Unitika
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $84 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Yoshihiko Mineda, managing director; Noriyuki Kimura, general manager, spunlaced fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Tarui
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock roofing sheets
With sales of $84 million, roll goods producer Unitika, Osaka, Japan, continues to focus on its spunbonded nonwovens production capabilities. While the company has postponed plans to increase its spunbond capacity, now 20,000 tons, by 7000 tons due to unfavorable market conditions, the company will increase its capacity 2000 tons by improving existing equipment during the first half of 2003. The larger scale expansion plan is expected to be revisited in 2004
Currently producing polyester, nylon and bicomponent spunbonded materials, the company plans to improve its bicomponent production based on market preferences.
In addition to its spunbond operations, Unitika manufactures 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year. This figure includes a 2500-ton expansion completed in May. Sales of spunlaced materials are reportedly outpacing spunbond sales.
Looking outside of Japan, Unitika operates a joint venture company with Teijin Films, Osaka, Japan, in Thailand. Named Thai Tusco, the joint venture produces 4000 tons of polyester spunbonded nonwovens per year. The company is hoping to increase this capacity to 6000 tons by focusing on improving its existing capacity and expects to someday increase its output to 10,000 tons. Approximately 80% of the material produced through Thai Tusco is consumed within Thailand whereas 20% is exported. The U.S. carpet backing market is the chief area of export.
Sales: $84 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Yoshihiko Mineda, managing director; Noriyuki Kimura, general manager, spunlaced fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Tarui
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock roofing sheets
With sales of $84 million, roll goods producer Unitika, Osaka, Japan, continues to focus on its spunbonded nonwovens production capabilities. While the company has postponed plans to increase its spunbond capacity, now 20,000 tons, by 7000 tons due to unfavorable market conditions, the company will increase its capacity 2000 tons by improving existing equipment during the first half of 2003. The larger scale expansion plan is expected to be revisited in 2004
Currently producing polyester, nylon and bicomponent spunbonded materials, the company plans to improve its bicomponent production based on market preferences.
In addition to its spunbond operations, Unitika manufactures 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year. This figure includes a 2500-ton expansion completed in May. Sales of spunlaced materials are reportedly outpacing spunbond sales.
Looking outside of Japan, Unitika operates a joint venture company with Teijin Films, Osaka, Japan, in Thailand. Named Thai Tusco, the joint venture produces 4000 tons of polyester spunbonded nonwovens per year. The company is hoping to increase this capacity to 6000 tons by focusing on improving its existing capacity and expects to someday increase its output to 10,000 tons. Approximately 80% of the material produced through Thai Tusco is consumed within Thailand whereas 20% is exported. The U.S. carpet backing market is the chief area of export.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $74 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Yoshihiko Mineda, managing director
Plants
Ikazaki, Tarui
Processes
Spunbonded, spunlaced
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
The year 2002 was marked by a doubling of spunlaced capacity for Unitika, Osaka, Japan, The company added a new line, capable of producing 2500 tons per year of spunlaced nonwovens in June .
The majority of spunlaced nonwovens produced by Unitia are 100% cotton. Demand for these materials is great in the cosmetic markets, and this has allowed production volumes to grow smoothly. In fact, spunlaced nonwovens have come to occupy an important place in Unitika’s business despite their inferiority in size to spunbond materials.
Unitika can produce 20,000 tons of spunbonded nonwovens per year as well as an additional 4000 tons of polyester spunbonded nonwovens, which the company produces through its Tusco joint venture company with Teijin Films. Headquarterd inThailand, Tusco’s production is expected to increase to 22,000 tons by the end of the year.
Sales: $74 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Yoshihiko Mineda, managing director
Plants
Ikazaki, Tarui
Processes
Spunbonded, spunlaced
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
The year 2002 was marked by a doubling of spunlaced capacity for Unitika, Osaka, Japan, The company added a new line, capable of producing 2500 tons per year of spunlaced nonwovens in June .
The majority of spunlaced nonwovens produced by Unitia are 100% cotton. Demand for these materials is great in the cosmetic markets, and this has allowed production volumes to grow smoothly. In fact, spunlaced nonwovens have come to occupy an important place in Unitika’s business despite their inferiority in size to spunbond materials.
Unitika can produce 20,000 tons of spunbonded nonwovens per year as well as an additional 4000 tons of polyester spunbonded nonwovens, which the company produces through its Tusco joint venture company with Teijin Films. Headquarterd inThailand, Tusco’s production is expected to increase to 22,000 tons by the end of the year.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $80 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Yoshihiko Mineda, general manager, spunbond division; Noriyuki Kimura, general manager, spunlaced fabric sales
Plants
Okasaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Based in Osaka, Japan, Unitika can produce 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year as well as another 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens through its joint venture with Teijin Films, called TUSCO, in Thailand.
Japan’s largest producer of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens, Unitika reportedly commands 40% of this market, which has dropped off slightly. In response to these conditions, Unitika has begun looking toward exporting these materials into China and developing new applications for the Japanese market in such areas as carpet backings, automotive carpets and tile carpets. TUSCO, in Thailand, is also trying to strengthen its presence in the Chinese market through a close cooperation with Unitika.
In terms of new product development, Unitika is trying to develop exclusive products for its core areas such as Eleves, a spunbond nonwovens containing a PET core, and a polyethylene sheath with excellent heat sealing thanks to the low melting point of PE. It is suitable for bag packaging and fit for sticking to PTEF membranes.
Alcima is a spunbond nonwoven with PET/PE bicomponent fibers. In this product, the PET is a 0.25 denier microfiber that shows an excellent clean-up quality when used in a wiper. Terramac is a spunbond nonwoven containing polylactic acid, which gives the materials a decompositional function. Nonwovens of these types are suitable for use with soil and can be laid underground soil in civil engineering and agricultural markets.
While spunbond demand has remained sluggish, spunlaced nonwovens, sold under the brand name Cottoace, have been picking up steam. Increased demand has been driven by cosmetics markets where 100% cotton Cottoace’s softness is greatly preferred, despite its high cost.
