Integrated approach

A restructuring carried out at Ciba has combined textile chemicals and dyestuffs businesses to create Textile Effects. The restructure has been successful, with the development of new dyes for carpets and new inks for inkjet printers. The trend in dyes and inks is said to be for increased emphasis on the quality of light fastness in soft pigments and increasing demand for printing on textiles. Textile Effects worldwide market share of textile dyes and chemicals is estimated by the company to be 23%, establishing it as the world leader. Results for the company show a decline in sales to SFR 1673 M for 2001 compared with SFR 1841 M for the previous year due to sales volume reductions of 5%. Significant new products from Ciba include metal-free carpet dyes, low salt reactives for use on cotton, and Ciba developed inks for a new digital printer from Reggiani.