Huntsman is a global manufacture and marketers of differentiated chemicals. It’s operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global companies, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, constructions, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliance and packaging.

Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals. Huntsman has approximately 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. In this issue we are delighted to present an exclusive interview of Mr. Paul Hulme, Global President, Huntsman Textile Effect

BTT:   We know that many multinational companies are doing business in Textile Effect sector and the global market is highly competitive. How would you describe the core competencies of your products over others? Could you please give us an image of Huntsman’s position/market share in TE market?

Mr. Paul Hulme: Huntsman TE is the leading global textile dyes and chemical manufacturer with more than 4,000 employees/contractors and a track record in delivering innovative, sustainable quality products and services across a range of industries including:  Apparel & Home Textiles; Specialty Textiles such as automotive and digital printing.

Huntsman TE prides itself on being the total solution provider for our customers with a focus on environmental excellence; fabric and garment differentiation; and speed and flexibility of getting the finished article to the customer as key differentiators to our customers.

We have world-class production and R& D facilities, a global supply chain and highly experienced people.  This means we can leverage our dyes and chemicals portfolio to create and capture value both at the mills and brands/retailers.  This includes offering technologies that help reduce process costs and providing solutions on finishing and color. What many do not know is the fact that we have 1100 patents and a robust R& D pipeline of around 30 new products each year. In the last two years we have developed some 60 new products with a focus on the environment and sustainability to meet the textile industry’s demand in this area.

BTT: Give us a brief idea about Huntsman’s plan in 2011.

Mr. Paul Hulme: The textile industry faces a number of key pressures which include tighter government legislation on the use of water and energy, volatile costs of raw materials and greater competition from local suppliers.

Regardless of legislation, as a global leader in the textile industry, we take our role seriously and, as a socially conscious company, we believe we have to continue to innovate in the interest of both our environment and our customers. Our focus is, not only in 2011 but also in the past, on developing products and processes that on the one hand help our customers cut back on costs and at the same time keep the environmental impact to an absolute minimum.

To back to your question, 2011 heralds the dawn of a revolutionary new tri-reactive dyeing range for cellulosics which goes even beyond today’s Best Available Technology and can cut water consumption by 50%! AVITERA™ SE and ERIOPON® LT, our latest dye innovation has already made a huge impact on the market, and it has only just been launched. This is our new flagship product mostly for apparel and home textiles that perfectly demonstrates both a major leap forward but also our serious commitment to real sustainability.

We are also very active in the Technical and Specialty Textiles market segments. These textiles range from mundane articles such as wipes used in the kitchen to fabrics used in the making of heart valves. In 2010, the global market was estimated at over US$100 billion, with key geographic markets being in USA (30%), Europe (27%), China (25%) and India (10%). We focus on delivering fabric performance, fabric longevity and a number of protective effects as well as comfort and design integrity. It is in these areas that Textile Effects puts its competence and know how to best use with innovative technologies, processes and expertise.

BTT:   As the number one player in Textile market, tell us something about Huntsman’s future innovations in technical textiles.

Mr. Paul Hulme: I suppose I cannot state it often enough: innovation is the backbone of our Textile Effects business and is a key element in our strategy. For many years we have been very active in the field of technical textiles and we continue to place great emphasis on these critical market segments. Automotive, military, outdoor fabrics, work wear, carpets, digital printing, medical nonwovens, and many others are just some of the key sub-segments we focus our efforts on to maintain our leadership in the field.

This market is all about fabric performance. Fire protection, bulletproofing, repellency and high UV stability are just a few effects that play a key role in the market requirements. Amongst others, we are very proud of the success of the new TERATOP® Black HLNF for the automotive industry.

In a different field, the digital revolution is happening with new machines being built to compete with traditional flat bed printers. Our digital inks team is very closely involved with these trends and continues to develop the highest quality inks to match the sophisticated requirement of print heads today and in the future.

BTT:   Except textile effects, in which other industries your company is involved? And where do you see comparatively more growth?

Mr. Paul Hulme: Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals and can be broadly broken into key areas of polyurethanes, advanced materials, performance products and pigments.  Our operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, furniture, and personal care.

Asia offers impetus for economic recovery. Asia has the world's largest population, about four billion or 60% of the world's total. Especially in China and India, we saw increased demand driven not by exports, but by the domestic economies that have continued to grow today. India, China and the ASEAN will be supportive to our business. The next decade and perhaps beyond truly belongs to Asia.

Two years ago Europe was Huntsman’s single largest market. Within three years it will be North America, followed by Asia, Europe and Latin America. We expect sales from India, currently $400m, to grow at 10%/year and sales from China to grow at more than 10%/year from the current $1.2bn. The next decade and perhaps beyond truly belongs to Asia.

BTT:   Huntsman has started their venture into India last year. Among the Asian countries Bangladesh textile industry is also growing very fast. Do you think Bangladesh is an emerging market for your company? Do Huntsman have any plan to set up any manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh?