Sales: $80 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Yoshihiko Mineda, general manager, spunbond division; Noriyuki Kimura, general manager, spunlaced fabric sales
Plants
Okasaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Based in Osaka, Japan, Unitika can produce 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year as well as another 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens through its joint venture with Teijin Films, called TUSCO, in Thailand.
Japan’s largest producer of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens, Unitika reportedly commands 40% of this market, which has dropped off slightly. In response to these conditions, Unitika has begun looking toward exporting these materials into China and developing new applications for the Japanese market in such areas as carpet backings, automotive carpets and tile carpets. TUSCO, in Thailand, is also trying to strengthen its presence in the Chinese market through a close cooperation with Unitika.
In terms of new product development, Unitika is trying to develop exclusive products for its core areas such as Eleves, a spunbond nonwovens containing a PET core, and a polyethylene sheath with excellent heat sealing thanks to the low melting point of PE. It is suitable for bag packaging and fit for sticking to PTEF membranes.
Alcima is a spunbond nonwoven with PET/PE bicomponent fibers. In this product, the PET is a 0.25 denier microfiber that shows an excellent clean-up quality when used in a wiper. Terramac is a spunbond nonwoven containing polylactic acid, which gives the materials a decompositional function. Nonwovens of these types are suitable for use with soil and can be laid underground soil in civil engineering and agricultural markets.
While spunbond demand has remained sluggish, spunlaced nonwovens, sold under the brand name Cottoace, have been picking up steam. Increased demand has been driven by cosmetics markets where 100% cotton Cottoace’s softness is greatly preferred, despite its high cost.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $85 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, spunbond fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Based in Osaka, Japan, Unitika can produce 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year as well as another 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens through its joint venture with Teijin Films, called TUSCO, in Thailand.
Unitika remains Japan’s largest producer of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens. Although output decreased when some production lines were stalled in 2003, these lines restarted in 2004, increasing capacity. Cotton spunlaced nonwovens grew slightly, 5%, in 2004 following an equipment expansion in this area in 2002. Currently, the company is underway with plans to shift from cotton to other fibers for its spunlaced nonwovens. Unitika also intends to open new overseas markets and improve its export ratio from 15% to 20% in the future.
At its TUSCO operation in Thailand, two machines are in operation. The first has a production capacity of 1600 tons per year while the second line produces 2400 tons annually. Although the second machine is running at full capacity, the first is now operating at 75% capacity.
Due to shifting market conditions, the company’s plan to increase its polyester spunbond nonwovens capacity to 7500 tons per year was postponed. Instead, Unitika is examining other options including the possible addition of large-scale equipment in Japan, construction of a new plant at its Thailand-based joint venture or the establishment of production in another country.
Sales: $85 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, spunbond fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Based in Osaka, Japan, Unitika can produce 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year as well as another 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens through its joint venture with Teijin Films, called TUSCO, in Thailand.
Unitika remains Japan’s largest producer of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens. Although output decreased when some production lines were stalled in 2003, these lines restarted in 2004, increasing capacity. Cotton spunlaced nonwovens grew slightly, 5%, in 2004 following an equipment expansion in this area in 2002. Currently, the company is underway with plans to shift from cotton to other fibers for its spunlaced nonwovens. Unitika also intends to open new overseas markets and improve its export ratio from 15% to 20% in the future.
At its TUSCO operation in Thailand, two machines are in operation. The first has a production capacity of 1600 tons per year while the second line produces 2400 tons annually. Although the second machine is running at full capacity, the first is now operating at 75% capacity.
Due to shifting market conditions, the company’s plan to increase its polyester spunbond nonwovens capacity to 7500 tons per year was postponed. Instead, Unitika is examining other options including the possible addition of large-scale equipment in Japan, construction of a new plant at its Thailand-based joint venture or the establishment of production in another country.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $82 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, spunbonded fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, spunbonded fabric sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Based in Osaka, Japan, roll goods producer Unitika boasts an annual production capacity of 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year. Additionally, the company can manufacture another 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens through its TUSCO joint venture with Teijin Films in Thailand. Although TUSCO achieved full capacity levels in 2005, neither of the company's Japan-based plants reached this mark. Consequently, the company's sales saw a decrease last year.
In the automotive sector, Unitika has made recent efforts to expand exports into China. According to the company, production of both automotive tile carpets and floor mats has been increasing in China and consequently demand for polyester spunbonded nonwovens used for carpet backings has been on the rise. As its TUSCO plant is operating at full capacity, Unitika has been exporting carpet backings into China from its Japanese plant. The company reports that it competes in China against Taiwan-based Freudenberg Far Eastern Spunweb (FFES), which dominates the carpet backing market there. In an effort to strengthen its position, Unitika plans to increase its exports into the Chinese market.
In the spunlaced sector, Unitika's production of cotton-based nonwovens has not yet reached full capacity levels. The company is currently making efforts to boost sales of Lyocell-based spunlaced nonwovens. Unitika describes nonwovens made of Lyocell as suitable for industrial wipes because of their strength, moisture retention and low linting properties. The company is also promoting five-layer composites featuring spunlaced and thermal bonded nonwovens for a variety of applications.
Sales: $82 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, spunbonded fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, spunbonded fabric sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Based in Osaka, Japan, roll goods producer Unitika boasts an annual production capacity of 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year. Additionally, the company can manufacture another 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens through its TUSCO joint venture with Teijin Films in Thailand. Although TUSCO achieved full capacity levels in 2005, neither of the company's Japan-based plants reached this mark. Consequently, the company's sales saw a decrease last year.
In the automotive sector, Unitika has made recent efforts to expand exports into China. According to the company, production of both automotive tile carpets and floor mats has been increasing in China and consequently demand for polyester spunbonded nonwovens used for carpet backings has been on the rise. As its TUSCO plant is operating at full capacity, Unitika has been exporting carpet backings into China from its Japanese plant. The company reports that it competes in China against Taiwan-based Freudenberg Far Eastern Spunweb (FFES), which dominates the carpet backing market there. In an effort to strengthen its position, Unitika plans to increase its exports into the Chinese market.
