Path of continuous innovation

Flexible modernisation to adapt to changing market demands has enabled SvetlogorskKhimvolokno OJSC to achieve sustainable development

Each product has its life cycle, which comes to an end sooner or later. In this regard, SvetlogorskKhimvolokno OJSC exemplifies the necessity of flexibility, particularly in strategically adapting its product portfolio to align with market needs. Throughout its history, the enterprise had to undergo significant transformations, including the closure of some production facilities and the establishment of new ones. This dialectical process allowed SvetlogorskKhimvolokno to successfully go through all the drastic changes in its main sales markets, maintaining production volumes in monetary terms and avoiding workforce reductions while ensuring the continuity of expertise.

From cord to polypropylene

The initial specialisation of the Svetlogorsk-based enterprise was the production of viscose technical yarn and cord fabrics. In the late 1960s, our artificial fibre plant was the largest in Europe, producing 35,500 tonnes of products per year. The cord it manufactured was supplied to numerous tyre enterprises across the Soviet Union. 
However, the situation began to change gradually in the 1990s. The market saw the emergence of polyamide, polyester and other synthetic cords, which were significantly cheaper than viscose ones and gradually squeezed the latter out of the market. Sales volumes began to decrease, and by 2011, the viscose production had been completely closed. Despite this, the market transformation of SvetlogorskKhimvolokno occurred relatively smoothly and without major upheavals, since the enterprise had been progressively implementing projects to develop polypropylene production since the mid-1990s in the facilities previously occupied by viscose production.
The new production began with the acquisition of relatively small lines for the production of woven and nonwoven polypropylene materials. In 1993, the enterprise mastered the production of flat bags designed for packaging a wide array of bulk goods — from cement to sugar and salt. The products proved to be in demand, leading to multiple expansions in production, which increased more than four times in volume over 30 years. The enterprise now produces a diverse range of products: threads, twine, multipurpose fabrics, and various packaging solutions — flat and box-type bags, big-bag containers, and wagon liners. 
In parallel, the company developed its nonwoven production capabilities. In 1994, they purchased a small line for producing spunbond, which is well-known among vegetable gardening enthusiasts, with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes per year.
“We were the first in the CIS to start manufacturing these products,” stressed Ruslan Nemeryuk, Deputy General Director for Production at SvetlogorskKhimvolokno. “At that time, there were queues for our material. Having identified the market, we have been continuously developing this direction and have mastered the production of next-generation materials for various applications. Today, SvetlogorskKhimvolokno produces 23,000 tonnes of such products per year. They are used in medicine, the production of hygienic goods, the light and furniture industries, agriculture, construction, and other fields. The next stage was the production of duplicated nonwovens based on SpunBel [the manufacturer’s trademark for nonwoven spunbond fabric] and breathable polymer film — superdiffusion membrane and hygienic materials that are used, for example, in diapers.”
At the end of 2020, at the instruction of the Government, the enterprise mastered the production of meltblown nonwoven fabric, with an output of 400 tonnes per year.
“Our material is capable of filtering out 95-99 percent of microorganisms,” Ruslan Nemeryuk assured. “Not only does it filter them out, but also retains them. Previously, such materials were imported, but life has demonstrated that in strategic matters — particularly when it comes to the lives and health of citizens — reliance on foreign supplies is inadequate. In this regard, SvetlogorskKhimvolokno is able to fully meet the needs of the domestic market for materials used in the production of personal protective equipment, medical respirators, and other products.”

In 2022, the company implemented an investment project for the production of medical gloves, following the instruction of the Head of State and the Government’s decision. A full cycle import-substituting production of nitrile and latex gloves made of synthetic and natural latex, with an annual output capacity of 170 million items per year, has been established.

Smart threads

Another serious production area of SvetlogorskKhimvolokno is the manufacture of polyester textile threads for various types of fabrics and knitted cloth. The polyester thread factory was put into operation in 1985. “German technologies and bold technological solutions were implemented,” shared Ruslan Nemeryuk. 
At that time it was the most modern production facility in Europe. In the following years, the enterprise had to face fierce competition from Turkish and Asian manufacturers. Yet, thanks to ongoing modernisation and technological re-equipment, the company managed to maintain its market niche. As Ruslan Nemeryuk pointed out, the workshops are now equipped with advanced European equipment. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on the development of polyester threads with special properties — the so-called smart threads — having the effect of UV radiation reflection, with antistatic and antibacterial properties, absorption or reflection of infrared radiation, the effect of moisture management, and more.
Another promising area includes the production of nonwovens made of carbon threads. Carbon materials possess a lot of interesting characteristics, such as high strength, thermal stability — melting at temperatures above 2,500 degrees Celsius — the ability to absorb radio emissions, and a number of others. This makes the material strategic, as it is also used in various security systems, spacecraft and other specialised products. In short, this direction holds significant promise.

Co-operation vector  

Undoubtedly, many product positions of SvetlogorskKhimvolokno are not unique, and there are plenty of analogues available in the global market. The competitive edge of the Svetlogorsk-based enterprise lies in its focus on the needs of the domestic market. Practice has shown that goods in demand within Belarus are also competitive in export markets. 
The second point is deep co-operation. The Svetlogorsk-based enterprise receives key raw materials from its partners — Mogilevkhimvolokno, Polymir Plant of Naftan OJSC, and Mozyr Oil Refinery. The third aspect, which is arguably the most important one, is the commitment to consistent quality. Ruslan Nemeryuk admitted that several manufacturers from Southeast Asia offer similar products at significantly lower prices. Although some consumers of SvetlogorskKhimvolokno’s products occasionally switch to alternative suppliers, many of them ultimately return to collaborate with SvetlogorskKhimvolokno.

By Vladimir Volchkov

Photos by Aleksandr Kulevsky