Mr. Paul Hulme: Absolutely! Bangladesh is forecasted to experience double digit growth over the coming year and we are already seeing an increased demand and emphasis on improved quality.  We are delighted to be able to partner with major companies such Bextex, South China Bleaching and Dyeing and Zaber and Zubair in Bangladesh.  We welcome the opportunity to share global best practice with our customers in this market and partner them to add value to their businesses. As always we will continue to evaluate various options to support our customers with better service levels which may include investment options in Bangladesh.

BTT:   While Huntsman is operating their business in EU, USA and Asian market, which market is more enjoyable and which market brings most of the revenue for your company?

Mr. Paul Hulme: All of our markets have their uniqueness and we pride ourselves in delivering a personalized total solutions service across all areas of the manufacturing process to each of our customers wherever they are in the world.  In terms of Huntsman Textile Effects global 2010 revenue 23% was from the Americas, 27% from Europe, Asia Pacific contributed 50%.

BTT:   Although Asia is a big market for Textile Effect, each & every market has some major and minor drawbacks. Could you please tell us what sort of constraints your company is facing here in Asia? Please give us an idea about Huntsman’s strategy over Asian Market.

Mr. Paul Hulme: The industry globally has been affected by a number of challenges including the economic situation, availability and price of raw materials such as cotton, and increased pressure to use less energy and water in the manufacturing process.  In India and China we have seen the introduction of Government legislation enforcing tighter regulatory controls on manufacturing companies and shutting down those that are non compliant.  And brands and retailers also set sustainability targets.  Pressure will remain on costs; and lead times will continue to shorten meaning the success of supply chain system will be critical.

At Huntsman we have three main goals: to provide cost efficient technical and processes and solutions that are sustainable and support the local environment; deliver high quality, innovative goods backed by our product stewardship commitment; and expand our ability to serve the local market with a fast and flexible response.

We locate our formulation and distribution centers (FDCs) close to our key customers – within a radius of 1000km - so that we can be flexible to deliver what they want as quickly and efficiently as possible.  This also enables us to utilise local raw materials wherever possible to save freight costs and not incur duties. For example earlier this year we opened our formulation and distribution centre in Qingdao in order to maximise our output and better serve our Northern China market. We will be opening similar formulation and distribution centers in Pakistan and Brazil later this year. We will continue to build these formulation and distribution centers in markets as our customers need them.

BTT:   Research & Development is one of the main key factors for Huntsman’s success. Is there launch of any new products in pipeline?

Mr. Paul Hulme: As I have said earlier, we have 1100 patents and a robust R& D pipeline of around 30 new products each year. In the last two years we have developed some 60 new products. Research & Development is the lifeblood of our business which makes us truly competitive and the market leader. Our research and technology teams have recently delivered some truly exciting products which are creating quite a stir in the market. The list of innovations is long and would probably exceed the scope of this interview. I would, however, like to highlight a few that will be of interest to readers.

Avitera™ SE dyes and ERIOPON® LT clearing additive which comply with the new environmental sustainability standards provide the best proof of innovation. Whereas today’s best available technology helps to reduce water consumption to an average of 30 to 40 liters per kg of material, these new dyes go even further – by cutting water consumption by another 50%. In other words only 15 to 20 liters of water are required to dye 1kg of material, that’s potentially 1.3 liters of fresh water per person in Bangladesh.

Terasil FF fluorescent disperse dyes shed the right light on problems associated with the need for high visibility with “luminous” solutions to achieve high visibility performance on PES fabrics and its blends.

TERASIL WW is an innovative and unique range of disperse dyes that achieves the highest wash fastness on PES and its blends. We recently introduced TERASIL Fire RED WW-GS, a dye that sets scarlets and all brilliant red shades alight, and comes packed with all the unique properties and benefits of the range.

The market for high-speed high-resolution digital printing is taking off with a number of machine makers producing industrial scale digital machines that match traditional flat bed printing technology. Huntsman Textile Effects has been working closely with these manufacturers, and have developed an impressive line up of inks for every need, fiber or fabric. Novacron XKS for reactive printing of cellulosics, Lanaset XKS for polyamide and silk, Terasil XKS for polyester and the latest addition is the Eriofast XKS single ink range for printing polyamide, silk and cellulosic fibers at high speeds using the latest digital technology – a one machine investment with the capability of printing multiple fibers with an ink set.

BTT: “Go Green” is now a most popular concern for every sustainable business. What are Huntsman’s concerns for environment?

Mr. Paul Hulme: I don’t think any company that has an interest in doing business in the future can ignore environmental concerns. They are real and must be addressed. Huntsman has long subscribed to the principle of innovating in the interest of sustainability, with social and environmental stewardship being key words in the company’s philosophy. Textile Effects is actively living sustainability through comprehensive Product Stewardship, which is an integrated process for identifying, managing and minimizing environmental, health and safety (EHS) impacts at every stage of a product’s life cycle.

We constantly strive to reduce resource consumption and waste in our manufacturing processes for dyes and chemicals. Decades of innovation have lead to the creation of shorter processes that consistently produce the right results the first time thereby minimizing energy and water consumption, as well as in minimizing waste, in the processing of textiles.

At Huntsman Textile Effects we intend to be delivering environmentally friendly products and processes well into the future, and we are aware that we can only survive if we pay due respect to those elements that make our environment ultimately livable.