London-based Fiberweb Plc -- a manufacturer of high-performance, specialty nonwovens -- is studying the feasibility of establishing a spunbond nonwovens joint venture (JV) company in China in partnership with Japan-based Chisso Corp, a manufacturer of chemical products for a wide range of end-use applications.

The JV would use the latest-generation spunbond and spunmelt manufacturing techniques to produce hygiene and personal care nonwovens. The study will estimate volumes and technologies that would be required to support hygiene and personal care products over the next three to five years in China and other Asian markets.

"This agreement between Chisso and Fiberweb to explore investment opportunities in Asia jointly marks another exciting step in Fiberweb's drive to establish a global platform for its leading spunbond business," said Daniel Dayan, CEO, Fiberweb. "Both Chisso and Fiberweb bring important commercial and technical insights to this assessment of the market and we look forward to a close and fruitful cooperation."

"I strongly believe that this study allows us to explore the launch of a new joint venture company to highly satisfy customers by utilizing both parties' experience and technical expertise," said Shunichi Okada, president and COO, Chisso.

February 17, 2010