In the spunlaced sector, Unitika's production of cotton-based nonwovens has not yet reached full capacity levels. The company is currently making efforts to boost sales of Lyocell-based spunlaced nonwovens. Unitika describes nonwovens made of Lyocell as suitable for industrial wipes because of their strength, moisture retention and low linting properties. The company is also promoting five-layer composites featuring spunlaced and thermal bonded nonwovens for a variety of applications.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $81 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, spunbonded fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, spunbonded fabric sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika’s nonwovens production capacity is 22,000 tons per year of polyester spunbonded nonwovens and 5000 tons per year of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, its Tusco joint venture agreement with Teijin Films in Thailand produces 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens. Unitika is the largest producer of polyester spunbonded nonwovens in Asia with 26,000 tons of capacity. Currently, Tusco is operating at full capacity but Unitika still has some capacity remaining in its spunlace nonwovens business.
In terms of capacity upgrades, Unitika intends to improve its Japanese lines by adding 2000 tons of polyester spunbond capacity by 2008 and will eventually bring on a new line with 5000-ton capabilities either in Japan or Thailand.
Much of Unitika’s current business exists in the carpet backing and roofing sheet business but the company has been making significant strides in targeting new fields of application. Unitika’s spunbonded nonwovens are superior in molding abilities and the company has added stretch properties to further enhance the materials.
Another goal is to expand its export ratio from 10-15% to 20%.
Unitika also produces spunbonded and spunlaced nonwovens using polylactic acid (PLA), a polymer derived from plants and crude materials. While this business is currently a small one because of PLA supply shortages, the company expects these materials to represent the future of nonwovens.
Sales: $81 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, spunbonded fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, spunbonded fabric sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlaced
Brand Names
Matrix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika’s nonwovens production capacity is 22,000 tons per year of polyester spunbonded nonwovens and 5000 tons per year of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, its Tusco joint venture agreement with Teijin Films in Thailand produces 4000 tons of polyester-based spunbonded nonwovens. Unitika is the largest producer of polyester spunbonded nonwovens in Asia with 26,000 tons of capacity. Currently, Tusco is operating at full capacity but Unitika still has some capacity remaining in its spunlace nonwovens business.
In terms of capacity upgrades, Unitika intends to improve its Japanese lines by adding 2000 tons of polyester spunbond capacity by 2008 and will eventually bring on a new line with 5000-ton capabilities either in Japan or Thailand.
Much of Unitika’s current business exists in the carpet backing and roofing sheet business but the company has been making significant strides in targeting new fields of application. Unitika’s spunbonded nonwovens are superior in molding abilities and the company has added stretch properties to further enhance the materials.
Another goal is to expand its export ratio from 10-15% to 20%.
Unitika also produces spunbonded and spunlaced nonwovens using polylactic acid (PLA), a polymer derived from plants and crude materials. While this business is currently a small one because of PLA supply shortages, the company expects these materials to represent the future of nonwovens.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $88 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager of nonwoven fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, nonwoven fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
In 2007, Unitika changed the name of its nonwovens business from spunbond fabrics division to nonwoven fabrics division to better represent its product mix. In addition to its 22,000 tons of polyester spunbonded nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens made by Unitika exclusively, this company operates a joint venture with Taiwan’s Teijin films, which makes 4000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens per year.
Additionally, Unitika plans to further broaden its technology going forward and is developing a process that incorporates spinning, water jets and needlepunching.
The high cost of raw materials and fuel has negatively impacted the company’s profits, despite increased sales. To combat this, Unitika tried to implement a price hit but it was not widely accepted by its customers who were reluctant to pass along these increased.
Sales: $88 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager of nonwoven fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, nonwoven fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
In 2007, Unitika changed the name of its nonwovens business from spunbond fabrics division to nonwoven fabrics division to better represent its product mix. In addition to its 22,000 tons of polyester spunbonded nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens made by Unitika exclusively, this company operates a joint venture with Taiwan’s Teijin films, which makes 4000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens per year.
Additionally, Unitika plans to further broaden its technology going forward and is developing a process that incorporates spinning, water jets and needlepunching.
The high cost of raw materials and fuel has negatively impacted the company’s profits, despite increased sales. To combat this, Unitika tried to implement a price hit but it was not widely accepted by its customers who were reluctant to pass along these increased.
Location: OSAKA, JAPAN
Sales: $97 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, nonwoven fabrics sales
Plants
Okasaki and Tarui
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika’s annual nonwovens capacity is 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, Tusco, a joint venture of Unitika and Teijiin, makes 5000 tons of PET spunbonded nonwovens per year.
Production of PET spunbonded nonwovens decreased in the latter half of 2008 as the markets it serves softened and this has negatively impacted sales and earnings. Meanwhile, in Unitika’s spunlace operation, hygiene and cosmetic applications remained level as the usage of windshield wipes for automotives markets decreased. At Tusco, sales decreased but profits increased.
Tusco became a subsidiary of Unitika in April 2008. The main uses of nonwovens made by Tusco include the base cloth of tufted carpets used in tile carpets or mobile floor mats. With existing output, growth would be difficult so an expansion strategy will be necessary in the future.
Spunbonded nonwovens made with composite fibers in a core-sheath formation are being made under the brand name Eleves and demand is growing for these products. The core is made of polyester and the sheath is made of PE. Current 6000 tons of this material is made in Japan but this is expected to expand as Tusco equipment is enhanced to be able to make Eleves.
Current efforts from Unitika currently center around the development of new products to make up for decreases in other areas. This is difficult but it is necessary, according to the company.
