Cotton, Competition and Consolidation

I came across a powerpoint presentation presented at a Flammability Symposium held in Cary, North Carolina, last September. The symposium was organised by the Association of Textile Apparel and Materials and the presentation was given by a representative from Cotton Incorporated, the research and promotions division of the US Cotton Board.

The presentation is titled Cotton Flammability Issues: An Update

The various durable and semi‐durable flame retardant finishes for cotton are discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each is listed. Formaldehyde emissions feature prominently as a disadvantage. Expense and complexity of process is also mentioned.

Slide 6 then presents two alternative FR treatments under the heading, Additional Flame Retardant Options.

Archroma

• Pekoflam® ECO/SYN
• Non‐halogenated
• Formaldehyde and amine emissions below detectable limits
• Application compatible with existing equipment

Alexium International

• Alexiflam® NF
• Non‐halogenated, phosphorus based
• Claimed durable to 50+ HLTD
• Application compatible with existing equipment

From this I deduce that (1) Alexiflam NF is well and truly on the industry radar in the United States and (2) Archroma’s Pekoflam ECO/SYN is the main competitor product to Alexiflam NF.

Archroma and Pekoflam ECO/SYN have an interesting history.

Oct 2011
Clariant launches Pekoflam ECO/SYN, a phosphorous/nitrogen FR suitable for cotton and cotton blends. The Pekoflam system was said to be cost-efficient, able to be used with existing equipment, free of halogen and formaldehyde emissions and have excellent wash durability. Pekoflam is sold within Clariant’s textile chemicals division.

http://www.innovationintextiles.com/clariant-launches-new-generation-flame-retardant/
http://www.bpt.archroma.com/pekoflam-ecosyn/

Jan 2013
Clariant divests its textile chemicals division along with its emulsions and paper specialities businesses to New York- based private equity form, SK Capital Partners.

http://www.textileworld.com/textile...lariant-sells-three-businesses-to-sk-capital/

Oct 2013
SK Capital Partners launches Archroma, a new company formed from the acquired Clariant businesses.

http://www.innovationintextiles.com...roma-acquires-three-businesses-from-clariant/

May 2014
Archroma acquires 49% of Swiss company, M Dohmen, a leading specialist in the production and marketing of textile dyes and chemicals for the automotive, carpet and apparel sectors.

http://www.chemanager-online.com/en/news-opinions/headlines/archroma-acquires-49-m-dohmen

October 2014
Archroma acquires BASF global textile chemicals business. The textile headquarters of both Archroma and BASF are based in Singapore.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...ma-buys-basf-unit-to-expand-textile-chemicals

February 2017
It is reported that Archroma has been put up for sale by SK Capital Partners with an expected price of approx. US$1.5 bn.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...d-for-archroma-business-valued-at-1-5-billion
http://www.sportswear-international.com/news/stories/Ownership-Archroma-might-be-up-for-sale-13013

May 2017
Still no reported sale, but Archroma does announce its latest collaboration with Patagonia….