the new industry will continue to expand , Including protective clothing and other functional clothing, aerospace, civil engineering and construction, new energy, automotive and other fields.

The second is to promote globalization. Japan has signed 15 free trade agreements, the free trade zone in East Asia construction has been completed, especially ASEAN and Japan signed a free trade agreement to accelerate the Japanese chemical fiber enterprises in the international distribution of Asia. In 2015, Japan's Toray, Teijin's overseas assets accounted for the proportion of total assets were 72% and 58%.

Third, enhance environmental responsibility. Japan's chemical fiber industry will be committed to the characteristics of chemical fibers to solve a variety of environmental problems, such as energy-saving respect for light materials, cool business equipment, sewage treatment in the use of hollow fiber membrane, the development of PLA bio-based fiber.

Fourth, through the ICT and the Internet of Things technology to further the implementation of industrial restructuring.

The demand for textiles in the global market is expected to continue to increase in the future, especially for high value-added products. Faced with the changing global business environment, the Japanese chemical fiber industry should pay attention to the analysis of complex and diverse consumer needs, enhance environmental awareness, and through the globalization of layout to find more development opportunities.

South Korea to develop high value-added new materials

South Korea Chemical Fiber Association Park Sheng-hoon

2015 South Korean chemical fiber production capacity of 1.722 million tons, the output of 1.34 million tons, exports of 2.3 billion US dollars, imports amounted to 120 million US dollars. Of which polyester staple fiber exports the largest, accounting for 38%, polyester filament imports the largest, accounting for 38.4%.

South Korea's chemical fiber products exported to China, the United States, Vietnam, Indonesia and other countries in recent years, Vietnam's chemical fiber exports continued to grow in 2000 exports of 60 million US dollars in 2015 increased to 148 million US dollars; China's chemical fiber exports The amount continued to decline in 2000 exports of 620 million US dollars in 2015 dropped significantly to 305 million US dollars. In 2015, South Korea's chemical fiber exports to the United States of 304 million US dollars, exports to Indonesia amounted to 126 million US dollars.

South Korea's imports of chemical fiber products mainly from China, the United States, Japan, Malaysia and other countries, China is its largest source of imports. In 2015, South Korea's imports of China's chemical fiber products was 443 million US dollars, imports of US chemical fiber products to 129 million US dollars, imports of chemical fiber products in Japan amounted to 112 million US dollars, the Malaysian imports of chemical fiber products 5700 Ten thousand U.S. dollars.

South Korea's chemical fiber industry has obvious advantages. In the forefront and the basis of a coordinated industrial structure, the establishment of a number of free trade zone is conducive to enterprises to expand the international market, chemical fiber enterprises are accelerating the reorganization, the Government's support efforts to increase. But the South Korean chemical fiber industry is also facing more stringent environmental regulations and challenges, the lack of R & D investment and core technology, equipment aging, the lack of development of cutting-edge technology infrastructure, labor costs, lack of professional and technical personnel.

Increase R & D investment, the development of high value-added functional textiles and new materials; to achieve intelligent production equipment to improve production efficiency; the implementation of industrial restructuring; strengthen the technical staff team building; use of large data, cross-industry cooperation R & D innovation is the future Korea Chemical Fiber Industry and functional textile development strategy.

Comfortable moisture absorption, fast drying, breathable, water-repellent textiles, dynamic type of elasticity, light, soft, comfortable textiles, protective wind, warmth, sunscreen textiles, health-type antibacterial, deodorant textiles, and with infrared light / Body heat reflection and other temperature-controlled textiles are the development trend of future functional textiles. Other functional textile R & D direction also includes flame retardant, lightweight and other direction. For these areas of fiber development, Hyosung, Cologne fashion materials, Daehan Chemical Fiber, Xinfeng fiber are representative enterprises.