B.I.G. Yarns, headquartered in Wielsbeke, Belgium, is making a significant investment in next-generation polyamide (PA) technology to help global carpet tile manufacturers meet the demands of the contract market. In addition the company is planning to produce new PET polyester yarns for the automotive industry.

The company is stepping up its focus on developing and producing one-step three-ply PA yarns using next-generation technology to answer a need for flexibility and broader design options in the carpet tile segment. Total production capacity for these yarns will increase by over 20% through new lines installed at the company’s plant in Comines, France. B.I.G. is creating greater supply security by serving customers from all three of its global plants, in Belgium, France and China.

The PA yarns expand design, contrast and colour freedoms for carpet tile manufacturers and increase flexibility in lot sizes. These advances enable customers to respond quickly to developments in the contract market. In addition, the new yarn spinning technology features a higher level of automation which improves ergonomics for operators and also optimises energy use. The new production lines will be deployed from mid-2022.

To enhance support for future and more sustainable automotive interiors, B.I.G. will offer a portfolio of PET yarns by the third quarter of 2022. These will be available for automotive applications alongside the company’s EqoCycle recycled PA6 yarns.

“B.I.G. Yarns is taking strategic steps to better serve the evolving needs of its customers,” said general manager Emmanuel Colchen. “We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Hauts-de-France region and French Relance Program which supported our initiative strongly and selected our production plant for the industrial investment acceleration fund.”

B.I.G. Yarns’ two European plants have this year been granted a first Sustainable Business Charter 2021 and from July both sites ran on 100% on green electricity, reducing CO2 emissions by 35% in 2021, and a planned 75% in 2022.

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