FRANKFURT, Germany — German area contract fabric suppliers see a future in export markets, especially in China and India in spite of slow markets at home.

SR Webatex, a leading supplier of customized textile solutions in Bayreuth, also recognizes high potential in outdoor markets wherever solar protection is envisaged, according to Berthold Galonska, managing director.  “We see high potential in the event market, hotels and holiday clubs for textiles with UV protection as well inside as outside. While markets in Europe are stagnating we experience a growing demand in the emerging markets China and India …where the contract business is of major importance in those regions. Due to their innovation expertise European producers are predestined to pursue the opportunities.” Reinhard Backhausen, Justus Schmitz, and Berthold Galonska

For SR Webatex energy costs will become a serious matter in 2012, above all the tax burden implied. “We certified our products according to EN ISO 16001 and we develop programs to save maximum energy in a sustainable way. 1/3 of our energy is consumed by compressed air that we need for our air-jet weaving machines, thus reducing energy costs is a matter of prime priority for us.” SR Webatex employs four product developers specialized in the different applications fields. Although the company follows a strong endeavour to conquer the emerging world markets the entire production is and will remain in Germany to guarantee the quality aspect. 

Backhausen interior textiles, a 160 year old weaver based in Hoheneich, Waldviertel Austria owns the registered brand ‘returnity,’ environmentally friendly produced and recyclable 100 percent polyester fabrics, following the cradle-to-cradle principal. Backhausen changed its entire production to this new quality seal and has been awarded the “cradle-to-cradle-GOLD-certificate”. Reinhard Backhausen, CEO and currently president of the Austrian textile federation does see the most promising potential in specialist retail at the moment.  In view of the enormous price pressure,    Backhausen considers the contract business to have rather little prospect of success: “It is getting more and more difficult as a producer to gain a foothold in the hospitality market. We opt for market niches with our product portfolio, specialties and innovations. In Western and South Europe we are currently undergoing a process of extreme consumer uncertainty, that is partly fostered by constant negative reporting instead of creating a propulsive business mood. Consumption is slowing down with an impact on all of us in the value chain. Economic experts predict an upswing for the second half of 2012; however we should not expect bigger growth rates in the upcoming 6 years. With regard to this scenario we set the framework by investing in research & development and using new optimized materials. We have always been a pioneer, for example when introducing the first inherently flame retardant polyester or the three dimensional pleated fabrics.”   

“We are significantly proud of our brand new devoré (burn-out) that we launched December last year”, explains Justus Schmitz, president of Schmitz Werke GmbH & Co. KG in Emsdetten. Drapilux is strong in the contract business and we took a strategic decision not to serve the retail sector any more. “We don’t appreciate the interchangeability in this sector and want to play our unique trump card.” Schmitz-Werke will focus on certain markets successively. Noticeable success has been achieved on the Russian and Scandinavian markets; in China a sales representative office has been established. This internationalization shall be further pursued.

Drapilux develops and produces innovative decorative and upholstery fabrics for commercial and residential use that incorporate multiple functionalities such as flame retardant, deodorizing, sound-absorbing or anti-bacterial properties. 

“We constantly strive to bring innovations to the market place that offers a genuine added value. Committed to progress is our motto. Our statements and product creations are always authentic. They are a dedication and have a long-term commitment and sustainable impact. Take the “we care” collection for example that was particularly created for dementia patients with a dementia-sensitive room design and a complementing color concept.”  F&FI