Sales: $97 Million
Description: Key Personnel
Masaru Tsugawa, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Hiroshi Kawasaki, general manager, nonwoven fabrics sales
Plants
Okasaki and Tarui
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Nyace, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika’s annual nonwovens capacity is 22,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, Tusco, a joint venture of Unitika and Teijiin, makes 5000 tons of PET spunbonded nonwovens per year.
Production of PET spunbonded nonwovens decreased in the latter half of 2008 as the markets it serves softened and this has negatively impacted sales and earnings. Meanwhile, in Unitika’s spunlace operation, hygiene and cosmetic applications remained level as the usage of windshield wipes for automotives markets decreased. At Tusco, sales decreased but profits increased.
Tusco became a subsidiary of Unitika in April 2008. The main uses of nonwovens made by Tusco include the base cloth of tufted carpets used in tile carpets or mobile floor mats. With existing output, growth would be difficult so an expansion strategy will be necessary in the future.
Spunbonded nonwovens made with composite fibers in a core-sheath formation are being made under the brand name Eleves and demand is growing for these products. The core is made of polyester and the sheath is made of PE. Current 6000 tons of this material is made in Japan but this is expected to expand as Tusco equipment is enhanced to be able to make Eleves.
Current efforts from Unitika currently center around the development of new products to make up for decreases in other areas. This is difficult but it is necessary, according to the company.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Sales: $104 million
Description: Key Personnel
Hiroshi Yoshihara, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Tetsuya Yohimura, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Terrramac, Cottoace
The nonwovens production capacity of Unitika includes 22,000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, Thai Tusco, Unitika’s Thai subsidiary, makes 4000 tons of spunbonded nonwovens.
As for sales of the company last year, increased spunlaced sales were not enough to offset decreased spunbond volumes, so sales of the company decreased as a whole.
Spunlace growth was driven by increased usage in the surface materials of sanitary napkins for the feminine hygiene market. To adapt its spunlace materials for this market, Unitika combined polyester and cotton fibers to make them dryer and more absorbent.
Within spunbond, many of the markets Unitika serves were impacted by the economic crisis. Therefore, Unitika made some changes to help boost its business. For one, it has increased the amount of nonwovens made in Thailand, where labor is cheaper, that are sent to Japan. Namely, polylactic-based nonwovens are currently being transferred to the Tusco, as are a number of spunbond composites. Meanwhile, the Japanese equipment will focus on the production of Eleves, a core sheath type composite spunbonded material that has been increasing in demand. This product, which consists of a polyester core and polyethylene sheath, provides a better value incentive for Unitika.
Sales: $104 million
Description: Key Personnel
Hiroshi Yoshihara, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Tetsuya Yohimura, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Terrramac, Cottoace
The nonwovens production capacity of Unitika includes 22,000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens and 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally, Thai Tusco, Unitika’s Thai subsidiary, makes 4000 tons of spunbonded nonwovens.
As for sales of the company last year, increased spunlaced sales were not enough to offset decreased spunbond volumes, so sales of the company decreased as a whole.
Spunlace growth was driven by increased usage in the surface materials of sanitary napkins for the feminine hygiene market. To adapt its spunlace materials for this market, Unitika combined polyester and cotton fibers to make them dryer and more absorbent.
Within spunbond, many of the markets Unitika serves were impacted by the economic crisis. Therefore, Unitika made some changes to help boost its business. For one, it has increased the amount of nonwovens made in Thailand, where labor is cheaper, that are sent to Japan. Namely, polylactic-based nonwovens are currently being transferred to the Tusco, as are a number of spunbond composites. Meanwhile, the Japanese equipment will focus on the production of Eleves, a core sheath type composite spunbonded material that has been increasing in demand. This product, which consists of a polyester core and polyethylene sheath, provides a better value incentive for Unitika.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2011 Nonwovens Sales: $122 million
Key Personnel: Hiroshi Yoshihara, general manager, nonwoven fabrics; Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants: Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes: Spunbond, spunlace
Brands: Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets: Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Nonwovens sales were strong for Japanese producer Unitika thanks to steady shipments to the construction and civil engineering segments. However, profits were down because the company failed to account for rising raw material and fuel prices.
In terms of capacity, Unitika makes 22,000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens per year in Japan while spunlace output is 5,000 tons. Additionally, the company’s Thai subsidiary, Thai Tusco, makes 5,000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens per year, and its joint corporation with Marusan Industry, UMCT, can make 5,000 tons of the material per year.
In 2011, Thai Tusco was damaged by flooding in the region and production on two of its lines was halted. One line reopened in March 2012 and the other started up again in April. During the closure, Unitika’s Japan sites picked up the slack so customer supply was not impacted. Tusco has become an important foothold in the overseas market for Unitika and executives have considered expanding this site.
In Unitika’s spunlace business, the market has been favorable as the demand for wet wipes is increasing and the company is looking into expanding its marketing activities into China.
www.unitika.co.jp
2011 Nonwovens Sales: $122 million
Key Personnel: Hiroshi Yoshihara, general manager, nonwoven fabrics; Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants: Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes: Spunbond, spunlace
Brands: Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Terramac, Cottoace
Major Markets: Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storage bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Nonwovens sales were strong for Japanese producer Unitika thanks to steady shipments to the construction and civil engineering segments. However, profits were down because the company failed to account for rising raw material and fuel prices.
In terms of capacity, Unitika makes 22,000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens per year in Japan while spunlace output is 5,000 tons. Additionally, the company’s Thai subsidiary, Thai Tusco, makes 5,000 tons of polyester-based spunbond nonwovens per year, and its joint corporation with Marusan Industry, UMCT, can make 5,000 tons of the material per year.
In 2011, Thai Tusco was damaged by flooding in the region and production on two of its lines was halted. One line reopened in March 2012 and the other started up again in April. During the closure, Unitika’s Japan sites picked up the slack so customer supply was not impacted. Tusco has become an important foothold in the overseas market for Unitika and executives have considered expanding this site.
In Unitika’s spunlace business, the market has been favorable as the demand for wet wipes is increasing and the company is looking into expanding its marketing activities into China.
