BASF Pakistan (Private) Limited recently organized a Pretreatment and Finishing Symposium on 16th March 2004 at Karachi. The turnout was expected to be scanty with the much-awaited India Pakistan cricket series in progress and the 3rd ODI coinciding with the technical symposium.

The Mr. Yves Keyen began his presentation in presence of around 30 guests. However, in contrast to our skepticism, the number of guests who attended the lecture soared in the end to well above 150.

The presentation revolved around the innovative concept of REDEX Bleach process that combines reduction and oxidation. Mr. Keyen demonstrated the benefits earned by use of the two auxiliaries Lusynton RED and Lusynton EX. The key points made during the presentation were as follows:

The BASF RedEx BLEACH process comprises two steps:
1) Reductive, extractive prescouring with the RedEx auxiliary system prior to bleaching.
2) Peroxide bleaching with an increased amount of alkali (simultaneous boil-off).
The process is ideal for
· CO qualities that are heavily contaminated, especially with catalytic substances.
· simultaneous pretreatment of different qualities (good levelling of differences in the degree of whiteness).
· obtaining a full white.

The process is universally applicable, namely to
· cellulosic fibres and their blends.
· all processing forms (woven and knitted fabrics in full-width or rope form, and yarn).
· continuous, semi-continuous and batch processes.
Advantages of the Pretreatment by the new, two-step BASF RedEx BLEACH process: This process produces results equivalent to those normally achieved only in three or four steps by the conventional process. Moreover, following additional benefits are obtained.
· Shortens and rationalizes overall pretreatment.
· Saves hydrogen peroxide and alkali.
· Outstanding effects.
· Gentle on the fabric; no risk of acid tendering.
· Avoids or minimizes catalytic damage.
· Simple, eco-friendly process and recipe design.
This was followed by a presentation on Lufibrol MSD, pretreatment auxiliary recommended for knitwear. Finally Fixapret AP came under discussion for obtaining a Wrinkle Free Finish and the following benefits.
· Highest standard of finishing effects.

BASF is one of the leading chemical company . They offer customers successful through intelligent system solutions and high-quality products. BASF’s portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. In 2003, BASF had sales of more than €33 billion and over 87,000 employees worldwide. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

China imported 291,500 tons of cotton in February of 2004

The latest statistics of the General Administration of the Customs show that China imported 291,500 tons of cotton in February of 2004, an increase of 115,400 tons over the previous month by 65.5%.

Of the imported cotton, 181,700 tons are from the United States, covering 62.33% of the total and up 97% over the previous month. The import from Uzbekistan is 19,000 tons, up 82%, and the import from Cote d¡¯Ivoire and India is the same, both standing at 10,900 tons, more or less the same as that in January.

In February, China exported 1,300 tons of cotton, up slightly over January, but down 93% compared with same month of 2003.

In the January-February period, China imported 468,900 tons of cotton, up 300.4% on a year-on-year basis and exported 2,500 tons of cotton, down 92.2% from a year ago.

China Textile Leader -- express No.5 issue, 2004