Hurricane Katrina impacts nonwovens industry; companies contribute to disaster relief efforts.

Dow Declares Force Majeure

The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, has declared force majeure for all ethyleneamine products manufactured at the Union Carbide facilities at its St. Charles Operations (SCO) in Hahnville, LA. "We are assessing the full impact of Hurricane Katrina on SCO's production, raw material supply and transportation capabilities," said John Maniscalo, marketing manager, Dow Ethyleneamines. "We are unable to ship ethyleneamines from SCO, and we cannot speculate on how long this situation will last. "Our primary concern is the safety of SCO employees, the community and the site," Mr. Maniscalo stated. "The plant will return to normal activities when it is safe and responsible to do so."

Vision Conference To Relocate

Due to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in September, INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, will relocate the Vision 2006 Consumer Products Conference. Formerly slated to take place at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, LA, the event will be relocated to a different location that has yet to be announced. Dates remain the same--January 15-18, 2006. More information: 919-233-1210; [e-mail].

DAK Americas Reacts To Hurricane Effects

In response to the recent hurricane on the U.S. Gulf Coast, DAK Americas, Charlotte, NC, has added a $.15/lb. price surcharge, effective last month, to all of its staple fiber products sold to carpet, home furnishings, apparel, industrial and fiberfill markets. According to the company, this surcharge is intended to capture the dramatic increase in raw material ingredient and energy cost associated with the events on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

In a recent statement, fibers director Jon McNaull remarked that DAK Americas remains committed to the polyester staple business. "We understand the stress that the entire fiber industry is facing but we must offset these ingredient increases in order to remain a quality supplier to the market."

PGI Donates Blankets For Katrina Victims

Polymer Group's Chicopee division has donated a truckload of blankets for victims of Hurricane Katrina and other emergencies. Designed to protect victims from sun, water and wind, the two-sided blankets are made of a new type of lighter weight nonwoven material. Humanitarian agency Church World Service has already shipped more than 20,000 blankets to the Gulf States for distribution at shelters housing displaced persons and plans to ship thousands more.

Made from a nonwoven material instead of traditionally-used heavy wool, the quilted blankets have a non-absorbent backing fabric on one side that provides a barrier from moisture, sand and debris; and a soft-facing fabric on the reverse side for comfort.

"These blankets are specially designed to protect victims like those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, who have left their homes and are exposed to the rain and sitting in wet areas for long periods of time," said Cliff Bridges, director of marketing, retail and specialty products for PGI.

JM Contributes To Relief Efforts

Building and specialty products manufacturer Johns Manville (JM), Denver, CO, has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Additionally, JM is coordinating a program to match employee contributions to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. The company will match employee contributions to any charitable organization that is conducting Hurricane Katrina relief by making an additional donation to the Red Cross. Due to the extreme nature of this tragedy, JM will not place a limit on its matching contribution.

"The tragic crisis unfolding in the Gulf Coast of the U.S. has left our global community stunned and saddened," said Steve Hochhauser, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Johns Manville. "The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has caused a devastating crisis for millions of people along America's Gulf Coast and the recovery will likely last for years."