Unitika
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2014 Nonwovens Sales: $77 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Japan; Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, Spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace.
Major markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika produces 20,000 tons/year of PET spunbond nonwovens and 4500 tons/year of spunlace nonwovens. Thai TUSCO, a subsidiary of Unitika, has been producing PET spunbond nonwovens with the capacity of 4000 tons/year. Additionally, UMCT, a joint corporation with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), has produced spunlace nonwovens with the capacity of 5000 tons/year.
Although, the output of PET spunbond nonwovens has increased overseas, domestic output decreased in 2014. Its spunlace nonwovens have increased mainly in the face mask sector, however, sales have slightly decreased for its overall nonwovens business.
Unitika has been planning to enlarge its PET spunbond nonwovens facility and will be introducing a line with the capacity of 6000 tons/year for its Thai TUSCO subsidiary. The new line will begin operations by April 2017.
Unitika develops PET spunbond nonwovens with a cross-section of the fiber, which shows a ‘form of cross’ and is marketed with the brand name Dilla. Dilla is a thick fiber of heteromorphic section with 16 dtex, and the nonwovens offer superior breathability and rigidness, while heat resistance and intensity are high. Because it’s a continuous fiber, it has low dusting characteristics. Such properties are suitable for the matrix of filters, and can be developed for agricultural materials and geotextiles. n
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2014 Nonwovens Sales: $77 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Japan; Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, Spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace.
Major markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika produces 20,000 tons/year of PET spunbond nonwovens and 4500 tons/year of spunlace nonwovens. Thai TUSCO, a subsidiary of Unitika, has been producing PET spunbond nonwovens with the capacity of 4000 tons/year. Additionally, UMCT, a joint corporation with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), has produced spunlace nonwovens with the capacity of 5000 tons/year.
Although, the output of PET spunbond nonwovens has increased overseas, domestic output decreased in 2014. Its spunlace nonwovens have increased mainly in the face mask sector, however, sales have slightly decreased for its overall nonwovens business.
Unitika has been planning to enlarge its PET spunbond nonwovens facility and will be introducing a line with the capacity of 6000 tons/year for its Thai TUSCO subsidiary. The new line will begin operations by April 2017.
Unitika develops PET spunbond nonwovens with a cross-section of the fiber, which shows a ‘form of cross’ and is marketed with the brand name Dilla. Dilla is a thick fiber of heteromorphic section with 16 dtex, and the nonwovens offer superior breathability and rigidness, while heat resistance and intensity are high. Because it’s a continuous fiber, it has low dusting characteristics. Such properties are suitable for the matrix of filters, and can be developed for agricultural materials and geotextiles. n
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2015 Nonwovens Sales: $101 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Japan; Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, Spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace.
Major Markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika produces 20,000 tons/year of PET spunbond nonwovens and 4500 tons/year of spunlace nonwovens. Thai TUSCO, a subsidiary of Unitika, makes 4000 tons of PET spunbond nonwovens per year. Additionally, UMCT, a joint corporation with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), produces 50,000 tons of spunlace per year.
Within PET spunbond nonwovens, industrial materials sales have increased while sales in automotives, agriculture and geotextiles remained flat. Spunlaced nonwovens sales increased thanks to increased face mask sales.
Unitika’s Thai operation, Tusco, is adding 6000 tons per year to its operation, an investment that should be complete in April 2017. This will bring Unitika’s Thai output to 10,000 and its total output of PET spunbond to 30,000 tons making it the largest maker of PET spunbond nonwovens in Asia.
Once the new equipment becomes operational, the manufacture of general-purpose grade nonwovens will be transferred to Tusco to improve the cost competitiveness of the operation. So far, the Thai operation has only made nonwovens for agriculture materials.
Unitika’s Eleves spunbond material, which is made from a core sheet fiber, is made in Japan. By moving the production of general purpose nonwovens to Thailand, Unitika will be able to increase capacity of this higher value nonwoven in Japan.
In Unitika’s spunlaced nonwovens business, 60-70% of the output is made from 100% cotton while the remaining are bicomponent nonwovens combining cotton, lyocell, rayon and PLA. These materials are used not only in Japan but are exports to China, Korea and Taiwan.
www.unitika.co.jp
2015 Nonwovens Sales: $101 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Japan; Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, Spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace.
Major Markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika produces 20,000 tons/year of PET spunbond nonwovens and 4500 tons/year of spunlace nonwovens. Thai TUSCO, a subsidiary of Unitika, makes 4000 tons of PET spunbond nonwovens per year. Additionally, UMCT, a joint corporation with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), produces 50,000 tons of spunlace per year.
Within PET spunbond nonwovens, industrial materials sales have increased while sales in automotives, agriculture and geotextiles remained flat. Spunlaced nonwovens sales increased thanks to increased face mask sales.
Unitika’s Thai operation, Tusco, is adding 6000 tons per year to its operation, an investment that should be complete in April 2017. This will bring Unitika’s Thai output to 10,000 and its total output of PET spunbond to 30,000 tons making it the largest maker of PET spunbond nonwovens in Asia.
Once the new equipment becomes operational, the manufacture of general-purpose grade nonwovens will be transferred to Tusco to improve the cost competitiveness of the operation. So far, the Thai operation has only made nonwovens for agriculture materials.
Unitika’s Eleves spunbond material, which is made from a core sheet fiber, is made in Japan. By moving the production of general purpose nonwovens to Thailand, Unitika will be able to increase capacity of this higher value nonwoven in Japan.
In Unitika’s spunlaced nonwovens business, 60-70% of the output is made from 100% cotton while the remaining are bicomponent nonwovens combining cotton, lyocell, rayon and PLA. These materials are used not only in Japan but are exports to China, Korea and Taiwan.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2016 Nonwovens Sales: $93 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Japan; Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brands
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace.
Major Markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika produces 20,000 tons/year of PET spunbond nonwovens and 4500 tons/year of spunlace nonwovens. Thai TUSCO, a subsidiary of Unitika, now makes 10,000 tons of PET spunbond nonwovens per year after the company expanded capacity by 6000 tons in April 2017. This investment brought the company’s total PET spunbond capacity to 30,000 tons per year, giving Unitika a top position in the Asian polyester spunbond market.
UMCT, a joint corporation with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), produces 5000 tons of spunlace per year.
Within PET spunbond nonwovens, industrial materials sales have increased while sales in automotives, agriculture and geotextiles remained flat. Spunlaced nonwovens sales increased thanks to increased face mask sales.
Unitika’s spunlace nonwovens business fared well in 2016 but spunbond sales were sluggish, remaining flat. Meanwhile, sales of TUSCO in Thailand performed well thanks to demand for carpet fabrics in the automotives market. Currently, 70% of TUSCO’s PET spunbond material is exported, mainly to the U.S. and Europe.
Meanwhile, spunlace nonwovens sales are increasing in the skin care market and Unitika’s capacity in this segment is fully sold out. The company is planning to increase capacity in UMCT, which should also help it drive up sales in China and Southeast Asia, bringing its exports from 10 to 20%.
www.unitika.co.jp
2016 Nonwovens Sales: $93 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Japan; Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brands
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace.
Major Markets
Agricultural materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock, roofing sheets
Unitika produces 20,000 tons/year of PET spunbond nonwovens and 4500 tons/year of spunlace nonwovens. Thai TUSCO, a subsidiary of Unitika, now makes 10,000 tons of PET spunbond nonwovens per year after the company expanded capacity by 6000 tons in April 2017. This investment brought the company’s total PET spunbond capacity to 30,000 tons per year, giving Unitika a top position in the Asian polyester spunbond market.
UMCT, a joint corporation with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), produces 5000 tons of spunlace per year.
Within PET spunbond nonwovens, industrial materials sales have increased while sales in automotives, agriculture and geotextiles remained flat. Spunlaced nonwovens sales increased thanks to increased face mask sales.
Unitika’s spunlace nonwovens business fared well in 2016 but spunbond sales were sluggish, remaining flat. Meanwhile, sales of TUSCO in Thailand performed well thanks to demand for carpet fabrics in the automotives market. Currently, 70% of TUSCO’s PET spunbond material is exported, mainly to the U.S. and Europe.
Meanwhile, spunlace nonwovens sales are increasing in the skin care market and Unitika’s capacity in this segment is fully sold out. The company is planning to increase capacity in UMCT, which should also help it drive up sales in China and Southeast Asia, bringing its exports from 10 to 20%.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2017 Nonwovens Sales: $127 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager
Plants
Okazaki, Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi Alcima, Dilla, Terramc, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, cover stock roofing sheets
Unitika manufacturers polyester spunbond nonwovens and spunlace fabrics in Japan and Thailand. It can make 20,000 tons of PET spunbond nonwovens per year in Japan as well as 10,000 tons per year at its Tusco subsidiary in Thailand. This capacity was expanded from 6000 tons per year in April 2017 with a 5.8 meter wide spunlace line capable of making core sheet type fibers. The majority of nonwovens is exported to China, Southeast Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Unitika also makes 5000 tons per year of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally its joint venture with Marusan Industry makes 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. The company mainly uses cotton fibers in spunlace. Much of this cotton is sourced from Marusan.
In 2017, sales of both PET spunbond nonwovens and spunlaced nonwovens increased. Domestic sales of polyester spunbond nonwovens benefited from gains in building and agriculture while spunlace growth was driven by products for skin care use.
Unitika also makes materials for cars like engine covers, fender liners and under covers with polyester spunbond nonwovens using Tusco. The nonwoven is a core sheath type composite fabric, which is composed of a core made of polyester and sheath made of PET with a lower melting point.
The fabric is needlepunched and molded with a heat press machine then the sheath part melts by heating and fiber fuses and the nonwoven fabric is formed. When the nonwoven fabric is thick, heat could not pass through to the inside and the internal layer offers improved processing and better reliability.
www.unitika.co.jp
2017 Nonwovens Sales: $127 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager
Plants
Okazaki, Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi Alcima, Dilla, Terramc, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, cover stock roofing sheets
Unitika manufacturers polyester spunbond nonwovens and spunlace fabrics in Japan and Thailand. It can make 20,000 tons of PET spunbond nonwovens per year in Japan as well as 10,000 tons per year at its Tusco subsidiary in Thailand. This capacity was expanded from 6000 tons per year in April 2017 with a 5.8 meter wide spunlace line capable of making core sheet type fibers. The majority of nonwovens is exported to China, Southeast Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Unitika also makes 5000 tons per year of spunlaced nonwovens. Additionally its joint venture with Marusan Industry makes 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens. The company mainly uses cotton fibers in spunlace. Much of this cotton is sourced from Marusan.
In 2017, sales of both PET spunbond nonwovens and spunlaced nonwovens increased. Domestic sales of polyester spunbond nonwovens benefited from gains in building and agriculture while spunlace growth was driven by products for skin care use.
Unitika also makes materials for cars like engine covers, fender liners and under covers with polyester spunbond nonwovens using Tusco. The nonwoven is a core sheath type composite fabric, which is composed of a core made of polyester and sheath made of PET with a lower melting point.
The fabric is needlepunched and molded with a heat press machine then the sheath part melts by heating and fiber fuses and the nonwoven fabric is formed. When the nonwoven fabric is thick, heat could not pass through to the inside and the internal layer offers improved processing and better reliability.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2018 Nonwovens Sales: $108 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlace fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi Alcima, Dilla, Terramc, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, cover stock roofing sheets
Unitika manufactures and sells polyester spunbond and spunlace nonwovens. The polyester spunbond operation, with a capacity of 20,000 tons per year, is in Japan. is operated in Japan with the capacity of 20,000 tons/year. Tusco, a subsidiary of Unitika, also makes polyester spunbond nonwovens with the capacity of 10,000 tons/year in Thailand. This includes a new facility, capable of making 6000 tons/year, which began operation in April 2017. This expansion allowed Unitika’s total capacity of polyester spunbond nonwovens to reach 30,000 tons/year. Unitika’s spunlace capacity is 5000 tons/year. In addition, the UMCT, a joint business venture with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), has been manufacturing spunlace nonwovens with the capacity of 5000 tons/year.
In 2018, Unitika’s polyester spunbond nonwovens reported sluggishness in some markets including interior and building materials but as a whole remained strong. The spunlace market has done well supported by excellent demand for skin care products. Furthermore, natural materials have been revised recently under the influence of the issue of marine plastic garbage.
Unitika has developed a concrete cure sheet (trade name: Aquapack) made of cotton spunlace. Aquapack is made of a two layered structure, laminated cotton nonwoven fabric with a PET film, and water is impregnated to a nonwoven fabric and stuck on the concrete face. Silicate, which has the reforming effect of the concrete face, is added in the nonwoven. When the water is supplied to the concrete face, the face is reformed to make the concrete structure high quality. Unitika is working on construction companies to adopt.
www.unitika.co.jp
2018 Nonwovens Sales: $108 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlace fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi Alcima, Dilla, Terramc, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, cover stock roofing sheets
Unitika manufactures and sells polyester spunbond and spunlace nonwovens. The polyester spunbond operation, with a capacity of 20,000 tons per year, is in Japan. is operated in Japan with the capacity of 20,000 tons/year. Tusco, a subsidiary of Unitika, also makes polyester spunbond nonwovens with the capacity of 10,000 tons/year in Thailand. This includes a new facility, capable of making 6000 tons/year, which began operation in April 2017. This expansion allowed Unitika’s total capacity of polyester spunbond nonwovens to reach 30,000 tons/year. Unitika’s spunlace capacity is 5000 tons/year. In addition, the UMCT, a joint business venture with Marusan Industry (Marusan Industry 65%, Unitika 35%), has been manufacturing spunlace nonwovens with the capacity of 5000 tons/year.
In 2018, Unitika’s polyester spunbond nonwovens reported sluggishness in some markets including interior and building materials but as a whole remained strong. The spunlace market has done well supported by excellent demand for skin care products. Furthermore, natural materials have been revised recently under the influence of the issue of marine plastic garbage.
Unitika has developed a concrete cure sheet (trade name: Aquapack) made of cotton spunlace. Aquapack is made of a two layered structure, laminated cotton nonwoven fabric with a PET film, and water is impregnated to a nonwoven fabric and stuck on the concrete face. Silicate, which has the reforming effect of the concrete face, is added in the nonwoven. When the water is supplied to the concrete face, the face is reformed to make the concrete structure high quality. Unitika is working on construction companies to adopt.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2019 Nonwovens Sales: $102 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlace fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi Alcima, Dilla, Terramc, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, cover stock roofing sheets
Unitika manufactures and sells polyester spunbond and spunlace nonwovens. The polyester spunbond operation, with a capacity of 20,000 tons per year, is in Japan. is operated in Japan with the capacity of 20,000 tons/year. Tusco, a subsidiary of Unitika, also makes polyester spunbond with the capacity of 10,000 tons/year in Thailand. This includes a new facility, capable of making 6000 tons/year, which began operation in April 2017. This expansion allowed Unitika’s total capacity of polyester spunbond nonwovens to reach 30,000 tons/year. Unitika’s spunlace capacity is 5000 tons/year. In addition, the UMCT, a joint business venture with Marusan Industry, has been manufacturing spunlace nonwovens with the capacity of 5000 tons/year.
Unitika has developed a concrete cure sheet made of cotton spunlace. Aquapack is made of a two layered structure, laminated cotton nonwoven fabric with a PET film, and water is impregnated to a nonwoven fabric and stuck on the concrete face. Silicate, which has the reforming effect of the concrete face, is added in the nonwoven. When the water is supplied to the concrete face, the face is reformed to make the concrete structure high quality.
www.unitika.co.jp
2019 Nonwovens Sales: $102 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlace fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi Alcima, Dilla, Terramc, Cottoace
Major Markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, cable wraps, wipes, storing bags, cover stock roofing sheets
Unitika manufactures and sells polyester spunbond and spunlace nonwovens. The polyester spunbond operation, with a capacity of 20,000 tons per year, is in Japan. is operated in Japan with the capacity of 20,000 tons/year. Tusco, a subsidiary of Unitika, also makes polyester spunbond with the capacity of 10,000 tons/year in Thailand. This includes a new facility, capable of making 6000 tons/year, which began operation in April 2017. This expansion allowed Unitika’s total capacity of polyester spunbond nonwovens to reach 30,000 tons/year. Unitika’s spunlace capacity is 5000 tons/year. In addition, the UMCT, a joint business venture with Marusan Industry, has been manufacturing spunlace nonwovens with the capacity of 5000 tons/year.
Unitika has developed a concrete cure sheet made of cotton spunlace. Aquapack is made of a two layered structure, laminated cotton nonwoven fabric with a PET film, and water is impregnated to a nonwoven fabric and stuck on the concrete face. Silicate, which has the reforming effect of the concrete face, is added in the nonwoven. When the water is supplied to the concrete face, the face is reformed to make the concrete structure high quality.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $120 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwovens fabric division’ Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlaced fabrics
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika makes and sells polyester spunbond nonwovens and spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. The company can make 20,000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens in Japan as well as another 10,000 tons in Thailand at its TUSCO subsidiary. In spunlace, Unitika can make 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens in Japan as well as another 5000 tons through its joint venture with Marusan Industry, UMCT.
In 2020, demand for Unitika’s materials in isolation gowns increased significantly. The company developed a new type of gown containing a nonwoven and a slightly porous film under the brand name Unisofia. The company is now making one million pieces of the gowns per month with the help of about 50 domestic sewing factories.
www.unitika.co.jp
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $120 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwovens fabric division’ Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlaced fabrics
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika makes and sells polyester spunbond nonwovens and spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. The company can make 20,000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens in Japan as well as another 10,000 tons in Thailand at its TUSCO subsidiary. In spunlace, Unitika can make 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens in Japan as well as another 5000 tons through its joint venture with Marusan Industry, UMCT.
In 2020, demand for Unitika’s materials in isolation gowns increased significantly. The company developed a new type of gown containing a nonwoven and a slightly porous film under the brand name Unisofia. The company is now making one million pieces of the gowns per month with the help of about 50 domestic sewing factories.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2021 Nonwovens Sales: $84 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwovens fabric division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlaced fabrics
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika makes and sells polyester spunbond nonwovens and spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. The company can make 20,000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens in Japan as well as another 10,000 tons in Thailand at its TUSCO subsidiary. In spunlace, Unitika can make 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens in Japan as well as another 5000 tons through its joint venture with Marusan Industry, UMCT.
In 2021, demand for medical gowns and wet tissue regained stability while volumes in the automotive markets were negatively impacted by the semiconductor crisis.
For Unitika's 2020 top company profile, click here.
www.unitika.co.jp
2021 Nonwovens Sales: $84 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwovens fabric division; Naoki Yamane, general manager, spunbond fabrics; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlaced fabrics
Plants
Okazaki and Tarui, Japan
Processes
Spunbond, spunlace
Brand names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace
Unitika makes and sells polyester spunbond nonwovens and spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. The company can make 20,000 tons of polyester spunbond nonwovens in Japan as well as another 10,000 tons in Thailand at its TUSCO subsidiary. In spunlace, Unitika can make 5000 tons of spunlaced nonwovens in Japan as well as another 5000 tons through its joint venture with Marusan Industry, UMCT.
In 2021, demand for medical gowns and wet tissue regained stability while volumes in the automotive markets were negatively impacted by the semiconductor crisis.
For Unitika's 2020 top company profile, click here.
Osaka, Japan
www.unitika.co.jp
2022 nonwovens sales: $82 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Hideaki Kaminokado, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlaced fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Tarui
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace
Major markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, able wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock roofing sheets
Unitika has produced PET spunbonded and spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. PET spunbond nonwoven fabrics are produced in Japan and Thailand (TUSCO company), with a production capacity of 20,000 tons a year in Japan and 10,000 tons in Thailand. The company also makes 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year in Japan.
In 2022, PET spunbond sales were negatively impacted by slowdowns in the automotive market, however sales of automotive, carpet backings, filters, lifestyle-related materials and others were more favorable. As a result sales of spunbond nonwovens were higher last year than in 2019 before the pandemic. Nevertheless, profits declined due to a rise in fuel costs. Sales of the spunlaced nonwovens fabric were higher than in 2021 but lower than in 2019.
Unitika has obtained Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for three products as a new environmental measure for nonwoven fabrics. This certification system is an international safety standard to prove that a product is free from toxic chemical substances, and these three products have obtained the highest level, class 1, which can be suitable for infants and toddlers up to 36 months. The certified product are Marix, a PET spunbonded nonwoven fabrics; Eleves, a spunbonded nonwoven fabrics made of bicomponent fibers using PET and PE; Cottoace, a spunlaced nonwoven fabric made of 100% cotton.
Furthermore, the company is developing a spunbonded nonwoven fabric made from recycled resins and polylactic acid in environmentally friendly nonwoven fabrics. Ekomix, made from recycled resins, is a spunbonded nonwoven made of core-sheath bicomponent fibers with a core consisting of recycled PET resins and a sheath consisting of virgin PET resins. Bicomponent fiber contains 50% or more recycled PET resins. Terramac is a spunbonded nonwoven fabric made of polylactic acid, which is used in geotextiles that decompose and disappear in soil.
www.unitika.co.jp
2022 nonwovens sales: $82 million
Key Personnel
Tetsuya Yoshimura, general manager, nonwoven fabrics division; Hideaki Kaminokado, general manager, spunbond fabrics sales; Hiroshi Mayuzumi, general manager, spunlaced fabrics sales
Plants
Okazaki, Tarui
Brand Names
Marix, Eleves, Appeal, Wiwi, Alcima, Dilla, Terramac, Cottoace
Major markets
Agriculture materials, carpet backings, geotextiles, able wraps, wipes, storing bags, coverstock roofing sheets
Unitika has produced PET spunbonded and spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. PET spunbond nonwoven fabrics are produced in Japan and Thailand (TUSCO company), with a production capacity of 20,000 tons a year in Japan and 10,000 tons in Thailand. The company also makes 5000 tons of spunlaced materials per year in Japan.
In 2022, PET spunbond sales were negatively impacted by slowdowns in the automotive market, however sales of automotive, carpet backings, filters, lifestyle-related materials and others were more favorable. As a result sales of spunbond nonwovens were higher last year than in 2019 before the pandemic. Nevertheless, profits declined due to a rise in fuel costs. Sales of the spunlaced nonwovens fabric were higher than in 2021 but lower than in 2019.
Unitika has obtained Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for three products as a new environmental measure for nonwoven fabrics. This certification system is an international safety standard to prove that a product is free from toxic chemical substances, and these three products have obtained the highest level, class 1, which can be suitable for infants and toddlers up to 36 months. The certified product are Marix, a PET spunbonded nonwoven fabrics; Eleves, a spunbonded nonwoven fabrics made of bicomponent fibers using PET and PE; Cottoace, a spunlaced nonwoven fabric made of 100% cotton.
Furthermore, the company is developing a spunbonded nonwoven fabric made from recycled resins and polylactic acid in environmentally friendly nonwoven fabrics. Ekomix, made from recycled resins, is a spunbonded nonwoven made of core-sheath bicomponent fibers with a core consisting of recycled PET resins and a sheath consisting of virgin PET resins. Bicomponent fiber contains 50% or more recycled PET resins. Terramac is a spunbonded nonwoven fabric made of polylactic acid, which is used in geotextiles that decompose and disappear in soil.
